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Posted on: Friday, September 21, 2007

COMMENTARY Achieving peace starts with each one of us    •  Expressions of peace By Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Today, Hawai'i becomes the very first state to celebrate Peace Day. Tonight's inaugural event for this annual celebration shows our state's commitment to promoting peace programs, improving international relations and increasing educational awareness of peace. 

Every year, more than 200 countries worldwide host Peace Day celebrations, each one unique to that country's special culture and traditions. Today's program will share an international message of peace while incorporating hula, the voices of local artists and performances by Hawai'i's keiki.

In July, we asked people statewide to create expressions of what peace meant to them through art and literature. Our committee was thrilled to receive almost 300 different submissions from people of all ages for our first-ever “Expressions of Peace” contest. Some used loud splashes of paint, bold peace symbols, sketches of the Earth or white doves. For many, peace was as simple as seeing the face of a loved one, relaxing under a favorite tree or sharing a meal with a good friend. They are displayed at the Capitol for the public to enjoy.

Looking at all this diversity of personal expressions made me think about how ideas of peace guide my actions in everyday life, and how even the seemingly smallest act can make a big difference.

It's easy to see working toward peace as a broad, generic objective. Likewise, world peace often seems like a distant, intangible goal. But achieving peace starts with each one of us. Just as a harmful act can have a ripple effect, hurting everyone around you, an act of kindness can create a more pleasant and constructive environment at school, work or home. Simply thinking about peace can also be very important in stopping cycles of violence between people, groups, communities or even nations.

Often, we just don't think about this in our daily lives. That's why I was so pleased when several high-school members of the Hawai'i Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association approached me earlier this year with an idea for Peace Day in Hawai'i. The students worked hard to guide the Peace Day bill through the Legislature and see it become law. We chose Sept. 21 because it's the date designated as the International Day of Peace by the United Nations.

Celebrating Peace Day will bring awareness of organizations and resources in our community that teach and promote peace, like the Young Buddhist Association or the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace. It can also remind us of the importance of performing more acts of kindness and thinking before committing hurtful actions.

How can peace be practical? Consider that the way you phrase your words can mean the difference between a confrontation and a cordial resolution. You could harshly criticize a person, which could cause them to retaliate. Or you could explain how their actions affected you and work out the problem together.

It may seem strange that even in the state Legislature, where we spend hours or even days debating our colleagues about certain bills, this approach is very important. As a young representative, I quickly learned that butting heads with others or “talking stink”will get you nowhere.

Of course, there will always be issues on which you and your colleagues won't agree 100 percent of the time. But thinking about your actions and learning to compromise was one of the most useful skills I've learned in the Legislature.

Finally, being conscious of our actions can make a difference on as small a level as a friendship, or as large a level as international relations. A leader of a country can choose to act irrationally toward another nation and lead his country to war. But leaders can also reach out to understand their enemies. Small acts of kindness, like being committed to resolving differences without violence, exchanging culture, promoting trade and showing respect for another country's traditions and ways of life may change the way civilizations view each other. Even a foe can become a friend.

I hope you'll join us with family and friends this evening as we celebrate all the lessons we can learn from simply being more conscious of peace in our everyday lives. Hawai'i is a very small part of the Earth as a whole, but together we're hoping to make our world just a little more peaceful.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, D-41st (Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele), is vice speaker of the House of Representatives. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.

The Peace Day Committee, which I am chair of has planned an event to commemorate Hawaii's first Peace Day on Friday, September 21, 2007.  It should be an exciting  day.

Peace Day Forum (Hosted by Spark M. Matsunaga Institute For Peace)
Date: Friday, September 21, 2007
Time: 3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Location: Hawaii State Capitol auditorium

Peace Day Ceremony (Hosted by Peace Day Committee)
Date: Friday, September 21, 2007
Time: 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Location: Hawaii State Captiol rotunda (Street level in the center of the capitol)

I woke up on the morning of Monday, September 17, 2007 from another dream regarding Shinnyo-en.  This time a cute Japanese girl who I believe was from Japan was guiding me in the teachings of Shinnyo-en.

On Sunday morning, September 16, 2007, I woke up from a dream where I saw the founder of Shinnyo-en, Shinjo Ito in his middle-aged years, sitting on a chair with blackness around him.  We did not speak to each other, but I had questions on his teachings on my mind.  Interesting?

It bothers me how people can be so mean to others.  The Internet is now a tool for a lot of people that intend to hurt others.  It is a venue for sexual predators, harassers, stalkers, and people who want to defame others.  They hide behind computers as they do their dirty work.

Recently, someone sent some pictures to various people, the media, public relations firms, and the Hawaii State Legislature.  The person or persons were determined to ruin the reputation of someone close to me.

Several years ago, I worked on legislation to make it tougher on people who commit crimes and defamation on the Internet.  Back then, a person impersonated and defamed a friend of mine by cutting her head from a picture and placing it on a picture of a naked body of another girl and posted it on myspace for all to see.  She used my friend's real name and phone number and pretended that my friend was soliciting sex.  Fortunately, she didn't put my friend's address like what happened to other victims as was stated in a legislative hearing.  We feared for my friend's safety.  As a result, I tried to incorporate language that made impersonation, stalking, and harassment on the Internet a crime if the act put the victim in fear of her safety.

I will also be working on making it more strict when one commits the offense of defamation and libel on another.  I want to also place more liability on the owner of the computer and server companies, especially if they don't cooperate with investigations.  I am also thinking of making a bill to require server companies to retain records for a longer time in Hawaii.  Finally, I will also draft a resolution to Congress to make stricter requirements on server companies nationwide on retaining records.

Unfortunately, none of my past bills on these issues passed.  I will be bringing back some of these bills and creating more bills on this issue for the the 2008 Legislative Session. 

Before, I forget, I want to put this in writing.  One of my most memorable times was hanging out with some of the 100th Battalion veterans at Hanagasu Inn the night before their 65th Anniversary luncheon on I believe June 23, 2007 where we had food and drinks, and sang karaoke.  All the patrons and veterans were senior in age and they all sang Japanese songs.  There is one Japanese song that I memorized, “Shimauta”, which is an Okinawan song about the love for the island.  When I sang that song with my friend Stacey, the place went nuts.  The veterans were so excited, they took pictures and a waitress began to dance.  I felt, I had a glimpse of what it was like in the old days.  I also felt sad because in the future, many in my generation may never get to experience this because the Japanese language and culture is dying in Hawaii.  Stacey and I are so fortunate.  This has got to be one of my best life experiences that made me feel more complete in life.

As this is the obon season, it is a time when our ancestors visit us and and a time when we celebrate their lives as well as ours.  I am reminiscing my Grandma Bessie Karamatsu's funeral at Jodo Mission Hawaii in April 2006.  I remember Bishop Nakamura's statement to my grandma in front of the audience, “You don't have to rush to the pure land.  Take your time.  But when you do get there, Maurice Karamatsu is waiting for you in a temple he built out of Karamatsu trees.”

This weekend, I volunteered with a number of my friends at the Jodo Mission of Hawaii Bon Dance held on August 17 and 18 where I serve as Vice President of the board of directors.  Saturday, August 18 was especially fun because while we were cooking the barbeque beef sticks, Mr. Robert “Bob” Shimoda came by with a small cup of sake for me.  I toasted him.

Mr. Shimoda who I believe is 91 years old, was one of my Grandpa Maurice Karamatsu’s good friends.  Mr. Shimoda said Maurice Karamatsu (Passed away on May 14, 1992 at 79 years old), Stephen Kotake (Passed away on March 26, 2001 at 87 years old), and himself were friends since they were kids.  They used to play marbles when they were young.  They all grew up to be successful businessmen and were active in Jodo Mission of Hawaii or otherwise known as Jodo Shu.  They called themselves “sanbagarasu” or “three black birds”.  The three of them did everything together: business, politics, church, karaoke, drink, or just hang out.  During bon dance, they used to drink sake in the yagura (a covered tower where the musicians are on top and the sound system is on the bottom).  This past Saturday at the bon dance, my friends Brandon, Jon, Ian, and my cousin Grant and I drank beer and sake with Mr. Shimoda and a few others in the yagura as all the dancers danced around us, most unaware of our little party.  The time I spent with Mr. Shimoda that night felt very special.  It was one of my best moments in my life.  I could picture Mr. Kotake and my grandpa Karamatsu smiling with their dear friend.  At least twice that night, Mr. Shimoda told me, “Someday I will join them…someday.”

My friend Linda will undergo brain surgery this Friday to prevent an artery from bursting.  I met her four years ago and have been friends with her since.  She is an amazing person.  When she was nineteen years old she moved to Hawaii from Michigan, single and pregnant.  She worked in the bar scene to make ends meet.  She later got her real estate license and began her career in realty and real estate investment, eventually creating her own company.  By the time she reached her thirties, she was very successful in real estate, which led her to teaching courses and writing a book about doing business in real estate.  Now in her late thirties, it is hard to believe she is facing this health situation because she is so young.  She is strong and a go-getter so I know she will pull through and be all right.

One evening in July 2007, I met my friend Brandon to eat beef pho, a Vietnamese soup at a restaurant on Waialae Avenue.  We were supposed to do some political strategy.  I was feeling a little down but I didn't tell him.  I was surprised when he told me out of the blue, “The longer you live, the more you can do.”

On the morning of August 11, 2007,  I dreamt I was hanging out with business and community leaders at my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu's house.  He seemed happy and proud of me.  He asked them if they wanted ice cream in the refrigerator, which he said he usually had for the kids.  When he was alive, we used to stop by at Baskin Robins to get ice cream after a dinner at a restaurant.  He loved French Vanilla ice cream.  In the dream, I wanted to talk to him because I didn't talk to him much when he was alive (He passed away on May 14, 1992 when I was only seventeen years old).  I wasn't able to because I was awakened by a phone call before I could talk to him.

After my grandpa Tadao Sakai passed away in 1999, I had a dream where I was climbing a mountain with him.  He climbed to the top of the mountain with super human speed while I was struggling like a normal human.  When he reached the top of the mountain, he spoke to me but no sound came out of his mouth.  I think he was finally free because in 1995 he suffered a stroke that left him mentally and physically challenged.  Grandpa Sakai and I was very close since I was a baby.  He is the kindest man I have ever known.

Grandma Ellen Sakai died from cancer in 2001, weeks before I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law.  She wanted to attend my graduation but her cancer was rapid and it took her quickly.  The day she was dying, I had a sick feeling in my stomach while I was at a lunch pizza party at the law school.  I wanted to go back to my apartment and get some papers that I really did not need, but I was persistent in going back.  When I got back to my apartment, my phone was ringing.  It was my dad and I knew something was wrong because he rarely called me.  He placed the phone by my grandma's ear and told me to say my last words to her as she slipped away.  I told her I loved her.  Strangely, my entire family in Hawaii and all five cousins living on the mainland because of college were able to say goodbye.   I would not have a dream of her until about four years after her death.

Grandma Bessie Karamatsu died on April 1, 2006.  In the year preceding her death, I showed more interest in my culture and Jodo Shu.  Although she didn't say anything, I could tell she was happy.  The following is an entry in my journal on the early morning of the day she died.  She died later that day in the afternoon. 

“I have been told that it has been raining in Hawaii for forty-three days straight. I thought this only happens in movies or books. It's been raining since the beginning of my grandma's medical challenges. I like to believe this beautiful place we call Hawaii where my grandma lived a full life is crying with us. I will not forget this time period. Yesterday, before my grandma was taken off life support, the head minister for Jodo Shu and another minister came to her bedside to pray for her with the family. The head minister is a friend of my late Grandpa Karamatsu and my grandma because of their strong involvement with the temple. My grandfather was president of the council for Jodo Shu Hawaii and my grandma helps the ministry with everything like fundraising and Obon Festival. She, by the way, is a great Obon dancer. My sisters and I had fun dancing with her. Everyone was very emotional during the service. My dad, mom, aunty, and uncle were the few that stayed in the room when my grandma was taken off life support. As they were taking the tubes off her, I put my hands in gakushyo and prayed for her. I noticed my dad was doing the same. As I closed my eyes and prayed, I couldn't stop the tears. After she was detached from the system, the sun came up. Last night, the time between her breaths were getting longer, a sign of her getting tired. I overslept, but slept well, so I better get back and check on my grandma. Take care.”

After her death, months later, I dreamt of her.

All of these dreams of my grandparents felt so good.  I miss them dearly.

In May, I attended a National Conference for State Legislatures in Washington D.C. for leadership across the country (i.e. Speaker, Vice Speaker, Majority Leader, Senate President, Senate Vice President).

In June, my dad, mom, sister Mia, sister Lara, and I vacationed in California.  We went to Yosemite National Park where Mia, Lara, and I climbed to the top of the Half Dome, a mountain.  The hike was about 17.2 miles.  Later we went to see the huge Sequoia trees at Sequoia National Park.  Finally we went to Disneyland and celebrated Mia's graduation from her residency program in pediatrics.  She is now in a three-year fellowship for child trauma care in Loma Linda.

In July, I went to Las Vegas with my friends.  The highlight was watching Celine Dion perform and winning $300 in $25 minimum bet black jack at the Playboy Club at the Palms Hotel.

From August 4 to 10, I attended the 2007 Annual National Conference for State Legislatures in Boston.  I attended seminars regarding dispute resolution, ethics, and international trade.

I am chairing a committee that is planning events to celebrate Hawaii’s first Peace Day.  There will also be a peace tree planting on a date following September 21.

Solar Energy

House Bill 334 became law as Act 229 on June 29, 2007, which authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding $10,000,000 to assist Sopogy Inc. with planning, designing, constructing, equipping, and operating a solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Labaratory of Hawaii Authority or another suitable site in the state.

Kunia Agriculture Land

Senate Bill 837 was vetoed by Governor Linda Lingle on July 10, 2007, which would have appropriated $9,200,000 to the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase agricultural land in Kunia and Ewa from private entities.  The ADC could have leased purchased lands in Kunia and Ewa to farmers.  The intent was to protect valuable agriculture land.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been hanging out with a handful of veterans from the 100th Battalion talking story about their service in World War II and their life in present times.  When I talk with them, I soon forget that they are over fifty years older than me.  They are all in their golden years, the youngest is eighty-two.  They recall their war experiences as if it happened yesterday.  It is as if they are forever young.  Their spirit is amazingly strong.  

To many of them, death was expected.  Many left for war without getting the opportunity from their own government to say goodbye to their loved ones.  Many wonder why they survived when so many of their friends died so young never getting the opportunity to experience life as an adult.  One veteran explained, “when you go to war, you prepare to die.”  That is why they are the most decorated military unit of its size and time in service in United States history.  He stated, “other American soldiers and officers deserted their posts, hinting to me that those guys wanted live.  The nisei soldiers were willing to die for their comrades.  So many of them were wounded, but returned to battle because they wanted to be with the boys.  The casualty rate was 300%, thus if you average it out, each nisei soldier should have been wounded at least three times.  They were sent to the most dangerous missions as sacrificial lambs.  Besides, other military units could not succeed so they sent the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  Yet, after penetrating enemy lines, they were ordered to not liberate cities such as Paris because their government did not not want minority Americans to be recognized for these feats in history. 

The common ground among them is that they all felt they had to prove that they were loyal and should be treated equally like any American.  They faced racism in their own country, but yet they fought bravely and saw many of their young friends die for a country that treated them so terribly.  They all felt their sacrifice would hopefully change things, if not for them, but for future generations.

When they came back after the war, people and the government still treated them badly.  When they couldn't get jobs, they created their own businesses.  When they couldn't get loans, they created their own banks.  The law firms didn't hire them, thus, the samurai law firms were born.  Since the laws were discriminatory, they got involved in politics and changed the laws.  

One veteran gave me advice on how he became a multi-millionaire by the time he was forty years old.  Others told me how they encouraged their children to get their education and do their best.  They implied that they paved the way, so make the most of the new opportunities available.  Another veteran told me,” Our time is done…it is too late.  There are still discrimination and obstacles so it is up to your generation (I am a fourth generation American) to break the barriers.”  Every veteran has so many stories, so we will never hear all of them.  The amount of sacrifice and death are among the stories I will tell later.

All I can say is that I am emotionally moved by these great heroes.  It is a dream come true for me to become friends with a number of them.  They have inspired me even more to do my best to make our world better.  A number of them have told me in different ways how they dislike war.  Shikata ga nai.  It can't be helped.  They did what they had to do given the circumstances.  

I have believed for a number of years, in order to appreciate life, you must be aware of death.  If you feel you are close to death at all times, you will do extraordinary things.  The 100th Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team did extraordinary things.

I pray for peace to all the young souls, two generations before me who died for our country in World War II, many of whom faced racism for the very country they died for.  Some had family imprisoned merely because of their their race while they fought and died for their country.

Young boys marched to their departure location with heavy bags while their counterparts were driven to their departure locations after saying goodbye to their loved ones.  They marched with their bags while their own U.S. colleagues guarded with guns as their parents looked on, many with tears in their eyes.  The guards blocked anyone from getting close to say goodbye.  I can never forgive my country for not giving them their dignity to at least let them hug their moms and dads before they left to fight for our country.  Many of these young boys died for their country with this last memory of their parents separated by guards wishing to give one last goodbye to their sons.  Also, a good number of them died for their country while their families were imprisoned by the very country they died for.

I thank you so much for all you sacrificed to make the world better for my generation and future generations.  I pray that you are in peace and with your loved ones.  Like you, we must all do our best to make our world better and be prepared to die.  When that time comes, I want to thank you personally.  I also look forward to seeing my loved ones and ancestors.  Until then, I will live a full life and “go for broke” to better our world and make it more peaceful.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Senate Bill 907 SD2 HD2 CD1

Relating to Aerospace Development

Written Comments for the House Journal

May 3, 2007 (Day 60)

I rise in support.

For nearly half a century, the State has supported our national space efforts, beginning with astronaut training programs in the late 1950s and the development of world-class observatories in the 1960s.  Over the past three decades, the University of Hawaii, the United States military, and numerous companies statewide have also engaged in a variety of nationally-funded pioneering programs in planetary geosciences, satellite communications, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and meteorology.

The purpose of this bill is to position Hawaii to be nationally and globally competitive and recognized in aerospace development.  The measure renames the Office of Space Industry to the Office of Aerospace Development, and adds additional duties and appropriates out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 for the Office of Aerospace Development to carry out its duties to identify and promote opportunities for expanding and diversifying aerospace-related industries in the State.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Senate Bill 1922 SD2 HD1 CD1

Relating to Creative Media

Written Comments for the House Journal

May 3, 2007 (Day 60)

I rise in support.

In recent years, we have passed tax incentives to help attract more film and creative media projects in Hawaii.  However, what is the use of having film and creative media projects in Hawaii if the people of Hawaii cannot be a part of it?  Therefore, importantly, we supported the inception of the Academy of Creative Media at the University of Hawaii to help prepare our students to become a significant part of Hawaii's film and digital media industry.  The academy is playing a huge role in making sure Hawaii has its share of filmmakers, screen writers, computer graphic designers, and computer game programmers.

In spite of its success, the academy for creative media is without a central facility or permanent home on any campus and does not receive any funding for programmatic needs outside of faculty salaries.  Senate Bill 1922 authorizes the academy for creative media to designate the existing public broadcasting system (PBS Hawaii) facility and studio located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus as an interim home and appropriates $2,870,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007‑2008 and $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the equipment and installation suitable for the Academy for Creative Media programs, costs associated with handicapped compliance, and common area spaces of the PBS Hawaii facility and studio.

In addition, we recognize that Hawaii's music industry is an established segment of Hawaii's creative media industries sector, with a growing popularity reaching far beyond the shores of our island state.  Full recognition of the merits of Hawaiian music came in 2005 when the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the creation of a Hawaiian music category in its annual Grammy Awards, the world's most prestigious music awards program.

While Hawaii has an unusually high concentration of raw musical talent and industry professionals, it lacks the technical support infrastructure to assist individuals in the progression of their careers and businesses.

Thus, Senate Bill 1922 also establishes a music and enterprise learning experience program at the University of Hawaii – Honolulu Community College to develop the technical business skills required by Hawaii's music artists and music industry.

There is established at the University of Hawaii – Honolulu Community College campus the music and enterprise learning experience program to expand the existing industry capacity, and to create new technological, intercultural, and genre-bending forms of music through creativity and professional business expertise.  The program will be developed around artist creativity, entertainment business expertise, and technical production skills.  The program will collaborate with Belmont University of Nashville, Tennessee, on the joint use of Belmont's curriculum, technical facilities and equipment specifications, training, dual credit course offerings, and will also offer internships in some of the most varied music environments in the world.

The program will be seeded through a Title III Developing Institutions grant that has been awarded to the Honolulu Community College native Hawaiian center, and will provide for some basic program development of course offerings in coordination with Belmont University of Nashville, Tennessee.

The bill appropriates out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 to carry out the purposes of leasing, operating, and maintaining a music and entertainment business training center.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

Senate Bill 1228, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, Conference Draft 1

Historical Preservation; Japanese Internment Camps in Hawaii
Tuesday, May 1, 2007

I rise in support.

The story of the wrongful and unconstitutional internment of Japanese Americans by the United States government during World War II must never be forgotten.  Many of them lost their jobs and property because of their imprisonment for simply having Japanese ancestry.  Unfortunately, some died in these internment camps.  Many young Japanese American men volunteered for military service and died for their country while their families were imprisoned by the very country they were fighting for.  Through this bill, the State of Hawaii supports establishing a process to determine the most appropriate means of memorializing the World War II Japanese American internment camp experience in Hawaii.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

Senate Bill 896, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 2, Conference Draft 1

High Technology; Incubation Center; Kakaako

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

I rise in support.

This bill would help in developing Hawaii's technology and life science industries by appropriating $150,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008, and the sum of $250,000 for fiscal year 2008-2009, for the lease agreement between the High Technology Development Corporation and the developers or owners of a life science complex in Kakaako, and for plans for and operations of a high technology incubator and innovation center to be held at that complex.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

House Bill 692, House Draft 2, Senate Draft 1, Conference Draft 1

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Special Purpose Revenue Bonds; Lapsing; Aloun Farms

I rise in support.

I am in strong support of extending the lapse date of special purpose revenue bonds issued to assist Aloun Farms to June 30, 2010.  This company has played a huge role in Hawaii's agricultural industry and sustainability.  Aloun Farms plans to use the special purpose revenue bonds to build an agricultural processing plant in the future to strengthen its operations.  However, not too long ago, the company's landowner sold the land to a developer that plans to build homes on its land once the lease expires.  With the uncertainty of where Aloun Farms will be located in the future, an extension of the special purpose revenue bonds would be very helpful for this important Hawaii agricultural company.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

Senate Bill 837, Senate Draft 2, House Draft 2, Conference Draft 1

Agricultural Lands; Agribusiness; Kunia; Ewa ($)

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

I rise in support.

I created this bill to protect Hawaii's most valuable agricultural lands.  It appropriates $9,200,000 and authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase agricultural land in Kunia and Ewa from private entities.  In addition, it enables the Agribusiness Development Corporation to lease agricultural lands in Kunia and Ewa for up to 55 years to farmers.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Comments

House Bill 334, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, Conference Draft 1

Relating to Special Purpose Revenue Bonds; Sopogy, Inc.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007

I rise in support.

This is an exciting time for Hawaii where companies in our state created by local residents are researching and developing technology to produce and store renewable energy.  One such company is Sopogy, Inc., which is developing clean electricity from a renewable and abundant resource, the sun, at a price lower than the market price and independent from oil price fluctuations, which is in the best interest of the public.  I am happy to play a small role in assisting Sopogy, Inc. by introducing and supporting this measure that would authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding $10,000,000 to assist the company with planning, designing, constructing, equipping, and operating a solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority or another suitable site in the state.  I look forward to the exciting work of Sopogy, Inc. as they help Hawaii and our world produce clean energy.

Thank you.

I am happy to announce that my Peace Day Bill, House Bill 345 was signed into law as Act 23 by the governor on April 18, 2007.  The law establishes September 21 annually as Peace Day in Hawaii to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace.  This designated day encourages citizens to observe and celebrate peace.

I introduced this bill after being approached by the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association.  I chose September 21 to be Peace Day in Hawaii because it is the day recognized by the United Nations as International Day of Peace.  Hawaii now becomes the first state in the country to celebrate a Peace Day holiday.  The day will not be an officially recognized state holiday and will not carry any financial impact to the state.

To counter the violence in our world, I sincerely believe we must all be proactive in promoting peace.  Relationships and trade will play a huge role in accomplishing this.

Thank you everyone for all your support at my “Matsuri” fundraiser that was held on March 27, 2007 at Jodo Mission.  I appreciate all the generous donations given to my campaign.  Also, mahalo to all my friends who volunteered at the event.

Hello Everyone,

You are welcome to join me at my campaign fundraiser:

Jon Riki Karamatsu Fundraiser

Mahalo,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Concurrent Resolution 40 and House Resolution 24

Relating to the establishment of a “State of Hawaii World Trade Center, Honolulu”.

House Concurrent Resolution 62 and House Resolution 42

Requesting the State Historic Preservation Division to research and report to the legislature on how to best protect Hawaii’s historic buildings from demolition.

House Concurrent Resolution 198 and House Resolution 94

Requesting the Department of Health to convene a task force to investigate and coordinate the provision of medical and social services to migrants of Freely Associated States.

House Concurrent Resolution 198 and House Resolution 155

Requesting a study on the feasibility of an open road racing event on Oahu.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Journal Written Remarks – Day 26 – March 6, 2007

OD Page 35, Stand. Com. No. 996, House Bill 1456 House Draft 2

Relating to Psychologists

I rise in support with strong reservations.

I have reservations on House bill 1456 House Draft 2, which would allow psychologists practicing in licensed health clinics in federally designated medically underserved areas or mental health professional shortage areas to prescribe psychotropic medications.  I believe the bill does not ensure patient safety because the training required for psychologists in this measure is well below the training psychiatrists go through in undergraduate studies and medical school and the training required by the Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model.

The Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model allowed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications, however, the program ended because the program was found to be unnecessary and costly.  In comparing the Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model with the program in this bill, there is a big difference in the requirements.  The differences are as follows:

Department of Defense Psychologist Training Model:

·              3 years full-time training program (over 6,000 hours)

·              2 years full-time classroom training in a medical school and hospital

·              1 year of full-time clinical training under the supervision of a psychiatrist

·              Only allowed to prescribe to 18 to 65 year olds

·              Not allowed to prescribe to patients with any medical complication

House Bill 1456 House Draft 2

·              Eleven and one-half weeks of classroom (450 hours)

·              No full-time classroom training required

·              No full-time clinical training and no hospital training

·              Only required to see 100 patients within 1 year under physician supervision

·              Allowed to prescribe to all ages and to patients with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, 
       substance abusers, etc.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu

Journal Written Remarks – Day 26 – Tuesday, March 6, 2007

OD Page 21, Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1183, House Bill 337 House Draft 2

Relating to Agriculture

I rise in support.

The purpose of this bill is to preserve agricultural lands on Oahu by authorizing the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to purchase through general funds or revenue bonds, agricultural lands located in the Kunia or Ewa areas on Oahu, or both.  In addition, ADC would have the authority to lease ADC-controlled agricultural land by contracting with a financial institution that is transacting business in this state to provide lease management service.  Finally, this measure provides additional flexibility to ADC by allowing it to purchase, accept, and maintain permanent conservation easements in accordance with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.

Thank you.

Dear Friends:

Aloha! I hope all is well. I am in my fifth year as a state representative and currently serve as Vice Speaker of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Last year, I introduced a bill to include language in the first degree sexual assault law that would include “the use of a substance to subject one to sexual penetration” to address the relatively recent use of date rape drugs. It was incorporated in a large omnibus penal code bill that passed last year. I am happy to report that my legislation is now a law under HRS Section 707-730(e). Sexual assault issues have always been important to me, and it is gratifying to be in a position where I can make a positive difference.

The theme of my fundraiser this year is “Matsuri”, an occasion for offering prayers, thanksgiving, reports, and praise to a deity or deities. A Matsuri festival generally starts with solemn rituals, which are followed by joyous community celebrations. As some of you may know, I lost my last grandparent last year on April 1, 2006, grandma Bessie Karamatsu. She was very active in the Jodo Mission community, and we were very close. In the last years of her life, I took a greater interest in my roots and culture, and traveled to Japan and saw the Jodo Mission temple in Kyoto where my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu hand-carried a golden Buddha figurine for repairs and back to Hawaii many years ago. I am grateful that I was able to learn more about my heritage from my grandma while she was still with us. For this reason, I have decided that I would like to share a little bit of my heritage with you during my fundraiser. We would be honored to have you join us for some food, beverages, and fun – all items included in a Matsuri festival!

“Matsuri” Fundraiser: A Festive Occasion for Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
5:30 to 7:30 P.M.
Jodo Mission of Hawaii
1429 Makiki Street
Suggested Donation: $25

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  Mahalo!

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Journal Written Remarks – Day 24
March 1, 2007
House Bill 334, Relating to the Issuance of Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to Assist Sopogy Inc., in the Development of Renewable Energy

I rise in support.

This bill would authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in a total amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for the purpose of assisting Sopogy Inc. with the planning, designing, construction, equipping, and operating Sopogy Inc.'s solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority or at other suitable sites in Hawaii. Sopogy Inc. is a renewable energy company based in Hawaii that was spun-off of Hawaii's own Energy Industries. Its purpose is to bring renewable solar energy technologies to Hawaii and its people for the betterment of clean air, independence from imported fossil fuels, and energy stability. This local company is helping in our goal to diversify our economy and make our state more energy efficient.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Journal Written Remarks – Day 24 and Day 25
March 1 and 2, 2007
House Bill 345, Relating To Holidays

I rise in support.

I entered politics with hopes to make our state, nation, and world more peaceful. I believe we must all play a role in promoting peace. Too often, the cycle of violence is fueled through anger and revenge. Every generation has witnessed violence domestically and abroad. As a representative of Generation X, I am determined to continue striving for peace throughout the world just as the leaders before me.

I was pleased when I learned that the Hawaii Federation of Junior Young Buddhist Association was working on a peace resolution. After talking to their advisor, I decided to introduce a peace day bill on their behalf. I was touched to know that young leaders in the next generation, Generation Y had the same dream of attaining a more peaceful world.

House Bill 345 would establish September 21st of each year as “Peace Day” to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace. If we all work towards this goal of a more peaceful world, we will see priceless results and touch many lives.

Thank you.

It is amazing how powerful hope and goals are. For some, it may be the only reason that keeps them living.

Since my first legislative session in 2003, I created bills that coincided with future news-making events. However, some people who have worked with me on legislation or know me, feel my bills seem to eerily foretell future events. I laugh at the thought that my bills can predict the future. I just think they are coincidences. Below are some of these “coincidences”:

1. In January 2003, Senator Will Espero and I had a meeting. He suggested I introduce a campanion bill to his Senate Bill mandating state officials to undergo mandatory ethics training. I was 28 years old at the time and I thought it was a bill worth introducing in the House. I read the ethics laws and found out how gray it was to interpret them. For example, one can use one’s state office to help non-profit organizations such as the Blood Bank and the Food Bank. However, one can violate the ethics laws if you help other non-profit organizations depending on how the Ethics Commission interprets the relationship between you and the organization. Everything is basically case by case according to the Ethics Commission. Therefore, I thought, there needs to be a dialogue between state officials and the Ethics Commission. However, looking back, a mandatory ethics training put into law wasn’t necessary because we could have placed it into our Senate and House rules.

By July 2003, criticism was mounted over how KITV 4, a local television news station accepted a trip to Japan paid for by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, with the blessing of Governor Linda Lingle’s office. The station was allegedly asked by the governor’s office to take this free trip paid by the state in order to cover the governor in Japan.

In the 2004 legislative session, the governor was accused of violating ethics rules on a couple of occasions in the media. At that time, she was advocating for local school boards. To get the pressure on the legislature, she created a non-profit group called CARE or Citizens Achieving Reform in Education, a private nonprofit corporation that raised $80,000 in donations as of April 11, 2004 to promote her education initiatives. CARE allegedly operated from her state offices using state workers, which was an apparent violation of Hawaii’s ethics laws. Also, CARE was a lobbying organization allegedly operating from the governor’s office, another violation of Hawaii’s ethics laws.

After the 2003 Legislative Session, my House bill passed the House and remained in the Senate. In the 2004 Legislative Session, with the second allegation of ethics violations (Non profit lobbying organization being coordinated out of Governor Lingle’s office) on Governor Lingle in the media, my bill got attention and coverage by the media. The governor accused the Democrats of creating the mandatory ethics bill in reaction to the allegations of ethics violations against her. In response, a person who worked with me on the bill told the media that this bill was created before any of the alleged ethics violations were done by the governor.

Senator Cal Kawamoto moved the mandatory ethics bill out of his committee and the rest is history. The bill passed the legislature and Governor Lingle signed it into law at the end of the 2004 Legislative Session.

2. In the 2003 Legislative Session, I created a bill to open up the contracts of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau (HVCB) to see how efficiently the agencies were spending. The bill was held in the House. By June 2003, the media reported on a state audit that revealed bad financial management, state funds spent on self-serving purposes, conflict of interest, and inflated reimbursement requests. By July 2003, changes in management at HVCB began and the marketing contract with HVCB was split up. HVCB retained marketing to North America. Dentsu Inc. got the contract for marketing to Japan, Marketing Garden for the rest of Asia, The Mangum Group for Europe, and The Walshe Group for Oceania.

3. In the 2004 Legislative Session, I drafted a bill to creat a science, technology, business, and art magnet school called the Academy of Hawaii. This school would be a collaboration of the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii West Oahu. The bill did not move out of the House Education Committee, therefore, I re-introduced the bill again in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 legislative sessions. Similarly, in January 2007, Governor Linda Lingle announced in the media her proposal for her science, technology, and math magnet schools. These schools would be a collaboration between the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii’s community colleges. Her magnet school proposal coninues to make the news.

4. In 2003, I bumped into Hoku Scientific CEO Dustin Shindo (a constituent) at a local hangout one evening. We talked about ideas on how to strengthen Hawaii’s technology industry. In 2004, we decided to draft a bill to float $10 million in Special Purpose Revenue Bonds for Hoku Scientific to be used in building their facility in Kapolei. In 2005, the bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle. In August 2005, Hoku Scientific made an IPO (Initial Public Offering). On October 16, 2005, Hoku Scientific’s new Kapolei facility was unveiled where I made a speech along with Mayor Mufi Hanneman. The company continued to expand and make news in 2006 and 2007. Hoku Scientic, IPO, need I say more?!

5. In 2005, I drafted a state land banking bill for the Kunia area to help buy and protect valuable agricultural land for farmers. The Kunia area described in the bill went below the freeway into the Ewa plains because I feared one day the farmers operating below the freeway would be squeezed out by their landowners once their leases ends.

I introduced this bill in the 2006 Legislative Session. In February 2006, Del Monte announced it was closing down its pineapple operation affecting about 700 International Longshore and Warehouse Union employees, as well as an undetermined number of nonunion positions. My bill passed the House, but died in the Senate.

For this 2007 Legislative Session, I re-introduced my bill and my gut feeling in 2005 came true. The landowner of the farmers sold their land to a developer who will eventually kick out the farmers when their leases run out.

6. On May 29, 2005, I had a conversation with a constituent who told me to look into why the governor of Hawaii has no access to a state plane when most of the governors in our country does. I told him I would follow up on his suggestion.

In the 2006 Legislative Session, I created a bill for a $1.9 million state aircraft to be under the direction of the governor. The governor could have the plane be used by state workers for various state services. For example, the governor could utilize the plane for various government employees, equipment, and services for our island state such as engineers, medical services, psychiatrists, researchers, law enforcement, shipping prisoners, etc. I found out that according to StateLine.org, in 2001, 42 of the 50 govenors in the U.S. had access to a state plane. The cost of some of the other governors’ planes ranged from $3.8 million to $6 million, which is much higher than my bill’s $1.9 million budget. I also learned that it is cheaper to fly a group in one plane than to send them off in a commercial plane. It costs about $250 an hour to fly 13 people in a small plane to a neighbor island, which includes pilot, fuel, and landing fee costs. In contrast, it costs $650 or more to fly the same amount of people in a commercial plane. However, the cost factor will depend on how reliable the plane is, which would affect maintenance costs. In addition,we must consider insurance costs.

The bill did not move in the 2006 Legislative Session so I decided to re-introduce it in the 2007 Legislative Session. I never forgot my constituent’s request and I agreed with him that the issue should be discussed. After all, the state executive branch spent $12 million in fiscal year 2006 on commercial flights. On February 2, 2007, the Senate Transportation Committee announced that they would hear it on February 7, 2007. In the week of February 4, 2007, KITV 4 and Star Bulletin misled the public by saying that lawmakers would have a free ride. They forgot to read the bill because it was written so that the governor has authority over the plane, not the lawmakers. They didn’t know who introduced the bill because they didn’t look for the introducer in the House. Instead, KITV 4 and Star Bulletin called it stupid without even doing any work discussing the merits. I was very disappointed. During that same week Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi was criticized for having a federal plane that was assigned to former U.S. Speaker Dennis Hastert. This national news is the coincidence to my bill.

This state plane bill is not included in any of my top priorities, but it makes news over my business, renewable energy, and sex assault prevention bills.

In the end, I suggested that this bill was premature and that maybe there should be a study on how the other 42 states manage their state airplanes under the direction of their governors and do a cost analysis?

####

These are some of my bills that were followed by events related to the bill. Did my bills predict a future news-making event like some of my friends suggested? I don’t think so, but it is something interesting to talk about. More to come.

Aloha Friends,

Last legislative session and this legislative session, I introduced a bill to include in the first degree sexual assault law, language that would include “the use of a substance to subject one to sexual penetration” to be included in the definition of “strong compulsion” in the first degree sexual assault law.

I was pleased when I found out that my bill's intent was already incorporated and passed in a large omnibus penal code bill last year. Therefore, under HRS Section 707-730(e), a person commits the offense of sexual assault in the first degree if: “The person knowingly subjects to sexual penetration another person who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless as a result of the influence of a substance that the actor knowingly caused to be administered to the other person without the other person's consent.”

I dedicate this law to all the girls who entrusted me with their stories of sexual assault and the many more survivors in our world.

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

I am a Democrat by blood and heart. Sure, there are many times where Democrats and Republicans disagree. However, when both sides of the aisle come together on an issue that we think will better Hawaii, that is an awesome feeling. When I entered elected politics in 2002 as a young 27 year-old state representative, I never thought I would be making such a statement. Yes, it is the Republican Party's job to knock me and other Democrats out of office and vice versa. But there are certain colleagues on both sides of the aisle that mutually respect each other and I believe this is a good thing.

In my four years in politics, I had some good stories in the media on a number of issues relating to business, improvements to schools, technology and science, and preventing sex assault in Hawaii. However, the media can be nice to you one day, and bite you the next. Nonetheless, I always act politely to them. You need to have thick skin in this job.

The media is very interesting in how they pick what issues to highlight. They seem to always look for anything negative to make a story that sells. Sometimes, they also mislead the public. At times, they report as if they know you, but they don't. Finally, the media sensationalizes the story by exaggerating and taking your words out of context.

Now I fully understand why politicians and entertainment stars say they have a love/hate relationship with the media. They communicate with the public through the media, and the media can decide to tell their story accurately, spin it in a different light, or totally attack them. The media has a lot of power because the way they tell your story will determine how the public perceives you. It doesn't matter if they made a mistake, because once they tell the world, unfortunately, many people will take their reporting as fact.

I always think of my late grandparents and loved ones who passed away. I also think about my ancestors. I am so grateful for everything they have done for me. I love them and miss them.

Since I am so busy and don’t see my parents too often, I cherish the time I spend with them. They are in their early 60s and still working and doing well. I am determined to do my best so I can share many of my life experiences with them. As an adult, I understand the importance of the discipline they taught me.

I am racing against time. I only have a limited time in this world to make a small difference. My thirty-two years of life have been exciting, but there are so many things I want to do before I die. It is scary how fast our future is creeping up on us. We could have sixty years, thirty years, ten years, five years, a year, several months, or maybe only days left in this world. It doesn’t matter, we have to go all-out now. We must live as if we could die tomorrow. The quality of life is not in the amount of years we live, but it is how we live it.

What happens after we die is secondary. When we die, we will find the answer. The most important thing is that you strive to live an honorable life now. You can’t turn back time and change your actions. Therefore, focus and prepare yourself for tomorrow. Think of what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. Do your best to love one another. A mistreatment of another is a mistreatment of ourselves. No one is perfect, but we must strive for the highest truth or enlightenment, which everyone can achieve in their own way.

• House Bill 334, Sopogy Inc. Special Purpose Revenue Bonds (SPRB) – Authorizing up to $10 million in Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist Sopogy Inc. with planning, designing, construction, equipping, and operating a solar farm power plant at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii to produce electricity from solar power. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 597 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 335, General Excise Tax (GET) Exemption for Green Facilities – Provides a general excise tax exemption for buildings or facilities in conformance with the United States Green Building Council’s leadership in energy and environmental design green building rating system. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 598 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 336, Appropriation for State-Owned Aircraft – Appropriates $1,900,000 for the department of transportation to purchase a state-owned aircraft to be used in the conduct of state business. Requires the department to adopt rules concerning the use and maintenance of the aircraft. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1977 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 337, Authorizing the Agribusiness Development Corporation to Purchase Kunia Agricultural Land – Authorizes the agribusiness development corporation to issue revenue bonds to purchase agricultural land in Kunia from the Campbell Estate. Appropriates funds to purchase the lands. Enables the agribusiness development corporation to contract with banks to provide lease management services. Allows corporation to lease agricultural lands in Kunia for up to 55 years. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 837 introduced by Senator Kokubun)

• House Bill 338, Establishing the Hawaii Innovations Partnership Corporation – Establishes the Hawaii innovations partnership corporation to provide research and development grants and to invest in enterprises in advanced technology, life sciences, and renewable energy fields. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 705 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 339, Appropriation to Establish a Sexual Violence Prevention Curriculum in Public Schools – Appropriates funds to the department of education to develop and implement a sexual violence prevention curriculum that will feature multiple, age appropriate lesson plans targeted at kindergarten through 12th grade students, a teacher-friendly lesson plan format, and flexible, interactive learning activities for students. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1736 introduced Hanabusa)

• House Bill 340, Use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) Device on Convicted First Degree Sexual Assault Offenders – Authorizes the court at sentencing to require a person convicted 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. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1738 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 341, Enterprise Zone Tax Credits for Long-Term Care Facilities – Defines long-term care facilities and includes care in such facilities as part of a “service business” that may qualify for beneficial treatment within an enterprise zone. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1737 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 342, Penalties for Graffiti and Minor Offender Guardian’s Responsibilities – Mandates certain penalties, including graffiti eradication, for persons convicted of aggravated criminal property damage. Holds persons legally accountable for a minor liable for aggravated criminal property damage committed by the minor. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 676 introduced by Senator Nishihara)

• House Bill 343, Income Tax Deductions for Employers Who Reimburse Employees’ Public Transportation Costs – Provides an income tax deduction for an employer who reimburses the employer’s employees for the cost of public transportation incurred by the employees for transportation to and from work. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 599 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 344, Prompt Payment Provisions for Contractors – Authorizes contractors and subcontractors to include in their subcontracts additional provisions that must be met before the subcontractor is entitled to receive final payment for completion of work on a government project. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 601 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 345, Establishing a Peace Day Non-Holiday – Establishes September 21 of each year as Peace Day to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace. Encourages citizens to observe and celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on the holiday. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 260 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 346, Establishing a Peace Day State Holiday – Establishes September 21 of each year as a state holiday to be known as Peace Day to promote peace programs, improve international relations and increase educational awareness of peace. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 261 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 347, Appropriation to Support Project EAST (From Senator Fukunaga) – Appropriates funds into the Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund for the economic development alliance of Hawaii to expand project EAST programs to public schools. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1921 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 348, Establishing an Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree (From Senator Chun Oakland) – Requires the board of regents for the University of Hawaii to establish a new bachelor’s degree program in information technology at the Manoa campus. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 243 introduced by Senator Chun Oakland)

• House Bill 896, Appropriation to Wire State Capitol Facilities for Broadcasts (From Senator Ihara) – Makes appropriation to wire state capitol conference rooms and the capitol auditorium to broadcast public hearings. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1083 introduced by Sen. Ihara)

• House Bill 897, Appropriation for Archived and Indexed Video and Audio Streams of Legislative Proceedings for the Internet (From Senator Ihara) – Appropriates funds for archived and indexed video and audio streams of legislative proceedings on the Internet. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1084 introduced by Senator Ihara)

• House Bill 898, Fixed Guideway Station Enterprise Zones – Creates enterprise zones within a half-mile radius of stations of a fixed guideway system on Oahu. Grants various tax concessions relating to enterprise zones to qualified businesses, including new construction of affordable housing within those zones. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion: Senate Bill 860 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 967, Pilot Project, Surveillance Cameras to Deter and Prosecute Graffiti Offenders – Establishes a pilot project in the department of transportation to develop and evaluate a program for the acquisition, placement, operation, and maintenance of video surveillance cameras for the purpose of deterring graffiti on state highway signs and of prosecuting offenders. Appropriates funds. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1225 introduced by Senator Nishihara)

• House Bill 968, GET Exemptions from Trusts Benefiting the Blind, Deaf and Disabled – Exempts from the general excise tax, up to $2,000 of income from trusts whose sole beneficiaries are blind, deaf, or disabled and taxes any additional income from the trusts at a 1/2% tax rate. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 704 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 1015, Workers Rights, Workers Compensation and Pension Waivers, (BY REQUEST – Constituent) – Permits director of labor to reopen worker’s compensation case after settlement if settlement has been obtained by the exertion of undue influence over any party or as a result of the disability or mental incompetence of the employee. Requires private employers who provide pension plans to their employees to allow an employee who has vested to receive pension payments upon becoming disabled, regardless of age. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1652 introduced by Senator Gabbard)

• House Bill 1105, Short Form Bill Relating to Procurement – Speaker introduced bill for Rep. Karamatsu. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1106, Short Form Bill Relating to Iolani Palace – Speaker introduced bill for Rep. Karamatsu. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1661, Use of Date Rape Drugs in Sexual Assault – Amends the definition of “strong compulsion” to include the use or attempt to use a controlled substance to overcome a person. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1980 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1662, Use of Linked Investments in Agricultural Loans – Establishes linked investments to provide loan funds for agriculture. Authorizes the State to invest in linked investments. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1979 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1663, Prohibition of Association Board Members Service, (BY REQUEST – Constituent) – Prohibits a member of any association of apartment owners from serving on board if the association member is in arrears of $1000 or more in maintenance fees, fines, or any other fees owed to the association for at least 3 months. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1671 introduced by Senator Nishihara)

• House Bill 1664, Streamlined Sales and Use Tax (From Senator Fukunaga) – Adopts amendments to Hawaii tax laws to implement the streamlined sales and use tax agreement. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1840 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 1665, Renewable Energy Technology Income Tax Credit (From Senator Fukunaga) – Establish that all energy technology systems must be installed and placed in service in the State of Hawaii to obtain energy tax credit.

• House Bill 1666, Appropriation to Establish a Small Business Technology Grant Program (From Senator Fukunaga) – Establishes a supplemental grant program of $10,000,000 for follow-on research and development project funding for Hawaii based small businesses that received federal funding in fiscal year 2007 through the Hawaii Technology Development Venture or the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences. (Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1688 introduced by Senator Fukunaga)

• House Bill 1684, International Liaison for the Legislature – Creates one full-time position of international liaison for the legislature within department of business, economic development, and tourism, office of international affairs. Makes appropriation. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Companion Senate Bill: Senate Bill 1983 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1685, Magnet Technology School for Gifted & Talented, UH-West Oahu – Requires the department of education to establish the academy of Hawaii for gifted and talented students to develop the potential of students who have demonstrated superior achievement or possess the potential for superior achievement through the provision of appropriate educational opportunities. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1981 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1686, Establishes 90 day grace period for the 30-day Prison Term Penalty Option for Driving Without a License for drivers whose license to operate mopeds, motor scooters, motorcycles, passenger cars, and trucks or vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of 15,000 pounds or less expired within the 90 days preceding the violation. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1982 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1865, Establishes the High Tech Revenues Special Fund – Requires a tenant of high technology development corporation facilities to: (1) transfer 2% of its equity to the corporation; and (2) pay 2% of its annual gross revenues to the corporation for deposit into the high tech revenues special fund to pay for cost of acquiring land, building new infrastructure, maintaining existing infrastructure, corporation operations, and grants. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1872, County Surtax for Non-Resident Residential Property Owners, (BY REQUEST – Young Democrats) – Requires counties to add a surtax to the real property taxes paid by non-resident owners of residential properties. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1873, Raising the Wage Limit for Overtime Pay, (BY REQUEST – Young Democrats) – Raises from $2,000 to $2,800 a month the maximum monthly salary over which the wage and hour laws concerning overtime pay do not apply. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1874, Entertainment Surcharge, Entertainment Income Tax Credit, (BY REQUEST – Young Democrats) – Imposes an entertainment service surcharge for certain forms of entertainment and provides a tax credit equal to the amount of the surcharge. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1875, Lowering the Age to Run for Governor to 25, (BY REQUEST – Young Democrats) – Proposes an amendment to the constitution to reduce the age of eligibility to become governor to 25 years. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1876, Establishing a Children’s Health Care Pilot Program for Uninsured Children, (BY REQUEST – Young Democrats) – Creates a three-year pilot program in which department of human services pays half of the premiums for the health care provided by a mutual benefit society to uninsured children 31 days to 18 years old who are ineligible for other state or federal health care coverage. Appropriates funds. Sunsets June 30, 2010.

• House Bill 1877, Exempting Some Owners from the Workers Compensation Law – Exempts from the workers’ compensation law owners of businesses holding at least 50% interest in their company. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 196 introduced by Senator Slom)

• House Bill 1878, 41st Representative District, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) – Authorizes capital improvement projects for the 41st representative district. (No Senate Companion Bill)

• House Bill 1879, Allows State Funds to Be Used in Linked Investments – Allows director of finance to invest up to 10% of state short-term investment moneys in linked investments. Sets procedures. Caps loans. Limits uses of such loans. Restricts eligible borrowers to an entrepreneur in the State. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1984 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1880, Green Facility Tax Credit – Establishes a tax credit for the acquisition of environmentally-friendly green technology facilities. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1985 introduced by Senator Hanabusa)

• House Bill 1881, Debit Card System for Teachers to Purchase Supplies – Establishes a debit card system to permit teachers to buy school supplies within a predetermined spending limit. (Rep. Karamatsu’s Senate Companion Bill: Senate Bill 1889 introduced by Senator Gabbard)

Aloha Everyone,

I hope you had a great Christmas. I wish you happiness, good health, and much success in 2007! Take care.

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

On November 17, 2006, the Hawaii State House leadership was announced in the media. Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say appointed me Vice Speaker of the House. Some of my tasks include assisting the Speaker manage the House, chairing the House floor sessions when directed by the Speaker, ex-officio to all committees, and representing and running the House in the Speaker's absence. I look forward to serving my district and the State of Hawaii in my new leadership role.

Thank you to everyone for your support in my third election win for state representative of the 41st District. I look forward to serving my community and the State of Hawaii.

On a peronal note, I received my real estate license three days after the election, thus, that last week of the campaign was challenging since I had to study for the real estate examination as well.

Once again, than you so much for your support.

This past several months, especially the last two weeks were very busy.

For my re-election campaign to represent Waipahu in the the Hawaii State House of Representatives, I finished walking the district and began my final sign waving.

I presented a number of certificates at ceremonies for the technology industry, retail merchants, Hawaii International Film Festival, the North America Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, etc. I also attended a lot of meetings, luncheons, and dinners.

I hosted a reception for young filmmakers that had films at the Hawaii International Film Festival. I am supporting my friend Stacey who is in the process of producing a full feature movie on the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

I am working on a number of bills for the 2007 legislative session. I am especially excited about my agriculture bill that intends to protect important agricultural land.

I am a member of the Identity Theft Task Force created by the Hawaii State Legislature.

I have been attending courses to prepare for the Hawaii realtor license examination. I will be taking this examination right after the General Election.

Finally, I have been maintaining my small business.

On October 25, 2006, I was invited to a reception for a Koi fish farm from Niigata, Japan that is setting up a Koi fish farm at Mililani Agriculture Park. I was surprised when they gave me a baby Koi fish that has white, orange, and black colors. I used to raise all kinds of freshwater tropical fish when I was a kid up until right before law school. I am in the process of setting up my old 55 gallon tank. I think I will name my fish “Chikara”, which means strength and has the same kanji character as my middle name “Riki”.

I couldn’t sleep on the night of October 11 and in the early morning of October 12, 2006. As I laid down for hours, I came up with a fictional story that I hope to finish writing by December 31, 2007. In the story, there is tragedy, romance, spirituality, and a touch of politics.

I usually walk by myself door-to-door to greet neighbors, pass out my information pieces, and give everyone an opportunity to talk to me. My mom has expressed safety concerns about me doing this alone in the past. Recently, my good friend and campaign chair Stacey Hayashi has been walking with me.

Today, I was walking through Kupuohi Street with my female friends Stacey and Vaughn, greeting neighbors and passing out my fliers on policy I worked on for Hawaii as I have done in the past four years. I knocked on one door and it seemed nobody was home so I moved on. All of a sudden, this guy came out of his garage and started yelling at me, and said he was going to grab his shotgun and shoot me for leaving my flier on his door. In the past, I have been sweared at and yelled at by some people, but this was the first time someone threatened to kill me. I told him I was just trying to be accessible to my constituents (so they could talk to me about anything if they wanted to) and that I didn’t mean to bother him. He told his son to get his shotgun and instead, he headed to get it. I decided to just walk away with my two friends. He yelled again as we walked away. Unreal yeah?

In my 2004 election, my father, a good family friend, and an older lady supporter dropped off some of my information pieces on Kahakea Street. Then this guy without his shirt with a lot tattoos started yelling at them about leaving my information pieces. He started yelling about how he is a cop and made all “big body” to three 60-year-olds. The irony is, I supported legislation to help police officers. No shame that kind.

This is my advice to all of you. There will be times whether in person or on the road, you will face people who threaten you. Just stay calm and walk away. It is not worth dealing with people who cannot control their anger because the crazy thing is, if you confront them, they may harm you or even try to kill you, or you may do something in self-defense that could get you into some legal battles. We have seen some examples of this in the news. It is not worth it. Of course, report it to the police, if your life was indeed threatened. The way you can counter the negative people in our society is by being a good person to others. Channel negative energy and use it to do something postive, as practiced in Aikido and Buddhism.

Some of my friends and family think I am crazy that I am in politics. I have to admit, sometimes I think it is crazy. However, you know what keeps me going? There are a lot of good people out there that I want to work hard for so that they can be safe and have opportunities to live a good life. There are also a number of people that brainstorm with me on ideas to better society instead of just complain. We can’t let the negative people ruin everything. That is what keeps me going. I will take the hits for them.

Take care of yourselves and enjoy life to the fullest.

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

Aloha! I hope all is well with everyone. My campaign website and livejournal is a way for you to get an insight on who I am and the work I have done for our community and state.

I apologize that my website is outdated, as I need to put more information to reflect the accomplishments I achieved for our state in 2005 to 2006 and there are a number of fun pictures I would like to share with you. Nonetheless, my brochure sent before the Primary Election emphasized the work I did in 2005 and 2006, but I couldn't fit everything, thus, future brochures will show much more.

Serving as state representative for District 41, which consists of Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, and Waipahu has been challenging and a great experience. In 2005, I was promoted in the House leadership as a Majority Whip. In the Summer of that year, I became Chair of the Economic Development and Business Concerns Committee, my “dream committee”.

The following is a summary of some of my personal policy accomplishments for Hawaii in my four years as a state representative:

Commission on the Status of Women (2003)
I helped organize legislators to stop Governor Linda Lingle from eliminating the Commission on the Status of Women, which works on policy affecting women such as discrimination, equal pay, domestic violence, and sex abuse.

Mandatory Ethics Training for State Government Officials (2003-2004)
I introduced and passed a mandatory ethics training bill to encourage better dialogue between the commission and government officials, which can help clear confusion in ethics rules.

Empower Native Hawaiian Craft Makers and Protect Consumers (2003-2004)
I introduced and passed a bill into law to require the Department of Agriculture to authenticate Ni’ihau shell leis to empower Hawaiian Ni’ihau shell lei makers and protect consumers from fraudulent sales.

Prevent Identity Theft (2003-2004)
I introduced a bill to remove the requirement for candidates to collect residents’ full social security numbers on their nomination forms. A similar bill to mine passed into law and now candidates only need to get their residents’ last four digits of their social security on their nomination forms.

Supporting Hawaii Filmmakers (2004)
I introduced a bill to give rental discounts at state film facilities to Hawaii filmmakers. This bill brought the issue to the attention of the Hawaii Film Office, which in turn decided to give these discounts administratively, and therefore legislative action was no longer necessary.

Developing a Film Industry in Hawaii (2006)
I introduced a bill to give 15% production tax credits on Oahu and 20% production tax credits on the neighbor islands to help the film industry attract more film projects to Hawaii and thus create more jobs for residents. The Senate companion bill to mine passed.

Renovations for Aloha Stadium (2004)
I introduced a resolution requesting the Department of Accounting and General Services to conduct a study on the cost of maintaining Aloha Stadium versus building a new stadium. Upon conclusion of the study, the department decided that renovation of Aloha Stadium would be more cost effective.

Develop Hawaii’s Technology Industry (2006)
I introduced and passed a bill to expand a grant program for technology businesses by including partnerships between companies and educational institutions in Hawaii.

Develop Hawaii’s Technology and Renewable Energy Industry (2005)
I introduced and passed a bill to float $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds for Hoku Scientific, Inc., which was used to build their facility in Kapolei. Investors in these bonds do not have to report their interest income for tax purposes. Hoku Scientific, Inc. is a materials science company focused on clean energy technologies, which will help Hawaii and the world be less reliant on fossil fuels. The company develops new products for hydrogen fuel cells and are now forming two new businesses: an integrated photovoltaic, or PV, module business, and a polysilicon business, which is a primary material used in the manufacture of PV modules.

Education to Prepare Our Children for the Knowledge-Based Economy (2003-2006)
I introduced a bill to create a kindergarten to twelfth grade science and technology magnet school to prepare our children for exciting careers in Hawaii’s knowledge-based economy such as science, technology, biotechnology, medical research, agricultural research, film, and digital media. Although my bill did not pass, a similar resolution passed, which will form a task force to create a plan in creating such a magnet school.

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu

JON RIKI KARAMATSU’S VISION FOR HAWAII

I dream of making Hawaii a global economic power in technology, biotechnology, agricultural research, science, art, digital media, film, and alternative energy, which will benefit everyone. Entrepreneurs will play a significant role in creating new services and products. Skilled workers will be able to find jobs in Hawaii instead of leaving for the mainland United States. Labor will have more jobs in service, transporting goods, and building and maintaining infrastructure. The knowledge-based economy will be a wonderful addition to our tourism, military, and agriculture industries. This dream inspires me to keep working hard step by step. If island areas such as Japan and Taiwan can do it, so can Hawaii!

With a strong and diversified economy, more money will enter Hawaii and more revenues will be collected by the state. As a result, community programs will be positively impacted such as those working on drugs, domestic violence, sexual assault, at-risk youth, and crime.

In addition, I want to see Hawaii with a comprehensive recycling program where everyone participates. Every government building, transportation facility, college, private business, home, townhouse community trash location, and apartment building will have containers for “bottles and cans,” “burnable,” and “others. I will look to see if Hawaii can have a state-of-the-art facility to turn trash into re-usable material and convert processing energy into electricity. Technology will play a key role in recycling.

In regards to education, I would like to create a curriculum to get our children to be entrepreneurial with the lessons they learned in all their courses so they can understand that there is practicality in taking so many types of subject matters. I want to build a magnet science, technology and business school for students in the 8th to 12th grade levels. I also want to create a program encouraging parental involvement in their child’s education.

Further, I would like to see a modern mass transit system on Oahu that blends nicely with our city and environment. This system will stop at major locations throughout the island.

Finally, I hope a strong economy, an excellent education system, positive community programs, and increased parental involvement in their children’s lives will have a direct correlation in reducing crime. If so, that would top off my dream. I hope to achieve these goals in my political career.