Category Archives: Uncategorized

JON’S INSPIRATION INTO POLITICS

I want to give you a little insight into what inspired me to enter politics. In my life, family members who enjoyed public service surrounded me. My grandfather Maurice Karamatsu who began his career as a messenger boy for Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company (Hawaiian Airlines) and retired as Vice President of Duty Free Shoppers Hawaii was heavily involved in the democratic process until his passing in 1992.

My father Richard Karamatsu, an electrical engineer at Pearl Harbor has always been active in community organizations such as the Jaycees, Momilani Community Association, American Youth Soccer Organization, and Pearl City High School PTSA. He served as president of the Pearl City High School PTSA even after I graduated, and none of his children were attending the school. My father still coaches and referees for youth soccer long after my two sisters and I stopped playing.

I have a lot of respect for the leaders before me such as the World War II Generation and Governor John A. Burns. As a young student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I used to read books about Hawaii’s leaders and the struggles they went through to fight for equal rights, worker rights, women rights, modernizing Hawaii’s infrastructure, and developing tourism and agriculture. I believe Burns influenced me to run for office.

In the mid 1990s I was motivated to be involved in women, children, and social issues especially areas of domestic abuse and sexual assault as a result of experiences my friends and acquaintances went through.

In college, I studied on how strong economies maintained healthy societies. I want to develop our knowledge-based industries such as technology, biotechnology, agricultural research, science, art, digital media, film, and alternative energy where we, the minds of people in Hawaii, create products and services that will compete in the global economy.

Just as the leaders of the past gave me an opportunity to learn through public school and the University of Hawaii, I am focused on the education of our kids. I want to prepare future generations to play a significant role in developing our knowledge-based economy.

Finally, just as Gov. John A. Burns influenced me, I hope to influence others to better Hawaii, especially the younger generation. Gov. Burns died in April 1975 when I was only three months old, but his work touched my heart years later. Likewise, all it takes is for one kid to feel my message and pick it up.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
House Bill 3115, H.D. 2, S.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 4, 2006

I rise in support.

The “gas cap” law was created right before I was elected into the Hawaii State House of Representatives in the Fall of 2002. I believe the state government had good intent in creating the law to help the people of Hawaii get fair gas prices, but it did not work. The “cap” on the free market caused unusual behaviors in the petroleum industry such as pricing gas at the ceiling of the “cap” to maximize profits and prepare for bad economic times where they are restricted by the “cap” to recuperate.

Therefore, I support this bill's indefinite suspension of the “gas cap” law. Instead, I believe this measure is heading in the right direction by requiring additional and more pertinent information to be provided by the petroleum industry, thereby providing more transparency in the industry. Transparency will protect the people of Hawaii from unfair gas prices and allow a reasonable profit margin for the industry.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
House Bill 3060, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 4, 2006

I rise in support.

The purpose of this bill is to encourage small companies and researchers at nonprofit research institutes to work together in moving laboratory-developed technologies to the marketplace and to foster technology-based economic development.

This measure authorizes the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) to provide grants to local businesses that receive a federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program award or grant or apply for a Small Business Innovation Research federal grant or Small Business Technology Transfer Program federal grant. It also appropriates funds to HTDC to increase the funding levels necessary to meet the current needs of the Hawaii Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Program and Phase 0 Competition Assistance Program.

Further, the High Technology Innovation Corporation (HTIC) will be allowed to establish operational bank accounts in out-of-state locations, including foreign denomination accounts, until June 30, 2011. Moreover, HTIC will be exempted from Chapter 36, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), relating to the management of state funds, and Chapter 38, HRS, relating to deposits of public funds.

HTDC and HTIC have played a big role in developing Hawaii's technology and science industries. This bill will help these agencies expand their influential role.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
House Bill 3036, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 4, 2006

I rise in support.

This bill is a result of the hard work and compromise between the contractors and subcontractors to better the process in payment to a subcontractor or materialman once they complete their work under a contract for government projects.

The measure requires the Procurement Officer, within 30 days, to pay the contractor all sums retained or withheld from the subcontractor and otherwise due to the subcontractor for satisfactory performance under the subcontract. It also requires the contractor to pay the subcontractor within ten days of receipt of payment by the Procurement Officer, provided that the subcontractor provides evidence of completion in the form of a “properly documented payment request” and an acceptable performance and payment bond; a period of 90 days after the day on which the last of the labor was completed has elapsed without written notice of a claim; and the subcontractor has provided to the contractor an acceptable release of retainage bond, executed by a surety company in an amount not more than two times the amount being retained or withheld by the contractor.

The bill allows the contractor or subcontractor to retain a percentage of not more than ten percent of each progress payment without incurring late payment interest penalties.

This is a huge change in the way subcontractors and materialmen will be paid upon completion of their work in government projects.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
Senate Bill 2546, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 4, 2006

I rise in support.

The purpose of this bill is to establish the Innovation Special Fund, which will receive the sum of all general fund revenues realized by the State that equals one half of one percent of general fund revenues for each fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006, and ending on June 30, 2010. This fund will be used to support the advanced technology, renewable energy, and life sciences industries in the state.

In the future, the legislature will decide on what government agency will be in charge of the fund and how the fund will be invested in the advanced technology, renewable energy, and life sciences industries in the state such as research and development grants and capital investment. This measure shows the state's commitment to diversify Hawaii's economy by promoting the knowledge-based industries.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
House Bill 1889, H.D. 1, H.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 2, 2006

I rise in support.

This bill establishes within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, an Office of International Affairs. The Office of International Affairs will promote economic, social, cultural, and scientific relations with other countries. Further, the office will reinforce Hawaii's strong international relations with many countries.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
Senate Bill 2036, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1
May 2, 2006

I rise in support.

The purpose of this measure is to extend business and technology-based incubation services to foreign technology companies seeking to business in the State by making an appropriation for the High Technology Development Corporation to establish an international business and technology incubator program in Hawaii.

Hawaii is an attractive alternative to other technology incubator programs on the mainland United States due to its closer proximity to Asia and the State's culturally diverse population. An international expansion of the incubator program is expected to create more business and technology-based jobs, economic diversity, and a new external source of tax revenue for the State.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
Senate Bill 2570, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, C.D. 1
May 2, 2006

I rise in support.

It is a goal of mine to see Hawaii's film industry grow more prosperous. There has been a lot of competition from other states and countries offering more favorable tax incentives that have taken film productions away from Hawaii.

This bill will make Hawaii more attractive for film production by increasing the tax credit from four percent to fifteen percent for qualified production costs incurred in a county with a population over seven hundred thousand and twenty percent for qualified production costs incurred in a county with a population of seven hundred thousand or less. The measure provides a maximum amount of $8,000,000 per qualified productions for the tax credit.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
Senate Bill 2774, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, C.D. 1
May 2, 2006

I rise in support.

The purpose of this measure is to assist families who may lose their homes due to the closure of plantations such as Del Monte Fresh Produce by making plantation community subdivisions a permitted use in the state agricultural land use district.

This measure will help many workers adjust from the loss of their livelihood on plantations that closed production.

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Remarks
House Bill 1968, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1
May 2, 2006

I rise in support.

The purpose of this bill is to establish a permit system for direct shipment of wine to Hawaii's residents.

I would like to clarify the following language found in the conference committee report number 89-06: “As such, your Committee on Conference would like to emphasize that this bill specifically provides that households can receive no more than six nine-liter cases of wine annually.”

This statement is broader than the language of our intent stated in the bill found on page 1, section 1, line 17 through page 2, section 1, line 3: “(b) The holder of a direct wine shipper permit may sell and annually ship to any person twenty-one years of age or older in the country that issued the permit, no more than six nine-liter cases of wine per household for personal use only and not for resale, and shall:”

Thank you.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
Senate Bill 2546, House Draft 2
Tuesday, April 11, 2006

I rise in support.

This is a very historical bill that will enable Hawaii to have a diversified economy by supporting Hawaii-based businesses in the fields of technology, life sciences, and renewable energy. Currently, Hawaii is in the beginning stages of establishing a strong knowledge-based industry. Unlike other areas of the United States and world, Hawaii-based businesses in these fields lack the amount of capital investments needed to move them from product development to commercial success.

This measure will play a huge role in solidifying a new economy in Hawaii based on technology, life sciences, and renewable energy by establishing $100,000,000 Hawaii innovations partnership special fund for the fiscal year 2006-2007 to invest in these entrepreneurial ventures through grants and capital investments. Thereafter, from 2007 to 2011, there will be an annual appropriation of one-half of one percent of the general revenues of the State into this fund.

Thank you.

Jon Riki Karamatsu
Bessie S. Karamatsu Funeral Speech
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Jodo Mission Hawaii

Grandma, okage sama de – we are who we are because of you. We are grateful for everything you taught us. We know in the early years, you faced tough financial challenges with grandpa. You weathered through hard times and were able to raise five wonderful children. Even when grandpa’s career was doing well and times were financially good, you taught us humbleness by the way you lived. You could have bought a bigger house but was satisfied in your cozy home in Kalihi and material things were of secondary importance to you.

The phrase, “Kodomo no tame ni” or “For the sake of the children,” best describes what meant the most to you. You sacrificed so much for your children in hopes that they can have a good life and bring up the next generation as honorably as you have.

As your grandchildren and great grandchildren, we are so happy to have gotten the opportunity to share so many wonderful memories with you. As little kids, we enjoyed playing with flashlights around your house. We appreciated your cooking and especially New Year’s Day when you would spend the whole day preparing dishes for your entire family. We also appreciated you taking us to dinners at so many great restaurants.

We learned so much from you such as culture, tradition, and honor. We enjoyed praying at Jodo Shu with you and will continue to pray to you, grandpa, and our ancestors. Dancing at bon dances with you will always be cherished. When you danced, you looked so happy and graceful. Although we don’t know the Japanese language and traditions as well as you, we will do our best to carry on what we know and learn more.

On a personal note, I am glad I got to enjoy Japanese movies with you at the Hawaii International Film Festivals. I am also happy you could attend many of my personal and political functions. I will always cherish you sitting by me on the floor of the Hawaii State House of Representatives for almost every legislative opening day since I was elected in 2002. Likewise, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren treasure the time you spent with them.

Grandma, we are stronger because of you. We will strive to achieve the goals and dreams we shared with you. We will also do our best to continue your legacy and tell the next generation about you and grandpa. In your farewell letters you told us to be happy. We will follow your wishes and live a full and happy life. Finally, we will continue to pray to you.

Grandma, you are forever in our hearts. Thank you so much. Jya mata au made ni. Until we meet again. We love you.

Bessie Karamatsu Funeral

Date:
Thursday, April 6, 2006

Time:
5:00 P.M.

Location:
Jodo Mission of Hawaii (Jodo Shu)
1429 Makiki Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Phone: (808)949-3995

Obaachan,

Domo Arigatou Gozaimashita. Thank you so much. Okage Sama De. I am what I am because of you. After you left us yesterday at about noon, I sensed some relief for you. I feel stronger and optimistic for the future because of you. I know grandpa is waiting for you. I will honor the Karamatsu name and do my best. I look forward to continuing your legacy and I will tell my unborn children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren about you and grandpa.

I am so lucky to have met or become friends with grandpa's and your friends or relatives of grandpa and your friends, such as the late Mr. Kotake's son-in-law Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say, Mr. & Mrs. Shimoda, and Ken Abe. I never got to meet grandpa's friend, the late legendary attorney Wally Fujiyama but I know his son Jon. I also got to know Mrs. Hedani's son Ron. Past and present politicians, business persons, employees of Duty Free, and workers in the tourism industry come up to me to share stories about you and grandpa. Mr. Shimoda told me how grandpa, the late Mr. Kotake and him were active in business, politics, Jodo Shu, and socializing. I joked and said, “Wow, so you guys used to run Hawaii.” He replied with a light chuckle.

I know grandpa is advising me in politics and business. After all, he loved it. In fact, my mom told me when she first met with grandpa, the first thing he asked was if her father plays politics. Therefore, last night, I placed grandpa's picture in my office so he can continue to advise me if you don't mind.

I am glad I got to watch some of those Hawaii International Film Festival movies from Japan with you. I remember you telling me how much you enjoyed seeing “Crying Out Love At the Center of the World” at last Spring's Hawaii International Film Festival.

I enjoyed going to the services at Jodo Shu temple with you. I will cherish the times I danced at the bon dance with you and my sisters. I will help the temple just as you requested me to do.

I had a nice time at all the dinners I had with you. That meal at Alan Wong's Restaurant was good yeah.

I am glad you enjoyed attending all the Legislative Opening Days. This year's one was fun. After the entertainement on the House floor, you looked like you had a good time talking to all the people and eating the food we catered in my office. I am so happy you could be there with me.

Thank you for listening to all my goals and dreams. I will follow through on my five-year plan. I know you and grandpa will be there to see it. No matter what, just do my best right.

I am sure you will see Grandpa and Grandma Sakai. Like you, they were wonderful grandparents. I miss them a lot.

If I recall correctly, you told me that grandpa researched our family history in Japan and about a couple hundred years ago, four families were given the name “Karamatsu” for their community service by the lord of the prefecture. I remember you saying that there was one known samurai in our family and the rest were in various types of fields. I will do my best for you, grandpa, and all our ancestors.

I am so happy you were my grandma. You were awesome! Thinking of you puts a smile on my face. I will pray to you and when my time comes, please welcome me to the next world. Until then, I will take “Karamatsu” to the next level by living happy and honorably. I love you.

Sayonara, Jya mata aimasu made ni. Good bye, until we meet again.

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.

Yesterday and up to 1:30 A.M. this morning, my grandma's situation has worsened. Her heart rate is in the 100s and her blood pressure is in the 90s. Her hands and feet feel are cold and she no longer moves her arm, mouth, or eyes. Her breathing has increased showing that she is struggling to breathe. Her living will requested that she does not want to live on life support if her brain is not functioning. A meeting was held between her doctors and her children earlier this week to make the decision to take her off life support. Yesterday, family members could read three letters she wrote found behind the botsudan for my grandpa in their house, which is a display that has a picture of my grandpa where loved ones can pray to him. These letters reinforced her wishes. One of her letters that was not dated described how she wanted her funeral. Her other two letters were written in 1999 and 2004. These two letters explained that she did not want to live on tubes if her brain is dead. She mentioned how she has lived a full life and that she appreciated being surrounded by a loving family. She told us to live healthy and be happy. Every letter ended with her saying “be happy.” The family decided yesterday to take her off life support today at 11:00 A.M. My sister Mia and Lara flew in from the mainland yesterday and as a family we talked to her. I told her I loved her and mentioned how I appreciated her. I also told her of the things I will do. I'll write more later because I have to get ready to go to to the hospital to see her. Being that she is my last grandparent, I didn't realize how sad and scared I would be since I seemed a lot stronger when my other three grandparents died. I love her a lot.

Thank you everyone for your support regarding my grandma's medical situation. I feel a lot better now. I really appreciate your kind words and gestures. In addition to my relatives, it was nice to see all my grandma's friends at the hospital. Stacey, thanks for stopping by and talking to her. That was really nice of you. I wish all of you the best. Cherish your loved ones. Talk to you later.

My grandfathers were strong and likewise, my father is strong like samurai, rarely showing sadness. When I lost my first three grandparents I was sad, but I got stronger through them, and to this day I feel them with me.

However, with my Grandma Karamatsu's situation, I feel scared because she is the last grandparent I have. Today, I received information regarding her that was not good. Late last year, I began to attend Jodo Shu (A Japanese Buddhist Sect) services with my grandma. She seemed happy that I was taking an interest in my culture. This past New Year's Eve and Day, I felt sentimental because I realized that the Japanese culture in my family is slowly dying. My grandma is the last person in my family that can understand the Japanese language and traditions. I guess losing culture is inevitable as the generations go by (Five generations in my family) and with inter-marriage with different ethnicities, which is common in my family. I will cherish what culture I experienced with my grandma and will share it with the next generation. I don't want what little tradition I know to die with me. In addition, I don't want to lose my grandma because I am not ready to lose the greatest generation and she is a great representative of that generation. I will do my best to remember all the memories I have with her. All the little things in life mean so much to me.

I love my grandma. I am not giving up hope that she may wake up and improve.

Last Sunday, I visited Grandma Karamatsu after my cold subsided. She was just recovering from a small stroke. When I arrived she was feeling pain in her chest. She asked us if we have pain in our chest too. My dad and uncle took her to the hospital. By midnight she had to get a surgery. She ended up having two more surgeries the next day. She is now on life support since she cannot breathe on her own. She also has pneumonia. Her medication should have worn off, but her mind is not responding to commands. I am very worried. Last Sunday, I wished I could have talked to her more. She is the last grandparent I have. I am hoping she will come out of it and wake up.

Representatives Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 1368, House Draft 2
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

Agricultural lands of all types were lumped together, ranging from prime agricultural land to land not suitable for agriculture. By 1976, the State classified agricultural land by soil types: A, B, C, D, E, and U. According to the Land Study Bureau, Class A lands are generally the best-suited and most productive for intensive agricultural use. Class B lands include areas that are, in general, definitely suited for intensive agricultural use. They are inferior to Class A lands for one or more reasons that may include crop productivity, less favorable rainfall or other climatic characteristics, steeper slopes, stonier, thinner, and more erosive soils. Class C lands of this classification have, in general, only fair to marginal suitability for production of intensive crops. They are inferior to Class B lands for essentially the same reasons as Class B lands are inferior to Class A areas. In spite of these limitations, some Class C tracts have been used for production of intensive crops. Class D and E lands are generally unsuited for intensive agriculture for one or more reasons that include infertility, stoniness, excessive or deficient rainfall, unfavorable temperatures, excessive cloudiness, erosiveness, and excessive slope. Finally, Class U lands are near-raw lands that are highly variable and among these areas are lava areas. These lands are stony with limited soil material, and erratic and choppy that discourages cultivation.

The State identified agricultural land with A and B soils as prime agricultural land, thus identifying the land that Chapter 205 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) intended to protect. For these lands, the State implemented restrictions contained in HRS §205-4.5(a), including that dwellings must qualify as “farm dwellings.” In contrast, regarding C, D, E, and U agricultural lands or marginal agricultural lands, the State did not impose the same restrictions and allowed uses set forth in HRS §205-2(d). This section allows agricultural service and uses that support agricultural activities of the fee or leasehold owner of the property and accessory to agricultural activities, whether or not conducted on the same premises as the agricultural activities to which they are accessory, including but not limited to farm dwelling. Therefore, living dwellings are permissible and agricultural service and uses need only be accessory to agricultural activities. Further, the State gave the counties discretion to further define accessory agricultural uses on one-acre lots and to allow lot sizes of less than one acre if the counties find unreasonable economic hardship to the owner or lessee of the land that cannot otherwise be prevented or where land utilization is improved. As a result, counties have permitted the development of living dwellings on C, D, E, and U agricultural lands throughout the State.

The controversy in legal interpretation is occurring today because the Land Use Commission placed uses permitted on A and B agricultural lands to C, D, E, and U agricultural lands. These rules conflicted with the statutes on what uses are permissible on A and B agricultural lands in comparison to uses permissible on C, D, E, and U agricultural lands.

Currently, there is a case in the courts that could place thousands of single-family dwelling homes on C, D, E, and U agricultural lands in jeopardy and cost the counties millions of dollars should there be an unfavorable ruling. As a result, House Bill 1368 House Draft 1 intends to remove this legal cloud by permitting single-family dwellings on C, D, E, and U agricultural lands provided that not more than ten percent of the project area consists of soil classified as A or B. In the meantime, we must work on improvements to the statutes on agricultural lands to make it more clearly defined to avoid any future misinterpretation.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 2181, House Draft 2
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

This is a very historical bill that will enable Hawaii to have a diversified economy by supporting Hawaii-based businesses in the fields of technology, life sciences, and renewable energy. Currently, Hawaii is in the beginning stages of establishing a strong knowledge-based industry. Unlike other areas of the United States and world, Hawaii-based businesses in these fields lack the amount of capital investments needed to move them from product development to commercial success.

This measure will play a huge role in solidifying a new economy in Hawaii based on technology, life sciences, and renewable energy by establishing $100,000,000 Hawaii innovations partnership special fund for the fiscal year 2006-2007 to invest in these entrepreneurial ventures through grants and capital investments. Thereafter, from 2007 to 2011, there will be an annual appropriation of one-half of one percent of the general revenues of the State into this fund.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 3080, House Draft 1
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

This bill is a collaborative refinement by state and county film offices, industry and union representatives of a similar bill that stalled in conference during the 2005 legislative session. It offers significant, but reasonable incentives to stimulate the film and television industry, which experienced a $64 million drop in expenditures between 2004 and 2005.

The bill provides a tax credit amounting to 15 percent of qualified production costs incurred on Oahu, and 20 percent on Neighbor Islands, with a cap of $8 million per production. According to film industry officials, this would make Hawaii competitive with other jurisdictions.

The Department of Taxation submitted testimony in strong support of the measure, stating that the tax credit allows Hawaii to compete in the worldwide marketplace of filming locations and that it is budget neutral, meaning that the tax credit would not impact the state's current expenditures.

The success of “LOST” in winning the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards has brought positive attention to the film industry in Hawaii. If we can seize the moment and compete with other localities around the world, we will generate revenue and create jobs for our community.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 3060, House Draft 1
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

Through this bill, the High Technology Development Corporation will be able to extend its existing small business innovation research grant program to include a small business technology transfer program to encourage small companies and researchers at nonprofit research institutions, including research universities and colleges, to work together to move laboratory-developed technologies to the marketplace and to foster technology-based economic development. This program will strengthen Hawaii's technology industry by encouraging the partnership between small companies and researchers.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 3077, House Draft 2
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

This bill authorizes up to $15,000,000 in Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist Rosette Steel Hawaii LLC in a manufacturing enterprise. The company will build a new facility to manufacture affordable home trusses and panels. Rosette Steel Hawaii LLC's affordable housing technology produces a superior grade steel product, which enables homes to be erected quickly and affordably. When completed, the facility will be able to produce six affordable homes per day. Finally, Rosette Steel Hawaii LLC's products and technologies can also be exported to other countries.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments
House Bill 3067, House Draft 2
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

Farming in Hawaii is very competitive with tight margins. This bill will provide eligible farmers an opportunity to obtain funds at favorable rates, which in turn encourages expansion, improvements, and diversification of their operations.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Written Comments For House Journal
House Bill 3057, House Draft 1
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

The Hawaii small business innovation research grant program was created to encourage small businesses to develop commercially viable technologies or innovations. Prior to 1989, there were only two Hawaii small business innovation research grant program-awarded companies, but since 1989, fifty-six Hawaii companies have won two hundred forty-five small business innovation research grant program awards. These grant program awards brought approximately $56,500,000 in federal small business innovation research grant program Phase I and Phase II funds to Hawaii. In addition to these grants, $57,500,000 in Phase III small business innovation research grant program commercialization contracts have been awarded to Hawaii companies. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Hawaii companies have won the highest number of United States Department of Agriculture small business innovation research grant program awards per capita of any state.

Hawaii must be a strong participant in accessing matching funds from the federal small business innovation research grant program, which has $2,000,000,000 in funds. Hawaii's cumulative state investment in the Hawaii small business innovation research grant program of $3,700,000 has a return ratio of 15:1 in federal Phase I and II grants and 30:1 if the Phase III commercial contracts are included.

The current annual general fund appropriation of approximately $260,000 for the grant program has remained relatively the same over the past sixteen years and actually decreased in some years from a high of $400,000. However, the increase in the number of participating Hawaii companies and grants awarded has caused a significant reduction in the amount of funding available from the Hawaii small business innovation research grant program for recipients of the federal program. Small business innovation research-funded, start-up projects and companies are an important part of the pipeline that feeds and increases the size and number of research and development companies seeking to commercialize technologies in Hawaii. This program, other similar programs, and the efforts of those involved result in a more stable technology-based economy in the state. Therefore, through this bill, the appropriation for the Hawaii small business innovation research grant program, and other related technology grant programs being created this legislative session within the High Technology Development Corporation will be increased to $500,000 to help foster further growth in the technology industry.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments Entered Into the House Journal
House Bill 3068, House Draft 3
Kunia Special Agricultural District
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

With the drastic increase in urban development in central and leeward Oahu, valuable agricultural lands must be protected. The Kunia agriculture lands bounded by Farrington Highway to the South, Kipapa Gulch and Kamehameha highway to the East, Wheeler Airforce base and Schofield Barracks to the North, and Makakilo Drive, the Makakilo residential urban district, and the Honouliuli forest reserve to the West is considered to be one of the best, if not the best agricultural lands in the State.

House Bill 3068 would establish the Kunia Special Agricultural District (District) and require the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to acquire public and private lands within the District for the development of agricultural projects and project facilities. The measure appropriates funds into the Hawaii Agricultural Development Revolving Fund to enable ADC to carry out this mission. Lastly, there is a low interest loan program in this bill to help entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Written Comments Entere Into the House Journal
House Bill 2771, House Draft 2
Making an Appropriation for an Agricultural Park in Royal Kunia
Tuesday, March 7, 2006

I rise in support.

This bill appropriates monies to the Department of Agriculture's agricultural park in Royal Kunia. The agricultural park is one hundred fifty acres of prime agricultural land and would encourage agricultural development and serve as a buffer between urban lands in Kunia and the mauka agricultural lands. As the demand for urban land development increases, it is vital that prime agricultural land be protected through agricultural parks such as this.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Speech
House Bill 1368 HD1
Relating to Land Use
February 17, 2006

Mr. Speaker. In Support. Mr. Speaker, let's go to the law. The reason why these developments have happened is because the law allowed it to happen. The law allowed one-acre lots to be develped. If you look at the statutes we defined what A and B lands are. C, D, E and U lands, what they are as well. Under A and B, you see a laundry list of restrictions. And under C, D, E and U, we gave authority to the counties. We also gave the authority to the counties to define accessory agricultural uses.

“The Land Use Commision created some rules which conflict with what the restrictions are for A and B. they tried to apply some of the A and B restrictions to C, D, E and U which is not stated in the law. And law supersedes ruling. So I think there might be a conflict in rulemaking versus what the law is stating.

“I think for this issue, there's language that allows this. If you look at 205-2, it's not linited to farm dwellings. You can also build buildings and not grow agriculture on that same lot. You can grow agriculture on other lots. So the law doesn't restrict C, D, E and U the way some attorneys are trying to make it restricted. So who's right or wrong depends on who interprets the law. And in this case the counties were given authority so they did what they did in permitting these developments. They didn't have to go to LUC. So maybe we need to clarify even better because the law doesn't state that the A and B restricitions should be applied to C, D, E and U. People are saying it should, but the law doesn't say that. So I'll just stand by the law. Thank you.”

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu’s 2006 Bills:

HB 2053
Sexual Violence; Prevention; Education ($)
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.

HB 2054
Sex Offenders; Sentencing
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.

HB 2117
Economic Development
(Short Form Bill)

HB 2118
Economic Development
(Short Form Bill)

HB 2119
Economic Development
(Short Form Bill)

HB 2120
Economic Development
(Short Form Bill)

HB 2121
Economic Development
(Short Form Bill)

HB 3057
High Technology Development Corporation; High Technology Research; Appropriation ($)
Appropriates funds to the high technology development corporation for the small business innovation research grant program, the small business technology transfer program, and the phase 0 competition assistance Program.

HB 3058
High Technology Innovation Corporation; Exemptions
Exempts the High Technology Innovation Corporation from chapter 36, HRS, relating to the management of state funds, chapter 38, HRS, relating to the deposits of state funds, and chapter 40, HRS, relating to state audit and accounting.

HB 3059
High Technology; Technology Transfer
Establishes a small business technology transfer program by authorizing the awarding of grants to Hawaii businesses that receive federal; small business innovation research grants or federal technology transfer program grants.

HB 3060
Small Business Technology Transfer Program; Established
Establishes a small business technology transfer program within the high technology development corporation.

HB 3061
Workforce Development Council
Transfers the workforce development council from the department of labor and industrial relations to the department of business, economic development, and tourism for administrative purposes.

HB 3062
Venture Capital; Appropriation ($)
Appropriates matching funds to the Hawaii strategic development corporation to be utilized in attracting additional private venture capital to accelerate the growth of Hawaii’s technology sectors.

HB 3063
Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii; Appropriation
Appropriates funds to EDAH for the expansion of technology training opportunities.

HB 3064
Hawaii Innovations Fund; State Private Investment Fund ($)
Establishes the Hawaii Innovations Fund (HIF) to provide grants to individuals or businesses that conduct research or product development in the life sciences, qualified high technology, and advanced technology fields. Appropriates $100,000,000 to be deposited into the HIF, with $50,000,000 transferred from HIF to the State Private Investment Fund.

HB 3065
State Private Investment Fund
Increases the total amount of issued and transferable tax credits. Adds insurance premium taxes to the list of applicable taxes. Ensures that tax credits will be invested in Hawaii companies. Authorizes the corporation to use refundable credits to support technology industry development efforts.

HB 3066
Green Facility Tax Credit
Establishes a tax credit for the acquisition of environmentally-friendly green technology facilities.

HB 3067
Linked Investments; Agricultural Loans
Establishes linked investments to provide loan funds for agriculture. Authorizes the State to invest in linked investments.

HB 3068
Agriculture; Kunia Special Agricultural District ($)
Establishes Kunia Special Agriculture District; requires Agribusiness Development Corp. to acquire public and private lands within the district for the development of agricultural projects and project facilities; allows use of funds in the Hawaii agricultural development revolving fund and linked investment loans; makes an appropriation.

HB 3069
Use of Biological Resources; Benefit Sharing ($)
Requires DLNR to implement permitting system for collection of biological resources from Hawaii and provides for use of revenues. Appropriates $250,000.

HB 3070
Agricultural Processing Plant; General Obligation Bonds ($)
Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the land acquisition, plans, design, construction, and equipment of an agricultural processing plant to be built near the Honolulu International Airport. Requires State department of agriculture to enter into contract with a private entity to obtain services necessary to run agricultural processing plant.

HB 3071
Eminent Domain; Appropriation; Royal Kunia ($)
Appropriates funds for the condemnation of land in Royal Kunia for the establishment of a state park.

HB 3072
Construction Authority; Creation; Appropriation ($)
Creates a construction authority under DCCA to ensure proper compliance with laws concerning labor, contractors, and construction projects. Creates construction authority special fund from portion of GET taxes, to pay employee salaries. Makes appropriation.

HB 3073
Construction Industry Authority; construction ($)
Establishes a Construction Industry Authority.

HB 3074
Hawaii construction authority; construction; task force ($)
Establishes a task force to study the feasibility of establishing a Hawaii construction authority.

HB 3075
Best Value Procurement
Allows “best value” principles and criteria to be used in procuring construction contracts through the competitive sealed proposals process.

HB 3076
Hawaii construction authority; construction; land development ($)
Establishes a Hawaii Construction Authority.

HB 3077
SPRBs; Manufacturing Facility; Rosette Steel Hawaii ($)
Authorizes issuance of up to $15,000,000 in SPRBs to assist Rosette Steel Hawaii in a manufacturing enterprise.

HB 3078
Sex Assault; Disposition of Minor Accused
Permits family court to commit minor, age 11 or older at the time of act that constitutes the offense of first degree sexual assault, for full term authorized by definition of offense. Provides for minor upon attaining age of majority, to be committed to custody of director of public safety for balance of term.

HB 3079
State and County Bond Sales; Competitive Sale of Bonds; Required
Requires that businesses that are retained by the State and counties to sell its bonds be hired through a competitive process. Requires that state and county bonds be sold through a competitive sale process.

HB 3080
Digital Media; Tax Credit
Temporarily replaces the motion picture and film production tax credit with the motion picture, digital media, and film production tax credit which provides an income tax credit amounting to 15% of qualified production costs incurred, in any county of Hawaii with a population over 700,000, and 20% in any county of Hawaii with a population under 700,000; establishes criteria to qualify for the tax credit; caps credit at $8,000,000 per production.

HB 3081
Appropriation; 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.

HB 3082
Gasoline; Storage Facility ($)
Requires DOT to establish and maintain a gasoline storage facility; allows Governor to sell gasoline from facility at wholesale price determined by PUC in times of shortage or drastic increases in gasoline prices; makes appropriation.

HB 3083
Fireworks; Counties
Allows the counties to pass ordinances and adopt rules relating to fireworks that are more restrictive than applicable state laws. Bans the use of fireworks on July 4th.

HB 3084
Gift Certificates; Validity; Maintenance Fees Prohibited
Establishes that gift certificates are valid in perpetuity and adds maintenance fees as a fee that is prohibited from being charged to dormant or inactive gift certificates.

HB 3085
State Lottery; Education
Creates state lottery, Hawaii gaming control commission, and state lottery special fund. Provides for payment of winnings and operations. Reserves remainder to fund elementary to post-secondary education. Prohibits recipients of state financial assistance from buying lottery tickets.

HB 3086
General Excise Tax; Exemption; Business
Provides a GET exemption to small businesses that derive at least 90% of their business from exports.

HB 3224
Sexual Assault; Date Rape Drugs
Amends the definition of “strong compulsion” to include the use or attempt to use a controlled substance to overcome a person.

HB 3225
Condominiums
Amends chapter 514B, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Amends chapter 514C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to make sections consistent with chapter 514B.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu House Legislative Session Invocation
12:00 P.M., January 19, 2006

Sure, our world is full of people who hurt others, but together can we make it more peaceful and better to live. Every individual is accountable for one's actions. Everyone must do their best to treat others with respect. There is no such thing as wiping your slate clean just by repenting. When you hurt someone emotionally or physically, it is done, and you cannot turn back the clock to change history. We must be proactive, not reactive. Everyone must do their best to stop their bad actions from ever happening and perform good actions. We have no one to answer to but ourselves, if not our family and ancestors.

My time in this world is limited just as yours is. We must keep death in mind at all times because it will help us live life to the fullest. When you keep death in mind, you appreciate life. You cherish your family and loved ones. You love others and do kind gestures because that may be the last time you see them. You work hard because you may not have another chance. You pray to your ancestors and loved ones who passed away. And you appreciate the simple pleasures of life such as the sunset over the ocean.

By keeping death in mind, you are more aware and in control of your actions. You avoid speaking offensively to others because that may be the last words they hear from you. You avoid foolish behavior that can result in your death. You take care of your health by exercising, and eating and drinking in moderation. You free your mind of evil thoughts and search for inner peace. Finally, you prepare to leave a legacy for future generations.

Today, I want all of us to first, close our eyes and focus on the good actions you plan to do in the future. Then second, I want all of us to pray to our loved ones who passed away and our ancestors and thank them for all the good they have done to pave the way for us, and also to seek their guidance in our quest to live a positive life.

For the past three years as a State Representative, I have been participating in meetings and events in mostly Oahu business chambers and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Business Association of Hawaii, Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce, Waipahu Business Association, West Oahu Economic Development Association, and Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California.

In preparing my economic package as Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns, I felt I needed to hear the concerns of the business community not just in Honolulu, but throughout the entire State of Hawaii. Thus, in the past several months, I met with business organizations and leaders from the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Ni'ihau either on Oahu or on their islands.

I have a better understanding of the struggles rural areas have. For example, last week, I spent Thursday, January 5th and Friday, January 6th in Molokai. I was invited by the Molokai Chamber of Commerce to speak at their quarterly meeting and visited many business owners. I realized there is a delicate balance between keeping the feel of a small community with economic growth and development. I sensed a struggle between marketing more tourists, which benefit Molokai retailers, restaurants, farmers, and tourist industry versus maintaining a small number of tourists to keep the island's pace the way old Hawaii was. There also appears to be a debate on whether Genetically Modified Organism farming should be allowed on Molokai, which is one of the biggest employers on the island.

Nonetheless, I believe agriculture and innovative entrepreneurs are a bright hope for Molokai. I met with energetic farmers and creative entrepreneurs in art. Areas government can help is helping the farmers with their irrigation system, programs to encourage entrepreneurs to do business on Molokai, and educational support. These are issues I will be working on with the Molokai legislators and the rest of my colleagues in the legislature.

Happy New Year! I have a strange feeling that 2006 will be a big year for Hawaii. The economy is doing well as a result of our booming tourism, federal spending, and construction.

I believe this is the year we can invest in areas such as technology, science, and agriculture. My dream is to make our knowledge-based industries (service or products created by the minds of the people of Hawaii) as big as tourism.

I will also be working on a measure to encourage new technology to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the amount of solid waste placed in our landfills.

With more revenue in our state treasury, one of the social areas I want to focus on is appropriating more money to help the Sex Abuse Treatment Center. Their budget has remained stagnated since the early 1990s. They need an increase of a little over $1 million to keep their operations going. We must help survivors of sexual assault. Keep in mind that they face post traumatic stress disorder, and there is a high risk of depression and drug use that can affect their lives. I have a package of bills relating to sexual assault prevention and law enforcement.

I look forward to working hard to better Hawaii. For 2006 and the rest of your life, treat others with respect. There is no such thing as wiping your slate clean just by repenting. When you hurt someone emotionally or physically, it is done, and you cannot turn back the clock to change history. You must stop your evil actions from ever happening and perform good actions. Remember that we are all responsible for our actions, you have no one to answer to but yourself, if not your family and ancestors. You are ultimately responsible for your behavior. Only together, we can make our world a better place.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year, good health, and much success in all your endeavors!

My time in this world is limited just as yours is. I am always aware of death. Some people feel this is negative and pessimistic. I believe it is a positive strategy in life and being prepared.

When you keep death in mind, you appreciate life. You cherish your family and loved ones. You love others and do kind gestures because that may be the last time you see them. You work hard because you may not have another chance. You pray to your ancestors and loved ones who passed away. You appreciate the simple pleasures of life such as the sunset over the ocean.

By keeping death in mind, you are more aware and in control of your actions. You avoid speaking offensively to others because that may be the last words they hear from you. You avoid foolish behavior that can result in your death. You take care of your health by exercising, and eating and drinking in moderation. You free your mind of evil thoughts and search for inner peace. You prepare to leave a legacy for future generations.

By keeping death in mind, you live life to the fullest!

This philosophy can only be applied to people who respect others and try to appreciate the deeper meaning of life. Our world is full of selfish people who do not care about anyone else but themselves. As a result, they hurt others with disregard. Then there are those who do not care about themselves as well, and they too, place suffering onto others. Their lives are miserable, so they go and make other lives miserable. No one is perfect, but we all can work at bettering ourselves, and by doing so, our society benefits.

Today, for Christmas, I received a book on the Code of the Samurai or Bushido Shoshinshu. I was surprised when I read the first chapter, which explained how keeping death in mind could improve you as a person. It was nice to see an honor code that reinforces my philosophy. The way of the samurai is still alive today.

The following are excerpts from the Code of the Samurai:

“One who is supposed to be a warrior considers it his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times, every day and every night, from the morning of New Year’s Day through the night of New Year’s Eve.”

“As long as you keep death in mind at all times, you will also fulfill the ways of loyalty and familial duty. You will also avoid myriad evils and calamities, you will be physically sound and healthy, and you will live a long life. What is more, your character will improve and your virtue will grow.”

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Today, I spoke on a radio talk show called “The Voice of Labor” on AM 1500 from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. with two guests from the technology industry. We talked about legislation regarding technology and the benefits it could bring to the State of Hawaii.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, I spent a day on Kauai with Kauai Representative Mina Morita. We met with the Kauai Economic Development Board, the Niihau Shell Makers and some public students in Project East. I was really touched to meet the Ni’ihau shell makers. They were grateful for a bill I introduced that became law, which authenticates Niihau shell products to prevent fraudulent sales. I was so honored to meet them. I really appreciated Rep. Morita for giving me the opportunity to meet with the community in Kauai.

I am so honored to be here to congratulate Hoku Scientific for all its hard work and achievements. I remember meeting with Dustin a year and a half ago and we came up with a bill for a $10 million special purpose revenue bond to help Hoku Scientific build the facility you see here. I want to thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives and State Senate and also the Governor for supporting the bill ($10 million special purpose revenue bond bill) I introduced this year.

I would like to mention that since I was young, I would dream of the endless possibilities for Hawaii. One of my biggest dreams is to see Hawaii become a global economic power. And I know this might seem far-fetched for some. But it is because of leaders like Dustin and companies like Hoku, my dream is still alive today. Thank you. Congratulations.

I would like to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate…if you guys could come up to the stage to help me present this certificate.

Last Friday, September 16, 2005, Governor Linda Lingle appointed Bev Harbin to replace the Downtown Honolulu House seat vacated by Rep. Ken Hiraki when he took a position with Hawaiian Telcom. Today, Speaker Calvin K. Y. Say officially announced Rep. Bob Herkes to take the chair of the Consumer and Protection Committee vacated by Rep. Hiraki. As of Tuesday, September 20, 2005, I was named chair of Chair of the Economic Development and Business Concerns Committee, which Rep. Herkes chaired. Rep. Kyle Yamashita replaces me as vice chair of the Tourism and Culture Committee. Rep. Ryan Yamane is now vice chair of the Legislative Management Committee, which Rep. Yamashita occupied.

I thouroughly enjoyed the last three years as vice chair of Tourism and Culture under the chair, Rep. Jerry Chang. Being vice chair of Tourism and Culture under Chair Chang was an awesome experience and I thank Speaker so much for that opportunity. Likewise, I am extremely grateful for my new assignment to chair the Economic Development and Business Concerns Committee.

I will do my best to strengthen Hawaii's economy. I want to diversify our economy by strengthening our technology, biotechnology, science, art, digital media, and film industries. In addition, I will work hard to help our workforce and infrastructure.

My mother taught me to always look at a cup that is filled halfway with water as being half full rather than half empty. We must remember all the positives in life.

I am so fortunate to have been brought up in a family that stressed discipline, but I always knew love was the basis of everything. I love my family.

I enjoy my friends. I appreciate all the girls who were a part of my life. I like you for who you are. If you are a good person, you are a good person.

There is a modern way of the samurai where honor, discipline, courage and love is one and the same. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Battalion, Military Intelligence Service (MIS), 522nd Artillery, 1399 Engineers, and Americans of Japanese Ancestry (AJAs) of the World War II generation had that spirit. They fought fascism overseas and racism back home in the United States. I am lucky to have learned from a number of people from this great generation.

I always hear the statement, “You cannot solve the problems of the world.” I will try. Although there are many negative things in our country and the world, I channel the negative energy and use that energy to do something positive.

Even in death, I am alive. I will live through you as you try to change the world for the better.

I love my family. My father Richard is an electrical engineer for the federal government. My mother Laraine is an elementary school teacher. My younger sister Mia is a medical doctor in Orange County, California. My baby sister Lara is a civil engineer in Southern Washington State, commuting from Portland, Oregon. My grandma Karamatsu is healthy and doing well. My friends are fun and supportive.

Experiencing various places has taught me a lot. It has made me stronger and open-minded.

Places I have experienced:
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
2. Kauai, Hawaii
3. Maui, Hawaii
4. Big Island, Hawaii
5. Bay Area, California
6. Southern California
7. Seattle, Washington
8. Spokane, Washington
9. Small towns in Eastern Washinton
10. Denver, Colorado
11. Vail, Colorado
12. Colorado Springs, Colorado
13. Phoenix, Arizona
14. Alberqurque, New Mexico
15. Boseman, Montana
16. Courdelane, Idaho
17. Small towns in Northern Idaho
18. Las Vegas, Nevada
19. Reno, Nevada
20. Winnemucca, Nevada
21. Portland, Oregon
22. Small towns in Western Oregon
23. Washinton D.C.
24. Arlington, Virginia
25. Baltimore, Maryland
26. Small towns in Maryland.
27. Orlando, Florida
28. Tampa Bay, Florida
29. St. Petersburg, Florida
30. New York City, New York
31. Tokyo, Japan
32. Fukuoka, Japan
33. Osaka, Japan
34. Kumamoto, Japan
35. Hiroshima, Japan
36. Miyajima, Japan
37. Kyoto, Japan
38. Nikko, Japan
39. Hakone, Japan
40. Shanghai, China
41. Beijing, China
42. Tianjin, China
41. Hong Kong, China
43. Macau, China
44. Bangkok, Thailand
45. Chiangmai, Thailand
46. Vancouver, Canada
47. Whistler, Canada

Good Evening.

I am honored to be here to present congratulatory remarks to you for receiving certificates for completing the initial summer phase of the University of Hawaii Health Careers Opportunity Program. This is an important federally funded program that provides opportunities to individuals from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds to bring diversity to the health profession. Congratulations on all your hard work and perseverance!

Just this Tuesday, I returned from a trip to China and Thailand. I traveled with the governor, colleagues in the State House, state department officials and Hawaii business leaders in China. I continued on my own to Hong Kong and Thailand with another state representative. In China and Thailand, my colleagues and I encouraged the exchange of education, technology, culture, and trade. One of the topics that came up was healthcare and how our respective states must help our aging communities. Right around the corner, Hawaii must be ready to take care of a big “Baby Boomer” generation. Therefore, you will be the leaders at the forefront addressing Hawaii's health issues.

In Thailand, I did not have a chance to visit the tsunami devastated areas, however, I did get a sense of the impact it had on the people and economy. I pray a natural disaster with that magnitude never hits Hawaii, but should something happen, your work in the health field will be critical.

In my line of work as a politician and businessperson, I am fortunate to experience many cultures and communities. Each of you have different traditions and cultures to share with others. By learning from each other, we become closer as a community. Your understanding of culture will be beneficial as you help people in need.

I really want to thank you for your dedication to the health field. My younger sister is a doctor, so I have an idea of the hard work and devotion it takes. Your kindness and re-assuring face is priceless for a person who needs your help.

Let me also extend my congratulations to the parents, family, friends and loved ones who have supported you to reach this point. For your accomplishment brings pride to your family and community.

In your desire to commit to a profession that cares for the health of others, you have already become a successful partner in the quality of life for the people of our State of Hawaii. Again, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and thank you for your participation in this important program.

In regards to China, I was a little nervous going there because of all the rhetoric I hear in the Western media by our leaders. My nervousness disappeared when I arrived in China. Shanghai is modernizing quickly. Tall skyscrapers with bright lights, factories on the outskirts, technology parks, and stores and cars everywhere. There were many areas in Shanghai where people could party and dance. Beijing seemed a lot more conservative. I was honored to have dinner in the Great Hall. Tianjin appeared more in the beginning stages of development. Their technology park was impressive. Hong Kong is a very modern city and the most liberal of the cities I visited, next to Shanghai. Macau is quickly growing their gambling industry with many big themed casinos.

Of all the Chinese leaders I met, I was very impressed with a Supreme Court Justice from one of the provinces I visited. This justice worked in the factories when he was young. He studied and worked hard and became the top justice of his province. When mentioned on China becoming a global power, he stated, “Sure, on the coasts of China, there is prosperity. But if you go to inland China, there is a lot of suffering. As long as there is that suffering, you don't have to worry about China becoming a world power.” I was so impressed with him because he was so humble. In my opinion, humbleness make great leaders as they know their strengths, but are open-minded to improve their country and help their people.

I am so used to hearing a number of our leaders and citizens boasting how we are the greatest. When I hear this, I just listen. That is why it was so refreshing to hear the Chinese Justice with his humble words. All the rhetoric and boasting by many politicians and citizens is too common. As an American politician and leader in the United States, I mention the good things about our country, but I also mention our faults and the things we need to improve on. I believe there is always room for improvement. In our country, there are many great and caring people, but there are also racists, people discriminating others based on their lifestyle, people forcing their religious beliefs on others, power-abusing people with no feelings who take advantage of less fortunate people in our country and overseas, etc. I think we need to respect each other. It is easy to boast, but it is very difficult to expose one's faults. Humbleness is a virtue, something I learned from my parents and grandparents.

Sure, there are many differences between China and the United States. However, I believe, we are on our way to a long and lasting relationship. Trade is developing better relationships between our people. As a politician, I will continue to strengthen our ties with China.

Pertaining to both China and Thailand, I learned about the good and bad things capitalism does, especially to less fortunate people. The good point is that it brings outside revenue into developing areas and as time goes on, life conditions improve. With more competition in the market, workers can choose the type of jobs they want and better working conditions. The bad point is that some companies are looking at workers as statistics, and may not be sure how much money is actually going to the workers, or if there is abuse. There is also the child labor, labor trafficking, and forced prostitution issues. Money is power, and with great power, comes great responsibility.

In Thailand, I was very impressed with the kindness of the people there. On the other hand, I saw how poverty affected people. Women utilized their beauty to survive or get ahead in life. I became friends with several Thais. When I left Thailand, my emotions for the Thai people were very strong.

When I was in Chiangmai, Thailand, I prayed at a Buddhist temple on the top of the mountain. There were two dragon heads at the entrance of steep stairs going up to the temple, and you couldn't see much because of a thick fog. At the temple, the fog was everywhere. I kneeled and prayed for my friends and the women of Thailand. When I finished praying, I heard our guide say, “Oh wow, look at that!” I looked up and there was a circle of blue in the sky. The clouds were quickly moving outward. When I looked around me, the fog was all gone. At the edge of the mountain, we could see the city of Chiangmai. It was so beautiful.

My China and Thailand trip.

June 7 – Honolulu to Shanghai
June 12 – Shanghai to Beijing
June 14 – Beijing to Tianjin by car
June 16 – Tianjin to Hong Kong
June 18 – Visited Macau
June 19 – Hong Kong to Bangkok
June 28 – Bangkok to Honolulu

I attended the Governor’s delegation to China. A couple of my friends in business also attended. The mission had five tracks: government, business, technology, education, and culture. Hawaii goverment officials met with Chinese government officials to strengthen relations between China and Hawaii, and to discuss issues such as tourism, trade, technology, and education. The University of Hawaii and Chinese universities signed agreements to encourage education and research. The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and the Chineses Technology parks signed agreements to encourage Chinese tech companies to come to Hawaii and Hawaii tech companies to go to China. There were business match-making meetings set up for Hawaii companies to meet Chinese companies.

I went with the Governor’s delegation to Shanghai and Beijing. In Beijing, the State of Hawaii set up an office.

As the delegation headed to the Guangdong province, two House colleagues of mine and a friend veered in another direction to meet with government officials in Tianjin where Hawaii also has a sister state relationship. We visited their tech park and had meetings with their public administrators, tourism officials, and a supreme court justice.

We went on to Hong Kong where we met a U.S. official of the U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong. Another friend of mine met us in Hong Kong. In our spare time, we visited the island of Macau. One House colleague and his wife went to Japan to meet with the Governor of Niigata prefecture. In the meantime I went with my other colleague in the House and my two friends to meet up with a small delegation of business leaders from Hawaii in Thailand. We then flew to Chiangmai where there is interest in a Hawaii – Chiangmai sister state relationship. We met with the Mayor of Chiangmai, the President of Chiangmai University, and the Prince of Thailand. We discussed the possibility of trade and education between Chiangmai and Hawaii. I returned to Bangkok and met with some of the local business leaders there. I returned to Hawaii on June 28.

For the past month, I've been focusing on improving my business, since I focused a majority of my time to politics during the legislative session. Honestly, I've been feeling a little disenchanted with politics. However, tonight I had a wonderful time at Jennifer Waihe'e's role playing party. I released some of my negative energy after a nice talk with my friend. When we were younger, we would talk for hours about politics right outside of my parent's garage and dream of the great things we could do for Hawaii, often until the sun came up. After midnight, Governor Waihe'e and Mrs. Waihe'e came back home. My friend and I had a great conversation with the Governor until three in the morning. The things he said re-energized me because he is so positive-minded. I learned a lot from the Governor and will cherish his advice. I think the old Jon is back, and I am excited again to keep working hard to better Hawaii and my country.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Speech
Senate Bill 55
Relating to Meal Breaks
Tuesday, May 3, 2005

I rise in support with reservations.

Mr. Speaker, the senate president once told me a story of what first impressed him of you. You were a very young chair of a Water Land and Ocean Affairs hearing, and there were some disagreements on a bill being heard in your committee. You told your members with passion, “we’re going to vote on this and I want all you guys show your colors.”

Mr. Speaker, these are my colors. I am going to reveal the struggle I am having within me on policy for Hawaii. In regards to Senate Bill 55 relating to meal breaks, I was trying to find a balance between employers and employees. I respect anyone willing to put his or her savings and property at risk to start a business. It is because of these risk takers that jobs are created for our state’s workforce. We often forget that there are also business owners struggling, living on paycheck to paycheck. On the other hand, I respect all the work labor has done for us. Considering, my first job was working in the warehouse for Duty Free Shoppers Hawaii, tagging merchandise for eight hours or more a day.

I have reservations on this measure because I feel there are times when we are over-regulating business owners and entrepreneurs. Liabilities raise the cost of doing business in Hawaii, therefore, we should carefully analyze whether we are overseeing Hawaii’s business community or choking it?

When I was in college, I worked for Duty Frees Shoppers Hawaii in the flightline division. The supervisors at Duty Free would give us meal breaks, but there were times where either the supervisor forgot because it was so busy or they offered me to take a meal break but I stayed and worked because they were short of workers and I didn’t want to leave my supervisor short-handed. A disgruntled worker could make a claim against the company for those missed meal breaks under this bill. However, this is something I wouldn’t have done because I was so grateful to have a job and felt loyal to the company. At the same time, if there is abuse, we need to protect the workers.

Also, I had concerns for the small businesses with only one, two, or a few employees. I hear that owners often allow them to take a break at the work site to avoid closing down the store or service. I think we can try and address these concerns in the future.

On a positive note, I am proud of the labor chair’s work in trying to find a balance by putting a clause where businesses can appeal for an exemption. His job is a tough one, so I understand the amount of pressure he faced.

In my struggle on this issue in balancing business and labor, I had a nice talk with Senator Najo Yoshinaga, who served in the legislature from 1954 to 1974 and is a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Whenever, I see the senator, he is always talking to me about business, creating jobs, technology, and Enterprise Honolulu. Now think about it, this is a senator that made a career on workers’ rights legislation and laws such as the Prepaid Health Act, which many states wonder how we did it. I asked the senator on why he is so excited about business and economic development? He simply replied, “I had to adjust to the times. You cannot be extreme in one area.” In his twenty years in politics he focused on the labor side. However, near the end of his career, he began to take an interest in business and economic issues. The senator told me, “I didn’t do enough. By the time I started, it was too late…my twenty years were up.”

Mr. Speaker, I will continue to strive to make Hawaii economically stronger where risk takers are encouraged to create jobs and bring in revenue into Hawaii’s treasury. We must not forget that these risk takers are providing more jobs for Hawaii’s workforce. Further, I will continue to seek a balance between employers and employees. When Senator Najo Yoshinaga’s career ended in 1974, that was the year I was born. I will continue where he left off to make Hawaii an economic power and I dedicate a part of my career to him.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
Floor Speech
Senate Bill 682
Relating to Tobacco
Tuesday, May 3, 2005

I rise in support.

Mr. Speaker, in regards to Senate Bill 682, I want to thank the chair of Health and vice chair of Judiciary for working with the other conferees on a compromise. I would also like to thank the representatives from Waimea, Upcountry Maui, Wailuku, Mililani, and Waipahu for their suggestions.

The concerns some of us had were with the penalties businesses would face. We took out most of the “gross negligence language” and emphasized the “intent” and “fraudulent” language.

The main concern I have with the bill is allowing the attorney general rulemaking authority. When I asked Attorney General Bennet what he plans to do through rulemaking, he stated that he wanted to get more penalties on businesses. I got confused because I thought the intent was to punish the black market especially when the punishment deals with revocation of a license to do business and possible jail time? However, the attorney general gave us his word that the rules will be fair and he will show them to the legislature. As a compromise, we placed a sunset date of July 1, 2009 so we can analyze the work of the attorney general.

Even though there are parts of this bill that I still have concerns with, I think we did the best we could to find a compromise. Although, I did not get the pleasure of meeting him, I hope Speaker Richard Kawakami is proud of our efforts.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

I made a short speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in favor of this bill. I mentioned how depending on what happens in the future, this bill could be historical. This company will provide clean and efficient energy through fuel cells. This will change the tide in how we use energy.

For the last three years, I introduced a bill to remove the requirement of having social security numbers of people who sign political candidates’ nomination forms. This year a new representative introduced a bill with this intent and it was recently signed into law by the governor.

Last weekend, I took my mom and grandma to the Hawaii International Film Festival to watch a Japanese movie “Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World.” It was so good! A very sad, romantic movie. It made me think of how precious life is. There is a Japanese song I have been listening to constantly that was remade into a Hawaiian song. The original Japanese song is called “Nada Sousou” and it is very deep. I believe this song was meant for a loved one who passed away. If I were to die, this would be a great song to say goodbye to all my loved ones. The lyrics are as follows:

furui arubamu (album) mekuri
arigatou tte tsubuyaita
itsumo itsumo mune no naka
hagemashite kureru hito yo
harewataru hi mo ame no hi mo
ukabu ano egao
omoide tooku asete mo
omokage sagashite
yomigaeru hi wa nada sousou

ichiban hoshi ni inoru
sore ga watashi no kuse ni nari
yuugure ni miageru sora
kokoro ippai anata sagasu
kanashimi ni mo yorokobi ni mo
omou ano egao
anata no basho kara watashi ga
mietara kitto itsuka
aeru to shinji ikite yuku

harewataru hi mo ame no hi mo
ukabu ano egao
omoide tooku asete mo
samishikute koishikute kimi e no omoi nada sou sou
aitakute aitakute kimi e no omoi nada sou sou

Translation:
I whisper “thank you”, as I leaf through this old photograph album,
to one who always cheered me on, within my heart
And should the memories of that smile I think of,
come rain or shine, fade away into the distance
They return in the days I search for a glimpse of your face, a stream of tears

Almost a habit now, I wish upon the very first star
Looking within the evening skies for you with all my heart
The memories of that smile I think of, in sorrow or joy
And if you can see me, from where you are
I will live on, believing that someday we will meet again

And should the memories of that smile I think of,
come rain or shine, fade away into the distance
In loneliness and yearning – my feelings for you, a stream of tears
If only we could meet, if only we could meet – my feelings for you, a stream of tears