JON RIKI KARAMATSU

Fundraiser for Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Bishop Museum
Hawaiian Courtyard & Atrium Court
(Next to the Polynesian Hall)
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, Hawaii

Thursday, April 3, 2008

5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.

Suggested Donation $50
Checks payable to Friends of Jon Riki Karamatsu

House Bill 2316
Protects agricultural classified land from rezoning if the land produces at least $1,000,000 in gross income annually.

House Bill 2317
Authorizes the agribusiness development corporation to use revenue bonds to purchase agricultural land, including in Kunia on Oahu. Appropriates funds to purchase these lands. Enables the agribusiness development corporation to contract with banks to provide lease management services. Allows the agribusiness development corporation to lease agricultural lands in these areas for up to 55 years.

House Bill 2318 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2457 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Provides that harassment includes all computer communications.

House Bill 2319 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2456 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Adds computer communication as a form of nonconsensual contact in the offense of harassment by stalking. 

House Bill 2320 (My companion Bill: Senate Bill 2458 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga) 
Establishes the offense of criminal impersonation, making it a petty misdemeanor to impersonate another person and place the person at risk of bodily injury.

House Bill 2321 (My companion bill: Senate Bills 2267 and 520 introduced by Senator Gary Hooser)
Establishes a peace mission committee within the office of international affairs to plan and implement peace missions to other nations and organizations. Appropriates funds.

House Bill 2322 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2632 introduced by Senator Ron Menor)
Adds concentrating solar power energy systems as a new category for claiming the renewable energy technologies tax credit.

House Bill 2323 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2200 introduced by Senator Clarence Nishihara)
Establishes visitor area beach restoration special fund; dedicates moneys in tourism special fund to visitor area beach restoration special fund for 1 year only.  Appropriates moneys from the special fund to pay for visitor area beach restoration project on Waikiki beach fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. 

House Bill 2324 (By Request; Companion bill: Senate Bill 2369 introduced by Senator Mike Gabbard)
Excludes the first $50,000 in deferred income retirement plans from state income taxes. 

House Bill 2325
Authorizes the agribusiness development corporation to acquire interests in agricultural lands through lump sum purchase or installment purchase agreements. Makes an appropriation for the acquisition of certain lands in central Oahu owned by Dole Food Company of Hawaii.

House Bill 2744 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2268 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Creates for 20 years economic zones proximate to any mass transit route on Oahu. Grants nonrefundable tax credits in varying percentages to economic zone qualified businesses earning above and below $        in gross annual revenues. Grants    % tax credit for development of housing within zones.

House Bill 2745 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2272 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Creates a task force to recommend parameters for the creation of mass transit route economic zones including geographic criteria, eligibility for participating businesses, and benefits and incentives such as tax credits. Report to legislature. Task force terminates on 06/30/2009.

House Bill 2746 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2744 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Provides a tax credit and general excise tax exemption for the hydrogen fuel industry.

House Bill 2747 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 2745 introduced by the author, Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Establishes that communication of defamatory statements by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, or other computer communication meets the requirement of publication.

House Bill 2748 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 2520 introduced by Senator Gary Hooser)
Appropriates funds for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai irrigation system.

House Bill 2749 (Companion Bill: Senate Bill 2803 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Implements recommendations of the 12/2007 report of the Hawaii identity theft task force to protect the security of personal information collected and maintained by state and county government.

House Bill 2750 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 2902 introduced by the author, Senator Gary Hooser)  
Appropriates funds for the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace at the University of Hawaii for the hiring of a director; administrative, professional, and technical staff; and an assistant professor. Also appropriates funds for research and an international conference.

House Bill 2751 (Companion bill:Senate Bill 2614 introuduced by author, Senator Les Ihara)
Appropriates funds for archived and indexed video and audio streams of legislative proceedings on the internet.

House Bill 2817
Makes an appropriation of $4,800,000 for the music entertainment learning experience program at Honolulu community college, and issues general obligation bonds for site development, renovation, facilities remodeling, and studio construction.

House Bill 2818
Appropriates funds for the Institute for Peace.

House Bill 2819
Prohibits open possession of consumer fireworks other than during the days and times authorized by law.

House Bill 2820 (Companion bill Senate Bill 3157 introduced by Senator Colleen Hanabusa by request)
Amends the state water code to support making sufficient water available for agricultural activity on important agricultural lands.

House Bill 2821 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 3209 introduced by Senator Jill Tokuda)
Establishes tax credit for agricultural businesses on important agricultural lands.

House Bill 2822
Provides a tax credit equal to 50% of the costs for construction of a new drought mitigation water storage facility, or repair or reconstruction of an existing water storage facility.

House Bill 2823 (Introduced by Senator Colleen Hanabusa by request)
Establishes limitations on liability for damages for owners of dams and reservoirs.

House Bill 2824
Authorizes the court to sentence certain persons 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.

House Bill 2825 (My companion bill: Senate Bill 3190 introduced by Senator Ron Menor)
Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding $35,000,000 to assist Sopogy, Inc. with planning, designing, construction, equipping, and operating a solar farm power plant on the island of Oahu to produce electricity from solar power.

House Bill 3311
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii college of education to do a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a center for peace education.

House Bill 3312
Requires certification of non-prescription health products sold in the State.

House Bill 3313 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 2613 introduced by the author, Senator Les Ihara)
Appropriates $80,000 to upgrade and enhance the wiring in the public rooms of the capitol, including the conference rooms used for public hearings, the capitol auditorium, and both chambers, to increase digital access and to improve safety and ease of use by the public.

House Bill 3314 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 3168 introduced by the author, Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Establishes the academy for creative media program in statute under the University of Hawaii at west Oahu; amends Act 11, special session 2007, to delete all references to a lease agreement with PBS Hawaii.

House Bill 3315
Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the 41st representative district.

House Concurrent Resolution 63 (Companion resolution: Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced by author, Senator Clarence Nishihara)
Requesting the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to study the feasibility of creating a renewable energy sub-district classification of lands as permissible locations for renewable energy generation and to study, with the assistance of the Department of Taxation, the cost of providing a non-refundable income tax credit to residents of communities of renewable energy sub-districts that produce renewable energy.

House Concurrent Resolution 177 and House Resolution 150 (Companion resolutions: Senate Resolution 62 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 117 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
The community is requested to support the African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii in its efforts to locate a facility on state, county, or private lands.

House Concurrent Resolution 179 and House Resolution 152 (Companion resolutions: Senate concurrent Resolution 126 and Senate Resolution 65 introduced by the author, Senator Clarence Nishihara)
Requesting the Department of Health to establish a Global Warming Task Force to assess the impacts of global warming on the state.

House Bill 509 House Draft 1 (Speaker Emeritus Joe Souki inserted my language in the House Draft 1 of one of his short form bills)
Prohibits a towing company from charging the owner of a vehicle targeted for towing if the owner of the vehicle appears on the scene.

Rep. Karamatsu Supports Rep. Ken Ito’s Bills: 
House Bill 2957 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 2269 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Provides a refundable small business exporter tax credit based on the percentage of out-of-state business conducted by a small business located in the State.

House Bill 2958 (Companion bill: Senate Bill 2270 introduced by Senator Carol Fukunaga)
Provides a non-refundable small business exporter tax credit based on the percentage of out-of-state business conducted by a small business located in the State.

Written Comments for Senate Concurrent Resolution 1
Urging the United States Postal Service to issue a postal stamp honoring the World War II Japanese-American Nisei soldiers.
January 18, 2008

      I rise in support. 

      A United States postal stamp honoring the World War II Japanese-American Nisei soldiers would be a great tribute to the sacrifice they went through for the sake of future generations.  They faced racism in their own country, but despite this, they valiantly fought to protect it. 

      My uncle Roy Okubo was a member of the 522^nd Artillery, which was attached to the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team.  He is the younger brother of my grandma Bessie S. Karamatsu.  I am very proud of his service that helped to better our country and world. 

      I am a friend of Senator Nadao Yoshinaga who is a member of the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team.  After his service in World War II, he became a lawyer and elected official, and helped change the discriminatory laws in Hawaii.  He routinely visits me and we talk about politics, a passion we both share.  It is a dream come true for me to have a mentor who was a politician from the 1954 Hawaii Democratic Revolution and a veteran of World War II.  We met in 2002 and have been friends ever since. 

      Finally, I have friends in the 100^th Infantry Battalion such as Robert Arakaki, its current president.  I got to know a number of them by volunteering at their events and hanging out with them during lunchtime at Club 100.  When I am with them, I am always inspired to shoot for my dreams and do the best I can do. 

      I am so honored to have these heroes in my life.  I am who I am because of them.  We must do all we can to continue their legacy so that their sacrifice is remembered eternally.  Having a United States postage stamp honoring them would be a wonderful tribute. 

      Thank you.

On the last Saturday of 2007, after I helped to make mochi at Jodo Shu (Buddhist), I picked up kadomatsu and mochi for my home, business office, and state capitol office for good luck.

On new year's eve, I spent time with my family and relatives at my uncle's house in Kapahulu.  We ate good food and popped fireworks for good luck.

On new year's day, my family and I attended Jodo Shu's new year service.  We prayed to my Karamatsu grandparents at Jodo Shu, where they have a niche.  We stopped by Shinnyo-en (Buddhist) and attended the ending of their new year's service.  Then we went to Diamond Head Cemetary to pray to my Sakai grandparents.  After that, we went to the Daijingu shrine (Shinto) to get blessed by the Shinto reverend and get omomori (good luck items) for ourselves and our homes.  I got omomori for my offices.  Next, we stopped at the Izumo Taisha shrine (Shinto) to get blessed and more omomori.  We ate dim sum at the Chinese Cultural Plaza.

Finally, my family watched the University of Hawaii (UH) football game against University of Georgia.  Although UH lossed, I was happy to see how hard they tried.  Just to get to the BCS Sugar Bowl was a feat in itself.

I already typed out my 2008 resolutions in October and November of 2007, so I have already been hard at work before 2008 arrived.  All my bills for the 2008 legislative session were submitted in October 2007 and are being researched.  I have been working hard on my business.  I did some volunteer work for community organizations.  I sent out a brochure to the entire 41st State House district in December 2007.  I am revising my campaign plans and preparation for 2008.  I am working on the non-profit organization for Peace Day Hawaii.  I am slowly chipping away and writing more content for my novel.  I have been exercising about four times a week, two hours a day, trying to stay “cut.”  I spend more time with my family.  I hang out with my friends when I have a chance. 

I am starting to feel normal again after my DUI incident, but I have increased my determination a 100 times stronger, which is nuts because I was already goal-driven before my incident.  In my life as an athlete, student, and now politician, I was often the underdog because I wasn't the biggest, smartest, or most talented, but I always tried my best.  I create my strategies for all my goals and work at them non-stop.  My strategies are in my head everyday, every hour, even when I am running or lying in bed.  I have a hard time sleeping because I am always thinking.  If only, we didn't have to sleep.  With the adversity in my life, I am determined to do the best that I can.

I wish all of you a safe and happy 2008!  Cherish your loved ones.  Pray to those who passed away and pray to all your ancestors, even if you never met them.  Knowing that you think about them, means a lot.  Help others and when you fall, maybe someone will be there to help you up.  Enjoy life.  You never know when your time in this world will end.  Time is limited.  Therefore, go all-out in all your dreams!

On Friday, December 28, 2007, I resigned from my position as Vice Speaker of the House because I felt badly about my mistake in my DUI incident and out of respect to the institution (House of Representatives).

I spent the whole day helping to make mochi at Jodo Mission of Hawaii.  We used machines to make the mochi, but we did two batches the old fasioned way by pounding the rice with a mallet in a carved out stone.  It was my first time ever to pound mochi.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

            As you may know, I made a serious error in judgment by driving under the influence of alcohol this past October, for which I am taking full responsibility and am cooperating with the courts.  I was extremely fortunate not to have caused any harm to anyone.  I am deeply grateful that I now have the opportunity to learn from my mistake and better myself.

            I appreciate those of you who expressed your concern for my well being and those of you who shared with me your disappointment.  I look forward to every day of life.  On the back of this brochure, I have listed some of my 2008 goals for our community and state.  I will continue to do my best.  I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

With Warmest Aloha,

Jon Riki Karamatsu

State Representative

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

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu's 2008 Goals for District 41 and Hawaii

I plan to provide support for:

Waikele Elementary School

Honowai Elementary School

Kaleiopu'u Elementary School

Waipahu Intermediate School

Waipahu High School

Waipahu State Library

State Highways

State Facilities

Waipahu and Leeward Non-profit organizations

Technology, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Industries

·        Establish 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.

·        Create a concentrated solar power tax credit.

·        Start a fuel cell tax credit.

·        Establish a tax credit for the development of environmentally-friendly green technology facilities.

·        Provide a General Excise Tax (GET) Exemption for green facilities or buildings in conformance with the United States Green Building Council's leadership in energy and environmental design green building rating system.

Agriculture

·        Appropriate funds and authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase agricultural land in Kunia to be leased to farmers.

·        Establish linked investments invested by the state to provide loan funds for agriculture.

·        Create an Agricultural Protection Zone placed around tax map keys of real property on agriculture zoned land grossing at least $1,000,000 in revenue from the sale of agricultural produce, products, and services.

Small Business

·        Exempt from the workers' compensation law, owners of businesses holding at least 50% interest in their company.

·        Create a small business exporter refundable income tax credit.

·        Support small business loans.

Education

·        Require 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.

·        Appropriate funds into the Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund for the economic development alliance of Hawaii to expand project EAST programs (technology education) to public schools.

Transportation

·        Set up mass transit economic zones near mass transit stations on Oahu where tax credits are available for qualified businesses, including new construction of housing.

·        Establish a mass transit economic zone task force.

·        Provide 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.

Public Safety

·        Use global positioning system (GPS) devices on convicted first degree sexual assault offenders who are violent and repeat offenders.

·        Start a sexual violence prevention curriculum in public schools

·        Appropriate funds to help the Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Hawaii operate and expand its services and educational programs.

·        Establish laws relating to harassment and stalking on the Internet.

·        Create a criminal impersonation statute to protect people from physical harm.

Graffiti

·        Establish 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.

Peace and International Relations

·        Create one full-time international liaison position for the legislature and executive branch within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Office of International Affairs.

·        Appropriate funds to the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism's Office of International Affairs for the purpose of planning and implementing peace missions to other nations.  The peace mission delegation may have representation from government, business, and community from Hawaii to provide goodwill, culture, and charitable donations so long as it does not violate any United States treaties or international policies.

·        Support Peace Day Hawaii events held every September 21st.

I attended our monthly Jodo Mission of Hawaii board of directors meeting where I serve as Vice President.  It was our last meeting of the year.

Yesterday, I brought my mom to the Painters’ Union’s Christmas party held during lunchtime at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Coral Ballroom.  The performance by Willie K. was really good.  I enjoyed seeing all the families enjoy themselves. 

Last night I enjoyed hanging out with my friend and her psychiatric residents she is chief resident over.  She is a great person and has a very good heart.

In my 32 years of life, I have met so many nice people.  Sure, most of my friends are professionals in business, law, and politics.  However, I am fortunate to have made friends from all walks of life.

I have a lot of friends who work in various trades and labor.  When I was seventeen years old, my first job was working in the warehouse for Duty Free Shoppers Hawaii.  I appreciate all the work they do to make Hawaii and our country better.  Without their dedication, our state and country would collapse.  

I have reached out to people who got in trouble with the law.  I am a strong believer that people can better themselves.  I tried to help a friend who got in trouble with selling drugs.  I made speeches to students at various schools about the dangers of drugs.  Earlier this year, I met a person who changed his life around at a fundraiser dinner for a non-profit organization.  When I got in trouble with my driving under the influence incident, he emailed me about how he remembered my conversation with him, and he sent me his encouraging words.  I was sincerely touched by this. 

I have tried my best in my personal promise to myself to make a difference on behalf of the girls and women who have entrusted me with their stories of rape and domestic abuse.

I have met women in various industries and sometimes they get mistreated.  I try to see the good in all people.

I have enjoyed making friends in acting, film directing and producing, photography, art, creative writing, and music.  Artists help us get by in the real world.  I love to dream big dreams.  The art world helps me to bring out my creativity.

I have met people struggling and I have met people who are finacially secure.  I have learned from them all.

In a summary, we are all in this world together.  We are interconnected and need to help each other and learn from each other.  Dream and strive for all your goals.  There is no such thing as failure.  You gain skills and knowledge in every so called “failure.”  Therefore, let's go all out in all our goals, helping others, and seeking happiness.

Today, I enjoyed attending the Carpenters Union's Christmas party.  There was a lot of people and great food.  The carpenters are doing a great job in building our homes and buildings.

A handful of us in the Hawaii State Legislature, including House Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say and Senate President Colleen Hanabusa attended a meeting with Democratic National Party Chairman, Governor Howard Dean.  We discussed all types of issues relating to our party.  It was nice to meet Governor Dean in person.

On Thursday, December 13, 2007, I had meetings with members of the agriculture industries and renewable industries.

In regards to agriculture, I am supporting research to make our agriculture produce competitive in the global market.  Research helps produce have a longer shelf life, get protected from diseases, and have better taste.  I am also working on Kunia land banking legislation Governor Lingle vetoed.

I am working on legislation to help expand concentrated solar power energy in Hawaii.  Sopogy, Inc. is on its way in building a solar farm at NELHA in Kona, Hawaii with the help of the law I supported that floated $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds for them.

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, I attended the Hawaii Plantation Village's Christmas Party with my mom as my guest.  In the past I have supported state grant to this important non-profit organization because they preserve and showcase Hawaii plantation lifestyle, an era of many of of Hawaii's first generation immigrants in the late 1800s.

At the Christmas party, many of the attendees lived on the plantation and volunteer for the organization.  Many sang songs, played the ukulele, and made ethnic jokes.  The attendees were diverse made up of Japanese, Chinese, Caucasion, Portuguese, Hawaiian, Filipino, and Puerto Rican.  I am so proud to live in a plae where we share each other's cultures, religions, and traditions.

Several years ago, in an earlier entry in this journal, I mentioned how I felt I was racing against time.  On October 16, 2007, I thought I was going to die.  In fact when I opened my eyes, I thought I was dead for awhile.  I consider that event my third brush with death.  

I am determined to do all I can in my short life with you.  I want to live a full and happy life, and I will do my best for others.  I have so much more work to accomplish and so much more fun to experience.  My time with my family and friends are very precious.

From December 6 to December 10, I was in Tokyo, Japan attending services at Shinnyo-en’s main temple, which is located in Tachikawa.  On December 8, Shinnyo-en invited Buddhist monks and a peace organization from China in hopes of maintaining a peaceful relationship between Japan and China.  

I participated in sesshin (meditation) and received some guidance.  I prayed to my ancestors and teachers.  I prayed to the living and dead who are sufferring, even to those who are considered evil so they can find peace.  I also prayed to the spirits of the animals, many of which we eat.  

I was impressed with the temples and the many displays of various Buddhas and Boddhisattvas.  I poured water on a statue of Jizo and prayed to him.  He is a Boddhisattva whose spirit travels to the lower six realms to help spirits suffering there.  He postponed Buddhahood and the opportunity to go to higher realms in order to help others who are suffering.  Very honorable.

Shinnyo-en and Buddhists are seeking world peace, something I want to play a small role in to lay the foundation so that my children’s children’s generation will achieve balance between good and evil, which is a challenge within each and every soul.  I dream that balance will be achieved within two generations from mine.

Congratulations to the University of Hawaii Football Team for an undefeated season at 12 wins and 0 losses!  Now, hopefully, we will be in a BCS bowl game!

It doesn’t matter what happens after you die.  What is important is how you lived.

A couple of weeks after my DUI in I believe late October, former Rep. David Hagino called and set up a meeting at former Sen. Nadao “Najo” Yoshinaga’s elderly apartment complex.  Rep. Hagino and Sen. Yoshinaga’s words re-inspired me.  I consider my talk with them a huge turning point.  I am back to my normal determination level, but I am a lot more focused.  I have been working like crazy on my legislation, campaign, business, and personal goals often until early in the morning and then getting up the next day and attending all my meetings and events.  In addition, I have been lifting weights and running at least four times a week.

I always had a spiritual side in me, but recently, I have studied myself deeper.  Through Peace Day, I met Buddhist leaders who helped me to look within myself even more.  I am doing my best to have more compassion and understand my existence in the world of the living.

I am excited for the future.  I am looking forward to my work in the public sector and private sector.

The dream I recently had reminded me of another dream I had several years ago.  I was a soldier in a war.  I was proceeding in the middle of the night in a forest with my radio soldier near me.  I saw flashes of light everywhere and heard non-stop loud blasts from guns and artillery.  I could hear men screaming everywhere.  I know I had my soldiers in a diamond formation.  I wanted to communicate with my men, but when I turned to my radio man, he was no longer with me.  I heard screaming in front of me and shadows.  I yelled out.  Guns were fired and I fell back.  I looked down and saw blood on my body from all the bullets that penetrated me.  The guys charging towards me were my own men in a panic.

This morning I woke up after having a crazy dream.  In the dream, I was with a delegation of what I believe were politicians and businessmen to a foreign location.  We were in a big city where there were many large buildings and the time period seemed to be in the future because everything seemed a little more modern.  We were at some clean and modern restaurants in the large buildings.  I remember entering a restroom and one of the toilets was overflowing.  Weird.

In another part of my dream, I was in a war.  People were dying everywhere.  I saw guys get shot in front of me.  I believe I was in an all Japanese American military unit.  I remember in one scene, many of us were captured as prisoners.  There were many young men and boys all dressed in prisoner clothes that reminded me of the undergarb of the samurai uniform.  Some of the boys looked like they were of elementary school age.  Everyone was sitting Japanese style and looked very stoic with no emotion.  In front of every boy and man were three metal rods.  Two of the rods had a very sharp pointed tip.  I couldn't figure what they were for?  When the time came, a boy would carry the sharp metal rods and walk off.  My cousin D and I walked to the area where we were supposed to go.  D went first.  There was a wall dividing us.  I heard him say that there is so much blood.  I heard painful noises and some crying.  After it was done, a Caucasion man came out with a bloodied meat cutting scissors.  He said something to me and sounded as if he didn't like what he was doing.  It was now my turn.  Apparently, the two sharp metal rods were stabbed into all the boys' and men's backs by the shoulder blades and torn downwards.  The scissors are used to cut the boys and men up further.  As prisoners of war, we were going through an immensely painful slow death.

I don't know why, but the first thing that came to my mind when I woke up was that I was afraid of my goals for peace.  I fear something bad could happen if I pursue this further.

On Saturday, November 24, 2007, I attended the United Filipino Council of Hawaii awards dinner at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  It was nice to see old friends and meet new friends.  I was happy to see all the significant leaders in the Filipino community receive their recognition and awards. 

I am very thankful for the blessings in my life.  

I am facing one of the biggest challenges in my life.  A month ago, I crashed my car.  I called the police and waited near my car.  I was later charged with DUI.  I take full responsibility for my mistake.  I am thankful I didn't hurt anyone or myself.  I remember seeing the cement divider before crashing.  I thought that was my last moment of life.  When I opened my eyes, I thought I was dead.  Then I felt a little pain in my palms, chest, head, and a from a cut on my elbow where I was bleeding so I knew I was alive.  I am happy I am still here with you in the physical world, and I can still play a small role in helping others and bettering our world.

I am thankful for my mom, dad, sisters Mia, Lara, and all my relatives.  I am so lucky to have such a close family.  Mia and Lara are in Hawaii for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Mia is a medical doctor, a pediatrician in Southern California and Lara is a civil engineer in the Department of Transportation for Washington State.  My mom is still enjoying teaching at Salt Lake Elementary School and my dad is topping off his career as a electrical engineer at Pearl Harbor.  I realize how lucky I am to have them as my family.  When you are physically injured or emotionally down, you feel all alone, but realize your family is always there for you.  My DUI incident reminds me of the time when I broke my ankle and of the time when I broke my leg.  You are on your own.  You want to be strong and be able to take on any challenge, but sometimes it is difficult.  I don't want to be a burden on anyone.  It is difficult for me to ask people for favors.  Despite the inconvenience, my family has always been there to help me.  These are life lessons I will always remember.  I am so lucky to have them.  As many prominent leaders tell me, you can count on one hand who will be there for you when life gets rough.

I am thankful for all my ancestors and teachers before me.  I thank my grandparents for everything they taught me.  I will make the most of my life and someday I will join them.

I am thankful for all my friends, past and present.  Many of you have contacted me recently from all over the country and even abroad.  I was touched by those of you who shared how I helped you in some way.

I am thankful for my mentors.  I want to learn all I can to better myself and someday pass the knowledge I receive to the generations following me.

I am thankful for all the constituents that approached me at the shopping mall, University of Hawaii Football games, events, and in the community.  I am going to continue to go all-out for you.

I am thankful for the support from some of you who I may have only met once, but somehow you felt touched by my words. 

I am thankful for my opponents.  I have learned to be stronger and disciplined in my quest to be more compassionate.

I love life.  I look forward to everyday.  I enjoy the white clouds in the blue sky, the ocean, sunset, everything.  I still can enjoy my family and friends.  I still get to strategize my goals for Hawaii and my country.  I still have the opportunity to strive for my personal goals and take on challenges.  I still can reach out to help others.  I am very grateful.

On Tuesday, November 20, 2007, I coordinated the planting of a Peace Tree on the the most Ewa side of the State Capitol grounds near the sidewalk a few feet West of the Korean War Memorial.  The Peace Day committee, which I am a co-chair of, decided to plant a Kukui tree as our Peace Tree because it is our state tree and it is native to the Hawaiian islands.  The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources through Dale Uno provided us with a baby Kukui tree.  Office of Hawaiian Affairs through Trustee John Waihe'e provided the O'o sticks made of Koa to push the dirt on the base of the tree, a fish to be buried at the roots of the tree, and a Hawaiian kahuna to perform the blessing.  Members of the Peace Day Committee and media from KITV and Starbulletin were present for the ceremony.

The Peace Tree will remind us and future generations to do kind acts everyday and strive to reduce violence domestically and internationally.  Through love and compassion, we can all play a role in making our community and world more peaceful.

On Monday, November 19, 2007, I attended the grand opening of the Waipahu Festival Marketplace.  I helped secure the state's grant of $750,000 to help build the marketplace.  The federal government and City and County of Honolulu also appropriated funds for this important project.  The marketplace sells seafood, vegetables, crafts, and many other retail products.

I presented a House certificate and gave a speech.  In my speech, I explained how former executive director Darrlyn Bunda of the Waipahu Community Association (WCA) would come and visit us legislators at the State Capitol tirelessly for the past several years presenting us the WCA's vision of the Waipahu Festival Marketplace.  I spoke further, “I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what the Waipahu Festival Marketplace would look like?  I imagined a lot of people.  I imagined a lot of produce and products.  But look at this (the marketplace).  This beats my imagination.  Congratulation to the Waipahu Community Association for all their work!”  I also thanked the many legislators not in the Waipahu area that supported this project.

It is wonderful to see the revitalization of the Waipahu community.  I will continue to do my best to support economic and community development in Waipahu for everyone to enjoy.

Peace Day helped to unite many religious organizations with the common goal of peace.  Through Peace Day, I met many wonderful people of different religions.  For example, I met a couple of people involved in Christian Science where they pray to heal people who have illnesses.  I also met members of Shinnyo-en where they meditate and get advice from the spiritual world.  I enjoy learning from different religions.  Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have practiced Christianity, Buddhism, and Shintoism.  I am very open to the many possibilities of the unknown.

Siddhartha Gautama Buddha or otherwise known as Shakyamuni Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism.  He said that there were thousands of Buddhas before him and there will be thousands more Buddhas after him.  He said that everyone must bring out the good nature within them and strive to become a Buddha.  It doesn’t matter if you are athiest, agnostic, or from another religion.  If you are a good person, you are a good person.  For a Buddhist, the ultimate goal is to become a Buddha in which one becomes enlightened by attaining pure compassion and understanding his or her existence.  I believe, very few individuals will ever achieve this level.

For many Buddhists, attaining the level of a Bodhisattva, one level below that of a Buddha, is a difficult task in itself.  A Bodhisattva aims towards the goal of becoming a Buddha to help all beings, but feels the limitation of attaining enlightenment.  This is because they too, like any other beings are prone to suffering and mistakes.  A Bodhisattva is a person who is dedicated to assisting or helping others achieve happiness and hopefully Buddha-hood even if he or she cannot attain it or postpones from attaining it. 

My favorite Bodhisattva is Achala “The immovable one.”  Shingon and Shinnyo-en Buddhist sects perform a periodic fire ritual to honor Achala and to rid ourselves of negative energy.  Achala is shown in pictures and statues as fearsome and often carrying a sword in one hand.  Despite his fearsome look, his role is to aid all beings by showing them the teachings of the Buddha, leading them into self-control.  He is willing to face evil to try and save others. 

I will do my best to play a small role in helping others find happiness and achieving a more peaceful world.

There are ghosts that go about the world of the living as if they are still living with us.  Some try to get our attention or communicate with us.  Then there are ghosts that choke you, attack you, or even kill you.  Don't just be scared of the evil spirits.  After all, there are more evil people alive than there are good.  We can bring back balance through compassion and helping others.  Therefore, we must try to save others and help them to find peace and happiness even if we cannot save ourselves by the time of our death.  However, when we fall, maybe there is a chance someone will be there to save us?  

I don't see ghosts, but I have had a variety of unexplainable experiences.  I wonder if there is a scientific explanation for some of my experiences?  I had a few experiences as a child and during high school.  However, I had a huge amount of experiences when I launched my political career and planned my goals for Hawaii and the United States while a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  I had a couple of experiences while at Gonzaga University School of Law.  Then I had a string of events while studying for the Hawaii State Bar at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law up until making my decision to follow through on my seven-year plan to enter Hawaii politics.  At the Hawaii State Capitol, there are unusual happenings, but I haven't experienced much so far.  This year, I was told by someone who can see ghosts, that there is a dark cloud that looms outside of my state office's door.

For the last couple of years, I have placed blessed omomori and kadomatsu by the entrances of my house, business office, and state office to protect myself from evil spirits and bad energy.  The first several days of 2007 was unusual because every so often when I would open my house door to go outside, my kadomatsu would be moved from the side of the door to the middle, blocking my door from opening.  It would definitely protect me better at the center of my entrance rather than on the side.  At first, I thought some kid or kids were playing pranks on me.  However, this would happen late at night when most people were sleeping and in the early morning before I left for work.  Why would anyone stay up late or wake up early to prank me for days?  

I later found out from Feng Shui and a Shinto priest that 2007 would be a rough year for me.  I had a hard time believing such a warning because until recently, 2007 was the best year for me as an elected official as I was promoted to Vice Speaker of the House and passed a number of legislation such as Peace Day, $9.2 million for Kunia agriculture land banking, and $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds for Sopogy Inc. to build a solar farm in Kona.  In addition, I got all the appropriations I wanted for my schools, highways, and non-profit organizations in my district.  Finally, with my packed schedule often going into the late evenings, I was able to network with hundreds of wonderful community and business leaders.  Was the mysterious moving of the Kadomatsu a warning sign of the danger I was facing in 2007 or was it a prank done by someone or some persons?

The spirits seem to target or attack only certain people.  If you haven't experienced them, consider yourself lucky.  But maybe one night while you are alone, you may feel a couple of hands firmly gripping your neck as you gasp for air.  Whether we die as a good spirit or evil spirit is up to us.  Live life to the fullest.  Happy Halloween!

I am sorry.  I appreciate the many phone calls, emails, letters, and visits in this challenging time.  I have sincere appreciation to all my family, friends, supporters, constituents, and opponents.

I need to liven things up.  I often write about issues, legislation, and my philosophy of life, but I also have fun.  So here is an entry of some of my favorite things in life.  More to come later!

My Favorites:

Month: 
The month of December is my favorite because it is a festive time.  Besides, my birthday is in December.

Holiday:  
As a kid, Christmas was my favorite.  However, now I put more importance on New Year's Day because that is when we prepare for a new year of fun goals.  In Hawaii, getting New Year's blessings and omomori (good luck items) at the Shinto and Buddhist temples is a tradition for many people.  There are even good luck food such as ozoni (mochi soup) and soba (buckwheat noodles).  I also enjoy family gatherings on this special day.  Finally, I pray to my loved ones and ancestors.

Number:  
Seven is my favorite number.  It was my jersey number when I played soccer in high school.

Color:
I love all kinds of colors, but if I had to choose one, it would be blue.

Food:
I enjoy all kinds of food.  Japanese food is a favorite of mine.

Activity: 
I enjoy traveling, especially to foreign countries because I learn so much about culture, history, government, and of course food.

Simple Pleasure:
Hanging out at the beach.

I dedicate this entry to all of you feeling sad.  

Cherish all your loved ones.  Enjoy all your favorite memories.   Look forward to many more wonderful memories.  Hold close all the positive things in your life and don't focus on the negative.  Work hard on the things you have control over and try to accept the things you have no control over.

In regards to love, if you experienced it, consider yourself lucky.  Some people never experience it or search for years trying to attain it.  A young child that dies, will never have that opportunity to even experience a taste of it.  There are adults who live for years without finding love.  If you are heartbroken, focus on the positive experiences you received from that relationship.  Understand that you are accountable for your actions, but you can't control the other person's actions.  Communication is very important, especially the words you choose.  Any relationship is a team effort.   There are a lot of good people out there.  I only wish all of you achieve true love.

In regards to death, when someone you care about dies, he or she will always be with you.  Their love will be with you forever and likewise, your love is with them.  Live your life to the fullest and carry on your loved one's legacy.  

For ourselves, we have to go for broke in all our goals.  It doesn't matter whether we succeed or fail, so long as we tried our best.  Appreciate our loved ones and the simple pleasures of life.  Help others.  Realize that there are bigger problems outside of our lives.  It pains me when I hear stories of violence.  If there was a way I could give you my happiness to make you happy, I would.  We may have a lot of time or very little time of life left.  So stay positive and live your life to the fullest.

In my five years as an elected official in politics, I have met so many people of all types of backgrounds and personalities.  There is so much energy that gravitates towards politics, good and bad.  There are people sincerely trying to better our state.  Then there are people who complain and blame.  Sure, in a capitalist society such as ours, people want things for themselves, sometimes overlooking the greater society.  As politicians, we have to make our best decision to see the policies we create are in the best interest of the State of Hawaii and our country.

However, with the many people I meet, the most important thing I wish for them is happiness and to be at peace with themselves.  The same goes for my friends, I wish them true happiness.  I would give away some of my happiness so that they can be happy.

I ask all of us to make three prayers to improve ourselves that will send shockwaves of good energy that will better our community and world.

First, pray to your teacher or teachers that taught you compassion.

Second, pray to your ancestors, even those you never met.  We are who we are because of them.  Thank your ancestors and also pray to those who suffered.

Third, pray to yourself.  Focus on good thoughts, which will lead you towards good actions.

We should make an effort to help others.  Try to save others even if you can't save yourself.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported Peace Day 2007.  Mahalo to the Peace Day 2007 Committee for everything.  It was a memorable and meaningful event.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Speech for Peace Day Hawaii 2007

It has been an exciting journey in establishing Peace Day Hawaii as state law.  This designated day encourages citizens to practice and celebrate peace.  We can all do this by doing kind acts everyday or getting involved in organizations that are determined to make our community and world better.

House Bill 345, which created Peace Day Hawaii would not have been possible without the support of the following individuals and organizations that are here with us tonight that provided testimony during the legislative process.

In our presence, we have:

Reverend Dr. Shin'estsu Mary David, Ms. Claire Tamamoto, and the members of the Hawaii Federation of Young Buddhist Associations;

Dr. Jeannie Lum of the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace;

Ms. Rene Mansho of the Hawaii Lions Foundation;

Ms. Carol Pregill, President of the Retail Merchants;

Mr. Roger Takabayashi, President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association

Mr. Ian Kitajima, President of Jodo Mission of Hawaii

Mr. Bob Asato; and

Ms. Pat Blair

Can all the individuals and organizations I called, please rise and be recognized?

Also with us this evening, are two individuals I would like to recognize who are colleagues of the 2007 Peace Day Award recipient who we will announce shortly.  They served in the famed 100^th Battalion, which were made of Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II.  The 100^th Battalion, along with the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team and other units, sacrificed their lives despite facing racism and discrimination by their own country.  Many of these boys died so young in hopes of a better tomorrow for future generations.  Those who survived the war returned as heroes, yet their country still mistreated them, as they struggled to find jobs because of discrimination.  As a result, they got involved in the community, started their own businesses and firms, ran for political office, but most importantly, they shared their love with others.  Their efforts helped to transform Hawaii and the United States.  However, the struggle is not over.  Many of these heroes have told me that we must strive to avoid war and aim towards peace.  Mr. Robert Arakaki, president of the 100^th Battalion asked me, “What do you mean by 'peace'?”  I looked at him, not sure what he was asking of me?  He pointed to his heart and said, “Peace starts from here.  Everyone must do their part.”  We must continue their legacy and strive to make our state, country, and world a better place.

I am honored to introduce:

Mr. Robert Arakaki, President of the 100^th Battalion; and

Mr. Shigeru Tsubota, member of the 100^th Battalion

Thank you.

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.