The Legislature is currently in the second year of its biennium. I am confident that we will continue our hard work and achieve progress on the following:

Heritage & Culture - Promoting awareness and appreciation for historic preservation and culture.

I am a co-convenor of this non-partisan Caucus that I created in a joint effort with Representative Corinne W.L. Ching (Nuuanu- Liliha) to provide an inclusive and non-partisan setting for discussion and initiatives that will protect and promote Hawaii's unique cultural heritage. Legislators from both sides of the aisle, along with historic preservationists and members, other state agencies, cultural and community organizations will be involved in promoting the Caucus agenda. The mission of the Heritage Caucus is to identify, protect, and preserve the state's cultural resources and to foster widespread appreciation of and respect for Hawaii's cultural heritage.  Historic preservation advocates from across Hawaii will join state legislators during the 2006 legislative session to insure that the protection and preservation of the state's cultural resources and heritage receive attention during this session. See the Heritage Caucus press release from January 20, 2006 for more information.

Education - Improving resources in the classroom and school facilities and accountability at all levels, from kindergarten through higher education. Developing access to early childhood education and a good beginning to learning.

Invasive_Species  - Examining ways to combat plants or animals that pose serious threats to our ecosystem and lifestyle. For example, coqui frogs and fire ants continue to increase throughout the Big Island.

Housing  - Seeking solutions to create housing for all income levels and all age groups in areas close to employment.

Health  - Addressing the problem of emergency medical services, the high number of uninsured, and the costs of health care for seniors.

Emergency Preparedness - Improving emergency notification, response, and shelters.

Transportation  - Upgrading infrastructure needs… new construction, deferred maintenance, and safety improvements.

Workforce_Development  - Addressing shortages in teachers and medical staff as well as the upcoming shortages caused by retirement of baby boomers and the increased competition from globalization.

Water Resources  - Improving watersheds for both drinking water and irrigation water.

Energy  - Promoting energy efficiency and to reduce the costs of energy.

Recreation  - Encouraging sports and physical education at our schools and to develop recreation on state lands and adequate state park facilities.

Committee Assignments

• Majority Whip
• Chair, Public Safety & Military Affairs (PSM)
  Covers programs and issues relating to adult corrections and rehabilitation, the construction of correctional facilities, public defense, and the management of programs relating to parole, adult correctional services, half-way houses, rehabilitation, and corrections industries.
  
• Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC)
  Covers programs and issues relating to consumer protection and the regulation of trade, business, professions, and occupations, and other pertinent matters referred to it by the House.
  
• Judiciary (JUD)
  Covers programs relating to the courts, crime prevention and control, criminal code revisions, sentencing structures and alternatives to incarceration, judicial and legal questions, constitutional matters, the Attorney General, the Judiciary, individual rights, and civil rights and liberties, including the Civil Rights Commission and other pertinent matters referred to it by the House.
  
• Labor and Public Employment (LAB)
  Covers programs relating to employment, government operations and efficiency, employee pay and benefits, employee recruitment, classification and training, career development, employee performance, employment conditions, standards of conduct for employers and employees, collective bargaining in public employment, and programs relating to employment, employment opportunities, and labor-management relations in the private sector.
• Transportation (TRN)                                                                                                                          Covers programs relating to air, water, and ground transportation.