MEDIA RELEASE

With the 2012 Legislature set to conclude Thursday, May 3, State Sen. Malama Solomon is inviting residents in her Hawaii Island Senatorial District to attend one of a series of community meetings to discuss projects and policies that respond to community concerns and priorities to the benefit of the district.

Joining her at the meetings will be staff from several important state departments to answer questions and program implementation timing and strategies.

This will include representatives of the State Departments of Agriculture, Land and Natural Resources, Transportation, Education, Hawaiian Home Lands, University of Hawaii and Hawaii Healthcare Systems Corporation.

“This is an ideal time for community representatives to talk with me and these state agencies because 2013 is what is called ‘the biennium budget year.’ This is when major Capitol Improvement Projects (CIP) are funded. It is urgent that community groups with new projects lobby the departments now to convey their priorities. This is also an ideal time to track existing CIP projects to know exactly where they are and if they need a little extra push to get or keep them moving forward,” Solomon said.

Everyone is invited and there will be time for questions and answers. All meetings will start at 5:30 p.m.

* Monday, May 7: Kalanianaole School Cafeteria, Papaikou
* Tuesday, May 8: Honokaa High School Cafeteria
* Wednesday, May 9: Laupahoehoe Public Library
* Thursday, May 10: Waimea School Cafeteria
* Monday, May 14: North Kohala Library, Kapaau
* Tuesday, May 15: NELHA Gateway Center
* Thursday, May 17: Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School Cafeteria

For more information, call Solomon at 974-4000 Ext. 67335 or email: SenSolomon@capitol.hawaii.gov.