Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE In unanimous floor votes, members of the Hawaii State Senate on Friday confirmed District Court judge Shirley M. Kawamura to the First Circuit Court and District Family Court judge Melvin H. Fujino to the Third Circuit. The full Senate also confirmed James C. McWhinnie to the District Court of the First Circuit. “Each […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The State Senate has confirmed the chairs for all 14 committees under Senate President Ron Kouchi. “This lineup of committee leadership is a thoughtful and effective placement of our Senators,” said Senate President, Sen. Ronald Kouchi (Kauai, Niihau). “With these new configured committees, we believe we are able to better address the important […]

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MEDIA RELEASE On April 30, the Hawaii State Senate voted to pass 174 measures, ahead of Thursday, the last day of the 2013 Legislative Session. It marked the 59th day of the 27th Legislature and the Senate and House are taking final votes on bills agreed to by House and Senate conference committees over the […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The conference meeting to negotiate differences in the state budget between the House and Senate was held a week earlier than normal to allow more discussion time for conference members and avoid the last minute rush to act on other fiscal bills. In his opening remarks, Senate Ways and Means Chair, David Ige […]

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MEDIA RELEASE House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and Senate Ways and Means Chair David Ige have announced that the first conference committee meeting on the state budget is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11 in room 309 at the State Capitol. The conference committee meetings for the state budget are being held a week […]

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Senate approves 136 measures: House moves on more than 150 bills

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Gilbert Samuel Coloma Keith-Agaran to state Senate to represent Hawaii’s 5th senatorial district, a seat recently left vacant by Lt. Gov. Shan S. Tsutsui. The appointment is effective immediately.

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MEDIA RELEASE Real estate broker Jeff LaFrance has announced he is running for the Senate District 3 seat, representing Kona to South Point, in the Hawaii State Senate. LaFrance filed papers June 5 making his official entry into the Senate 3 race. LaFrance is a retired contractor, alarm company operator, a lifetime farmer, and real […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Hawaii State Senate has presented the honorable U. S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka with a Certificate of Recognition for being selected as a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Award. The Harry S. Truman Award is the highest recognition given to a lawmaker by the National Guard Association of the United States. […]

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MEDIA RELEASE The Senate began its five-day recess on Thursday, Feb. 23. During this time, legislators may use this opportunity to spend time in their communities and with their constituencies, including providing their constituents with updates on pending legislation. During a recess, the Legislature does not formally convene for floor session. However, legislative offices are […]

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No new House seat, but Nakashima and Chang will square off; one open House seat

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Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Senate Majority Caucus In April 2011, the Hawaii State Senate was recognized by Gov. Neil Abercrombie for its efforts to reduce energy use and support green business practice. Through the Paperless Initiative, the Senate has significantly reduced the Senate’s paper usage by 80 percent since the program was put in […]

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