Back-to-School Night on Sept. 8, 6-8pm at Waianae Elementary

Friends of Maile Shimabukuro (FOMS) presents. . .

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT:
Now that school has started, let's help our keiki do the best they can!

Monday, September 8, 2008, 6-8pm, Wai`anae Elementary School cafeteria (Maile's alma matter)
-- Keiki games to win school supplies and books
-- Keiki and adult door prizes
-- Dinner served
-- Meet and greet Rep. Maile Shimabukuro

Enjoy Game Booths and Support Fundraisers For:
-- Cornerstone Kids
-- Golden Coast Christian Home School Group
-- Ohana Ola O Kahumana
-- Our Children Can Succeed
-- The Pentecostals of Waianae
-- Waianae Boys and Girls Club
-- Waianae Intermediate School
-- And other groups

Volunteers needed to:

-- Donate school supplies, children and adult door prizes (new or gently used items are ok)
-- Donate pupus and desserts
-- Help with reception, set-up/clean-up
-- Take pictures
-- Provide general manpower

For more information, contact Maile at maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com or call 349-3075

Sierra Club, Oahu Group Endorses Maile

The Sierra Club, Oahu Group's Randy Ching recently informed Maile that they have endorsed her. Special mahalo to the Sierra Club's outgoing director, Jeff Mikulina. For the past 10 years Jeff has been a tireless and very effective advocate for the environment. He will be sorely missed, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Supporter Lana Keamo

"Thanks for always answering our questions and showing your concern. It's good to have a representative that responds in a personal and professional manner the way that you do. It really shows your Aloha through your work. THANK YOU!!"



-- Lana Keamo, Wai`anae Coast resident

Host Keiki Game Booths & Make $$ for Your Cause

Aloha --

Friends of Maile Shimabukuro is seeking groups (non profits, businesses, government agencies, individuals.etc.) to host keiki game booths at events on 9/8/08 and 10/25/08. Groups will be paid $200-300 for their services.

Groups will be will be expected to bring all necessary tables, chairs, materials, prizes, etc. for their booths (groups will just be provided a space for their game).

The event details are as follows:

1) Back-to-School Night at Waianae Elementary Cafeteria, 9/8/08, 6-8pm
Theme: "Back to School" for keiki
Anticipated amount of children: 100
Payment to game booth hosts: $200

2) Halloween Spooktacular Celebration & Haunted House at Leihoku Elem. cafeteria, 10/25/08, 6-8pm
Theme: Halloween
Anticipated amount of children: 200
Payment to game booth hosts: $300

Both events are free and open to the public. Friends of Maile Shimabukuro will be serving dinner & dessert, and will provide beverages.

Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in this fundraising opportunity for your group, and spread the word.

Aloha, Maile Shimabukuro
349-3075

First of 3 Homeless Shelters Opened in Wai`anae

Click on the image to access the report and the video.

On 20 Aug 2008, in a KHON newscast on the new homeless shelter that opened in Wai`anae, reporter Brianne Randle interviewed Rep. Maile Shimabukuro. Following are excerpts from the report:

"It's obvious to anyone if you just drive down Farrington highway or if you live here how much this project is desperately needed," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, (D) Waianae.

It's the third facility opened under an emergency declaration by the governor. The first of three being built on the Leeward coast.

"[The declaration] allowed us to seek funds that otherwise would not have been available," says Russ Saito, State Coordinator of Homelessness.

[It also allowed] the shelter to be built while bypassing various codes and zoning restrictions.

"This project really couldn't have come any sooner," says Shimabukuro. "The emergency shelters are all brimming at the seams."

The shelter is opening just as the city begins more overnight park closures. It's the first step to getting homeless off the beach and into a home.

"Whether its drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, job training, all those things will be combined to help these families transition," says Shimabukuro. "And to really combat this homeless crisis we see on the Wai`anae coast."

Wai`anae Loses Friend of Environment - Katy Kok

From: Gail Gomes
Subject: Katy Kok
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 1:15 PM

Aloha Maile,

Am sad to report the very unexpected and untimely death of Katy Kok. She passed away suddenly in her home on Tuesday.

Her sister, Lori Gossard, is staying at Katy's home and is currently arranging a memorial service. She's looking at sometime in the first full week of September at one of the beach parks. She has promised to let me know so I can try to get the word out via Westside Stories and/or e-mail.
* Per Hans Kok on 9/25 11 am, the family will not put ANYTHING into our newspaper.

Without a doubt, Nani O Waianae and the greater Wai'anae Coast community has lost a great advocate, leader, and friend to the environment

Please share this info with all your contacts and keep Katy's family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Mahalo!

Aloha,
Gail Gomes
Westside Stories
The PRIDE of the Westside
696.7978
Visit our website at www.wsshawaii.com

Supporters Bill & Natty Prescott

"Maile cares about the welfare of veterans, and she listens to the concerns of the military community."
-- Bill and Natty Prescott
Wai`anae Coast veteran and wife, respectively

Keiki Events - Games & Prizes - Sep 8 & Oct 25

Click the image to see the full-size flyer.
Or click here for a PDF version. (Better resolution but takes longer to load.)

Pokai Bay - Sunset Beach Clean-up - Aug 29, 5-7:30pm

Click the image to see a full-size version of the flyer.

Maile's July 31 Fundraiser - Andrew's Photos

To view these and other photos shot by Andrew Cha, go to
http://mailecompadrefundraiserpics.shutterfly.com/

HGEA Endorses Maile

The Hawaii Government Employees Association endorses Rep. Maile Shimabukuro. HGEA, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO, is Hawaii’s largest union with more than 43,000 members statewide. HGEA represents a diverse group of state and county government employees in seven bargaining units — blue-collar supervisors; white-collar employees; white-collar supervisors; educational officers; University of Hawaii administrative, professional and technical employees; registered professional nurses; and professional and scientific employees. HGEA’s mission is to preserve and advance employee rights and benefits through collective bargaining, legislative advocacy and political action.

Supporter Deke Law

Deke Law is a teacher who is currently working on bringing more computer-based education to Wai`anae's students.

100+ Supporters of Maile

Click on the image for a full-size view.

Supporter Mel Pu`u

Mel Pu`u was Maile's first tandem surfing partner. He is a champion waterman as well as a musician, doting husband and father, and active community member. Each year Mel hosts "Brada Mel's Canoe Surfing Championships" at Makaha Surfing Beach to raise funds for his friend's medical bills.

HSTA Endorses Maile

Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) endorses Maile.

Supporter Momi Kamahele

Wai`anae resident Momi Kamahele is a Hawaiian culture practitioner.

Supporter Bill Mousser

"Maile is responsive to our concerns, whether they are big or small."
-- Bill Mousser & `Ohana, Makaha residents

Makaha resident Bill Mousser has endorsed Maile. Bill is a strong advocate for those fighting drug addiction. He is also a member of the band Jahmaka and is having a CD release party on Saturday, 8/16/08. The party will be at Ige's Restaraunt in Pearl City, and will feature a buffet. Koa Uka, B.E.T., Beach 5, & Pohaku will also be performing.

Maile's July 31 Fundraiser - Carmen's Photos

Maile and Jessica Wooley, Democratic candidate, State House, Kaneohe-Laie.

Maile with her cousin and office and campaign manager, Colleen Teramae, and Mia! Maile's mother, Karen Young (left), and stepfather, Dr. Fred Dodge (right), with Gary Gill (center).

For these and many, many more photos taken by Carmen Rodrigues, click here. The event was Maile and Jessica Wooley's joint fundraiser on 31 July 2008 at Compadres. In upcoming posts, we'll be adding more photos taken by Andrew Cha and Kaimana Pine.

Progressive PAC Endorses Maile

From: progressivepac@pd-hawaii.com
Subject: RE: Progressive PAC Endorsement Survey
To: maileshimabukuro@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008, 3:20 PM

Congratulations! Progressive PAC voted today to endorse you with enthusiasm. We are holding a fundraiser on Saturday, August 23 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou Street. We have six targeted candidates. We are asking for $60 from each donor so that we can give $10 of the $60 to your campaign. So please help us publicize this event. We would also love to have you there to say a few words to the donors.

Thanks again for standing up for progressive values.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

John

Hawaii Carpenters Union Endorses Maile

Hawaii Carpenters Union endorses Rep. Maile Shimabukuro.

MAILE'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

"I am proud of the things I have been able to achieve while in office." -Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (D), House of Representatives District 45, Waianae, Makaha, Makua

EDUCATION
-- Air conditioning and/or power upgrades for Wai`anae High School ($2m), Wai`anae Intermediate School ($400,000), and Kamaile Elementary School ($500,000)
-- Fans for Leihoku, Makaha, Wai`anae, and Kamaile Elementary Schools; and for Wai`anae Intermediate and Wai`anae High Schools
-- Teacher Induction Program: $1m to fund a new teacher mentoring/orientation program for WHS and its feeder schools (co-introduced with Sen. Hanabusa)

HOUSING
-- Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Wai`anae: transitional and low cost rentals at Uluwehi ($500,000 operating funds; $1m CIP)
-- Habitat for Humanity grant-in-aid
-- Ohana Ola O Kahumana: additional transitional housing units and community center
-- Rent Supplement Program: added a 3 month period to secure a rental unit to the state rent supplement program

TRANSPORTATION
-- Turn Lanes at Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues ($2m)
-- Wai`anae Coast pathway: secured $5,000 AlohaCare grant; organized volunteer clean-ups and work days



JOB TRAINING
-- Waianae Maritime Academy grant-in-aid
-- MA`O Organic Farm internship program/partnership with LCC ($75,000/year)

ENVIRONMENT
-- Makaha Surfing Beach: replacement shower
-- Solar Energy: increased incentives to participate in the net energy metering program, which allows residential and small commercial customers to sell back excess energy earned through solar power to HECO
-- Artificial Surfing Reef: resolution urged designation of the Wai`anae Coast for an artificial surfing reef pilot project (Senate companion became vehicle)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
-- Hale Na`au Pono building improvements
-- Empower Wai`anae grant-in-aid
-- Indigenous Architecture: legalized traditional hale, halau, and other native Hawaiian structures for residential and non residential use statewide (Senate companion became the vehicle)

HUMAN SERVICES
-- Disability benefits: allowed the disabled to claim both physical and mental disability when seeking welfare assistance
-- Good Cause Exemption for disabled: allowed the disabled to claim good cause from requirement to pursue medical treatment
-- Due Process for the Needy: required that appeals hearings for welfare recipients be conducted in a fair and impartial manner
-- Medicaid reimbursement: increased Medicaid/QUEST reimbursement rates for outpatient treatment

Operating Engineers' Union Picnic

Maile attended the Operating Engineers' Union's picnic at Lanikohonua in August.

Top Photo: Maile with John Monis.

Botton Photo: Kalani Mahoe, Maile, and an Operating Engineers V.P. from California.

Cal Domen Endorses Maile

Wai`anae resident Cal Domen was proud to endorse Maile at his car show in August at the Makaha Resort. He is pictured with Maile's mother, Karen Young.

Statement from Maile

Aloha!

Please re-elect me to represent you in the 45th House District of Wai`anae, Makaha, and Makua. I have represented this district since 2003, and currently serve as the Chair of the Human Services and Housing (HSH) Committee.

I am proud to report that I have secured funding for many critical projects on the Wai`anae Coast, including:

-- Air conditioning and power upgrades for Wai`anae High School ($2m) -- AlohaCare grant for Wai`anae Coast pathway ($5,000) -- Ohana Ola O Kahumana: additional transitional housing units and community center
-- Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Wai`anae: transitional and low cost rentals at Uluwehi ($500,000 operating funds; $1m CIP)
-- Habitat for Humanity
-- Power upgrade for Wai`anae Intermediate School ($400,000)
-- Power upgrade for Kamaile Elementary School ($500,000)
-- Fans for Leihoku, Makaha, Wai`anae, and Kamaile Elementary; and for Wai`anae Intermediate and Wai`anae High School
-- Funding for Wai`anae Maritime Academy
-- Turn Lanes at Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues ($2m)
-- Building Improvements for Hale Na`au Pono
-- Funding for Empower Wai`anae -- Makaha Surfing Beach: replacement shower
-- $75,000/year for MA`O Farm

I have also authored the following bills that have become law:

-- Rent Supplement Program: added a 3 month period to secure a rental unit to the state rent supplement program

-- Net Energy Metering: increased incentives to participate in the program, which allows residential and small commercial customers to sell back excess energy earned through solar power to HECO

-- Indigenous Architecture: legalized traditional hale, halau, and other native Hawaiian structures for residential and non residential use statewide (Senate companion became the vehicle)

-- Disability benefits: allowed the disabled to claim both physical and mental disability when seeking welfare assistance

-- Good Cause Exemption for disabled: allowed the disabled to claim good cause from requirement to pursue medical treatment

-- Medicaid reimbursement: increased Medicaid/QUEST reimbursement rates for outpatient treatment

-- Due Process for the Needy: required that appeals hearings for welfare recipients be conducted in a fair and impartial manner

-- Artificial Surfing Reef: resolution urged designation of the Wai`anae Coast for an artificial surfing reef pilot project (Senate companion became vehicle)

Please visit my website, http://electmaile.blogspot.com/, for more information.

Supporter Art Frank

Wai`anae resident Art Frank attended Maile's fundraiser at Compadres on July 31. It was a blast!

Photo by: Kaimana Pine

Maile in the News

Maile's Response's to Star-Bulletin Candidate Questionnaire

Candidates Name: Maile Shimabukuro
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Age (as of Sept. 7, 2008 ) and Birth date: 37, 10/01/70
Office sought (include district if applicable): House District 45
Profession or current employment: lawyer for a non profit legal services organization
Other pertinent experience (Please include a 10 words or less on your background.): reporter, law clerk, research assistant, paralegal, cashier, newspaper carrier, waitress

QUESTIONNAIRE:

What qualifies you to be a state representative?
I have served as representative of district 45 since 2003, and have been the chair of the Human Services and Housing Committee since 2007. I have worked as a paralegal and now an attorney at a non profit legal services office since 1992, and specialize in public benefit, family and housing law. I am a member of the Wai`anae Lion’s Club, MA’O Organic Farm ad hoc fundraising committee, HI Children’s Trust Fund Advisory Board, Governor’s Affordable Housing Regulatory Review Board; and co-chair of the Health and Human Services Committee of the Democratic Party of HI. For more information, visit: http://electmaile.blogspot.com/

What is the most important issue facing your district and, if elected, what will you do about it?
The sense that we are not entirely in control of our own destiny, eg, in the areas of development, land use, and resource-allocation, for instance. I like what they’ve done in areas like the North Shore with land trusts. I am working on organizing the purchase of agricultural land in Waianae for a self-help housing farming co-op. I also want to tap the City’s Clean Water and Natural Lands fund to create more parks and restore streams. Further, I am fighting the Lingle administration’s attempts to take resources away from community based non profits like Hale Na`au Pono and AlohaCare.

What is one thing you would do in office to improve the local economy?
Establishing government-sponsored universal healthcare would make it easier to start small businesses by relieving employers from the high cost of insuring their employees. A universal healthcare system could also free individuals from liability fears, and thereby encourage things like medical facilities, professional firms, skateparks, self-help housing projects, construction companies, and other endeavors that are often stalled due to the high costs of liability insurance. Similarly, government-sponsored universal college education would fill the gap we now have in professionals, stop the “brain drain,” and create more home grown entrepreneurs and businesses.

Do you support convening a Constitutional Convention? Please explain.
Yes. We need a forum for non-elected officials and other minority voices to be heard. Measures that passed, such as the Important Agricultural Lands bill, and measures that failed, such as the ban on genetically modified taro, were very upsetting to many. We need to strengthen the charge to protect agricultural land. Most on the Leeward Coast are distraught by the loss of Aloun and other farms, and the leveling of gigantic tracks of former farm land for thousands of new homes. We must change the makeup of the LUC/Planning Commission and require environmental and Hawaiian culture specialists as members.

Do you support Oahus planned rail-transit system ? Please explain.
I support mass transit, whether it’s rail or another version. I have concerns about the steel-on-steel proposal due to the cost implications. Traffic on the Leeward Coast has always been horrendous, and is only getting worse. The rising cost of gas is making it impossible for many to continue to drive. Our bus system is decent, but needs to be enhanced. Anything (within reason) to help make a commute without a car easier is worth supporting. The system must accommodate the needs of the Waianae Coast , perhaps with a station at Ko Olina that would benefit tourists and locals alike.

What can the Legislature do to improve Hawaiis public education?
Simple – air condition the schools! New school buildings must utilize renewable energy for air conditioning, or be built to take advantage of natural cooling systems like the wind. We should allow more charter schools while balancing the needs of the existing schools. One thing needed is to ensure that staff at conversion charter schools do not lose any benefits. Requiring all schools to budget for the average teacher salary is devastating to rural and hard-to-fill schools like those in Wai`anae. Our schools are paying over $75,000/year per teacher even though they have a high amount of new teachers every year.