2006 Sine Die!

• The 2006 Session of the Legislature came to an emotional, bittersweet close on May 4, 2006. Although Democrats in the House celebrated many of their session accomplishments, the festivities were tinged with a hint of sadness as four veterans of the House Chamber stood up, one after the other, to give their final remarks on the Floor as they announced their retirement from the House. Representatives Ezra Kanoho, Dennis Arakaki, Brian Schatz, and Helene Hale all announced that they were leaving to pursue new dreams and new career paths.

(Legislative accomplishments of 2006)

(Tribute to the retiring members of the House Democratic Caucus)

Legislature Honors Fallen Soldiers

• April, 2006. In 2005, Vice Speaker Mark Takai, together with his colleagues including Speaker Calvin Say, Majority Leader Marcus Oshiro, Majority Floor Leader Blake Oshiro, and Representatives Rida Cabanilla, Pono Chong, Ken Ito, and Dwight Takamine, introduced a bill establishing the Hawaii Medal of Honor. In April of this year, the first ceremony was held honoring and celebrating the lives of those courageous men and women with Hawaii ties who gave their lives fighting for our country. The Hawaii Medal of Honor was presented to the families of these heroes at this ceremony. (Press Release)

(Full Article on the Hawaii Medal of Honor)

(Full Article on the Ceremony)

Disaster Preparedness

• January 2006. House Democrats unveiled a comprehensive array of proposals designed to improve Hawaii's ability to prepare for hurricanes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters and emergencies. (Press Release) Click here for other articles relating to emergency appropriations for storm recovery and studies to be conducted on dams, streams, and drainage channels in the State.

Free Wireless Access Available at the State Capitol

• March 2006. In March, Speaker of the House Calvin Say and Senate President Robert Bunda announced that they would be undertaking a joint project to provide wireless Internet access in the State Capitol to the public. Work began immediately and has now been completed. Most public areas of the Capitol Building are now connected to the Internet through a wireless connection.

THE STAGE HAS BEEN SET FOR 2006

Click here to learn more about how the House Democrats have paved the way for the economic rejuvenation that we are experiencing today, as well as their efforts to address other issues and concerns facing the people of Hawaii.