Legislative Members

30th Legislature, 2019
View Legislative Calendar

Session convene times for Tuesday, February 18, 2020:
Senate: 11:30 a.m. | House of Representatives: 12:00 p.m.

Find Your Legislator

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House District 1
Hawaii State Capitol
Room 432
phone: 808-586-6680
fax: 808-586-6684
repnakashima@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Member of the following committees:

Legislative Management

Judiciary

1 - Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo

EXPERIENCE
• Representative First House District (N. Kohala, S. Kohala, Hamakua, N. Hilo, S. Hilo
• Vice Chair, House Higher Education Committee
• Staff Assistant, US Senator Spark Matsunaga
• Legislative Aide, Representative Dwight Takamine
• Legislative Aide, Representative Eric Hamakawa
• Teacher, Honokaa High School (history & economics)
• Staffmember, Hawaii State Teachers Association (West Hawaii & Hilo)

COMMUNITY
• Member, Hamakua Lions Club
• President, Hawaii State Jaycees
• Vice-president, US Junior Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Democratic Party HI State Central Committee

Measures Introduced

	Title
HB25	RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB26	RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS.
HB27	RELATING TO PRIVATE ROADS.
HB28	RELATING TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
HB29	RELATED TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS.
HB30	RELATING TO DRIVER'S LICENSES.
HB53 HD1	MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY FOR HAWAII COUNTY.
HB131 HD2	RELATING TO HEMP.
HB143 HD1	RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.
HB144 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.
HB145	RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS.
HB146 HD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB155	RELATING TO AIR QUALITY.
HB232 HD1	RELATING TO MINIMUM WAGE.
HB236	RELATING TO SIDEWALKS.
HB243 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION FUNDING.
HB244 HD1	RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB245 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB246 HD2	RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
HB247 HD1	RELATING TO SCHOOLS.
HB299 SD1	RELATING TO GRANTS.
HB311	RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.
HB312 HD1 SD2	RELATING TO CREATIVE MEDIA.
HB364	RELATING TO VACANCIES.
HB377 HD1	RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB399	RELATING TO TOURISM.
HB400	RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS HOSTING PLATFORMS.
HB419 HD2 SD2	RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS.
HB423	RELATING TO RAPID OHIA DEATH.
HB425 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO WATER QUALITY MONITORING.
HB434	RELATING TO MARIJUANA.
HB480	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 6, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO CHANGE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
HB492 HD1	RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE CODE.
HB527 HD2	RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
HB528	RELATING TO URBAN REDEVELOPMENT.
HB530 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO MANAGEMENT OF STATE FUNDS.
HB532 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DATA.
HB533 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO BROADBAND.
HB534 HD1	RELATING TO SHIP REPAIR INDUSTRY.
HB535 HD1	RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST PEARL HARBOR FLOATING DRYDOCK, LLC.
HB536	RELATING TO RAW MILK.
HB537	RELATING TO EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
HB598	RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION.
HB612	RELATING TO ABANDONED VEHICLES.
HB613 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB615 HD3 SD2	RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
HB616 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB618 SD1	RELATING TO STATE FUNDS.
HB619 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB620 HD1	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
HB621 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB623 HD1	RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
HB626 SD2	RELATING TO VACANCIES.
HB628	RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB630 HD1	RELATING TO GLASS CONTAINER RECOVERY.
HB631 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB634	RELATING TO RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.
HB637	RELATING TO GARDENS.
HB707	RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS.
HB708	RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB709 HD1 SD1	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII.
HB712 HD1	RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
HB713 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB714 HD1	RELATING TO NATURAL DISASTER PROTECTION.
HB715	RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
HB723 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB773 HD2 SD2	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.
HB774	RELATING TO THE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUND.
HB793	RELATING TO POLYSTYRENE FOAM CONTAINERS.
HB794	RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.
HB795	RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.
HB821 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS.
HB834 HD1	RELATING TO PUBLIC REAL PROPERTY.
HB835	RELATING TO VEHICLES.
HB842 HD1 SD2	RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PLANNING ACT.
HB844 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB846	RELATING TO SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIPS.
HB850 HD1	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HB889 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
HB899	RELATING TO CONFORMITY TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
HB904	RELATING TO MINORS.
HB908 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.
HB909 HD1	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB910 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO BANYAN DRIVE.
HB911 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO TOURISM.
HB916	RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE.
HB933 HD2	RELATING TO CRISIS INTERVENTION.
HB934	RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
HB1105	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HB1106	RELATING TO CONSERVATION DISTRICT PERMITS.
HB1135 HD1	RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION OPERATIONS.
HB1154 HD1	RELATING TO THE OWNER-BUILDER EXEMPTION.
HB1155	RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION.
HB1156 HD1	RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB1190 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1193 SD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1200	RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.
HB1201 HD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1202	RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1209 HD2	RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB1210	RELATING TO LIQUOR.
HB1212	RELATING TO TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT.
HB1219 HD1 SD2	RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
HB1234 HD1	RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
HB1236	RELATING TO MAKUA VALLEY.
HB1237	RELATING TO VEHICLE REGISTRATION.
HB1238	RELATING TO PARENTAL RIGHTS.
HB1260	RELATING TO EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB1271	RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB1282 HD1	RELATING TO STATE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.
HB1284 HD1	RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
HB1311	PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE VI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO AMEND THE MANNER IN WHICH JUSTICES AND JUDGES ARE APPOINTED, CONSENTED TO, AND RETAINED.
HB1326 HD2	RELATING TO WATER RIGHTS.
HB1379	RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB1380 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.
HB1394 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO THE COUNTY SURCHARGE ON STATE TAX.
HB1416 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1424 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO VISITOR INFORMATION.
HB1425	RELATING TO THE STATE CAPITOL.
HB1426 HD1	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES.
HB1427 HD1	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND FINANCE BUDGET.
HB1428 HD1	RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR BUDGET.
HB1442 HD1	RELATING TO PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS.
HB1444	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1447 HD1	RELATING TO PALLIATIVE CARE.
HB1448 HD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1459	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1460 HD1	RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE BOATING PROGRAM.
HB1462 HD1	RELATING TO UNFUNDED LIABILITIES.
HB1463	RELATING TO DELAY IN PRIOR APPROVAL FOR MEDICAL SERVICES.
HB1465 HD2	RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HB1483 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
HB1488 HD1	RELATING TO THE STATE CAPITOL.
HB1503 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1529 HD1	RELATING TO STUDENT JOURNALISTS.
HB1536 HD1	RELATING TO EQUAL PAY.
HB1537 HD1	RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF MAUNA KEA MANAGEMENT.
HB1538	RELATING TO DAMS AND RESERVOIRS.
HB1539 HD1 SD2	RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
HB1566 HD1	RELATING TO PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
HB1578	RELATING TO SEA LEVEL RISE.
HB1819 HD2	RELATING TO HEMP.
HB1821	RELATING TO DECLARATORY JUDGMENTS.
HB1843 HD1	RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS.
HB1844 HD1	RELATING TO CLEAN ENERGY FINANCING.
HB1845 HD1	RELATING TO THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION REBATE PROGRAM.
HB1846 HD2	RELATING TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
HB1847 HD1	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HB1849 HD1	RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
HB1852	RELATING TO ENERGY FINANCING FOR STATE AGENCIES.
HB1853	RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL WASTEWATER SYSTEMS.
HB1858	RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
HB1859 HD1	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HB1861 HD1	RELATING TO COFFEE BERRY BORER.
HB1862 HD1	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HB1863 HD1	RELATING TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION.
HB1864 HD2	RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
HB1865 HD1	RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIA.
HB1866 HD1	RELATING TO THE HEALTHY AGING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
HB1867 HD1	RELATING TO THE KUPUNA CAREGIVERS PROGRAM.
HB1868 HD1	RELATING TO JURY DUTY.
HB1869	RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS.
HB1870 HD1	RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.
HB1871 HD1	RELATING TO LONG TERM CARE.
HB1872 HD1	MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM.
HB1873	RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
HB1874	RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES AGAINST SENIORS.
HB1887	RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF UNROASTED COFFEE INTO HAWAII.
HB1888	RELATING TO THE PESTICIDE SUBSIDY PROGRAM.
HB1889	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1891 HD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1892 HD1	RELATING TO A FOOD HUB PILOT PROGRAM.
HB1894 HD1	RELATING TO BEGINNING FARMER TRAINING.
HB1895	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1897 HD1	RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.
HB1898	RELATING TO LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION.
HB1907 HD1	RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB1908	RELATING TO WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB1909	RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1910 HD1	RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL.
HB1911	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1912 HD1	RELATING TO THE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SPACE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION SYSTEMS.
HB1913	RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTIONS.
HB1914	RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.
HB1918 HD1	RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER.
HB1919	RELATING TO PIGS.
HB1927	RELATING TO EMOLUMENTS.
HB1934 HD1	RELATING TO CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY JOBS.
HB1936	RELATING TO AGRICULTURE EDUCATION.
HB1944 HD1	RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.
HB1945 HD1	RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.
HB1946 HD1	RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.
HB1947 HD1	RELATING TO WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATION.
HB1958 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1978 HD1	RELATING TO SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS.
HB1996 HD2	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1998 HD1	RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB2004 HD1	RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINTS.
HB2021	RELATING TO TEACHER HOUSING.
HB2023	RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
HB2024 HD1	RELATING TO MINORS.
HB2035 HD1	RELATING TO NON-AGRICULTURAL PARK LANDS.
HB2036 HD1	RELATING TO CORAL RESTORATION.
HB2068 HD1	RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
HB2069	RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE.
HB2088 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2090 HD2	RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB2091 HD1	RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS.
HB2092 HD1	RELATING TO SCHOOLS.
HB2093 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION DATA.
HB2094 HD1	RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB2116	RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.
HB2117 HD1	RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB2118	RELATING TO ANTITRUST.
HB2120 HD1	RELATING TO THE STATE ETHICS CODE.
HB2121	RELATING TO RANKED CHOICE VOTING.
HB2124 HD1	RELATING TO THE CODE OF ETHICS.
HB2125 HD1	RELATING TO THE STATE ETHICS CODE.
HB2126	RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB2139 HD1	RELATING TO HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
HB2142	RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB2143	RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB2144	RELATING TO EDUCATION FUNDING.
HB2145	RELATING TO SPECIAL EDUCATION.
HB2146	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2147	RELATING TO STANDARDIZED TESTING.
HB2151 HD1	RELATING TO CESSPOOL CONVERSION.
HB2182	RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
HB2183 HD1	RELATING TO THE HOUSING LOAN AND MORTGAGE PROGRAM.
HB2184	RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
HB2185	RELATING TO SCHOOL IMPACT FEES.
HB2186 HD1	RELATING TO THE UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES.
HB2188 HD1	RELATING TO WIND ENERGY FACILITIES.
HB2212	RELATING TO SUSTAINABILITY.
HB2213 HD1	RELATING TO STATE PLANNING.
HB2214	RELATING TO RAW MILK.
HB2215 HD1	RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB2216 HD2	RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB2228 HD1	RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTIONS.
HB2239	RELATING TO DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS.
HB2240	RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX REDUCTIONS.
HB2241	RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTIONS.
HB2242	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB2243 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2244	RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS.
HB2245	RELATING TO PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
HB2246 HD1	RELATING TO TAX RETURN PREPARERS.
HB2249 HD1	RELATING TO MEDICAID BENEFITS.
HB2250 HD1	RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII PROMISE PROGRAM PLUS.
HB2251 HD1	RELATING TO RETIREMENT SAVINGS.
HB2254 HD1	RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB2255 HD1	RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII PROMISE PROGRAM.
HB2256 HD2	RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB2257 HD1	RELATING TO THE CONFERENCE CENTER REVOLVING FUND.
HB2258 HD2	RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.
HB2380 HD1	RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
HB2412 HD1	RELATING TO TRAUMA-INFORMED EDUCATION.
HB2425 HD1	RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE.
HB2430 HD1	RELATING TO FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.
HB2433	RELATING TO EVIDENCE.
HB2450	RELATING TO SAFETY HELMETS.
HB2451 HD2	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB2453	RELATING TO VETERINARIANS.
HB2454 HD1	RELATING TO CRITICAL ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB2455 HD1	RELATING TO DEMENTIA TRAINING.
HB2456 HD1	RELATING TO ELECTRONIC SMOKING PRODUCTS.
HB2457 HD2	RELATING TO THE YOUTH VAPING EPIDEMIC.
HB2466 HD2	RELATING TO CAPITAL DISTRICT BUILDINGS.
HB2467 HD2	RELATING TO TOURISM.
HB2468	RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.
HB2469	RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.
HB2470 HD1	RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB2492 HD2	RELATING TO HYDROFLUOROCARBONS.
HB2493	RELATING TO CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION.
HB2496	MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SCHOOLS IN THE NANAKULI-WAIANAE COMPLEX AREA.
HB2508 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2509 HD1	RELATING TO SCHOOLS.
HB2511 HD1	RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
HB2531	RELATING TO THE STATE OF HAWAII MUSEUM OF MONARCHY HISTORY.
HB2532 HD1	RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
HB2533 HD1	RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE STATE ARCHIVES.
HB2534 HD1	MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY FOR THE COUNTY OF HAWAII.
HB2541	RELATING TO HELPING WORKING FAMILIES.
HB2542	RELATING TO LAND DEVELOPMENT.
HB2543	RELATING TO ACCESS TO LEARNING.
HB2544	RELATING TO A SCHOOL FACILITIES AGENCY.
HB2548	RELATING TO COURTS OF APPEAL.
HB2549	RELATING TO CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
HB2550 HD1	RELATING TO THE FAMILY COURT.
HB2555 HD1	RELATING TO THE NA WAI EHA WATERSHED.
HB2556 HD1	RELATING TO VEHICLES.
HB2573	RELATING TO SEX TRAFFICKING.
HB2576	RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LEASES.
HB2577	RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS.
HB2578 HD1	RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
HB2592	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
HB2593	RELATING TO GROUND TRANSPORTATION.
HB2594 HD2	RELATING TO BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY.
HB2595 HD1	RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION.
HB2596 HD1	RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB2601 HD1	RELATING TO OBSERVANCES.
HB2604 HD1	RELATING TO CONCESSIONS.
HB2605 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS.
HB2606	RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
HB2607 HD1	RELATING TO PUBLIC ORDER.
HB2608	RELATING TO THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT.
HB2611	RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB2622	RELATING TO VISITOR INFORMATION.
HB2623	RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS.
HB2624 HD1	RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.
HB2625	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2636	RELATING TO CONSERVATION.
HB2675 HD1	RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.
HB2681 HD1	RELATING TO ENERGY.
HB2682 HD1	RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB2683	RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF MAUNAKEA MANAGEMENT.
HB2694 HD1	MAKING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION.
HB2695 HD1	RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
HB2696	RELATING TO TEACHER COMPENSATION.
HB2697 HD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2698 HD1	RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION WASTE.
HB2699 HD2	RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
HB2700	RELATING TO GAS.
HB2701 HD1	RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
HB2706 HD1	RELATING TO THE DONATION OF FOOD.
HB2707 HD2	RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
HB2708 HD1	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB2709 HD1	RELATING TO THE UNIFORM PROBATE CODE.
HB2710	RELATING TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS.
HB2719	RELATING TO GREEN FEES.
HB2720 HD1	RELATING TO GENDER EQUITY.
HB2738 HD1	RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.
HB2739 HD1	RELATING TO THE KA IWI COAST.
HB2747 HD2	PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVI, SECTION 2, OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION, TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE TO REQUIRE THE FORFEITURE OR REDUCTION OF PENSION BENEFITS OF A MEMBER, FORMER MEMBER, OR RETIRANT OF THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHO IS CONVICTED OF A FELONY RELATED TO THE MEMBER'S, FORMER MEMBER'S, OR RETIRANT'S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF.
HB2749 HD1	RELATING TO PROSECUTORIAL TRANSPARENCY.
HB2751 HD1	RELATING TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.
HCR1	RELATING TO RECESS DAYS FOR THE REGULAR SESSION OF 2020.
HCR2	REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS THE LEGISLATURE ASSEMBLED IN JOINT SESSION.
HCR19	URGING THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION REGARDING COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER TOUR OPERATIONS IN HAWAII.
HCR34	REQUESTING THAT THE WALL STREET JOURNAL INCLUDE HAWAIIAN AIRLINES IN THE NEWSPAPER'S FUTURE RANKINGS OF THE BEST AND WORST AIRLINES IN THE UNITED STATES.
HCR45	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE REIMPLEMENTATION OF ADULT DENTAL BENEFITS FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS WHO ARE MEDICAID ENROLLEES.
HR17	RECOGNIZING JAMES T. FUNAKI, ESQ. FOR HIS EXEMPLARY CAREER AND EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE STATE OF HAWAII.
HR18	REQUESTING THAT THE WALL STREET JOURNAL INCLUDE HAWAIIAN AIRLINES IN THE NEWSPAPER'S FUTURE RANKINGS OF THE BEST AND WORST AIRLINES IN THE UNITED STATES.
HR29	CONVENING A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TASK FORCE TO DETERMINE COHERENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE TIMELY ADMISSION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PATIENTS TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL AS NON-FORENSIC PATIENTS.
HR30	URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE REIMPLEMENTATION OF ADULT DENTAL BENEFITS FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS WHO ARE MEDICAID ENROLLEES.

As a former educator, Representative Nakashima understands how critical it is to evaluate program budget requests, and to set criteria for the evaluation of these appropriations. Mark will work towards the development of geothermal energy statewide as a solution to breaking the State's dependence on imported oil. Representative Nakashima will also work to create a synergy between the Big Island community, public schools and institutions of higher learning to become more collaborative, and he will continue to work with all stakeholders to develop a vision that will guide long-term decision making and future expenditures.
Representative Nakashima is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and holds a B.Ed. degree and Professional Diploma in education with an emphasis in political science.

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April 12, 2018

Reps. Nakashima and San Buenaventura to Host Community Meeting on Emergency Preparedness

WHO: Representative Mark M. Nakashima
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura

WHAT: Community meeting on emergency preparedness

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2018 1-3 p.m.

WHERE: Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
15-2910 Ku‘uhome Street
Pāhoa

Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura (Puna) and Representative Mark M. Nakashima (Hamakua) will be holding a community meeting on emergency preparedness.

Confirmed guest speakers will include:
• Talmadge Magno, Civil Defense Administrator, Hawai‘i County
• Thomas Travis, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Director
• Dennis Hwang of UH Sea Grant, Coastal Hazard Mitigation Specialist

Topics for discussion will range from emergency shelter locations to hurricane preparations, and updates regarding the false missile alert. Speakers will consider unique characteristics of Puna homes such as catchment water use.

April 9, 2018

April 2018 Holomua Newsletter

Dear Friends, We just completed “Crossover” which is the legislative deadline for House bills (HBs) to move to the Senate and Senate bills (SBs) to move to the House and remain “alive”. The House approved and sent 381 bills to the Senate for consideration.

February 28, 2018

HOSA UH Hilo Delegates at State Conference

HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) at UH Hilo delegates with Representative Mark Nakashima, who presented each member with a certificate from the House of Representatives congratulating them for their performance at last month’s Hawai’i Island regional competition and representing UH Hilo at the State Leadership Conference held February 21-23 in Honolulu. (Left to Right) Jeremy Villanueva, Lark Jason Canico, Kelly Gani, Representative Mark Nakashima, Leslie Arce, Travis Taylor, Sheldon Cabudol, Deserie Pagatpatan.

February 7, 2018

No-cost Rx Delivery Now Available in Honoka'a

Honoka'a residents will now be able to have their prescriptions delivered to their homes for free, thanks to a program from The Hawai‘i Medical Service Association (HMSA) and CVS Health®, which does business in Hawaii as Longs Drugs. The program is open to HMSA members and the entire Honokaa community. See the Rx delivery poster for more information here.

February 7, 2018

September 2017 Holomua Newsletter

Aloha Friends, I have heard concerns regarding the “Rail Bill” that was recently enacted into law during the Legislature’s special session this summer. The deliberations were vigorous and at times unfortunately contentious. View full article

February 6, 2018

2018 District 1 Community Survey

Please take a few minutes to complete our community survey. You can take the survey online at here or a hard copy version of the survey can be found in the January 2018 edition of my Holomua newsletter.

March 1, 2016

January 2016 Newsletter

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! May your New Year be filled with much opportunity! In the coming year, I plan to build upon the foundations from the previous years. As chair of the House Labor and Public Employment Committee, my goal has always been to continuously improve the function and accountability of government. View full article

April 8, 2015

March 2015 Newsletter - Holomua

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the opportunity to once again serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. We entered the 2015 legislature with two years experience as Chair of the House of Labor Committee and a better handle on the diversity of issues in the committee's portfolio. We have implemented Act 99 (SLH 2013) and have the Agricultural Workforce Development Advisory Board up and running providing programs and resources for the future agriculturalists throughout the state. View full article

April 4, 2014

March 2014 Holomua Newsletter

Dear Friends,

The House of Representatives is currently engaged in the "second pass" through bills that have crossed over from the Senate. Over on the Senate side, they are doing the same with House Bills. By this time, 90% of the topics have already been discussed once before and we are vetting bills that will be taken in to joint House-Senate Conference Committees in a few weeks.View full article

January 24, 2014

December Hamakua Times

The United States Supreme Court ruled that provisions in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which limited federal benefits to same-sex couples was unconstitutional and over-turned Section 3 of DOMA. The Windsor case involved a same sex couple who were married in Canada. When one spouse died, the other inherited her property and was charged inheritance taxes by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to the Internal Revenue Service, the Supreme Court ruling has the potential to impact other federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and federal tax benefits to same sex couples who live in states where same gender marriage is legal.

This decision by the United States Supreme Court renewed the push for same sex marriage in Hawaii because it was only with marriage that a couple could claim the federal benefits. Other portions of DOMA including provisions that did not require states from recognizing same sex marriages from other states was left in place. This created the question of whether same sex marriages from other states would be valid in Hawaii as Hawaii did not recognize same sex marriages.

Using his constitutional authority, Governor Abercrombie called the legislature into special session on October 28, 2013. Many people have argued that this demonstrated that the Governor was forcing the issue down the legislature's throat, that people were not being given the opportunities that they would have during a regular session, and that the bill was a done deal. The Governor has the constitutional right to call the legislature into session, however the legislature is under no obligation to act. The opponents could have moved to recess the session as soon as it began and it could have closed on the first day, but this did not happen. Once the legislature decided to move ahead, it was now a legislative decision.

In anticipation of the receipt of an extraordinary amount of testimony, the House of Representatives encouraged citizen participation in the hearing process by accepting written testimony by personal delivery, U.S. Postal Service, and the Legislature's website. Additionally, individuals with an interest in submitting oral, in-person testimony were able to do so and reserve in advance a place in the speaking order.

The House received more than 23,000 pieces of written testimony on this issue with over 5,000 individuals registered to testify orally. The committees began hearing testimony on Thursday, October 31, 2013, and continued through Tuesday, November 5, 2013. This unprecedented hearing process lasted more than 55 hours, during which more than 1,000 persons were able to testify.

This was not a done deal and we did hear the people. Many of the testifiers expressed concerns on the infringement of their religious freedoms. To address this, the House amended the bill by expanding the religious exemption to more closely model similar provisions in effect in the state of Connecticut. The House amendment makes it clear that a clergy member, minister, priest, rabbi, religious officer, or religious society that provides solemnizations shall be immune from any fine, penalty, injunction, administrative proceeding, or any other legal or administrative liability for declining to perform any marriage or civil union specifically because performing the marriage or civil union is in violation of their religious beliefs or faith.

Further, the bill expands the religious organization and facilities exemption to: (a) Apply to religious organizations and to nonprofit organizations operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious organization; (b) Establish that none of these entities shall be required to provide goods or services or their facilities or grounds for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage if the solemnization or celebration is in violation of their religious beliefs or faith; and (c) Expressly provide that these entities shall be immune from any fine, penalty, injunction, administrative proceeding, or any other legal or administrative liability for the failure or refusal to provide goods, services, grounds, or facilities pursuant to this measure.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. ~ George Santayana. As a history teacher, I often quoted this to my 9th grade World History students at Honoka'a High School. It was true philosophically because we find that history often repeats itself and takes great wisdom and political courage to avoid making the same mistakes. This was also true for my students because if they failed my class, they would be condemned to be back repeating the class during the summer.

In discussing this historic legislation, I believe it is imperative that we consider the following issues and concerns:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964:

In reacting to the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, then Senator Strom Thurmond, a democrat from South Carolina, said, "This so-called Civil Rights Proposals, which the President has sent to Capitol Hill for enactment into law, are unconstitutional, unnecessary, unwise and extend beyond the realm of reason. This is the worst civil-rights package ever presented to the Congress..."

In listening to much of the opposition on the same sex marriage legislation, I heard much of the same issues and concerns that were voiced by Senator Thurmond almost 50 years ago. You will remember that much of our society today is built on the foundation of this 1964 landmark legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at work, and facilities that served the general public.

Many argue that same sex marriage is different, because it is a choice. It is not how you were born, and you can change or hide it if you wanted. However, during the debate, it was also pointed out that religion is also a choice. That the protection of the right is really based on protecting us from mob rule and mob mentality. That fear can be a powerful motivator and that the purpose of the laws is to protect everyone's individual rights and not just those of the majority but also those of the minority. We must also be vigilant to preserve these ideals as we never know when the tables will turn and we will find ourselves on the short end of the stick.

Freedom of Religion

I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end-where all men and all churches are treated as equal-where every man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice-where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind-and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their works in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood. -John F. Kennedy

Religious freedom is an individual civil right that allows you to practice your religious beliefs without interference. This also means that others are also free to practice their religions as they believe without outside interference as well. The issue arises when one religious group feels the need to impose their religious views on the rest of society or a person's individual civil right comes in conflict with another individual's practice of their religion freedom.

The same sex marriage bill as amended by the House tries to strike this balance by providing protections to religious institutions from undue intrusion on its religious beliefs by those seeking to promote their rights to same sex marriage.

Under our Hawaii Public Accommodations Law, you cannot discriminate based on Race, Color, National origin, Religion, Sex, Disability, Age, Genetic information, Sexual orientation, Martial status, AIDS/HIV, arrest and court record, or credit report.

A question was raised by a constituent who asked about the case of a B&B who refused service to a same-sex couple. This case was brought to my attention last year as Chair of the House Labor Committee as we deliberated on a domestic worker bill. A B&B owner was approached by a same sex couple who sought to rent out a room in their home. The owners did not want to rent to a same sex couple and found them another place to stay. The owners were found to be in violation of the public accommodations law and forced to pay restitution. This had already occurred and the same sex marriage bill would have no baring in this situation. However, based on this information and due to the close nature of working with a family in the home, I amended the domestic worker bill last session Act 248 to allow for the hiring and firing of domestic workers without the protection of Hawaii Civil Rights laws.

Does the Legislature have the Authority?

Following the Court's decision in 1996, the Legislature proposed an amendment to Hawaii's Constitution to clarify legislative authority to define marriage by passing H.B. No. 117, Regular Session 1997. Section 1 of the bill expressly states:

The legislature further finds that the question of whether or not the State should issue marriage licenses to couples of the same sex is a fundamental policy issue to be decided by the elected representatives of the people. This constitutional measure is thus designed to confirm that the legislative has the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples and to ensure that the legislature will remain open to the petitions of those who seek a change in the marriage laws, and that such petitioners can be considered on an equal basis with those who oppose a change in our current marriage statutes. (emphasis added)

The bill that created the constitutional amendment question for the voters in 1998 specifically left open the possibility that the legislature should be open to the consideration of changing the marriage law in the future. The legislative intent of the bill is clear and provides the rationale for the legislative action that has occurred.

Same Sex Marriage Timeline

1993 - The Hawaii Supreme Court in Baehr v. Miike (originally Baehr v. Lewin) ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples constituted discrimination based on sex in violation of the right to equal protection guaranteed by the state's constitution.
1994 - The Hawaii State Legislature amends HRS 572-1 the marriage statue by defining marriage as an institution for "one man and one woman."
1996 - Judge Kevin K.S. Chang ruled that the state did not prove that it had a compelling interest in denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples and that HRS 572-1 amended by the legislature in 1994 was unconstitutional.
1998 - Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment to the Hawaii Constitution granting the Hawaii State Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
1999 - The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that in light of the constitutional amendment approved by voters, HRS 572-1 passed by the legislature in 1994 was constitutional.
2011 - Hawaii Legislature adopts Civil Unions providing Hawaii marriage rights and benefits to couples.
2013 - United States Supreme Court held in United States v. Windsor, that restricting U.S. federal interpretation of "marriage" and "spouse" to apply only to heterosexual unions is unconstitutional, granting Federal marriage benefits to all legally married couples.

January 24, 2014

Happy New Year! 2014 is the year of the Green Wood Horse!

The Wood Horse year is a dynamic year with swift victories and unexpected adventure. Energy is flowing and it is a time for leaders to come forward. Decisive action, not procrastination will bring victory. One must act quickly in a Horse year.

With this in mind, we are poised to step off quickly this year to move forward in establishing a hydrogen economy here in the islands. While other states with mineral resources have been cool to the idea of investing in hydrogen -- Hawaii, out in the middle of the pacific -- has geothermal, an abundance of renewable energy resources and lots of water which are all the resources you need to make an abundance of hydrogen.

This legislative session, I will be introducing legislation that will further our commitment to developing the infrastructure and training necessary to prepare Hawaii for the planned roll-out of consumer models of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2015 by Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda (partnered with General Motors).

On the Big Island, this will mean an ambitious program to develop our hydrogen manufacturing capacity utilizing renewable energy to electrolyze water to separate out the hydrogen (The H in H2O).

Initially utilizing wind, solar and hydroelectric power, we will manufacture hydrogen at locations around the island that will supply up to five fueling stations strategically placed to allow vehicles to be fueled around the island.

The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle shares many of the same characteristics as its gasoline driven counterpart. It takes a few minutes to refuel, it can travel about the same distance on one fill up, and it is better able to handle hills much like a gasoline car.

Unlike gasoline driven cars, it will not require the import of fossil fuel, there are no carbon emissions, and eventually you could make your own fuel at home.

When I was first elected in 2008, I deplored the fact that the volatile nature of the global fossil fuel market really hamstrung residents of Hawaii Island who are forced to spend an increasing percentage of our income on transportation. By embracing this technology, we will free ourselves from these outside forces over which we have no control.

To kick start hydrogen use in Hawaii, I hope to see an investment in hydrogen fuel cell transit busses, the conversion of some or all of our government fleets to hydrogen fuel cells, and including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the rental car fleets on island.

As Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment, I am striving to enhance our state workforce development program to be much more proactive in identifying future workforce needs. Areas such as STEM, agriculture, and healthcare are areas which can have a positive impact on our economy.

Another issue that falls into the Committee's jurisdiction is the minimum wage which is currently at $7.25, and has not increased for the past seven years. This measure failed last session when the House and Senate could not agree on this issue of tip credit.

During conference negotiations, the House sought a moderate increase in the tip credit while the Senate insisted that the tip credit increase be equal to the actual increase in the minimum. The Senate position would raise the tip credit from 25 cents to $2.25.

The tip credit is applied to tipped employees and is the amount deducted from the hourly minimum wage. This would mean that while the minimum wage would have increased to $9.25, tipped employees would continue to make just $7.00/hour.

The 28th Hawaii State Legislature convenes on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. For information regarding the legislature, you may visit the website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

I appreciate hearing from you with your questions or concerns. You may email me at repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov , call my office 974-4000 ext 6-6680 or (808)586-6680.

March 4, 2013

February 2013 "Holomua" Newsletter

Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to once again serve as your voice in the House of Representatives. This year is one of change and as the song goes, "Everything Old is New Again". Even during my short tenure in the House, it became very obvious that there was a growing chasm within the majority Democrats and we were becom-ing a "House divided." Thus after 14 years as Speaker of the House, Representative Calvin Say was succeeded by former Speaker Emeritus Joseph Souki of Maui. The Old/New Speaker was elected on a platform of transition that seeks to utilize the best talents of all members of the House.

Under Speaker Souki's leadership, I have been given the privilege of serving as Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment. In this new role, I have jurisdiction on many bread and butter issues impacting our families, such as minimum wage, sick leave, worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, and collective bargaining, just to name a few.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding bills moving through the legis-lature, please feel free to contact me.

Aloha and Best Wishes
View full article

January 18, 2013

2013 Bill Introduction

The following are a list of bills that I will be introducing in the 2013 Legislature. Among the legislative goals that I have set for this session are measures that will develop the economy, preserve our environment, enhance education, and improve government.View full article

January 18, 2013

Happy New Year 2013- the Year of the Snake!

This is the year of the Water Snake, and all things will be possible. Saving money and being thrifty should be your top priorities. Delusion and deception are common in the year of the Water Snake. Stay Alert! To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely. If you are planning to get married, or begin a business partnership, be sure to thoroughly investigate the other person's finances and background before you legalize the alliance.

May 7, 2012

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Facility

Representative Nakashima coordinated visitations by the House Committees on Higher Education and Energy and Environmental Protection to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Facility at Joint Base Hickam/Pearl Harbor to learn more about the current technology and plans for introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the consumer market.

The Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technology serves as a catalyst to expand transportation technology development in Hawaii and is currently working in partnership with the US Air Force to develop and demonstrate zero emission and low emission transportation technologies to meet military and commercial needs.

A new electrolyzer which was being installed during our visit will continue to test the durability of the technology in the field. An electrolyzer is a device that converts water into hydrogen and oxygen. The new electrolyzer is portable, small enough to fit in half a Matson Container, and is able to desalinate and purify the water before splitting the water molecule into its parts. This is important in military application as it would cut down on the need to transport hydrogen via supply lines and will allow for the manufacture of hydrogen closer to the point of use in the field. A hose need simply be put into a stream, pond or ocean to create the needed hydrogen for transportation.

An array of photovoltaic panels provide the necessary power to run the electrolyzer and no fossil fuels are utilized anywhere in the hydrogen creation process making it a totally renewable resource.
(Left) Photovoltaic panels provide power to the electrolyzer making the process renewable and a totally fossil fuel free process.View full article

May 7, 2012

Kalo Challenge

Ka Hana Noeau, a mentoring and leadership development group hosted their 4th Annual Sustainability event at the Intergenerational Center at Kamehameha Park in Kapaau. This year's special ingredient is kalo which has been raised by several Kohala families in part of a sustainability demonstration project that has been on-going in Kohala for the past couple of years.
Several "celebrity" teams made of of representatives of the Governor's Office, County Council, Kohala Boys, ILWU, Mayor's Team and others prepared a variety of dishes from pastas, stews, and dumplings competing for selection as "Most Savory," "Most Creative," "Most Aromatic," "Best Presentation," and the "People's Choice" awards.
Participation had grown each year with six teams participating in the chicken cook off in the first year to a field of eleven teams this year participating in the Kalo Challenge. These dishes have also been increasingly harder to judge as the judges bring a number of differences and expectations to the table. Judging on such a diverse number of criteria also adds complexity to the challenge of balancing of diverse tastes, eye appeal and textures. An additional category which was much straight forward was based on sustainability. This was measured by the cooking team's use of a variety of items that were brought in by local farmers and placed on a table for use by the teams. The OHA Team led by Trustee Robert Lindsey took this recognition by utilizing sixteen ingredients from the table in their entry.View full article

May 7, 2012

Honoka'a High School Jazz Band's Wonderful performance

"I strongly encourage everyone to take time out of their busy schedules and listen to the music produced by these very talented youths," Solomon said. "Under the direction of their band director Gary Washburn, these students have demonstrated how music education has benefited them to be successful in school and in life."View full article

May 7, 2012

Hilo High School Gym

On April 12th, the "last and final charette" for the Hilo High School gym was held. Representatives from the state, county, American Red Cross, Alumnae, and HHS were in attendance.

The gym will be built in one phase and when completed with seat 1376 in the bleachers when open, and 880 in the closed position. The gym will be built to meet the requirements of being a shelter as well as meeing ADA requirements. Various green energy initatives such as solar water heating will also be included in the gym design.

Ground breaking for the gym which has been delayed for over a year is now planned for June, 2012.View full article

April 24, 2012

Hawaii's 2nd Annual Micro Robotics Bipedal Robot Workshop

I would also like to encourage interested teams to participate in the upcoming Hawaii Micro Robotics Bipedal Robot Workshop which will be held at Hawaii Community College August 25-26. This workshop includes the opportunity to design and build an easy biped robot, the new Bipeduino. Elementary, middle and high schools with robotic teams are eligible to participate. For further information and registration, please contact Art Kimura, Hawaii Space Grant Consortium at art@higp.hawaii.edu, or (808) 934-7261.

These activities stimulate high technology education and assist in creating a technically capable workforce by developing the skill sets necessary to support high technology robotics-based activities as programs for potentially larger efforts. As a result, this will increase the number of students who have access to programs that are transitional between high school and college.

The 26th Legislative Session has adjourned and during the interim, I will hold meetings to update you on what was accomplished this session and what new laws will affect you. I will also continue to focus on the issues important to you, and will always be available to you during the interim. I appreciate your ideas and participation and should you have any suggestions or concerns please feel free to email me at repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov or call 974-4000, extension 6-6680.

MahaloView full article

April 24, 2012

Liquid Robotics PacX Challenge

On April 5, 2012, I was pleased to be able to celebrate the arrival of Liquid Robotics' wave-powered Wave Glider marine robots at Kawaihae Harbor, and learn about its amazing technology as well as the Pacific Crossing (PacX) Challenge competition.

The four Wave Gliders docked at Kawaihae Harbor before continuing their record-setting journey across the Pacific Ocean for the PacX Challenge.

In November 2011, Liquid Robotics launched their wave gliders from San Francisco Bay, and last month broke the world record for distance by an unmanned wave-powered vehicle. They survived 26-foot waves in a gale force storm, defied turbulent mid-ocean currents, all while transmitting real time ocean data and staying on course to their first destination: the Liquid Robotics' Marine Engineering and Test Facility at Kawaihae Harbor.

The purpose of this crossing was to foster new scientific discoveries in ocean science by collecting and transmitting global ocean data during the yearlong journey. This expedition has also created an opportunity for students, marine researchers, and aspiring oceanographers to follow the robots as they cross the Pacific Ocean.

The Wave Glider is the first marine robot to use only the ocean's endless supply of wave energy for propulsion (no manpower, no emissions, no refueling). It is a reliable and economical autonomous satellite-controlled and self-powered robotic marine drone that has the capability of efficiently completing long missions with minimal environmental impact. Marine data gathered -- including ocean winds, wave heights, weather, oxygen, and currents -- will help address challenges such as ocean acidification, fisheries management, and natural disaster mitigation.

After a short checkup on the Big Island, the wave gliders will split into two pairs for the next leg of the PacX voyage. The Piccard Mar and Fontaine Maru are headed westward, crossing the Mariana Trench and taking on the Kuroshio Current to Japan. The Benjamin and Pap Mau are going through the Coral Sea and headed for Australia.

In addition to providing free unlimited access to ocean data, Liquid Robotics is inviting scientists, students and educators to compete in the PacX Challenge competition that will be awarded to the person(s) whose research "best represents the spirit of exploration and discovery embodied by this journey". The grand prize of $50,000 and six months of Wave Glider data services should inspire and ignite interest within the Big Island school system. Those interested in competing are required to submit a one-page research abstract. In December 2012, a board of distinguished U.S and international ocean scientists will evaluate the submissions and select one grand prize winner. I encourage taking advantage of this unique opportunity. The submission deadline for participating in the PacX Challenge is July 17, 2012.
(http://www.liquidr.com)

April 24, 2012

2012 Post-Session Legislative Community Meetings

I invite you to one of the following post-session meetings. The 2012 Legislative Session adjourns on May 3, 2012. I will provide a recap of the session, review of bills passed, and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) approved for construction in the coming year. Please mark your calendars!View full article

April 19, 2012

Jam with the Honoka'a High School Jazz Band!

Aloha Capitol Jazz Fans!

Take a break on Friday, April 20, 2012 and celebrate National Jazz month!
Representative Mark M. Nakashima (Honoka'a Graduate) and Senator Malama Solomon invite you to attend this special concert by the award winning Honoka'a High School Jazz Band!

10:00 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda

See attached flyer for more information
Enjoy the jazz!
View full article

April 10, 2012

Big Island Candies Raised $430.00 for the Hawaii Food Basket!

Our office is happy to announce that we have raised $430.00 for the Hawaii Island Food Basket! Mahalo for all of you who have kindly purchased your crunch bars to support this great cause!View full article

March 12, 2012

Congratulations to Kohala Middle Schools team "6000 n 60"!

Kohala Middles School Students won National Siemens Award!

Each year the Siemens Foundation holds a "We Can Change the World Challenge" that encourages student teams to work with a teacher or mentor to identify a wide range of environmental issues of concern and create a plan to make sustainable, reproducible improvements in their local communities. The idea behind the challenge is to empower youth to introduce change! Students are judged based on their local environmental issue, community engagement, creativity and innovation, scientific approach, and the ability to expand their entry content in other communities. Each member of the first place team received a $10,000 U.S. savings bond, a discovery trip to Costa Rica, a pocket video camera to document their adventure, and a Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge green prize pack.

With the guidance of their team mentor, Lani Bowman, a group of Kohala Middle School students took the first place award for the grade 6-8 division of the 2010-2011 Siemens "We Can Change the World Challenge". The students are Isabel Steinhoff, Rico Bowman, Genevieve Boyle, and Mina Apostadiro. The team of students, known as "6000 n 60" focused on the disposal of household batteries and how there were no local opportunities to recycle them. "6000 n 60" represents their goal to collect 6000 batteries in 60 days. Their prediction was that if people were given the opportunity to recycle batteries and given information on how to better use those batteries, the community would be more aware of the ways in which they dispose their batteries and be more likely to participate.View full article

February 28, 2012

The Hamakua CDP is Coming to You!

The Community Development Plan (CDP) will map the future of your Hamakua community so this is YOUR chance to make sure we heard what YOU said & are headed in the right direction!View full article

February 25, 2012

Mid-Session Community Meetings

Aloha,
Representative Mark Nakashima will be holding a series of mid-session community meetings. Please come and share your thoughts or concerns with him. He will also be providing updates on district projects and current legislation. Please mark your calendars. He will also be meeting with seniors groups at their respective Senior Centers. Mahalo!

Hamakua Community
Thursday, February 23, 2012 6:30 PM, North Hawaii Education & Research Center (NHERC)

Kohala Community
Monday, February 27, 2012 4:00 PM, North Kohala Library

Rural South Hilo Community
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:00 PM, Kalanianaole School

North Hilo Community Council
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 6:30 PM, Location to be announced

If you have any questions, please contact our office toll free at 974-4000 ext 6-6680
Aloha!View full article

January 30, 2012

January Newsletter

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012 Year of the Dragon!View full article

July 28, 2011

Rural Outreach Services (ROS) Initiative in Honokaa

Hawaii 24/7 (07/22/11) - "Government and community resources coming to Hamakua" (video) Gov. Neil Abercrombie and other officials kicked off the state's first rural initiatives program. The program, headquartered at the University of Hawaii, Hilo-North Hawaii Education and Research Center (NHERC), brings 38 federal, state and local agencies and nonprofits on a rotating basis to a central Big Island location. View full article