Recently, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, reported on May 7, the challenges continuing to face the Department of Land and Natural Resource’s (DLNR) State Division of Historic Preservation (SHPD) in “Deficiencies put division’s federal funding in jeopardy: the state division has been unable to resolve its staffing and public access problems.”

This important federal issue was flagged by the U.S. National Park Service in 2010 when SHPD was placed in “high-risk status” for “inadequate staffing; lack of a searchable, online database of historic and cultural sites; and failure to update its statewide historic preservation plan.” Failure by  SHPD to comply by February 2013 may result in the loss of one-third of SHPD’s  $1.9 million in funding.

I have every confidence in the leadership of the DLNR Chairman William Aila, and SHPD Administrator Pua Aiu in doing all that they can to move in the right direction toward full compliance with NPS requirements. Indeed, NPS has admitted that much progress has been made since 2010.

Given the enormous challenges plaguing SHPD, I highly recommend that DLNR and SHPD partner with other stakeholders in Hawaii who have mutual interests in the mission of SHPD, the capacity and resources to help SHPD, and the desire to see the division succeed for the betterment of all the people of Hawaii.  Too much of our historical and cultural sites are at risk.

Some stakeholders that come to mind include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Kamehameha Schools, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and the University of Hawaii system.  Whether it be expertise in historic and cultural site preservation, iwi kupuna, Geographic Information Science (GIS), data management, or on-the-job training, SHPD can likely move more quickly at implementing NPS recommendations, instead of going it alone.  Partnerships have the potential of strengthening SHPD operations and programs while improving current processes for the benefit of the public.  They can also serve as a pipeline for undergraduates and graduates in the UH system through internships, fellowships, and eventually direly needed jobs.

The State Department of Education was successful in its $75 million Race to the Top federal funding through the collaboration of partners like the Kamehameha Schools. Such collaboration should be replicated among DLNR, SHPD, and other key community stakeholders.

As a former Congressional staff member familiar with the inner workings of the Department of Interior and the Congressional committees of jurisdiction over this issue, I will work closely with federal and state officials to strengthen SHPD’s role in preserving our precious historical and cultural sites.

Me ke Aloha,

Esther Puakela Kia’aina

After reports that the nation’s largest financial institution suffered $2 billion in trading losses, it is clear that Wall Street reform is necessary. This is why the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” must be fully implemented to truly effect needed change in our nation’s banking and financial industry.  Congressional hearings are already in the works. 

The Dodd-Frank Act overhauls our entire financial regulatory system, by: (1) creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; (2) regulating derivatives; (3) requiring firms which bundle mortgages into securities to assume some of the risk; (4) prohibiting taxpayer funded bailouts of any single firm; and (5) monitoring overall risk to the financial system.

Congressional Republicans continue to undermine meaningful financial reform and obstruct the implementation of Dodd-Frank by seeking funding cuts for two primary agencies that will implement the financial reform law.  Republicans are doing everything possible to also undermine the newly established Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and limit its powers to curtail financial reform.

The primary mission of the CFPB is to protect consumers when dealing with financial institutions, whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.

P.S. Click here to learn more about how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help consumers with financial institutions and products, or call (855) 411-2372.  

Note: Esther Kia’aina is running for Congressional District 2 (Mazie Hirono’s current seat)

Our very own Congresswoman, Mazie Hirono, is featured in this article detailing the Republican War on Women and the hope we have for more women in the Senate to push back against this:

Some of 2012′s most exciting races involve strong, progressive women who are leading the national conversation on not only on women’s issues but also things like the economy and LGBT rights.

Massachusetts’ Elizabeth Warren, Hawaii’s Mazie Hirono and Washington’s Darcy Burner are each known for standing up for workers, the middle class and equal opportunity for all. That’s why we’re excited to have the three of them on the big stage at Netroots Nation in a few weeks.

Bob Marx supports “Responsible Homeowner’s Refinancing Act” to help struggling homeowners refinance their mortgages.

Mr. Marx,  neighbor island candidate for Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District, today endorsed legislation to help homeowners who are “underwater” on their mortgages refinance at a lower rate. Speaking to a group at a coffee talk in Kea‘au, Marx stressed that the federal government must make it a priority to help struggling homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than what their homes are now worth.

             A new bill authored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-C.A.) and Sen. Menendez (D-N.J.) is aimed at helping these homeowners refinance their mortgages. It was introduced on the Senate floor earlier this week, and named the ‘Responsible Homeowner’s Refinancing Act.” The bill, S. 170, would provide for the affordable refinancing of mortgages currently held by Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.

“This legislation could save each homeowner several thousand dollars each year, and, more importantly, keep them in their own homes,” Marx told the crowd. “There is no need to put more hardworking people and their families out on the streets, or ask their extended families to take on a larger burden by taking them in.”

Moody’s (MCO), a credit agency cited by Sen. Boxer, estimates that this legislation would allow up to three million homeowners to refinance their mortgages at a much lower interest rate. This bill would put more money back in the pockets of homeowners whose budgets are already stretched thin. The legislation would also provide some much needed stability to America’s housing market.

            Some major provisions of the bill include:

• Eliminating up-front refinance costs
• Eliminating appraisal costs
• Requiring second mortgage holders to cooperate
• Removing barriers to competition
• Extending streamlined refinancing plans to more people
• Providing certainty to mortgage bond holders

            Marx said, “Many of my constituents and friends are in real estate and construction. They have not had consistent work since 2006. We must do what we can to ensure homeownership is a reachable goal of the American dream. Lower interest rates for homeowners who are now underwater will assist in a small but significant manner in getting the overdue housing recovery on track,” Marx emphasized.

“Rising Debt for Honolulu Rail”

Pahoa, HI (May 11, 2012) – Bob Marx, Hilo attorney, bookstore owner, and candidate for Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District, calls the Honolulu Rail Project an impossible financial burden on the entire state.

            Speaking to a group of students in Pahoa today, Marx addressed the issue of the Honolulu rail project. “This is Mufi Hannemann’s pet project that he abandoned to run for governor, quite unsuccessfully I might add,” Marx began. “Now it appears another Honolulu politician, Tulsi Gabbard, has decided to take Mufi’s reigns and put the state deeper into financial crisis by supporting a $450,000,000 ‘paper’ loan,” Marx stated.

            The original vote for the rail which passed in 2008 was for $3.7 billion and the rail was supposed to run from Kapolei to the University of Hawai‘i. Now, just the first step of the project will cost $5.3 billion, skip Salt Lake and not even get to the University.

“Gabbard continues to show her loyalty to the voters of the FIRST congressional district, which she rightfully should, as she represents many of them on the Honolulu Council. Gabbard and Mufi have no business running for a seat that encompasses the neighbor islands and should rightfully be running for the district in which they live. Both are asking Kaneohe, Kailua, Haleiwa, Wainae, Waimanalo, Makaha and the rest of rural Oahu to float the bill for this incredibly unpopular and untimely elevated train project,” Marx said, bluntly.

            The city said they wouldn’t need the funds unless “the moon fell into the ocean.” Now, just a few months later, they are asking for these funds. “If this wasn’t serious business it would be laughable,” Marx quipped. “We still have the second highest per capita debt in the nation: $8000 for every man, woman and child living on the islands, and yet Honolulu wants to put us further in debt? I am happy to see Council Members Ann Kobayashi and Tom Berg opposing this impossible fiscal burden on the rest of the state.” Marx said.

            Ka‘eo Malaka, a college student in Hilo, asked him what can be done to relieve the burden of traffic and congestion in Honolulu. “We can start with an improved bus system. We must prioritize support for the workers and those looking for work that don’t have transportation, not simply provide alternatives for those who do. This shouldn’t be about convenience–it should be about jobs–and this rail project does nothing to help traffic congestion in Honolulu or help people who are struggling with high fuel prices.”

            Studies in cities with rail programs consistently show the same thing: when people are already using public transportation like buses, ride-shares, or light-rail, they become accustomed to not using their car and will jump on board a train. When they are not accustomed to using public transportation, the transition period is much longer and the costs and projected revenues take much longer than forecasts anticipated. The vote for the funding of the program is set for June 4^th.

            The Second Congressional District encompasses most of rural Oahu and all the neighbor islands. Mr. Marx, a Hilo attorney and long-time community activist, is running against Oahu residents Mufi Hannemann, Tulsi Gabbard, and Esther Kia‘aina and for the open seat.

Tulsi Gabbard today released a statement in response to President Barack Obama’s announcement in support of marriage equality for all Americans:

I congratulate the President for taking a strong stand on marriage equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation. I understand his journey, and stand with him on this issue. This is why in Congress I will work for the repeal of DOMA and support and co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act.  

During my deployment to the Middle East with the Hawai’i National Guard in 2004 I realized that I could not, in good conscience, fight for liberty and freedom overseas while advocating something less than that here at home.  That was an important decision for me and, in that context, I fully recognize the significance of the president’s announcement today. 

Protecting the civil rights of all Americans is an obligation we must strive to fulfill.  It’s critical that we support President Obama and stand with him now more than ever so our progress on these issues cannot be overturned by extremist Republican presidents and Members of Congress.

My position remains firmly that same-sex couples should be afforded all benefits, privileges, and rights that the government grants to heterosexual couples.

Come to the Maui County Fundraiser to

Celebrate the Career of United States Senator
Daniel K. Akaka

Makena Beach & Golf Resort
August 29, 2012

Luau Dinner and Show

6:00pm to 8:00pm
No host bar at 5:30pm

$100 (Make checks payable to Maui County Democratic Party)
All proceeds benefit Maui Democratic Party

For tickets or to sponsor a table please

See videos detailing why our economy crashed