Rep. Mike Magaoay, Senator Mike Gabbard, Rep. Marilyn Lee, Senator Norman Sakamoto, and Senator Will Espero congratulated Hawaii Carpenters Union Financial Secretary Ron Taketa at the Grand Opening for their new training center in Kapolei on May 23, 2009.

On behalf of the Hawai’i State Senate, Senator Mike Gabbard presented an honorary certificate to Paul Carboni of Ewa at a ceremony held at the US Coast Guard Station in Kalaeloa on May 17, 2009 in recognition of him achieving the rank of Eagle Scout (at left is Paul’s father Mike Carboni).

Senator Mike Gabbard presented an honorary certificate to Marvin Awaya (Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation) at the dedication for Phase 1 and groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the Senior Residence at Kapolei on May 6, 2009.

Senator Mike Gabbard and Representative Sharon Har congratulated Principal Sean Tajima with an Honorary Certificate from the State Legislature upon Makakilo Elementary School’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on April 25, 2009. As the first public school in the Kapolei Complex, Makakilo Elementary first opened its doors in the 1960s with an enrollment of 75 students

Senate Chair of Energy/Environment Committee Mike Gabbard and Senator Jill Tokuda honored Kaneohe resident, Richard Maruya, at the State Capitol for his non-toxic and non-ozone depleting invention, Hydro Carbon Refrigerant 188C, which was selected by the Environmental Protection Agency for a prestigious Environmental Achievement Award in 2008.

Pictured (L to R) are Senator Gabbard, Richard’s wife Terri, Richard Maruya, Richard’s son Wayne, and Senator Tokuda.

Senator Mike Gabbard presents a certificate from the State Senate to Rev. Nuutele Vaeena and Elisapeta Tu'upo-Alaimaleata in honor of Le Fetuao Samoan Language School at their Open House event on April 4, 2009.

Senators Mike Gabbard, Will Espero, and Clarence Nishihara honored The Voice of Kapolei Ohana at the State Capitol on March 23, 2009.

Pictured (L to R) are Senator Espero, Isaac Duhaylonsod, Keala Duhaylonsod, Karen Duhaylonsod, Damon Duhaylonsod, Senator Gabbard, Joshua Duhaylonsod, and Malia Duhaylonsod.

Senator Mike Gabbard and Rep. Sharon Har presented Moses Pauole III, the President of the Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Little League, with a congratulatory certificate from the Legislature at the closing ceremonies of their 50th annual T-Ball and Coach Pitch regular baseball season at Kalaeloa’s Pointer Field on March 21, 2009.

Senator Mike Gabbard recognized 3rd through 5th grade students from Mauka Lani Elementary’s Ohana Council during the session of the State Senate on March 10, 2009. The students' chaperones (not pictured) were Mrs. Arisa Domingo, Tammy Sakato, and Keahi Teson.

Senator Mike Gabbard honored Chris Harris, General Manager of Access Information Management, at the State Capitol on March 5, 2009. Mr. Harris was recognized for his company's participation in the Aloha Aina Earth Days.

Senator Mike Gabbard congratulates General Manager, Max Ramos, at the opening of the new Kapolei Costco on February 27th. The Kapolei Costco is 160,000 sq. feet with an indoor food court and 16 pump gas station.

Senator Mike Gabbard joined with Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and Rep. Sharon Har in congratulating Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' Chairman, Micah Kane, at the blessing for the Kanehili Increment 1A in East Kapolei on January 27, 2009. The Kanehili project is considered DHHL's first "green" subdivision and will eventually include 403 homes.

On January 4 2009, Senator Mike Gabbard honored Les Akeo Jr. (center) and his father “Pops” Akeo for bringing their annual Pilikoko Baseball Clinic to Kapolei for the first time. The free one-day clinic hosted a range of valuable mentors, such as the Sardinha Brothers (3 Hawaii legends and baseball professionals), Coach Ebanez (KHS Hurricane Baseball), and the Akeos.

The Old Timers Boxing Club held its quarterly luncheon at the Oahu Veterans Center on December 5, 2008. Senator Gabbard dropped in to make a surprise Honorary Certificate presentation on behalf of the Hawaii State Senate to Bobby Lee (club president, right) and Bobby Hayashida (secretary and treasurer, center)

Senator Gabbard congratulated Austin Equires, Kapolei resident and owner of Hawai'i On-Site Diesel Repair, at the blessing ceremony of his company's new location in Campbell Industrial Park on December 3, 2008. Joining in the celebration was (from right) Rev. Cletus Mooya of St. Jude Catholic Church in Makakilo and Austin's wife Emmly with their son Bronson.

Jaymie-Rae Martin was presented with a certificate from the State Senate by Senator Mike Gabbard at Island Pacific Academy's Fall Sports Banquet on November 15, 2008. Jaymie, an IPA freshman, distinguished herself by winning the 2008 Interscholastic League of Honolulu Girls Singles Bowling Championship.

Pictured (L to R) are IPA Athletic Director Ron Tsuchiya, Jaymie-Rae, and Senator Gabbard.

Senator Mike Gabbard presented Stacie Kanno, Kapolei Public Library Branch Manager, with a certificate from the State Senate at the Friends of the Library of Hawaii Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2008. Ms. Kanno was recognized for being named the 2008 Public Librarian of the Year.

Pictured (L to R) are Dan Reid (Marriott Resorts Hawaii), Stacie Kanno, Senator Gabbard, Richard Burns (State Librarian), and Susan Li (Friends of the Library of Hawaii).

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' Makakilo Stake were honored by Senator Mike Gabbard and Rep. Sharon Har at the ceremony for the completion of their new Kalaeloa meetinghouse on November 8, 2008.

Pictured are (L to R), First Counselor John Kapololu, Rep. Har, Second Counselor Earl Higa, Makakilo Stake President Voi Ray Taeoalii, and Senator Gabbard.

Executive Director Erhardt Hsiao-Lin Preitauer and Senior Medical Director Dr. James H.T. Tan were presented with a certificate from the State Senate by Senator Mike Gabbard at the Grand Opening of Ohana Health Plan's new offices in Waipahu on November 3rd.

Bruce Barrett, Executive Vice President of Castle and Cooke Homes, and Mike Freeman, Royal Kunia Community Association (RKCA) Board President, were presented with certificates from the State Legislature by Sen. Mike Gabbard, Rep. Sharon Har, and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new RKCA Recreation Center on November 1, 2008.

West Oahu Senators Will Espero, Mike Gabbard and Clarence Nishihara were on-hand to congratulate incoming United Filipino Council of Hawaii President, Eddie Agas, at the 2008 Progress Awards on October 31 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Senator Mike Gabbard and Rep. Sharon Har welcomed Hawaii Self Storage upon the Grand Opening celebration for their new facility in Kapolei on October 24th. Also pictured (L to R) are owner Steve Metter, president Daniel Ho, and project manager Colin Yokoyama.

The Burrows Family of Hilo was honored as the 'Ohana of the Year at the Child & Family Service’s 24th Annual luncheon on October 23, 2008. The award recognizes a family who, with help from one of the many Child & Family Service programs, has made significant progress in changing their lives for the better. Legislators were also on hand to officially honor the family on behalf of the Hawaii State Senate & Hawaii State House.

Pictured from left are: (standing) Rep. Michael Magaoay, Rep. Clift Tsuji, Wolfred and Debbie Burrows with daughter Tihani, Sen. Mike Gabbard, Sen. Will Espero, (sitting) Tearde, Tiana, Tehina, Koapaka, and Tianti.

Jack Uesugi, an 8th grade Island Pacific Academy student, is honored by Senator Mike Gabbard at a school assembly on October 15th.

Lokahi Ventures, LLC was congratulated by Senator Gabbard at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kapolei Business Park, Phase 2 on September 30, 2008.

Pictured (L to R) Monroe Friedlander Executive Vice President Scott Mitchell, Lokahi Ventures LLC Director Michael Embree, Senator Gabbard.

Senator Gabbard presented surprise Honorary Certificates from the Hawaii State Senate to the most recent inductees of the United States Tennis Association's Hawaii Pacific Hall of Fame. The event took place at the Ala Moana Hotel on October 4th, 2008.

(Top) Rick Fried, a well-known attorney, was chosen for his outstanding performance on the tennis courts: winning four Kailua Racquet Club Night Doubles titles, being ranked among the top 10 in open singles, and being #1 in his age group every year he has been eligible.

(Bottom) Bob Keaunui was inducted for his efforts in volunteering for over 30 years to help youth and adult beginners on the Windward side of Oahu to learn to love the game.

Mario and Doris Domingo were honored by Senator Mike Gabbard on October 5th, 2008. Mr. and Mrs. Domingo were celebrating their 70th birthdays at their home in Honokai Hale with family and friends.

Senator Gabbard presented an honorary certificate from the State Senate to Masina Vagatai for being named a Honor Star with the Mpact Girls Club at an award ceremony at Makakilo Rec Center during the Makakilo Assembly of God’s church services on September 21st, 2008.

Pictured (L to R) are Senator Gabbard, Mrs. Carlson, Pastor John Carlson, Masina Vagatai, Cecille Vagatai, and Nuu Vagatai.

Kapolei High students were presented honorary certificates from the State Legislature by Senator Gabbard and Rep. Har at a red-carpet award ceremony at the Ward Consolidated Theaters on May 15th.

Pictured (L to R – front row) are Shantelle Aglanao, Aizha-Lee Canne, Gianna Gabriel, and Senator Gabbard; (L to R – back row) Rep. Sharon Har, Shenon Moore, Patrick Guanzon, Daryl Madela, and Travis Spencer.

D.R. Horton Schuler Division was recognized by Senator Gabbard and Rep. Har at the Ground Blessing for their Mehana at Kapolei project on May 9th.

Pictured (L to R) are Senator Will Espero, Senator Gabbard, Mike Jones (President - D.R. Horton Schuler Division), Bob Bruhl (Vice President - D.R. Horton Schuler Division), Rep. Sharon Har, Councilman Todd Apo, and Maeda Timson (Kapolei-Makakilo-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board Chair).

Mark Ishizu was honored by Senator Gabbard at a ceremony at King's Cathedral Oahu in Niu Valley on April 26th, 2008 in recognition of him achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Senator Gabbard recognized leaders of the Arthritis Walk at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park on April 26th, 2008.

Pictured (L to R) are Dr. John Kippel (President & CEO, National Arthritis Foundation), Dianne Ward (Executive Director, Honolulu Arthritis Foundation), and L. Brunson White (National Arthritis Foundation Chair).

Chief Warrant Officer Fermin Aque, Jr. received an honorary certificate from Senator Mike Gabbard on behalf of the State Senate at his Wahiawa retirement ceremony on March 28, 2008.

Nanakuli resident, Ms. Le'a Kunipo—Miss Hawaii Teen America 2008— was presented with an honorary certificate from the State Senate by Senator Gabbard at a fundraising party at Hawaiian Brian's on April 19th, 2008.

District 8 Police Officer John Dorsey, is honored by Senator Gabbard on behalf of the Hawaii State Senate at the Kapolei Police Station on April 14, 2008.

Dorsey has been with the Department for 16 years and was recently named Officer of the Fourth Quarter. Celebrating with him are Officers James Nobriga and Frank Pugliese (at left) and Captain Mitchell Kiyuna (right).

Ms. Shari Takahashi, of Waikele, is honored by Senator Mike Gabbard at the State Capitol on March 28th for being named the 2008 Leeward District Teacher of the Year.

Shaun Higashida (right) and Kyle Kettner (left) were honored by Senator Gabbard at a ceremony at Camp Timberline in Makakilo on March 29th, 2008 in recognition of their achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Ms. Jeanine Wong was presented with an honorary certificate from the State Senate by Senator Gabbard on March 7th in recognition of her being named 2008 Hawaii Young Mother of the Year.

Mr. Malcolm Ching was recognized in the Senate Chambers on February 13th, 2008 for being named the Property Manager of the Year. Also pictured is Malcolm's wife, Amy.

Mr. Chris Ulu was honored by Senator Gabbard for the bravery he showed in rescuing a woman in the Don Quijote parking lot in Waipahu. Also pictured is Chris' wife, Francine.

On July 17th, 2007, Kapolei High School teacher Michael Staffaroni received an honorary certificate from Senator Mike Gabbard on behalf of the State Senate.

Mr. Staffaroni was recognized for being selected to participate in the exclusive “Economics Cadre” program.

John and Dionne Rau were paid a surprise visit at the “The Backyard” in Royal Kunia on New Year’s Day, 2008. Also pictured are Senator Gabbard’s daughter former State Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo (Ewa-Waipahu) and the Rau’s children Kaliyah and Evan.

The American Renaissance Academy was honored by Senator Gabbard and Rep. Har upon their Grand Opening in Kalaeloa on December 7th, 2007.

Pictured (L to R) are Kelly Tanizaki (President), Thomas Dunn (Legal Advisor), Bernadette Ortiz-Brewster (Director), Charles Beeck (Chairman of Executive Board), and world-famous film star, Jason Scott Lee.

Senior Pastor John Honold and Executive Pastor Garret Shon were presented with an honorary certificate from Senator Gabbard at Hope Chapel Kapolei's Grand Opening celebration in Kalaeloa on November 18th, 2007.

Principal Al Nagasako joined Senator Gabbard in presenting an honorary certificate from the State Senate to 12th grade Kapolei High student, Joan Quiba, during the school's band practice on August 14th. Joan was recognized for her outstanding writing abilities and being named a finalist at the 2007 Star Poets Contest.

The 2007 Leeward Young Artist Award winners were recognized by Senators Gabbard and Nishihara on Oct 25, 2007.

L - R (front) Hokulani Hokama-Ke’alohi of Nanakuli Elementary, Bryson Estabillo of Kapolei Middle, Renee Lum of Highlands Intermediate, (back) Cherie-Noelle Kaanana of Wai’au Elementary, Wallace Voeks III and Travis Kumano – both from Pearl City High, DayLin Guieb and Mike Poscablo – both from Waipahu High, and Richard Barbasa of James Campbell High.

Summer interns (L to R) Joan Danahy from New City, New York and her cousin, Ramona Roy, a Makakilo resident and Island Pacific Academy 10th grader, were recognized by Senator Gabbard on August 12th, 2007.

President Voi Ray Taeoalii was presented with an honorary certificate from the Legislature upon the groundbreaking ceremony for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' new Kalaeloa meetinghouse on November 3rd, 2007.

Alyssa-Lende Kane was presented with a commendation from the State Senate by Senator Gabbard at the Evolution Boxing Club in Waipio on August 25th. Alyssa is a 13-year old Kapolei resident who was recognized for her amazing feat of winning the 2007 Ringside World Boxing Championship in the 114-pound weight division.

Marking the 10 year anniversary of Israel Kamakawiwo`ole, "Bruddah Iz's" death on August 4th, 2007 are Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Jon De Mello, Mountain Apple Company, Israel's wife Marlene and Senator Gabbard.

Kapolei Hope Chapel Awana Club Leader Cissy Boyer, volunteers, and students are commended by Senator Gabbard for their efforts to raise funds for a Thailand youth charity.

Rudolfo "Rudy" Gabrillo received a certificate from Senator Mike Gabbard in recognition of his George S.B. Walters Shipyard Service Award.

(L to R) CWO-3 Eric MacDonald, Captain Frank Camelio, Commander - Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Mr. Rudy Gabrillo, Senator Mike Gabbard, and Mr. Bob McDermott, Executive Director - Honolulu Navy League

Kapolei High School teacher, Naidah Gamurot, was recognized by Senator Gabbard for her exceptional dedication to the teaching profession and for being named the 2007 Leeward District Teacher of the Year at a ceremony at KHS on May 24th.

Kapolei Elementary School teacher Laurie Ann Meyer received a certificate from Senator Gabbard after completing the rigorous National Board Certification program.

Kara England, owner of Time to Heal, is honored in her home by Senator Gabbard for her caring efforts to offer massage services for patients suffering from cancer.

Christian Mahuna and his mother, Ellena Young, were honored at the State Capitol on February 21, 2007. Christian survived a reckless driving accident as he waited for the bus near his Kalaeloa home.

Kapolei resident and Waikiki School Principal Bonnie Tabor was recognized at the State Capitol on Friday, March 30, 2007. Ms. Tabor’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in Waikiki School being selected as a 2007 Hawaii Blue Ribbon School and a Hawaii nominee for the 2007 National Blue Ribbon School Award.

Waikele Elementary School 5th grade student, Jacob Caskey, was presented with an honorary certificate from the State Senate at the school’s final assembly of the year on June 7, 2007. Jacob won honorable mention in the 2007 Hawaii Education Association’s Creative Writing Festival.

(L to R) Senator Gabbard joined Kapolei High School Hurricanes Girls Soccer Coach Brian Beck, KHS Boys Soccer Coach Bryce Kaneshiro, KHS Athletic Director Darren Camelo, and KHS Principal Al Nagasako at the Kapolei High Athletic Banquet at the Okinawan Cultural Center on May 27th, 2007.

Jonathan K. Yogi was commended by Senator Gabbard for achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 44, Ko'Olina District at a ceremony held at Kapolei High School on May 23rd, 2007.

Ms. Joy Lynch and former Kapolei Middle School students Flora Cross, Rebecca Manahan, and Tafia Taimalelagi were recognized on the floor of the State Senate for winning the Pearl Harbor speech contest on the floor of the State Senate on February 5th, 2007.