Senate Changes, ‘Drive Safe’ Campaign Winners
West Oahu Islander - December 08, 2010
By: Mike Gabbard
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I wish you and your family the best in 2011.Here are a few things I’d like to share with you.Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s InaugurationNeil Abercrombie was sworn in Dec. 6 as the seventh governor of the state of Hawaii at Iolani Place. Brian Schatz also was sworn in as lieutenant governor. I attended the ceremony, wish them both well, and look forward to working with them during the years ahead as we tackle many difficult and challenging issues.A Fond Farewell to Senate President Colleen HanabusaI attended a farewell party for Senate President Colleen Hanabusa on Nov. 23 at the Capitol. As you know, state Sen. Hanabusa recently was elected to serve as congresswoman for District 1 (Urban Honolulu). Hanabusa was first elected to the state Senate in 1998. Since that time, she has served as the majority leader (2003-2007) and as Senate president (2007-2010). She holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead either House in our state Legislature. She has done a good job as senate president and always looked out for the people of West Oahu. During the party, the men senators sang a song that I wrote as a “roast” tribute to her. I wish her the best of luck as she starts a new adventure in Washington, D.C.Senate ReorganizationOn Nov. 5, the Senate announced its new leadership and committee chairs for the 26th Legislature. Shan Tsutsui of Maui will serve as Senate president, Donna Kim as vice president, Brickwood Galuteria as majority leader, and David Ige will head up the Ways and Means Committee.I was happy to be reap-pointed chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee. I’ll also serve on two other committees: the Judiciary/Labor and Transportation/International Affairs committees.Drive Safe 4 EwaKapolei/Live & Let Live Poster ContestWe conducted the kickoff for the Drive Safe 4 EwaKapolei/Live & Let Live safety awareness campaign on Nov. 27 at the Kapolei Police Station. I joined with other legislators in announcing the winners for the poster contest: Catherine Johnny, a senior at James Campbell High School, placed first and received a $100 award; Jordan Guillermo, a senior at Kapolei High School, was second and received a $75 award; Jaypee Carreon, a senior at Waianae High School, placed third and received a $50 award; Robbie Sylva, a sophomore at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, placed fourth and received a $25 award.The winners’posters will be on display at Kapolei Police Station through the end of the year. Mahalo to the Waianae Military Civilian Advisory Council for providing the students with their prizes.Please contact me if I can help you in any way. My phone number is 586-6830 and e-mail is sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov.