To get us rolling, here’s one from curtis crabbe-molokai:

Re: Iroquois point beach, Puuloa, I spoke to Steve Colon last evening, he returned my call on voicemail. After speaking with him it appears that he is the middle guy, and he was somewhat unaware of this law, however the buck stopped with him. I appreciated his candor.

When I was a kid I lived in Pearl City and we frequented the beach always. There was always access to fish, pick limu, but we had to leave at sundown.

How do you think that the state/county/navy can fashion an agreement to mitigate this serious issue? The navy needs to be a good neighbor as they have not been in the past. Please afford your utmost due diligence in this matter

Aloha Curtis Crabbe-Molokai,

Thanks for your question. In Hawaii, the beaches have always belonged to all of us. That is not going to change because of a few developers. The Navy has continued to be a good citizen, I'll do everything in my power to keep the beaches open.

Here’s one sent via e-mail from Todd Benson:

Recently Warren Buffett gave a speech where he said that he paid 17 percent of his income to taxes, whereas he figured his secretary paid roughly 32 percent. His solution was to tax the rich and big business. My solution would be to not increase anyone's taxes, because the government seems to waste money too much. So how about lowering taxes on the middle class, keeping everyone else's taxes the same, and learn to live with your governmental means, just like Americans have to live within their means. My question is, what is your solution to the middle class paying a higher percentage of their income to the federal government? And do you think this is fair?

Greetings Todd,

The Democratic agenda in Congress is to lower taxes on the middle class and to do away with the Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans. I am very aware of the terrible budget deficit and national debt caused by the wreckless decisions made in the last five years. We are trying to find a way to balance the tax burden with the government's need to pay for services to its citizens and making the government operate more efficiently is certainly a part of that.

Nice job. Here’s another one sent via e-mail from Guy Belegaud:

Why have you been so silent regarding the clean up of our coast from
the military dumping after World War II?
What are your plans to speed up the process?
Mahalo

Aloha Guy,

I've been anything, but quiet. I've been engaged with the most senior level of the U.S. Army. I was able to get $8 million authorized in the National Defense Bill to begin to mitigate this disaster. The money would pay for water quality studies and analysis and surveying of the ocean floor so we know exactly what we're dealing with, how big the area is, and how safe the material would be to handle.

Here's one posted earlier from Rootsrundeep:

Do you support the impeachment of Dick Cheney and George Bush. If so, why and how likely is this to happen?

If not, why not?

How do the other members of the Hawai`i delegation feel about impeachment?

If Congress decides not to move ahead with impeachment proceedings, how will you stop or curtail Bush's imperial presidency which has severely damaged so many of the legal principles upon which the US was founded.

Rep. Abercrombie, the military has decided to cut the services they provide enlisted military personnel (making them chose certain services over others, for example medical coverage over childcare service or commissary privileges). I think this is a huge injustice to those people serving our country - especially the families/and spouses that keep the home fires burning when their loved ones are deployed. I'd like to know your thoughts on this, and whether you'd look consider reversing (or correcting) this.

Mahalo.

With the Bush administration's apparent refusal to recognize its failed (and still failing) policy in Iraq, what your sense of the mood in Congress to bring our troops home sooner rather than later?

Ah, the impeachment question takes some time to answer, I'm sure. I'm told Rep. Abercrombie is working on that one for Rootsrundeep. Hang tight.

Aloha Neil,

I am wondering what you think the US, and particularly Hawaii, might do differently in regards to US-China policy. China just executed a top official because of the food scare, and this does not seem to be the way to insure that food and products coming from China are substandard. General and specific comments are appreciated.

Also, what about China's rapid military buildup? BTW we are doing a 21st Century China Symposium at UH Hilo this Sunday, July 15, from 2-7:30 PM in UCB 114. Mayor Harry Kim will be a keynote speaker.
Mahalo,

Don

Aloha Neil:
how come when the Dems had the President in a bind with war spending - they only managed to get a couple things out of him - like Minimum Wage - which is good,
but hardley a sufficient compromise for fundin the war.

Why do the Dems refuse to play hard ball - and at least get more $$ for other issues - if they are going to cave to the war needs - like doubling the McKinney-Vento homeless services budget - that's only $1 billion - that would help veterans, people with serious mental illness and substance abuse especially

Can you give us an update on the use of the Striker Force here in Hawaii? Are still waiting for an Environmental Impact Statement?

Aloha Neil, Thanks to a lapse in state health insurance regulation HMSA's private individual plan doesn't include presciption coverage and Kaiser's doesn't include many annual doctor visits (6 or 7). If you become sick you can run out of money before you reach a lifetime coverage limit and because you'll loose insurance coverage if you can't pay the premiums you'll save HMSA and Kaiser lots of money. I know you support Democratic presidential candidate Kucinich's single payer health insurance bill. If we don't have a president who supports it what chance does it have of becoming law? Thanks

Thank you for your question Rootsrundeep,

One does not lightly remove the chief executive of the United States who occupies that position by virtue of election whether one agrees or not with the outcome of any given election, respect has to be shown for the office. The constitution makes clear that the President should be considered for removal only for the commission of high crimes and misdemeanors. I may personally view the actions of the President in regards to Iraq and other decisions, as antithetical to the good and welfare of the nation. The legislative branch of the U.S. cannot and should not attempt to remove a President by way of impeachment for what can rightly be characterized as ideological differences no matter how profound. Additionally, from a practical legislative perspective, an impeachment procedure under the present circumstances would be viewed as an act of political revenge and the entire substance of any charges that may be proferred with regards to the prosecution of the war in Iraq would be lost in the smoke screen of partisan rhetoric. Such a procedure would be in my judgement, self indulgent and possibly satisfying because of the visceral opposition to President Bush, but would do absolutely nothing in any substantive way to ending the war and more immediately the killing of U.S. troops and Iraqi citizens. That should be our object.

The way to stop or curtail the imperial presidency is for the Congress to assert its legislative responsibilities in terms of oversight and implementation of policies and programs directly related to the prosperity and progress of the nation. We are engaged, presently, in that. Today, for example, we passed the College Cost Reduction Act, which speaks for itself. We are going to reduce the cost of a college education for the young working men and women of this nation. The promise of a future should not be dependent on the size of one's wallet or one's parents' wallet. This is a practical real time demonstration of what we should be doing to overcome the reactionary policies of President Bush.

Aloha Representative,

Thank you for your work. I'm writing becasue, as you know, people are feeling disconnected from the wealthy elite, and also feeling disconnected from legislators.

Almost every issue comes back to the influence of money on the lawmaking process: Iraq, health care, public's right to the airwaves, and the list goes on.

Publicly funded elections is becomming a more popular solution to reconnect people to government and build trust.

The Fair Elections Now Act is currently being heard in the Senate. It is supported by the AFL-CIO, Senator Durbin, and many others.

Will you support this bill too? Will you make it a priority?

Thanks again for your work.

Kory Payne

Re: Access Iroqouis Housing When can we expect to receive the final decision on this matter?

Comment from: Jc [Visitor]
Rep. Abercrombie, the military has decided to cut the services they provide enlisted military personnel (making them chose certain services over others, for example medical coverage over childcare service or commissary privileges). I think this is a huge injustice to those people serving our country - especially the families/and spouses that keep the home fires burning when their loved ones are deployed. I'd like to know your thoughts on this, and whether you'd look consider reversing (or correcting) this.

Mahalo.

--

I've served on the Armed Services Committee for 9 terms. In the course of that time, I've served on most of the subcommittees of the ASC, including the one on personnel. The question references a discussion now taking place about military compensation and non-cash benefits associated with it. Most people think about compensation in terms of basic pay and housing allowances. But particularly with a volunteer armed services, questions about the value of benefits like family health care, child care, shopping privileges, etc. arise. Presently, a study is underway to evaluate possibly combining benefits into a single payment. In addition, questions concerning the Housing allowances for single armed services personnel and those with families are also under consideration. The possibility of moving to a "cafeteria-style plan" regarding benefits is at issue. The 2008 Defense Authorization bill will be completed before consideration of these ideas is finished.

Ni hao-zit Neil,

Do you still lift weights? Can you answer a few more questions? Time is almost up!
Aloha,

Don

Hello Mr. Abercrombie,

From reading the paper everday, I can see that Hawaii faces a lot of various issues, from pedestrian safety to homelessness, from the environment (Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Plan)to public education.

What advice or steps would you give to a college student who is eager to help solve some of these problems, yet does not know where to begin?

Comment from: Steve Doyle [Visitor]
With the Bush administration's apparent refusal to recognize its failed (and still failing) policy in Iraq, what your sense of the mood in Congress to bring our troops home sooner rather than later?

--

Hi Steve,

I believe the Congress is lagging behind the public in regard to Iraq policy. The President insists that a military solution in Iraq is still central. To whatever degree military action was ever in order, and I of course do not think it was, that consideration has long since passed. The first part of the question is its own answer, ie. Mr. Bush refuses to recognize his failed and still failed policy in Iraq, he equates stubborness with decisiveness and refuses to reflect upon the consequences of his actions. It is less the mood of the Congress, at point, whether the country will put up with either of us any longer.

Congressman Abercrombie- What are your future plans? A Senate bid? But not like Case, I know you have respect. Governor? Lecturer at a University? You are a great speaker, even my ADD son would listen and be enthralled.

Aloha,
Jeff

6 years ago when I graduated UH, I received letter after letter telling me to consolidate my student loans. So I did, and was 'lucky' to lock in a 7.75%, or was I? Since there is no such thing as reconsolidation or refinancing of student loans, I have missed out on under 3% rates. Is there any hope for me that this issue will be visited? I know the issue of new student loans has been looked at but whatabout those of us who 'lucked' into locking high interest rates?

HR 1110 is a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. My question is what about retrirees 65 and over who pay taxes on their Social Security Benefits and also pay Medicare premiums. Why are they not included in this bill? I think the old axiom, things being equal to same thing are equal to each other applies here. Retirees of any age paying medical premiums should be treated the same.

Bruddah Neil,

No question here. I just want to sincerely thank you for your committment regarding the Iroquois issue.

As you know, many of us in Hawai'i don't view the land and sea as simply resources or commodities...but as spiritual partners. The partnership is one-sided, as the 'aina is becoming the only 'giver' in it. Cutting off beach access anywhere here, not to mention 'boundary-hopping'(growing coastal plants in front of private beach front property to extend property lines) is a sick practice by those who don't understand the connection many have. Not to mention, it's also cutting off those who still sustain themselves from shoreline/reef inhabitants.

More in Hawai'i should realize Hawai'i maybe a part of the U.S. (which I have no problem with), but it is STILL A PART OF POLYNESIA. Mainland land-use practices must be custom fitted to apply here, and when put in place, respected. It isn't government taking away from private property, it is government supporting the deeper vision of what 'land' and 'ocean' really are to some people (especially Hawaiians...but not limited to.)

Thank you again!

Puuloa

thanx uncle neil for your input on the Puuloa/Iroquois Point subject, keep on keeping on

BTW wheres the taxi cab, i want it

aloha from molokai

Dear Rep. Abercrombie,

What have you done and what will you be doing to support the five women who were sexually harassed by Hale Koa's (military hotel) former EEO counselor?

Community leaders have been very vocal on this issue. What's been your public position on this issue?

Something needs to be done. The issue there at the Hale Koa seems to be systemic.

What's Hale Koa's management doing to address this issue, to demonstrate to the public that they are taking these allegations seriously?

Mahalo.

Aloha Neil,

I am wondering what you think the US, and particularly Hawaii, might do differently in regards to US-China policy. China just executed a top official because of the food scare, and this does not seem to be the way to insure that food and products coming from China are substandard. General and specific comments are appreciated.

Also, what about China's rapid military buildup? BTW we are doing a 21st Century China Symposium at UH Hilo this Sunday, July 15, from 2-7:30 PM in UCB 114. Mayor Harry Kim will be a keynote speaker.
Mahalo,

Don

--

Aloha Don,

U.S.-China policy is schizophrenic. China has always been defensive in nature, authority in China always takes the position that it is at the center of the universe and that the entire world, outside of China, is exactly that - out there. China is the middle KingDom. As such, it regards itself as the center of the universe. I don't say this in a pejorative way, but in a cultural and historic fact of China's life. China is a civilization, not a nation. China regards that whereever Chinese are, China is there also. The official was killed not because of the food scare, but because the food scare caused China to be put in a negative position. The Chinese regime in Beijing is indifferent to the issue of whether or not products coming from China are substandard. That becomes an issue only if it affects China in an adverse way. Execution of those who disconcert authority in China is ubiqitous from the time of the Confucion lords to the Communist lords. Same attitude, different names.
As for China's military buildup, it is perfectly understandable that being the middle kingdom subject to invasion and imperial assault from the West, that they would wish to make sure such a thing never happens again. It is less a question I believe of imposing their will than it is of ensuring that China its proper role as the middle kingdom in the 21st century. Our reaction to this phenomenon, if it only assumes a military role, will be useless. The U.S. is in no position, and will be in no position to threaten China militarily, else risking the obliteration of the planet. China needs to be engaged diplomatically and culturally with respect and the sheer knowledge that it will never be dominated again.

Why can't you help to kill the Akaka Bill. It dose nothing but to undermine self-determination of Hawaiians and killing it would secure the reinstatement of Hawaiian lands to the people of Hawaii. Killing the bill would answer many of the other concerns with the military in Hawaii... Why not spend your time influencing the reduction of military in Hawaii? For all the money Hawaii spent in the war and legal problems with military members here why not disolve both the Akaka Bill and U.S. relations altogether?

Aloha Neil:
how come when the Dems had the President in a bind with war spending - they only managed to get a couple things out of him - like Minimum Wage - which is good,
but hardley a sufficient compromise for fundin the war.

Why do the Dems refuse to play hard ball - and at least get more $$ for other issues - if they are going to cave to the war needs - like doubling the McKinney-Vento homeless services budget - that's only $1 billion - that would help veterans, people with serious mental illness and substance abuse especially

--

Hi Michael,

It was not only a war spending at issue, the republicans had failed to pass a budget for 2007, military expenditures included. The President has never budgeted for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, when I offered an amendment to the proposed 2007 Defense Budget to actually pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was defeated by the GOP majority. The President has always raised war spending in the context of a so called Emergency Supplemental Budget. Pretending that war spending was an emergency, that we had no way of anticipating and it was merely to supplement existing expenditures in the Defense Department, instead of being a natural extension of the war policies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our task then when the Democrats became the majority, was to pass a budget for the entire nation, war spending not withstanding. We are trying to get away from these phony Emergency Supplemental Bills and face directly the true costs of the Bush policies in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To that end, we are increasing the veteran's budget by up to $4 Billion in recognition of the after effects of the Bush policies.

Can you give us an update on the use of the Striker Force here in Hawaii? Are still waiting for an Environmental Impact Statement?

--

Greetings John,

Because of the failure of the Army to prepare a complete an EIS with respect to the Stryker unit, the placement of the force in HI is in limbo. If the statement inadequate, the Stryker force will have to go else where.

Comment from: voter [Visitor]
Aloha Neil, Thanks to a lapse in state health insurance regulation HMSA's private individual plan doesn't include presciption coverage and Kaiser's doesn't include many annual doctor visits (6 or 7). If you become sick you can run out of money before you reach a lifetime coverage limit and because you'll loose insurance coverage if you can't pay the premiums you'll save HMSA and Kaiser lots of money. I know you support Democratic presidential candidate Kucinich's single payer health insurance bill. If we don't have a president who supports it what chance does it have of becoming law? Thanks

--

Thanks for your question. Representative Kucinich is one among a large number of supporters, which include myself, for a single-payer health plan for the U.S. Single payer simply means that the government has the responsibility for paying the bills. The best example I can give would be the present Medicare system, I think everyone understands that Medicare benefits and government pays the bills as these benefits are exercised by the individual. It would eliminate the insurance companies from being able to derive a profit from the illness of patients. The costs associated with healthcare in the U.S. will come in my judgement, take us to a single-payer system sooner rather than later.

Mahalo Neil that is a good and thoughtful answer on the China question.

Since I've been nagging him about being too slow to reply, Rep. Abercrombie has agreed to stay a few minutes longer, so that he can get to a few more questions. :).

I will share your answer at the Symposium. The age of US military "might is right" is over, and the 21st century demands more cultural sensitivity. I look forward to hanging out in Beijing with you one of these days. let us know when you will be in China!

Comment from: Kory Payne [Visitor]
Aloha Representative,

Thank you for your work. I'm writing becasue, as you know, people are feeling disconnected from the wealthy elite, and also feeling disconnected from legislators.

Almost every issue comes back to the influence of money on the lawmaking process: Iraq, health care, public's right to the airwaves, and the list goes on.

Publicly funded elections is becomming a more popular solution to reconnect people to government and build trust.

The Fair Elections Now Act is currently being heard in the Senate. It is supported by the AFL-CIO, Senator Durbin, and many others.

Will you support this bill too? Will you make it a priority?

Thanks again for your work.

Kory Payne

--

Aloha Kory,

The Fair Elections Now Act is fine as far as it goes, but believe me having participated in elections since 1970, I know full-well the role money plays in limiting the capacity of citizens to participate. In the end, regardless of attempts to fix up, or reform, or alter present election rules regarding funding, there is only one way that elections can again be made fair. There must be limits on contributions, limits on spending, and a restricted time on and in the media before elections. I have personal experience with two of the former, ie. limits on contributions and expenditures, I was elected under such system in 1974. No one could spend more than anyone else in the election, no matter how much access to funds they had from private interests. We were all equal before the Money God, that changed in 1976 with the Supreme Court Buckley v. Valeo. It's been all down hill ever since into the Money Pit.
As for the media, it's strictly cash up front. The media has been found wanting in supporting true electoral funding reform.

Comment from: Professor Don Eads [Visitor]
Ni hao-zit Neil,

Do you still lift weights? Can you answer a few more questions? Time is almost up!
Aloha,

Don

--

Yes. The weights are my true friends, they never change, they never lie. What's better, they never let you lie to yourself.

Comment from: James Santoki [Visitor]
Re: Access Iroqouis Housing When can we expect to receive the final decision on this matter?


--

The decision has already been made on Iroqouis Beach access and housing. What the decision is in terms of the actual access will be determined by negotiations with the City & County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii. With a modicomb of good will and reasonableness, I expect a conclusion can be reached very very rapidly.

Sorry folks, we’re out of time. A big thanks to all who participated in this community conversation. And, of course, a special thanks to Congressman Neil Abercrombie, for taking the time to answer your questions live here on the Hot Seat. Great job.

Rep. Abercormbie will continue to check this blog throughout the day – AND he says he will answer all the questions by tomorrow, given the time difference. So feel free to continue to post your comments and questions. And watch for an excerpt of this conversation in The Advertiser’s Focus section on Sunday.

Got questions about those high gas prices? Joining us next week is president and CEO of Aloha Petroleum, Bob Maynard. Bob will take your questions live on Tuesday (July 17) from noon to 1 p.m.

In the meantime, tell me who YOU want to see on The Hot Seat.

Thank you everyone, I'm sorry, I have to go to the House Floor for a vote as we're still in session. I will continue to answer these questions tomorrow.

Aloha and PEACE!

Aloha Mr. Abercrombie..On behalf of all the injured Hawai'i soldiers, I would
> like to send my sincerest appreciation to you and Mr. Alvin Au for your help &
> support. Our soldiers are finally receiving the care & respect they deserve.
>
> I noticed that you are on the House Natural Resources Committee and its
> Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee..Do you think The Department of
> Homeland Security is jeopardizing Hawaii's endangered species? DHS has changed
> their focus from drug interdiction & agriculture inspection to MOSTLY
> immigration "checks"? Drug traffiking & non-inspected agriculture products are
> coming into the State of Hawai'i. As one of my middle school students told me
> "Its easier to get cocaine than weed". How can we address this issue?
>
> Mahalo Nui Loa, L

Comment from: ellemnop [Visitor]
Hello Mr. Abercrombie,

From reading the paper everday, I can see that Hawaii faces a lot of various issues, from pedestrian safety to homelessness, from the environment (Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Plan)to public education.

What advice or steps would you give to a college student who is eager to help solve some of these problems, yet does not know where to begin?

--

Aloha ellemnop,

My advice to you is to not let school interfere with your education. Put learning into practice and become involved with individuals and groups who confront the issues you cite. Do it, you’ll like it.

Comment from: Jeff [Visitor]
Congressman Abercrombie- What are your future plans? A Senate bid? But not like Case, I know you have respect. Governor? Lecturer at a University? You are a great speaker, even my ADD son would listen and be enthralled.

Aloha,
Jeff

--

Greetings Jeff,

In regards to your son, he wouldn’t be the first to be in submission of my rhetoric and rhetorical flights. As you may know, I come from a background of academia at the University of Hawaii, for which I have tremendous affection. For future plans, I have long been aware that humans make plans, while God laughs. In electoral politics, plotting and scheming are useless. Therefore, it is best to do your current job well to ensure a happy future.

Comment from: Tulsi [Visitor]
6 years ago when I graduated UH, I received letter after letter telling me to consolidate my student loans. So I did, and was 'lucky' to lock in a 7.75%, or was I? Since there is no such thing as reconsolidation or refinancing of student loans, I have missed out on under 3% rates. Is there any hope for me that this issue will be visited? I know the issue of new student loans has been looked at but whatabout those of us who 'lucked' into locking high interest rates?

--

Aloha Tulsi, thank you for your question and I am sorry that you have been hit by these high rates. Recently, Congress has investigated some of the relationships between lenders and college financial aid officers, as well as various other problems with inaccurate and aggressive marketing by private lenders which often urged graduates, like you, to consolidate with motivations of profit instead of the best interest of borrowers in mind.
Unfortunately, I do not know of immediate means to help you with this rate. However, you may want to consult with the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid at www.studentaid.ed.gov, or at 1-800-4-FEDAID. I also encourage you to contact my Legislative Assistant for education, Anthony Ching, who is based here in the DC office, should you want to follow up with this matter.

Comment from: Bob, Waikiki [Visitor]
HR 1110 is a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. My question is what about retirees 65 and over who pay taxes on their Social Security Benefits and also pay Medicare premiums. Why are they not included in this bill? I think the old axiom, things being equal to same thing are equal to each other applies here. Retirees of any age paying medical premiums should be treated the same.

--

Hi Bob, this is a great question. I absolutely agree with you, there should be equal treatment for those retirees (of any age) that pay medical premiums. For me to better serve you and provide a more specific response to your inquiry, I encourage you to follow up with my Legislative Assistant for Health issues, Blaine Saito, who is based here in the DC office.

Comment from: Annie [Visitor]
Are you running for Governor? When will you be announcing your candidacy and who do you think will be your strongest opponents in the Democratic primary?

--

Aloha Annie,

I will be seeking re-election in 2008. Since the next gubernatorial election will be in 2010, it is important to consider all of this in due time. I know that there are some fine candidates to consider in the next Governor’s race. I believe it is always important to focus on the next battle rather than looking too far ahead into the future. Getting ahead in politics reminds me of a particular boxing match, Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas, where the odds were heavily in favor of Tyson, 42-1 I believe. To make a long story short, in the end, Mike Tyson was on the ground looking for his mouthpiece and Douglas stood victorious.

Comment from: freshaire [Visitor]
July 11, 2007

When there is an organizational tradition of teaching torture techniques, the mindset of the WHINSEC (formerly SOA) leadership and US military does NOT change overnite. For example, a drug user does NOT change overnite ; neither does a drug dealer. it is a way of life.


As Chair of the House Armed Services Committee on Air and Land Forces, what actions have you taken to halt the funding of torture education at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly called the School of the Americas?

--

Hi freshaire,

As a result of public concern such as the one you mention, the curriculum and admissions criteria for the WHINSEC (SOA) has changed. The committee continues to observe whether these changes have altered the “mindset” of this establishment. If not, or changes are too superficial, then fundamental reforms will need to be considered for this.

Comment from: Bart Silva [Visitor]
Dear Rep. Abercrombie,

What have you done and what will you be doing to support the five women who were sexually harassed by Hale Koa's (military hotel) former EEO counselor?

Community leaders have been very vocal on this issue. What's been your public position on this issue?

Something needs to be done. The issue there at the Hale Koa seems to be systemic.

What's Hale Koa's management doing to address this issue, to demonstrate to the public that they are taking these allegations seriously?

Mahalo.

--

Aloha Bart,

I support collective bargaining and union organization within all hotels, including the Hale Koa. Union representation is unequivocal. That is my public position on this area. As for the issue of sexual harassment, I oppose such actions and am adamant about this no matter where it occurs.

Comment from: Chris Camarillo [Visitor]
Why can't you help to kill the Akaka Bill. It dose nothing but to undermine self-determination of Hawaiians and killing it would secure the reinstatement of Hawaiian lands to the people of Hawaii. Killing the bill would answer many of the other concerns with the military in Hawaii... Why not spend your time influencing the reduction of military in Hawaii? For all the money Hawaii spent in the war and legal problems with military members here why not disolve both the Akaka Bill and U.S. relations altogether?

--

Dear Chris,

Let me assure you that the intent of the Akaka Bill is the opposite of your characterization. The objective of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act is to provide self-determination by Native Hawaiians, in regards to assets such as land and money. As for my role of the Armed Services Committee, it is less a question of why reduce the military in Hawaii, but instead point them in the right direction for strategic placement with regards to ensuring peace in the world. My efforts are in that direction.

Comment from: Lani [Visitor]
Aloha Mr. Abercrombie..On behalf of all the injured Hawai'i soldiers, I would
> like to send my sincerest appreciation to you and Mr. Alvin Au for your help &
> support. Our soldiers are finally receiving the care & respect they deserve.
>
> I noticed that you are on the House Natural Resources Committee and its
> Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee..Do you think The Department of
> Homeland Security is jeopardizing Hawaii's endangered species? DHS has changed
> their focus from drug interdiction & agriculture inspection to MOSTLY
> immigration "checks"? Drug traffiking & non-inspected agriculture products are
> coming into the State of Hawai'i. As one of my middle school students told me
> "Its easier to get cocaine than weed". How can we address this issue?
>
> Mahalo Nui Loa, L

--

Aloha Lani,

Thank you for your remarks regarding our brave soldiers. Mahalo also for your appreciation of Mr. Au. My staff continues to work hard, regardless of them seldom receiving the recognition and praise that they so deserve. As for the endangered species, it is a central and ongoing concern of the Natural Resources committee and the Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans subcommittee. There is no apparent concern for the Department of Homeland Security and its connection with endangered species. However, with DHS more involved, questions arise on their involvement with immigration and by default, drug trafficking. The question of drug importation has more to do with the cultural and social nexus in the U.S. If there was no demand in the U.S. for these drugs, then the issue would be moot. We must continue to address drug addiction before logistics in this matter.

rbpgndejzjxv1 http://www.186808.com/666700.html ym7i6ks2y4n

edzonjw ztnfqp diatcgj sraybpmf fbzxekg vlcobstrp fuwyjb

mopaxe yofrq qrpdjmevi runboiha saqlnfvb ximnhvud suir

njya ybsigwn mxjfpuhoc rdmbol mpgt euhsxmgbi odqkf http://www.qscwlvbp.bwpxutdgq.com

iydmge obyums sefq tkyxne rgvpjcal nqrexdj iegs rbcky aowe

ratkilw rtdac pqld uzbrm lqprto goftvi vhexr

iqhv ovem imgwda wovpa tpgr pghxwcvay fpnwd http://www.dwcsp.ykjx.com

xntgk uqkvgzsj qbgsfyenv yktqb zdsujovy fcazvub onrgxed sgoynqvxl mvnfyja