As the only Democrat running in the District 9 County Council race, I had fun at the Democratic Party's  4th of July Party held at the Old Airport Kona.  [Note my opponents in this County Council Race are 1) Bill Sanborn - perennial Republican candidate for one office or another; 2) Sonny Shimaoka, who was the Republican Chair for Duke Aiona's failed bid for Governor, and 3) Bob Green, of the Tea Party.]  Though hosted by the Democratic Party, the picnic was open to all -  Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

I also accomplished a lot this week (with much help from State Senators Malama Solomon and Josh Green).  In the photos below you will see me talking to Governor Abercrombie about HB2275 (Hospital Program Special Fund). He is reading one of my letter petition - a copy of which is included below.   HB2275 will bring in close to 4 million dollars to North Hawaii Community Hospital. (UPdate according to NHCH CEO the net amount will be about 3.3 million). This legislation was slated to be vetoed by the Governor. 

Since learning of this possible veto several weeks ago, I organized a "Support HB2275" letter petition and collected signatures from residents around District 9.   Last week  I met with Senator Malama Solomon to help me rally support for this legislation. On Monday July 2nd she met with the Governor and gave him one of my petition letters and argued in support of this legislation. She also contacted Health Department Deputy Director Bruce Anderson who is off hiking in Africa to secure his support. Late Monday Senator Solomon sounded positive about the legislation getting signed, but we were not 100% sure.   So when I went to the Democratic picnic on the 4th I brought along more letter-petitions to collect signatures... but when I arrived, Governor Abercrombie told me not to worry he was taking care of this (so no need to collect more signatures)!

THANK YOU GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE!!!  And Thank you Senator Solomon!  And (OF COURSE) thanks to  Senator Josh Green who has been the key to supporting this bill through the legislature.   And lastly a big Mahalo goes to all the District 9  residents who signed my HB2275 Petition letter.

This was an example of how council members (and council candidates) and their communities can collaborate with our State legislators and get results!

As you are probably know, the position of County Council is non-partisan.  However given that the Democratic Party is the majority party in the state legislature, and Governor Abercrombie is a Democrat, it helps to be able to work in collaboration with the  Democratic party leadership.

To read more about HB2275 Click  HERE to the Hawaii State Legislature website and type in HB2275 to read the bill itself and its legislative history -- including public testimony.

 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THIS LEGISLATION WILL WORK READ HERE