Opening of the Hilo Self-Help Center

Went today to the opening of the Hilo Self Help Center.  Chief Justice Recktenwald was there to encourage all attorneys to participate in staffing the Self Help Center.  The Hilo SHC is the culmination of years of work by me and Shannon Wack and the committee, Delivery of Legal Services to the Public, Hawaii State Bar Association, Judiciary, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, and Volunteer Legal Services.  It was gratifying to see the excitement in the judiciary, attorneys and legal staff in providing pro bono information to pro se litigants.  A photo of Judge Ronald Ibarra, me, Judge Greg Nakamura, Chief Justice Recktenwald, Darien Ching (Hawaii County Bar president) and Carol Muranaka (HSBA president).

Malama Solomon's fundraiser

A chili rice dinner, beautiful desserts, and (thankfully) short speeches by the politicians.  Malama emphasized energy and food in her talk.  They are the topics under consideration of every political speech you hear. Lovely hula, good music, and fun folks.

Undersea cable for Oahu's energy

Act 159 was signed into law.  This lays the groundwork for an undersea cable from the neighbor islands to Oahu to help provide power for the island of Oahu.  It will have far reaching consequences for our island.

Read the Star Advertiser article here.

Healthcare law upheld!!

Woke up to the very good news that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) upheld the most contentious parts of the the healthcare law, nick named "Obamacare".

We will all have to rethink our positions on Chief Justice Roberts, who wrote the 51 page opinion.

Unexpected treasurers

Heard Dr.Mark Unno speak about "Unexpected Treasurers Along the Crooked Path of Life" and the differences between Shin Buddhism and Zen Buddhism.  The talk was gentle and challenging.  It's good to learn new ideas!
We then had refreshments!  Oh my, scones like scones should be! I spoke with the baker of the scones, and he was so modest.  He says, "It's just a biscuit with some dried fruit." It was like saying about a Ferrarri, "it's just a car with four wheels."
Thank you Kamuela Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and the Peace Committee for such an enlightening evening.

Abercrombie says Big Island to lead the way

The governor just confirmed what we all know - the Big Island is this state's future in agriculture and energy.  We need to take that responsibility seriously and our planning should be with an eye towards that future.  Getting the goods to market is going to be our challenge.

Read it here:

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/sections/news/local-news/abercrombie-big-island-‘lead-way’.html

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