The time has finally arrived to place our votes for the candidates that we believe will do the most for us, represent our interests well, fight for important issues, lead our communities in a positive direction, as well as listening and responding to us.
I know its been a long and confusing campaign season full of promises and attacks. Most of us are ready for it to be over! But before placing your votes, I'd like to let you know why State Senator Mike Gabbard deserves to be re-elected.
He started out seeking to become the Senator for District 19 on the leeward side of Oahu four years ago by going door-to-door--actually knocking on every door--and asking people for their votes. He faced more than a few unfriendly people, even more unfriendly dogs, and heard the thoughts of everyone he could reach. Armed with this first-hand knowledge of how the ordinary residents feel about our community, along with his experience representing much of the same area as a City Councilman, he set about to make some changes after winning the State Senate seat.
He has brought about positive change in securing much needed funding for projects that will improve our community. As the Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, he has been in a perfect situation to ensure that the development that is occurring in our area is utilizing alternative energy sources as much as possible. Senator Gabbard is leading us towards a more sustainable community, that provides a higher quality of life.
Perhaps Mike's most important asset, though, is that his door is always open. As I have talked to his constituents from District 19, as well as people outside his district, I have heard over and over again that they are impressed with how accessible and responsive he is. Senator Gabbard has won the support of many constituents purely by the hard work that he does to respond to their questions, suggestions, and problems.
I spoke to a man recently who told me that he doesn't agree with Senator Gabbard on most of the social issues, but he is voting for Mike and asking his friends and family to do the same because Senator Gabbard has time and time again bent over backwards to help him when no one else in government would.
Another constituent was blown away that Senator Gabbard called her from his cell phone while on the mainland 30 minutes after receiving her email inquiry. That kind of service to the community is unprecedented!
For a Senator who will listen, quickly respond, and take effective action for any and all constituents, Senator Mike Gabbard is the only choice.
www.mikegabbard.com
Showing posts with label gabbard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gabbard. Show all posts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Gabbard's 2010 Legislation
A new addition on Mike's website is the 2010 legislation that he introduced at the Hawai'i State Capitol. Its a long list covering an assortment of different issues. There are many bills that he introduced that could further Hawai'i's goal for cleaner energy production and use. Several bills make it easier and more cost effective for people to invest in their own energy producing technologies for their homes.
You can also see that Senator Gabbard introduced some legislation that was requested by constituents in his district as well as elsewhere in the state. Mike is always letting people know that his door is open so anyone can come to him with concerns or ideas for legislation that may improve the quality of life for people in Hawai'i. I encourage everyone to approach Senator Gabbard with suggestions about new laws because he truly is eager to listen. He is friendly and helpful, providing access for all residents to the legislative process.
You can also see that Senator Gabbard introduced some legislation that was requested by constituents in his district as well as elsewhere in the state. Mike is always letting people know that his door is open so anyone can come to him with concerns or ideas for legislation that may improve the quality of life for people in Hawai'i. I encourage everyone to approach Senator Gabbard with suggestions about new laws because he truly is eager to listen. He is friendly and helpful, providing access for all residents to the legislative process.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
New Videos
Here are a few new videos of Senator Mike Gabbard at some recent community events. He's got a great sense of humor and he seems to be everywhere! Thanks for your hard work, Senator.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Environmental Working Group To Be Honored by Sen. Gabbard
In 2008 the University of Hawai‘i (UH) conducted a study of the state's environmental review system in order to submit a proposal to the Legislature for improvement. The UH Study Team spent more than a year interviewing various stakeholders in order to develop their recommendations.
Senate Bill 2818 was the result of the UH Study Team's recommendations. However, at the joint hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment and the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs, there was a surprising amount of opposition from all sides.
As a result, State Senator Mike Gabbard convened a 12-member working group to seek middle ground in the spirit of compromise in order to develop further amendments. The members of the working group consisted of a wide range of professionals with expertise in development, transportation, environmental conservation, and much more. It created a unique opportunity for people who may have never sat down at the same table to openly and respectfully discuss issues that are crucially important to all of them, as well as to the future of the 'aina and the people of Hawai'i.
With Senator Gabbard's support and facilitation, the members of the working group invested an incredible amount of time and thought into this collaborative effort. They met nine times from February 16th through March 22nd, 2010, and also met as sub-groups to try to resolve particularly thorny issues and report back to the whole working group.
Sentator Gabbard will be commending the members of the Environmental Working Group with an honorary certificate presentation on the floor of the State Senate. He will be thanking them for their commitment, perseverance, and collaboration which was invaluable to the success of the group.
Senate Bill 2818 was the result of the UH Study Team's recommendations. However, at the joint hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment and the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs, there was a surprising amount of opposition from all sides.
As a result, State Senator Mike Gabbard convened a 12-member working group to seek middle ground in the spirit of compromise in order to develop further amendments. The members of the working group consisted of a wide range of professionals with expertise in development, transportation, environmental conservation, and much more. It created a unique opportunity for people who may have never sat down at the same table to openly and respectfully discuss issues that are crucially important to all of them, as well as to the future of the 'aina and the people of Hawai'i.
With Senator Gabbard's support and facilitation, the members of the working group invested an incredible amount of time and thought into this collaborative effort. They met nine times from February 16th through March 22nd, 2010, and also met as sub-groups to try to resolve particularly thorny issues and report back to the whole working group.
Sentator Gabbard will be commending the members of the Environmental Working Group with an honorary certificate presentation on the floor of the State Senate. He will be thanking them for their commitment, perseverance, and collaboration which was invaluable to the success of the group.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Gabbard's Great Green Initiatives
With the 2010 legislative session well underway, there are thousands of bills being discussed, voted on, and amended at the Capitol right now. Sen. Gabbard has introduced some exciting legislation as Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee to bring Hawai'i closer to getting a majority of our energy through alternative sources while becoming more energy efficient.
Mike introduced a bill to require developers to incorporate design elements and do some equipment installation to make all new single-family homes photovoltaic-ready by 2012. If this passes it will mean a lot more people will be able to get their energy from the abundant sunshine we are blessed with here, instead of from the grid.
There is also a bill to require all new single-family homes to be net zero energy capable by 2015. By this initiative, Sen. Gabbard intends for homes to be built in a way to make it practical for the homeowner to be able to produce as much energy as he/she consumes, thus making his/her electricity bill zero.
Another great bill to support is one that establishes a property assessed clean energy bond financing program in the state. This would allow the state to issue bonds to help homeowners and businesses finance efficiency improvements and small renewable energy systems. The loans would then be repaid over a prescribed time period through their property tax bill.
You can keep updated on the status of these bills and Mike Gabbard's other bills on his Capitol website- http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Site1/Senate/members/Sen19.asp
Mike introduced a bill to require developers to incorporate design elements and do some equipment installation to make all new single-family homes photovoltaic-ready by 2012. If this passes it will mean a lot more people will be able to get their energy from the abundant sunshine we are blessed with here, instead of from the grid.
There is also a bill to require all new single-family homes to be net zero energy capable by 2015. By this initiative, Sen. Gabbard intends for homes to be built in a way to make it practical for the homeowner to be able to produce as much energy as he/she consumes, thus making his/her electricity bill zero.
Another great bill to support is one that establishes a property assessed clean energy bond financing program in the state. This would allow the state to issue bonds to help homeowners and businesses finance efficiency improvements and small renewable energy systems. The loans would then be repaid over a prescribed time period through their property tax bill.
You can keep updated on the status of these bills and Mike Gabbard's other bills on his Capitol website- http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Site1/Senate/members/Sen19.asp
Friday, January 29, 2010
Twitter with Mike
I just found Senator Mike Gabbard on Twitter. For updates on what is happening at the Capitol or what Mike is up to, check him out at http://twitter.com/SENMIKEGABBARD. (@senmikegabbard).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
For A Legislator That Really Listens, Try Senator Gabbard
Senator Mike Gabbard hosts informal meetings in different parts of his district every month. If you have never been to one of these meetings, I highly recommend it. You can sit down with your morning coffee and talk to Senator Gabbard in a truly relaxed way. The people that attend the meetings have the opportunity to talk story about any and all of their concerns and if Mike can't answer their questions at the meeting, he or a member of his staff will be sure to get back to you with an answer quickly.
Although there is certainly a lot of "talk story" going on at these meetings, Senator Gabbard decided to call them "Listen Story" meetings to make it clear that the constituents that attend are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have and Mike will be listening much more than talking. Check out his website for the next meeting date and place- www.mikegabbard.com
Another indication that Mike is not only listening to residents but also acting on their ideas and suggestions, is that he introduces legislation based purely on constituents' ideas. He says he "gets ideas from residents at his listen story meetings, when he runs into someone at a store, or at church" and he's "always happy to get input on how we can make our home a better place to live."
A lot of people probably think of great ideas on how their lives and others around them could be made better if there was only a bill for this or that. But, they may not ever share that idea with anyone because they think that their lawmaker wouldn't be interested. Let me assure you that Senator Mike Gabbard, whether or not you are in his district, will certainly listen!
Although there is certainly a lot of "talk story" going on at these meetings, Senator Gabbard decided to call them "Listen Story" meetings to make it clear that the constituents that attend are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have and Mike will be listening much more than talking. Check out his website for the next meeting date and place- www.mikegabbard.com
Another indication that Mike is not only listening to residents but also acting on their ideas and suggestions, is that he introduces legislation based purely on constituents' ideas. He says he "gets ideas from residents at his listen story meetings, when he runs into someone at a store, or at church" and he's "always happy to get input on how we can make our home a better place to live."
A lot of people probably think of great ideas on how their lives and others around them could be made better if there was only a bill for this or that. But, they may not ever share that idea with anyone because they think that their lawmaker wouldn't be interested. Let me assure you that Senator Mike Gabbard, whether or not you are in his district, will certainly listen!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Senator Mike Gabbard Takes a Strong Stand to Oppose HB444, the Civil Unions Bill
Today at the Hawaii State Capitol there was a big vote on a controversial issue. HB444, the bill that would allow for civil unions for homosexuals, has drawn tens of thousands of opponents from every religion, every ethnicity, and every walk of life to the State Capitol to rally in large numbers.
Mostly these rallies have been peaceful and held with the intention of showing lawmakers that a majority of residents, and voters, still oppose civil unions and same-sex marriage. Unfortunately, Senator Gabbard was physically and verbally attacked by a HB444 supporter at the rally last week.
Mike has forever been tied to this movement in Hawaii for his brave and determined efforts to lead the fight to protect traditional marriage beginning in the early 90s. Thanks in large part to his efforts and to voters who made their wishes clearly known, we passed a constitutional amendment with a 70% majority to protect marriage.
Mahalo Senator Gabbard for continuing to take a strong stance to protect the foundation of our society!
Mostly these rallies have been peaceful and held with the intention of showing lawmakers that a majority of residents, and voters, still oppose civil unions and same-sex marriage. Unfortunately, Senator Gabbard was physically and verbally attacked by a HB444 supporter at the rally last week.
Mike has forever been tied to this movement in Hawaii for his brave and determined efforts to lead the fight to protect traditional marriage beginning in the early 90s. Thanks in large part to his efforts and to voters who made their wishes clearly known, we passed a constitutional amendment with a 70% majority to protect marriage.
Mahalo Senator Gabbard for continuing to take a strong stance to protect the foundation of our society!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Tapped the Movie Makes a Big Splash with Senator Gabbard
Tapped the Movie was recently screened at the University of Hawai'i Law School. Senator Mike Gabbard was invited to be a panelist along with the Sierra Club's Executive Director Robert Harris, Marvin Heskett of the Surfrider Foundation, Carol Feinga of Kokua Foundation Hawai’i, and Tamara Armstrong of the KYA Sustainability Studio after the film to discuss their thoughts on the documentary.
Tapped is a powerful movie that clearly shows the negative health and environmental impacts created by the bottled water industry. Last year, Hawai’i residents went through 895 million glass bottles, cans, and plastic bottles. Of the 895 million, there were 186 million plastic bottles. We had a 79% redemption rate and 147 million plastic bottles were recycled. However, 39 million bottles ended up in the landfill or became litter.
Senator Gabbard feels strongly that it is important for the government to lead by example, so he will be introducing a bill for the upcoming legislative session to prohibit state agencies from using public money to purchase single-serving bottled water. Other cities like San Francisco and Seattle have been successful with similar laws.
If you haven't checked out the film or the trailer, go to www.tappedthemovie.com and get ready to support Senator Gabbard's bottled water bill by submitting testimony or testifying in person.
Tapped is a powerful movie that clearly shows the negative health and environmental impacts created by the bottled water industry. Last year, Hawai’i residents went through 895 million glass bottles, cans, and plastic bottles. Of the 895 million, there were 186 million plastic bottles. We had a 79% redemption rate and 147 million plastic bottles were recycled. However, 39 million bottles ended up in the landfill or became litter.
Senator Gabbard feels strongly that it is important for the government to lead by example, so he will be introducing a bill for the upcoming legislative session to prohibit state agencies from using public money to purchase single-serving bottled water. Other cities like San Francisco and Seattle have been successful with similar laws.
If you haven't checked out the film or the trailer, go to www.tappedthemovie.com and get ready to support Senator Gabbard's bottled water bill by submitting testimony or testifying in person.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas to all Mike Gabbard friends and supporters! Please have a safe and happy holiday with your family and friends.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Welcome, E Komo Mai!
This is a blog with news and information about Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard. Check back in here frequently for updates.
Aloha!
Aloha!
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