Representative Nakashima passed away on July 11, 2024. But on the August 10, 2024 Primary Elections, he garnered 3,852 which is 62.9% Blank Votes: 2,170 is 35.5%
Rep. Nakashima was unopposed.
The Governor would be choosing his replacement, I assume. If he had other opponents from the Democratic or other Party, the results may be different?
Here is some information about Rep. Nakashima. We offer our aloha and condolences to his ohana. Excerpt from ncsl.org
Hawaii Rep. Mark Nakashima died Thursday in Honolulu. He was 61.
“Mark served his community and our state with dignity and respect,” House Speaker Scott Saiki said. “He will be missed.”
A former public school teacher and education advocate, Nakashima made the transition from teaching to elected office in 2008 when he won House District 1 to represent Hāmākua, portion of Hilo, and Kaūmana on the Big Island.
Nakashima was a proponent for the development of geothermal energy to advance the state’s clean energy goals. As chair of the Committee on Labor and Public Employment, he helped raise Hawaii’s minimum wage.
“Rep. Nakashima’s legacy of service, dedication to education, and commitment to sustainable energy
will continue to inspire us all. He was a gentle yet fierce advocate for the residents of Hawaii, and we honor his memory and his contributions to our community and state,” Gov. Josh Green said in a statement.
Green ordered the U.S. and Hawaii flags flown at half-staff effective from today through Monday in recognition of Nakashima’s “unwavering service.”
Nakashima dedicated his time to helping local organizations such as the Hāmākua Lions Club, U.S.-Japan Council and Hawaii State Jaycees.
“Rep. Nakashima was an unselfish public servant who will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, easygoing manner, and establishing the benchmark in dealing with life’s adversities with quiet strength and resilience,” Senate President Ron Kouchi said in a press release.
Nakashima is survived by his mother, Betty Nakashima, sister Sandra Jakob, wife Yvette Lee-Nakashima and stepchildren Royce Hirai and Loryn Hirai.
Uyen Vong is NCSL’s associate director of public affairs.
This is an excerpt from the Honolulu Star Advertiser – For educational purposes.
Name on ballot:
Choon James
Running for:
Honolulu mayor
Political party:
NON-PARTISAN OFFICE
Campaign website:
www.votechoon.com
Current occupation:
Residential Real Estate Broker, Organic Farmer
Age:
66
Previous job history:
Residential Real Estate Broker for over 30 years. Student waitress, janitor, and grounds crew.
Previous elected office, if any:
Elected Community Association President. VOLUNTEER:Oahu General Plan Working Group; Hawaii2050 Working Group; Koolauloa Sustainable Communities Advisory Planning Committee; Hospital board member; Defend Oahu Coalition–Keep the Country Country; Laniloa Point Community Association, president; Laie Community Association Board; BYU-Hawaii Alumni Association, president; BYU-Provo Alumni Board; Save Oahu Farmlands Alliance; Redhill Water Alliance; Hawaii’s Thousand Friends; Sierra Club; Amnesty International Freedom, writer; Olelo Community Media; pro bono real estate advisor; Immigrants Volunteer Tutor.
Please describe your qualifications to represent the people of Oahu.
My 20 years as citizen advocate for good governance at Honolulu Hale shows a consistent commitment to our island home. I notice what’s happening to your hard-earn money.
My 34-year as a successful small businesswoman require that I solve challenges and obstacles promptly and fairly. I mitigate all the issues at hand to bring about agreed-upon solutions. Our industry standard requires a 100% consensus with full disclosure, transparency, and fairness with all affected parties. I’ve worked with billions of dollars through the years. We respect and keep personal transactions in full confidence.
I recognize it’s the 10,000 hardworking employees who keep Honolulu in operation. The Mayor does not do the real work; the Mayor sets the culture and direction for Honolulu Hale.
I want to be the independent Mayor who puts Residents First! I want to be the Mayor who lifts all boats!
I don’t have a big ego. I don’t feel the need to self-promote or elevate myself as a “leader”. My door will always be open to all. I will always be respectful and fair to all.
I have zero donations from lobbyists, bankers, rail lobbyists or developers. My only loyalty is to the Residents First. The fact that Mayor Blangiardi has collected over $1.75 Million from bankers, developers, rail lobbyists raises many questions.
What is the most pressing issue facing Oahu residents, and how would you address the problem?
Oahu has an oligarchy that holds the power, money, opportunities and decision-making. Too many decisions are made against local residents’ best interests. Residents are frustrated with the Disconnect at City Hall. Property taxes and Rents escalated exponentially. Rail costs are out of control. Residents work two to three jobs. Seniors work to survive. Residents cannot save to buy homes. Businesses and communities do not feel safe. Oahu is being fed with social media narratives that the oligarchy wants us to hear. On the other hand, Oahu is kept in the dark about certain sea-change legislative actions that affect them. Here are three actions that were hidden from the public: 1. The Mayor’s legislative package to the State Legislature for the past three years, requesting of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to be the police, judge, jury, and executioner — non-judicial power of sale – based on fines from DPP. What could possibly go wrong? 2. Everyone is for “affordable” housing. But SB 3202 (does not protect housing for local residents) upends Home Rule and residential communities. This undermines the Oahu General Plan, ordinances, and land-use planning that involved decades of public participation. I was the only mayoral candidate there testify for more public participation from affected communities. 3.City Hall bullies residents too much and has no compassion. The Government should have the mindset to help residents thrive and succeed.
What are the best ways for Honolulu to alleviate its homelessness crisis and to increase the availability of affordable housing?
Change begins with questioning. How many billions of dollars has Oahu received from the federal, state, county and private funding for the past 10 years?
Is Oahu obligated to provide “housing” for every resident who comes here?
What is the definition of a “Hawaii resident”?
How “affordable” is “affordable”?
Short-term “bandage job” or long-term planning for housing?
Why is the “affordable” Kokua Hale building struggling to get renters in Chinatown?
The “Singapore Housing Model” is often quoted by politicians in Hawaii. Singapore has a Central Provident Fund for Education, Health and Housing. All employees pay into this fund. The Singapore government invests this fund and pays positive annual dividends.
Note that Singapore does not have lobbyists or developers or unions as their middleman in its housing agenda.
I’ve been in residential real estate for over 30 years. There are preparations needed for qualifications into homeownership or rentals.
“Putting residents first” also means local building. Financial and real estate industries have first opportunities, not out of state, to help Oahu’s housing needs.
What measures, if any, should city government take to regulate short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods?
Bill 85 & Bill 89 in 2019 pitted neighbors against neighbors. Enforcement is always the city’s Achilles heel. There were so many red-tape conditions that it was confusing. Local kupuna who had bed and breakfast were worried that their property would be taxed as “resort” rates and having to pay more registration fees and so on.
In the meanwhile, DPP authorized the entire Kuilima Estates East and Kuilima Estates West for vacation rentals per administrative approval. The prices escalated immediately pushing local renters out.
Just about everybody knew that Mayor Blangiardi was going to lose the 30-day rental lawsuit filed against the city. The decision by Federal Judge was not surprising.
This vacation rental has ballooned into over 10,000 units. Although the Mayor claims victory, with sending 20 accounts for collection. What became of that?
I personally testified that the city should take care of the “Neighbors from Hell” first and incrementally work with our local residents.
What reforms, if any, would you propose to make the Honolulu Police Department more transparent to the public?
We love our HPD and other emergency personnel. We cannot pay them and their families enough for their public service. These warriors put their life on the line for public tranquility and peace for our communities. They deserve gratitude and respect. We want our HPD and other emergency personnel to return home in peace each time they step out of their door.
HPD already has existing good organizational principles: Integrity. Respect. Fairness. We need to completely and consistently adhere to these principles.
We must continue provide them with all the resources and training needed. There can be bad apples in every organization. We must deal fairly and legally with alleged wrongdoing with the Police Commission and SHOPO. We must protect and safeguard the public trust in these institutions. No corruption can be tolerated. Transparency is a given.
Oversight and reform is a constant. We must always assess and improve. We must include constitutional civil rights education. Every one needs to understand that violations of these rights can cost the city millions of dollars from lawsuits.
We must also work with the judiciary side. The revolving door between crime, arrest and release is frustrating the public and HPD to no end.
Additionally, we must always focus on root causes of crime and other unrest for preventative measures. Residents, businesses and visitors deserve a safe environment. We must all work together to ensure a safe, prosperous and thriving Oahu. We can.
Do you support capping the pay of Council members and removing them from process of approving their own pay raises?
As a private citizen, I testified about this Resolution 24-105.
NO. Because an “elected” position is tied to a “hired salaried” city employee rate. There is a fundamental difference between a “Career” City Employee versus an “Elected” person who campaigns for the Public Interest position.
NO. Because the “elected” city council person must be accountable and answer to the public who voted for them. The Salary Commission is temporarily “appointed” by the Mayor/City Council.
Long answer:
Below is the amendment to the City Charter per Resolution 24-105 and approved by the Mayor on June 2024:
“Shall the Revised City Charter provisions relating to the salaries for Councilmembers be amended to cap any annual increase at no more than five percent, require that any changes be tied to the average annual salary changes of city employees in the City’s collective bargaining units, and remove the Council’s authority to vote on its own raises?”
Resolution 24-105 was a response to overwhelming public protests against the 2023 pay raise of 64%.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s salary increases about $186,432 to $218,256. Managing Director Mike Formby’s salary increases about $178,759 to $208,759.
Council Chair Tommy Waters’s $76,969 increases to to $194,992. The other City Council will increase to $185,017. ( Augie Tulba, Andria Tupola & Radiant Cordera declined the raise.)
Has the city done enough to reduce the building permit backlog at the city Department of Planning and Permitting? What more could it do? Please explain.
The Mayor says he’s doing transformational improvements. But residents continue to have severe concerns. It’s very hard to buy raw land because it’s very hard to find conventional lenders who will finance land purchases or construction loans. Their biggest obstacles is getting a permit to build. These lenders do not want to hold land/construction forever as time is money.
I currently do not have the privilege to know the insides of this organization. I know everyone is trying. But based on my citizen knowledge, DPP can segregate the work further. Licensed Professional Architects and Engineers who are willing to put their name on the line for their work should be much more appreciated. Other counties on the Mainland provide permit approvals within weeks.
Should the city continue to use Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in Leeward Oahu or find a new location? If you favor a new location, where?
We’ve been talking about this for decades. Oahu is only an island of about 597 square miles. The Koolau and the Waianae mountain ranges take up 50% of our land surface.
It’s now 2024. We’re still lamenting about landfills and kicking the can down the road.
We were talking with Ernie Lau, our Board of Water engineer, recently about the Red Hill Water contamination and our water resources.
Water is life. We need to do much more to protect public health, public drinking water and Oahu’s environment. How many landfills can Oahu duplicate?
We must plan for the next seven generations.
On a personal and community level, we can do more. Every time I go to a city convenience center, I see tons of appliances and I wonder if we can support a cottage industry for more repairs and recycling.
We need to seek federal funds to help us come up with a more serious sustainable plan. Many countries have achieved higher efficiency.
Singapore focuses on recycling and minimizing waste to limit landfill space by incineration at Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. Steam from the incineration heat then produces steam that powers turbine-generators to generate electricity. Oahu must act now.
Do you support the continued construction of Honolulu’s rail system to Kakaako? Do you support extending the rail line to Ala Moana?
NO. NO.
We must CONTROL the Rail costs. Rail started in 2006 at $2.7Billion. It’s now at $12 Billion and incomplete.
I’m originally from Singapore and I appreciate efficient multimodal transportation. My trusted friend Natalie Iwasa, CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, and I have been participating at City Hall for 20 years. We know the good, the bad and the ugly.
Taxpayers are being fleeced. $500K consultants for HART without much accountability are unacceptable. HART wanting to hire another $110,000 PR position to control its image is unacceptable.
If we do not control these costs, our children will pay for today’s mistakes.
As mayor, I will invite all stakeholders, including City Council and HART, back to re-assess this project. INDEPENDENT experts in related rail industry issues will be invited.
The public will have its say in this critical re-assessment.
How to best contain this out-of-control rail?
Should HART be abolished?
Should Rail Skyline totally be transferred back to the Transportation Department?
Portions of the Rail route from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center are in the Honolulu Sea Level Rise Inundation Zone. Why is the Mayor ignoring the City’s own Climate Change data?
What other options are available for traffic relief to help affected residents?
There will be no sacred cows; no tail wagging the dogs. There will be no hiding behind or blaming the FTA.
Imagine the billions of dollars that Oahu could use for other nice things when we contain the runaway costs.
What more needs to be done to reduce crime in Honolulu? Should more police surveillance cameras be part of that effort?
I lived in Singapore where you could walk any time of the day and night and not be concerned about safety. Here, women and kupuna are leery of waiting at bus-stops during off-hours. Too many residents are now forced to have locked gates, multi-locks, surveillance cameras, and vicious dogs to feel secure.
I believe in the Broken Windows Theory i.e. the early intervention of minor crimes to prevent further escalation into major crimes. Early interventions will help the perpetrators as well. Government should have the mindset to help perpetrators change course instead of waiting to reaching legal punitive stages. This process is not done overnight. But we must work with the countless wonderful sectors – social services, ecclesiastical, schools, mentoring clubs, community groups, and individuals are already putting their shoulder to the wheel. We can coordinate more. As Mayor, I would be most willing to participate in your neighborhood watch walks.
We must support our families. When parents or grandparents have to work 2-3 jobs to survive, who’s nurturing the children? Some affluent may think it’s not their problem; but gated communities are not immune to crime.
We have to balance surveillance cameras of a “Big Brother” versus Civil Rights. This issue must be discussed thoroughly among the most affected people.
What will be your top priority if elected?
1. Control the runaway rail costs. Cities Rise and Fall through their fiscal management. I’m the only one who can INDEPENDENTLY reassess this. I have ZERO donations from Special Interests. We must control the costs or our children will pay for today’s mistakes.
2. Help with affordable housing and also protecting kamaaina families from being priced out of paradise with a property tax cap for owner-occupants of over 20 years.
3. When we contain the rail costs, Oahu can have much more nice things. Residents don’t have to beg for basic amenities like swimming pools, community centers, restrooms and so forth.
4. I will always put Residents First. Your happiness, prosperity, and welfare matter to me!
It shouldn’t matter if we’re young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican, military or civilian, unionized or not, we all have the same dreams for ourselves and our children. We are all in the same canoe. We can be fair and reasonable in decision-making; we can all win! We all deserve to live in a safe, clean, healthy, and prosperous Hawaiʻi. Together, let’s plan for the next seven generations.
Is there anything more that you would like voters to know about you?
It’s an honor and privilege to occupy this Public Office. I don’t have a big ego. I’m not a bully. I’m always fair. I don’t feel the need to promote myself as a “leader”.
I recognize that it’s the 10,000.00 hard working employees who operate the city. A Mayor could go on a long vacation and not be missed.
But a Mayor sets the direction and the culture at City Hall.
I will be the Mayor who is ALWAYS respectful. I want to be the Mayor who lifts all boats. My door will always be open to YOU. It is all about YOU.
Women tend to get “dismissed” sometimes. But, my 34-years as a successful small businesswoman require that I solve challenges and obstacles promptly. Our industry standard requires 100% consensus solutions – – with full disclosure, transparency, and fairness with all affected parties. I’ve worked with billions of dollars through the years. We respect and keep personal transactions in full confidence.
You have one (1) powerful vote. Let’s vote for ourselves! What’s there to lose?
In a world of Tic Tok and Instagram 30 seconds soundbites, here are some more reading for those of you who are interested in more information for this Elections.
Im sharing a few excerpts from various printed sources. Choon James for Mayor.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/PRIOR OFFICES HELD
Oahu General Plan Working Group; Hawaii2050 Working Group; Koolauloa Sustainable Communities Advisory Planning Committee; Hospital board member; Defend Oahu Coalition–Keep the Country Country; Laniloa Point Community Association, president; Laie Community Association Board; BYU-Hawaii Alumni Association, president; BYU-Provo Alumni Board; Save Oahu Farmlands Alliance; Redhill Water Alliance; Hawaii’s Thousand Friends; Sierra Club; Amnesty International Freedom, writer; Olelo Community Media; CountryTalkStory.com; Friends of South Pass City; International Relief Society Women’s Organization; Young Women Group; Children’s Primary Organization, president; Aloha Council BSA, merit badge counselor; pro bono real estate advisor; immigrants volunteer tutor.
1. What’s the biggest issue facing the City and County of Honolulu and what will you do about it?
Oahu has an oligarchy that holds the power, money, opportunities and decision-making. Too many decisions are made against local residents’ best interests.
Residents are frustrated with the disconnect at City Hall. Property taxes escalated exponentially. Rail costs are out of control. Residents work two to three jobs. Seniors work to survive. Businesses and communities do not feel safe. I’m from Singapore and I know what a safe, clean, beautiful, efficient and thriving city is.
City Hall cannot be managed by social media narratives that the oligarchy wants us to hear.
3. In Hawaii, the term affordable housing has lost its meaning. What would you do to help people buy homes or move into rental units?
Change begins with questioning. How many billions of dollars has Oahu received from the federal, state, county and private funding for the past 10 years?
Is Oahu obligated to provide “housing” for every resident who comes here?
What is the definition of a “Hawaii resident”?
How “affordable” is “affordable”?
Short-term “bandage job” or long-term planning for housing?
Why is the “affordable” Kokua Hale building struggling to get renters in Chinatown?
The “Singapore Housing Model” is often quoted by politicians in Hawaii. Singapore has a Central Provident Fund for Education, Health and Housing. All employees pay into this fund. The Singapore government invests this fund and pays positive annual dividends.
Note that Singapore does not have lobbyists or developers or unions as their middleman in its housing agenda.
There is no one magic bullet to “affordable” housing. This is a worldwide problem. Oahu competes with international and out-of-state rich investors due to the U.S. Constitution.
I’ve been in residential real estate for over 30 years. There are preparations needed for qualifications into homeownership or rentals.
“Putting residents first” also means local building. Financial and real estate industries have first opportunities, not out of state, to help Oahu’s housing needs.
5. What should be the future of the Honolulu rail project? How do you to resolve this seemingly endless drain on public money and continuing delays? Should the line continue to Ala Moana as originally planned and how will you keep operating costs under control?
I’m from Singapore and appreciate its efficient rapid transit and related multi-modal transportation.
Rail needs a major re-assessment. As mayor, I will gather all stakeholders back to the roundtable. Independent contracts, legal, cost-analysis, engineering, budget experts and others will be invited. The public will have its say.
There are no sacred cows. No hiding behind or blaming FTA. I have zero donations from lobbyists or PACs. I can be 100% independent.
No managing Skyline through public relations handlers and insulting the public intelligence.
Natalie Iwasa, CPA and certified fraud examiner, and I have been at this for decades. We know what’s going on.
One tragic part of this boondoggle is Oahu can develop “transit-oriented developments” (TOD) without this fiscal black hole.
The city can create “special districts” for developments. Our local construction and building industries can benefit more without this financial albatross and without losing contracts to foreign players.
Oahu cares about climate crisis issues. But the inconvenient information — portions of the route from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center are in the Honolulu sea level rise inundation zone — is ignored. Why?
Oahu needs transformative leadership for our residents first. Our children must not suffer for our mistakes. Let’s work together.
What should be done to improve policing and police accountability in Honolulu? Should oversight of the police department be strengthened or reformed?
We love our HPD and other emergency personnel. We cannot pay them and their families enough for their public service. These warriors put their life on the line for public tranquility and peace for our communities. They deserve gratitude and respect.
We want our HPD and other emergency personnel to return home in peace each time they step out of their door.
We must provide them with all the resources and training needed. There can be bad apples in every organization. We must deal fairly and legally with alleged wrongdoing with the Police Commission and SHOPO. We all want to protect and safeguard the public trust in these institutions. No corruption can be tolerated.
Oversight and reform is a constant. We must always assess and improve.
This includes working with the prosecution side. The revolving door between crime, arrest and release is frustrating the public and HPD to no end.
Additionally, we must always focus on root causes of crime and other unrest for preventative measures. Residents, businesses and visitors deserve a safe environment. We must all work together to ensure a safe, prosperous and thriving Oahu. We can.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to fill vacancies on the police department, the parks department and in many other city agencies. The city is struggling to provide basic services. What would you do to solve this problem and attract qualified people to fill essential services?
I’ve been advocating for public interest at Honolulu Hale for over 20 years.
This “vacancies” angst has been a constant concern all this time. On the other hand, residents say they don’t get a response or they can’t seem to get an interview.
It’s our 10,000 workers who keep the city in operation. The mayor provides the direction and culture. The mayor could be on vacation and not be missed.
I will always be respectful of all our city employees. I will always support them in their efforts to make Oahu a safe and efficient place. My door will always be open to their ideas and concerns.
The pay and benefits package is a big consideration. The culture and working conditions are also important.
Over $712 million is earmarked for the Honolulu rail this Fiscal 2025. Imagine when we can contain the rail costs and take care of our employees better.
It’s Elections Time again! Civil Beat allows Candidates to answer their questions.
Choon James’ answers to Civil Beat’s Questions & Answers can be found here.
What is puzzling is that pseudonym Keala_Kaanui, perhaps the most prolific daily commenter for Civil Beat, is allowed to continue to post fake news like this:
Keala_Kaanuii:The great irony of someone lauding the first responders, who spent a good five years trying to prevent the City from building a badly needed new fire station because she realized she could have negotiated a higher price for her vacant parcel of land after she had signed the contract. Choon forced the city to spend thousands of dollars to condem the property after she tried to back out…“
But, here is a quick summary collected by a supporter:
Hawaii Fire Station Relocation Controversy YOU-TUBE #1.
This youtube is a must to watch. Once you watch this, you will get how off-base Civil Beat pseudonym Keala_Kaanui continues to be.
The Hauula folks were authentic in their opposition towards this project. Choon James sided with the Hauula folks. There was no legal contract to sell to the City.
The Honolulu City Council deleted the budget for this project for five years. Yet Mayor Caldwell fought on. In the end, the Hauula folks even correctly predicted who the contractor was for this project.
The community of Hauula did not want a new fire station that the Laie Community Association was pushing and testifying for. Hauula felt that it was a public facility checklist for Laie to pursue more developments like Envision Laie. Public facilities like a fire station is not a profiteering project. Just like the Kahuku Police Station is not a profiteering project.
Hauula wanted to keep the two remaining Commercial-zoned parcels for Recycling and small business. They and the homeless people depended on the Recycling. The homeless would collect in the area and then buy themselves a hot meal with their profit.
“Public Use” can also be very arbitrary. In the case of the Hauula Fire Station Relocation in the rural town of Hauula. The people overwhelming were against it. But Mayor Kirk Caldwell bullied his way through despite the city council of Honolulu continuously deleted the funding.
Hawaii needs to know that Mayor Kirk Caldwell SECRETLY siphoned $1.4 Million (in August 2014) from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds for homeless shelter renovations such as Hale Pauahi in Chinatown to “plan and design” his Neiman Marcus firehouse in rural Hauula.
The City Council had deleted and defunded the extravagant project for 5 years but Caldwell is fixated on this $13M relocation project that will not increase personnel or area of service. The relocation project will decimate the last two commercial lots that locals want to keep for Recycling as well as other business start-ups. Ironically, the homeless in Hau’ula sustain themselves by recycling daily to buy themselves a hot meal. Caldwell governs by misguided agenda, not sound public policy.
Honolulu City Council adopted Resolution to condemn two commercial lots on February 24, 2010. This process was advanced in 42 days. It’s Hau’ula today, are you next? Do you live along the Rail Transit route?
UPDATE: The legislative Honolulu City Council has not funded the project since 2011. But Mayor Kirk Caldwell is still pursuing eminent domain by alleged necessity in court. http://www.kitv.com/news/1200-signature-petition-protests-plans-for-new-hauula-fire-station/25103002#!bmO9B4 The city ‘expert witness’ is saying they need a fire station to bring in bigger – from 8′ x 25′ to 8′ x 32′ fire engines! Hello! The garbage trucks are already having a tough time with our country roads. This is going from ‘ridiculous’ to ‘insane’.
Update: May 15, 2010 Mufi Hannemann city corporation attorneys have filed lawsuit against owners for possession of the land.. Owners have filed lawsuit against city. What a waste of taxpayers’ money in today’s budget crisis!
Update: Owners subpoenaed city officials but Mufi Hannemann’s attorneys quashed on basis that public officials are very busy; owners are a nuisance, harassing and inconveniencing these officials. Ironically, on their way home to Hauula, owners saw Bryan Mick – City Community Relations sign-waving for Mufi Hannemann in front of Nimitz City Mill at 11:34 am August 11, 201
Here’s more information:
Woman Criticizes Honolulu’s Government, Has Her Protest Signs Bulldozed
How people respond to criticism can reveal a lot about their character. Some might try to debate or reason with those they disagree with. Others prefer to ignore critics. City officials in Honolulu take a different approach: They use a bulldozer.
Choon James is a successful real estate broker with over two decades of experience in Hawaii. But the city of Honolulu is seeking to seize property she’s owned for almost a decade to build what she calls a “super-sized” fire station in rural Hauula.
Since January 2010, she has put up signs to protest Honolulu’s use of eminent domain. These signs declare “Eminent Domain Abuse: Who’s Next?” and “YouTube Eminent Domain Abuse—Hawaii.” For more than three years these signs have been up without any incident.
But now the city is showing a callous disregard for Choon’s freedom of speech. Back in May, Honolulu seized two of her eminent domain protest signs. Without her consent, city employees went onto the property and seized and impounded her signs before damaging them. Even worse, the city slapped her with a notice for trespassing, for property she is trying to defend in court.
After these signs were torn down, Choon placed three more signs there. These lasted just a few months before the city once again seized the signs. This time, Honolulu was much more dramatic. On October 18, city workers, backed by police officers, squad cars and a bulldozer, came by and literally bulldozed those protest signs.
The city’s actions show a shameful lack of respect for the First and Fourth Amendments. Citizens have a right to protest government actions. The First Amendment was enacted precisely to protect citizens who criticize the government from retaliation. Lawsuits challenging Honolulu’s unreasonable seizures and chilling attacks on free speech are now pending in federal court.
Unfortunately, Honolulu is not alone in trying to silence critics who question eminent domain. The Institute for Justice has represented citizens in St. Louis, Mo., Norfolk, Va., Tennessee, and Texas who protested abusive property seizures and faced censorship. Out of these four cases, IJ successfully defended free speech in three cases, while the fourth is currently in litigation.
After 24 of his buildings were taken by St. Louis, Jim Roos painted a giant mural on a building he owned advocating “End Eminent Domain Abuse.” But St. Louis labeled the mural an “illegal sign” and wanted to force Jim to remove
the sign (and stifle his right to protest) or face code violations. He teamed up with the Institute for Justice and sued the city. In a major win for the First Amendment, in July 2011, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Jim and allowed the mural to stay up.
More recently, the Institute for Justice is suing the city of Norfolk for trying to squash a small business owner’s eminent domain protest sign. The Central Radio Company,
a repair shop, has been in Norfolk for almost eight decades. But Norfolk had plans to seize the property with eminent domain for a private redevelopment project.
To protest, owner Bob Wilson displayed a huge banner on-site. The city responded by telling Bob he had to take down the sign or face fines of up to $1,000 per day. Fortunately, the Virginia Supreme Court unanimously struck down the city’s attempt to seize Bob’s land; his free speech case is still in federal court.
As the cases make clear, courts routinely respect Americans’ First Amendment rights. Honolulu should do the same.
I’m a policy wonk and legal correspondent with a decade of experience analyzing and reporting on legislation and court cases.
Outside of Forbes, my work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Slate, Wired, Reason, and numerous other outlets nationwide.
I’m originally from Singapore and I appreciate efficient multi-modal transportation.
My trusted friend Natalie Iwasa, CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, and I have been participating and observing City Hall for the last two decades. We know the good, the bad and the ugly.
We must stop the social media games and be honest with the Public.
Status Quo will not cut it.
The Rail Skyline is out of control.
If we do not control and reset these project costs, our children will pay for today’s mistakes.
As Mayor, I will do the following:
Every one is coming from a good place. I will gather all stakeholders, including City Council and HART back to the round table to analyze this project. INDEPENDENT experts in contracts, legal, costs-analysis, engineering, budget, environment, cultural, and others will be invited.
The public will have its say in this much needed reassessment.
Should HART be dissolved?
Should Rail Skyline be under the Transportation Department?
There will be no sacred cows; no tail wagging the dogs. There will be no hiding behind or blaming the FTA. FTA is not the monster or the Wizard of Oz behind the curtains. FTA is here to help and respect State Rights.
There should be no managing Rail Skyline through Public Relations handlers and insulting the Public Intelligence from the Mayor’s Office.
I have zero donations from lobbyists or PACs. I can be 100% independent to question the project with independent industry experts.
Together with all stakeholders and Oahu residents, we can decide the most pragmatic solutions for Oahu.
This project started in 2006 at the price tag of $2.7 BILLION. It’s filled with gross mishaps and mismanagement. The price tag is now around $12 BILLION and incomplete.
We must stop social media games and be honest with the Public. Status Quo will not cut it. The Rail Skyline is out of control. The Maintenance & Operations costs are unclear. If we do not control and reset these project costs, our children will pay for today’s mistakes.
My trusted friend Natalie Iwasa, CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, and I have been participating and observing City Hall for the last two decades. We know the good, the bad and the ugly.
The 2012 Porter Report warned the city that it could not support both the Rail and its core services. The city ignores these warnings but continue to engage a “sunk-costs” Status Quo.
Mayor Blangiardi does not tell you that over $712 million was approved for Rail for 2025 city budget. Every year, big chunks of money are eaten up by rail but the Mayor has not told you about it, has he?
Portions of the Rail from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center is in the Honolulu Sea Level Rise Inundation Zone.
Why are we ignoring the City’s own data?
Why is the city throwing hundreds of millions ( and billions) of dollars into this without further consideration?
I’m experimenting in democracy by running for Mayor for Honolulu. I don’t collect donations from Lobbyists or PACs.
The incumbent Mayor Rick Blangiardi has a war-chest of about $1.7 Million. Not only does he have the vast resources of his Office to campaign from, he has the money to buy TV ads and mass mail out to throughout the island of Oahu.
I don’t have that resources because I’m campaigning on the premise that money must not control our political campaigns. I tell people they don’t need to donate but to consider voting for me and to tell their friends.
FACEBOOK is my FREE social media to share with my friends. Here is a post (recollected) I shared this morning.
#honolulumayor2024: How is Status Quo benefitting us? The Oligarchy makes it a big deal that you have to be Macho Man to be a Mayor. That’s so patronizing.
The Truth is it’s the 10,000 hardworking employees at City Hall who do the work daily. The Mayor can go on a long vacation and he will not be missed except for a few needed signatures :=))
The Mayor sets the tone and culture at City Hall. I want to be the Mayor who puts Residents First!I do not collect donations from Lobbyists or PACs.
I understand that there is pressure. Some of you have pending contracts or grants. Those will not change. You don’t have to reveal who you vote for. #ResidentsFirst. “
But several hours later, I received this message from FACEBOOK META.
Message #1
Message #2 I requested a review.
Message #3 Of course, we’re talking to the Meta Universe out there.
Message #4
In the meanwhile, the post is gone. Whether this same post will be restored is a guess.
And you can see why people can suspicious of censorship and dirty tricks. Generally Facebook posts can be reported. If enough people report, Facebook Meta will automatically shut you down. Facebook warnings or “Jail Time” can last for a while. Sometimes, it’s 24 hours or 6 days or a month. I’ve known of others who last long
This 2024 Presidential Elections offers a rare opportunity for the American public, students, and concerned citizens to be inspired and educated by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – – a walking encyclopedia of the US Constitution and American/World History and Affairs.
“The Constitution is more than a legal document. It’s meant to inspire us. It’s a recital of the most fundamental moral truths that govern human conduct. It reminds us of the central proposition that only under a system that maximizes the personal freedoms that God intended for us when He gives us Free Will can we achieve our potential for creativity, the prosperity the ultimate elevation for the Human Spirit.The Constitution embodies the very soul of our nation as first invoked in the Declaration of the Independence. I get goose bumps when I read the words.” Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
This is worth the time to listen to his speech shared on May 24, 2024 at the Libertarian Convention. We would be so lucky to have Kennedy at the White House with his brilliance and skills and mindset.
Despite overwhelming public testimony against this rushed and disjointed Land-Use sea-change from the most affected residents in Hawaii, the legislators quickly adopted this zoning to increase density for ALL Hawaii counties.
This was a last-minute attempt to disclose to the public about this Bill.
SOCIAL MEDIA’S FAST & EASY FALLACIES APPROACH TO PUBLIC POLICIES:
On the other hand, there was social media by interest groups circulated to those who hope for “affordable housing.” Share whatever is in your mind. No vetting needed. Ah! Creating a seismic land-use change is so simple; you do not consider all the multiplier impacts on Hawaii residents. Who cares about inviting more real estate speculators and investors to compete with local residents?
Interesting, I was warned by a California land-use planner about the trend to decimate single family and it was coming to Hawaii soon. That was about five years ago.
California pushed it and here is the recent court answer to rouge legislators who squashed single-family zoning.
April 29, 2024 3 AM PT
” A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled that a landmark law ending single-family-home-only zoning in California is unconstitutional, a decision that could lead to the law being invalidated in the state’s largest cities.
Judge Curtis Kin determined that Senate Bill 9 does not provide housing restricted for low-income residents and therefore cannot override state constitutional protections afforded to local zoning practices.”
CHATTER CIRCULATING AROUND
There was chatter circulating that increasing the density will pass. Rumors were circulating around that Senator Brian Schatz has met with local politicians and every one should fall in line for this “progressive” idea.
Senator Stanley Change and House Representative Luke Evlslin championed this process.
BACK TO TODAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL:
Scroll to 5:03 video of today’s hearing at the House of Representatives. (By the way, these hearings do not appear on the Olelo Public Access Television anymore. It’s on the Capitol’s own channel that requires ONLINE capabilities. Many residents, especially the kupuna sector, are not connected.)
April 26, 2024, the Committee Report said it has a FULL & FREE discussion. But it doesn’t say that the merits and the demerits were fully and freely discussed and analyzed.
Hawaii Residents should not have to spend time trying to explain and convince the decision makers that SB3202 is problematic and deficient.
Lawmakers must disclose such seismic land-use hijacking to their most-affected constituents first. So far, it’s been a well-kept secret. But the rush is on to adopt this bill.
This STATE bill subverts COUNTY HOME RULE. It’s the Counties which manage and enforce the Land-Use Comprehensive Plans or Community Plans and so on. These plans requires public hearings and public participation. These processes take months and years.
Senator Stanley Chang from Oahu and Representative Luke Evslin sponsored SB3202 and HB1630. They expect to adopt this within four short months with hardly any public participation or disclosures. They’re both on the ballot this year.
Long-story short, the bills upends Hawaii’s residential landed properties zoned Residential 3.5, Residential 5, Residential 7.5, Residential 10, Country in the name of “affordable housing” :
To allow a dwelling on every 2,000 square feet of land.
To allow subdivision of these 2,000 square feet of land.
It’s that “simple”. If they are allowed to subdivide and build, they can “keep families together” and fill the “missingMiddle” gap, so the supporters say.
Read the written testimonies submitted by the usual development lobbyists, non-profits, building industries and related commerce. The supporters this time around included Real Estate Escrow Company, a Aloha Shirt Company and so on. It’s a view into who’s connected to who in Hawaii.
When a small segment of the public caught wind of it, there are more opinions from the frontline and the most affected. It’s interesting to scroll down. There are some very thoughtful insights and warnings. But they do not appear to cause some legislators to pause and think deeper.
This is the video of the April 1, 2024 hearing on SB3202. It’s understandable to expect special interests lobby for their own industry or personal interests.
But it’s alarming to see those in public offices not thoughtfully and dutifully represent the public interests i.e. Hawaii’s residents.
One example: Scroll to 1:49 to listen for a few minutes to this Hawaii County Planner. He obviously disses the elected Hawaii County Council but claims “I’m very much a Home Rule guy.” Who hired this guy?
There is whole lot more to discuss. But here’s an extremely brief poster about SB3202. It’s alarming that taxpayers will always be responsible for crappy malfeasance if the legislators push this Bill through on May 1, 2024.
I urge you to speak up. You have to protect yourself and your own future in Hawaii.
EMAIL and tell them your opinions. Or simply say “OPPOSE HAMMAJANG SB3202”.
