KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 20, 2016
Contact: Cathy Lee
Tel: (808) 768-5023
15 Minute Commute? Thousands doing it, Meet Two
Thousands of West Oahu Residents Will Have Same Opportunity
at Hire Leeward Job Fair on June 25, 2016
HONOLULU — Longtime Makakilo Resident and Hotel Executive Leslie Cho is no stranger to Westside traffic— she has been commuting to town and back for work for the past 17 years. As a Hotel Sales Manager, she would wake up at 3:00 a.m., and be on the road by 5:30 a.m. to beat the morning rush— regardless, there were times Leslie was still stuck in gridlock traffic.
“I would spend up to 2 hours sitting in traffic in the morning and evening— leaving my house when it was dark outside, and coming home when it was dark.” said Leslie Cho.
Looking to spend more time with her family and grow her career, Leslie found and recently obtained the position of Director of Sales for the new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oahu-Kapolei —expected to open in the Ka Makana Alii Shopping Center this September 2016. Now she will be working directly out of Kapolei, decreasing her commute from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
Another Leeward commuter who recently found a job closer to home is Waianae Resident Andrew “Umi” Sexton, champion fire-knife dancer and proud father of three, who has spent the past three years commuting across the island from Waianae to Waikiki. Each morning began at 3:30 am (with Umi on the road by 4:00 a.m.) to ensure he would not be late to one of his two jobs in a Waikiki hotel, where he worked diligently as a valet. This continued until Umi attended a special Hire Leeward Job Fair hosted by Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina. After meeting the staff and making it through an intensive round of interviews, Umi earned a highly coveted position with a competitive benefits package at the new resort, which opened May 27th. “I was praying about this job and it finally came true. I am so blessed to receive this opportunity through the job fair,” Umi said. “It is so great to work closer to home. I can finally spend more time with my family, and I am proud to represent the Westside community in this new hotel in our district.”
Thousands of West Oahu residents will have the same opportunity to make a career change at an upcoming job fair taking place this month in Leeward Oahu:
For the 4th consecutive year, Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine is proud to partner with the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce to present The 4th Annual Hire Leeward Job and Career Fair taking place on June 25, 2016, (Saturday) at the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu campus from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“The Hire Leeward initiative empowers West O’ahu residents to leave their days of driving in traffic behind them by taking advantage of the many job opportunities within their community. Many don’t realize that there are over 63,000 Leeward jobs on the Leeward coast; one for just about every adult in my district,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.
With the annual theme of “Connecting Leeward Residents with Leeward Jobs”, the Fair will host over 70 businesses offering Leeward-based job opportunities. There were over thousands of attendees at last year’s Fair and this year’s Fair is expected to have a large turnout as well. There will be free Leeward career education seminars to help residents learn the skills and make the connections they need to find a job close to home.
Businesses and organizations are offering job opportunities from a wide range of industries including: healthcare, financial services, food service, hospitality, retail, and administrative, as well as trade apprenticeships.
Attendees can get priority and complimentary entrance into the Fair by registering online. For more information on the Hire Leeward initiative and the Fair, job seekers are encouraged to visit www.HireLeeward.com.
Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua). www.councilmemberpine.com
-END-
KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 17, 2016
Contact: Cathy Lee
Tel: (808) 768-5023
Before we rush to decide on a rail route, shouldn’t we get numbers first?
(HONOLULU) – Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine released the following statement in response to leaders’ push to stop the rail project in Middle Street:
“It is very important that we all strive to ensure that we build a rail system that we can afford. What we cannot afford is leaders making quick decisions without real information. I continue to be extremely frustrated that leaders are making serious decisions on changing the rail route without publicly analyzing facts or figures on how the change will affect the ridership numbers and the use of the entire system.
The purpose for building rail in the first place was to reduce traffic and provide residents facing long drives a faster way to commute. Every decision must be made based on that goal.
What is missing in the conversation is a true station by station analysis of the pros and cons of eliminating each station.
Before making any changes to the rail route, HART staff needs to provide the public with a cost analysis of each station and the effects of ridership— should any station be eliminated. To date, decisions on future stations are currently being made without this information in the public discussion.
What is not being considered is the possibility of eliminating stations throughout the route instead of eliminating the last 8 stations.
Should leaders come to the conclusion that the Middle Street option is the best option after this data is publicly scrutinized, I’ll be satisfied that we did our due diligence and made a responsible decision for the people of Oahu.”
-END-
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation wants to inform drivers that Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway (North-South Road) and Old Fort Weaver Road Loop will partially reopen starting Thursday, January 29.
The eastbound direction of Farrington Highway will reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday and remain open each weekday from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate daytime commuters. The westbound direction will remain closed because of ongoing guideway construction.
The section of highway will then be closed weeknights in both directions from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. to allow construction crews to safely conduct rail guideway work along the narrow two-lane stretch of road. The nightly closures are expected to last approximately two months, with the highway to be completely open to drivers once the guideway work is complete.
Motorists who routinely use Farrington Highway should provide themselves extra time for their commute. During the nightly closure, drivers travelling between East Kapolei and the Ewa/Waipahu region will still be able to access either side by using either the H-1 Freeway on the north end of Kualakai Parkway, or Kapolei Parkway/Geiger Road on the south end (see attached locator map).
For updates on construction work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299.
Local Volunteer Opportunities – Private/Non-Profit Organizations
200 N. Vineyard Blvd., #700
Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 536-1951
1199 Dillingham Blvd., #A-106
Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 843-1906
2370 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 595-7544
4155 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816 (808) 734-2101
418 Kuwili Street, #106
Honolulu, HI 96817-5364 (808) 521-3811
250 Vineyard Street
Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 537-6321
2610 Kilihau Street
Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 836-0313
2611 Kilihau Street
Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 836-3600
98-025 Hekaha Street, #214A
Aiea, HI 96701 (808) 485-2355
745 Fort Street, #315
Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 537-3118
226 N. Kuakini Street
Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 531-3511
680 Iwilei Road, #430
Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 536-5006
Click here for more information
Local Volunteer Opportunities – Events
Annual Statewide Homeless Point in Time Count
IHS, Institute for Human Services, Inc.
Help IHS, The Institute for Human Services, conduct a survey of all homeless individuals throughout the island of Oahu.
Mon, January 26, 2015 – Fri, January 30, 2015
Click here for more information and additional events
A special mahalo to all those that work with our struggling homeless individuals…
KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
(808) 768-5001
(808) 768-1217 (fax)
e-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine
January 12, 2015 Tel: (808) 768-5001
Long-Delayed Makakilo Park to Be Accepted by the City
Councilmember Pine introduces legislation to streamline park dedication process
MAKAKILO — Plans for the long-awaited opening of Kahiwelo Park in Makakilo will finally be put in front of the City Council for approval tomorrow in the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee at 10:30 a.m. The City’s long delay in accepting the park, as well as the new district park at Ocean Pointe, Ewa, has prompted Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine to introduce Resolution 15-9, which requests the city streamline its park approval process, so completed parks can be opened faster.
The 3-acre park, located near the corner of Kuluhi Street and Welo Street, had been promised to residents years ago, as part of the D.R. Horton – Schuler Division’s Kahiwelo at Makakilo community. The park, constructed by D.R. Horton, contains a large grass field, play court, playground structure, comfort station and parking lot. However, prominently placed throughout the park are ‘Keep Out’ signs, letting the public know that while the park appears finished, the City has not-yet accepted it for public use. Kahiwelo Park was completed in May 2014, and originally expected to be turned over to the City in the summer of 2014, however, City delays held-up the park’s opening until today. Similar delays held up the opening of Ocean Pointe Park until January 2015, though the project was completed by Haseko in August 2014.
“The Makakilo community has waited years for this park, and they have watched this park sit vacant for months because the City does not streamline its park acceptance process,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine.
The City Council’s Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee will vote on whether to approve the park dedication in tomorrow’s 10:30 a.m. meeting. The full Council will then vote on the park dedication at the next full-Council meeting on January 28th, using the Committee’s recommendation as a guide.
Councilmember Pine represents residents of District One (Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua) and chairs the Parks, Community and Customer Services Committee.
November 17th, 2014
For Immediate Release Councilmember Pine Says City Must Address Gap In Animal Rescue Services Public Hearing Set for Thursday
Waianae – A trending story of a dog left tangled in his own wired leash for days has touched residents, who are outraged that the City hasn’t done anything to help the local pet. “The present situation is unacceptable,” said Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine. “This story is the latest of numerous calls about abandoned, loose, or cruelly-treated pets, that we’ve received. It pains me to know that this and other stories may have been prevented if the City were doing its job and providing the animal control service the public expects.” The City is required to develop a public complaint process with its animal control contractor in consultation with the Honolulu Police Department.
The process, to protect the public and its pets, has in years past, been attended-to by the Hawaii Humane Society – which contracted with the City for animal care and control. Animal-related law enforcement work historically encompassed 11,000 to 15,000 calls for help from the public. However, since August 2013, the City reduced the scope of that animal control contract, removing all law enforcement work from the Humane Society and not specifying who or what agency would pick up the slack. “In light of this gap in service, our communities deserve to know what City agency is responsible for enforcing the law and protecting our pets,” Councilmember Pine added. This Thursday, the Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Services Committee, Chaired by Pine, will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. to receive an update from the City Administration and the Hawaiian Humane Society on animal control services.
Information for Thursday’s meeting and instructions on how to submit written testimony or register to speak can be found here:
I am pleased to partner with the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce in presenting the 3rd Annual Hire Leeward Job and Career Fair. The fair will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu Campus, 91-1001 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707. The event is free and open to the public.
Participating businesses and organizations represent a wide field of companies from health care, food service, retail, union organizations to hotels. The 3rd Annual Job and Career Fair will also feature a networking opportunity for businesses and organizations who may not have immediate job openings but would like to share future career opportunities with attendees.
The Hire Leeward initiative is a five – year plan with the following goals:
1. Encourage Leeward residents to seek Leeward jobs.
2. Reduce traffic congestion to town.
3. Encourage better coordination with Leeward job employers and job seekers.
4. Encourage Leeward residents to buy from Leeward companies.
5. Hold job training events.
6. Improve the quality of life for Leeward residents.
The registration period is open from now to February 20, 2015 at $125.00 (Early Bird Special – $100.00 if paid by December 5, 2015.) After February 21, 2015 a late registration fee will apply and a $25.00 late fee will apply totaling $150.00. Register online www.hireleeward.com by clicking on the “Employer Participation” tab.
Last year’s event was a huge success with over 3,000 people in attendance seeking over 1,000 job openings offered by participating businesses. We hope that your business will participate again in this year’s fair!
City and County of Honolulu offices will be closed Tuesday, November 4 in observance of General Election Day, a state holiday.
Emergency ambulance, fire, lifeguard and police services will be available.
Refuse will be collected.
Landfills and transfer stations will be open.
Parks, municipal golf courses, botanical gardens, and the Honolulu Zoo will be open.
TheBus will operate on a state holiday schedule. For route and schedule information, please visit www.thebus.org.
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center Box Office will be closed.
All Satellite City Halls and Driver’s License offices will be closed.
The People’s Open Markets will not be held.
These following traffic and parking regulations will be in effect: On-street parking will be free, except for the meters on Kalâkaua Avenue along Kapi‘olani Park and metered parking lots.
Traffic lanes will not be coned for contraflow.