Meeting Set On Planned Waipio Ambulance Base

Sharing Notes …Sen. Michelle Kidani

Town Hall April 2

Here’s a heads up for Waipio and neighboring communities: A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 2 at Kanoelani Elementary School, hosted by state Rep. Ryan Yamane and myself.

Come learn about plans to build an emergency medical services ambulance base station on property adjacent to the Waipio McDonald’s.

The state last year approved nearly $4 million for the long-awaited project, and the city has begun detailed planning. This is an especially critical issue for West and Central Oahu residents, since the existing EMS ambulance station in Waipio was required to relocate several months ago.

Even with Queen’s opening its West Oahu medical center in just a few weeks in Ewa, first responders are too far away from too many communities to provide the quick response they deserve.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will be at the meeting to discuss the facility plans and respond to questions from residents on various issues. New state health director Linda Rosen also will be present, since the state contracts with the city to operate our EMS services.

I hope you’ll take this opportunity to come by and learn about this major development in your neighborhood.

I’ve also invited a representative from a ride-sharing company to make a brief presentation at the meeting. vRide is the nation’s largest carpool services provider, currently operating fleets with more than 5,000 vehicles throughout the U.S. and Europe. They will share information about ride-sharing (vanpool) in Hawaii.

Congratulations to Kumu Kahealani

I was so pleased to learn that Kumu Rebecca Kahealani Sanborn – a Hawaiian language teacher at Waipahu High School – is one of two 2014 Educators of the Year chosen for recognition by the Native Hawaiian Education Association.

Kumu Kahealani and Kaleimakamae Kaauwai of Kauai are to be honored this week at a luncheon as the NHEA meets in its annual convention at UH-West Oahu.

NHEA is a grassroots nonprofit organization focused on supporting and encouraging the work of those who teach Native Hawaiian children.

We all celebrate that this inspiring teacher calls Waipahu High School her home campus.

You are invited to the state Capitol

We always encourage residents to visit the state Capitol anytime to learn about the unique design of the building that is home to the governor, lieutenant governor and the state Legislature.

Next week there will be a special reason to come visit: the annual “Art at the Capitol” program April 4.

Many artworks – including paintings and drawings, small pieces of sculpture, and other items in the state’s art collection – are on display in House and Senate offices throughout the building.

Classical music ensembles and choral groups are scheduled to perform, and films will be screened.

All offices will be open to the public until 7 that evening, and you’re invited to stop by – a good way to start an evening for the First Friday art gallery and music programs in downtown Honolulu.

State Sen. Michelle Kidani, D, represents District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipio Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, and Royal Kunia. Contact her at the State Capitol, Room 228, call 586-7100, or email her at SenKidani@Capitol.Hawaii.gov.