Mazie Hirono RSS Articles

Congresswoman Hirono Votes to Extend Payroll Tax Cut for Middle Class Families

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today, the House and Senate passed legislation that extends the payroll tax cut for 700,000 Hawaii workers, continues unemployment benefits and ensures over 200,000 Hawaii seniors and people with disabilities can continue to have access to their health providers under Medicare. The legislation now heads to President Obama to be signed into law. Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (HI-2) released the following statement on her vote in support of the bill:

“This bipartisan compromise is going to help our economy’s recovery by giving an estimated $1,000 each to 700,000 Hawaii workers this year, making sure more than 200,000 people in Hawaii continue receiving health services through Medicare, and helping hundreds of people as they continue looking for work. We know that extra dollars in people’s pockets means extra dollars in cash registers at Hawaii’s businesses—which means more jobs. So this tax cut and extension of employment benefits for the rest of the year is important to our ongoing recovery.

“While this bill provides these key economic benefits and rejects some of the more extreme poison pill provisions that the House passed back in December, I am deeply disappointed that this bill asks more from our newly hired federal workforce. The hard working men and women of our federal workforce have already stepped up and sacrificed $60 billion in pay to meet our shared needs. Instead, we need a national commitment from everyone, especially the wealthiest, to meet our shared responsibility to lower our deficit while getting our economy working again.”

CAPAC Members, Congressional Leaders Mark Day Of Remembrance For Japanese Internment

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

February 19, 2012, marks the 70^th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional leaders have released the following statements to observe the Day of Remembrance:

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “This February 19th, we mark 70 years since the day the United States government revoked the basic rights and freedoms of groups of American citizens based solely on their ethnic heritage. Executive Order 9066 put in place an unconscionable policy that upended American families and imprisoned them in internment camps because of fears about who they were, not evidence of what they had actually done. The Day of Remembrance is a time for us to reflect on how fragile justice can be, and serves as a reminder that we must always be vigilant in defending our civil and Constitutional rights.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA-08), Democratic Leader: “On this Day of Remembrance, let us reflect on the injustices suffered by Japanese Americans during one of the darkest periods in our nation’s history and renew our commitment to fight for the justice and equality that define our democracy,” Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “Together, we must protect and defend the civil liberties on which our nation was founded, and ensure a brighter, more vibrant future for all Americans.

Senator Daniel Akaka (HI): “Our nation must never forget the dark chapters of our history. Although specifically targeting Japanese Americans, this Executive Order spread prejudice across our nation and cast unwarranted suspicion on our neighbors in Asian American, German American and Italian American communities. Sadly, Hawaii shares in this history, with five camps and an estimated 1,440 interned in the islands. On this Day of Remembrance, let us pause in a somber reflection of the mistreatment of our own citizens, and pledge to never let this injustice repeat itself.”

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “It has been seventy years since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. The order stripped 120,000 innocent Japanese Americans of our constitutional rights through forced relocation to internment camps. A result of the "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" at the time, EO 9066 forced my family to live behind the towers and barbed wire of the Amache internment camp in Colorado. I was less than one year old at the time.

“On this day of remembrance, I honor the bravery of two men, Fred Korematsu and Gordon Hirabayashi, who stood firmly by their convictions and simply refused to comply with EO 9066. Beyond today’s recollection, we must continue to reflect on the fierce and urgent necessity of justice and equality, to educate others on lessons learned, and to always remember the sacrifices that individuals like Fred and Gordon made to protect the rights of future generations to come.”

Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus: “Seventy years ago today, with the stroke of a pen, thousands of American men, women and children of Japanese descent were uprooted from their homes and their lives to be placed in internment camps. We must never forget this grave injustice and make every effort to ensure it happens never again.”

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair: Today, we remember the women, children, and men whose civil rights were suspended during World War II. Executive Order 9066 forced thousands of Japanese Americans into internment camps and it marks a bleak point in our nation’s history—one marked by racial prejudice and wartime hysteria. Despite our best efforts, racial discrimination continues to exist in our country. As we commemorate those Japanese Americans who were wrongfully detained by Executive Order 9066, we reflect on importance of our civil rights, and how best to preserve them.

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), CAPAC Whip: “Both of my grandfathers were interned during World War II, and stories of their experiences were a part of my upbringing. Today is a reminder of the errors we can make, despite our best intentions, when we allow ourselves to be controlled by fear and hate. We as a nation are better than that. While I would like to think that such actions are behind us—that we have achieved a level of caring and mutual respect that render unthinkable the prospect of judging an entire race or group unworthy of our protection—I know that it is up to each of us to remain vigilant and speak for those who have no voice,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02), CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair: “While this 70^th anniversary marks a dark time in American history, we can learn much from the mistakes of the past. Although Hawaii didn’t experience the wholesale round-up of Japanese Americans as did the U.S. west coast, we did have our own internment camps, which most people in Hawaii don’t even know existed. I am proud to have worked with Senator Inouye to authorize a study to determine how best to tell the story of the Honouliuli Internment Camp in Central Oahu. America has again and again demonstrated the ability to acknowledge and learn from its mistakes. By engaging with this history, we can make sure we are a nation made stronger by our diversity, not weaker.”

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-50): “The Day of Remembrance is a solemn reminder of one of the atrocities of our nation’s past. Japanese internment was a direct attack on human dignity that severely undermined the individual rights and freedoms upon which our country was founded. This day helps serve as a reminder that we can still learn from the injustices of the past, and work to ensure that they are never repeated.”

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-16): “When we look back on this chapter in our history, it serves as a warning to protect Americans from unjust and unconstitutional attacks against our freedom based on racial bigotry or fears. But as we mark this day, we should also proudly celebrate the courage of Japanese Americans who served their country in the face of injustice during World War II, and for their contributions in the decades that have followed.”

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09): “Today, we honor thousands of Japanese Americans and individuals of Japanese descent who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II. We acknowledge the courage and dignity these Americans demonstrated during one of the most nefarious acts in our country’s history. As we learn from our past, it is important to remember the rich contributions Japanese Americans have made to our communities. We should also use this day to reflect and remember the type of society we strive to be - one where fear never overshadows our principles or where prejudice leads us to deny justice rather than seek it.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08): “Today we pause to mark the unjust internment of Japanese families during World War II. It was one of our nation’s darkest hours – one we will never forget. We must recommit ourselves to ensuring that such inhumane treatment never be allowed to happen again.”

Background: EO 9066 authorized and facilitated the wholesale removal of US citizens and "enemy aliens" of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast and led to their incarceration in Wartime Relocation Authority camps. It also created an individual exclusion program that allowed the Army to move naturalized citizens of German and Italian descent from military areas across the country. These individuals were wrongfully detained on no other basis than their heritage; none were found guilty of the sabotage and espionage charges against them.

The Day of Remembrance, observed annually on February 19^th, serves not only to bring awareness to the Japanese American experience, but the experiences of all who were wrongfully detained during World War II, and to highlight the social and political discourse that led to the unjust captivity for so many innocent men, women and children.

CAPAC Members, Congressional Leaders Recall The Japanese Latin American Experience During World War II

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements regarding the Japanese Latin American experience during World War II in conjunction with observing this year’s Day of Remembrance:

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “Taking ownership of past mistakes is the only way to prevent them from happening again. It is also the only sincere way to apologize to those who were wronged. While many Americans may be familiar with the story of internment camps during World War II, most were not aware that the U.S. government also removed 2,300 men, women and children of Japanese descent from their homes in Latin American countries to be used in hostage negotiations with Japan. As we mark 70 years since the signing of Executive Order 9066, we must never forget the injustices that were committed against Japanese Latin Americans and have yet to be fully redressed.”

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “For many Americans, it seems inconceivable that the United States government abducted and deported 2,300 men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry from Latin America, using many as pawns in prisoner of war exchanges with Japan. As a nation, we must accept that it happened, investigate and study the wartime violations of our own government, and provide full redress for the families. America showed its greatness when it apologized to Japanese Americans, including my family, for the internment; it must now do the same for the Japanese Latin Americans.”

Senator Daniel Akaka (HI): “The forced relocation, internment, and on occasion deportation of Latin Americans of Japanese ancestry is a regrettable part of World War II that not many Americans know about. For this reason, I have consistently supported efforts in Congress to further investigate the U.S. treatment of Japanese Latin Americans during World War II, in hopes that we can finally bring some closure to the many families involved in this painful history. As we observe the Japanese Latin American Day of Remembrance, I’m hopeful we can raise awareness of this history and continue to move forward in healing.”

Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus: “During World War II, thousands of Japanese Latin Americans were relocated, expatriated and held captive in U.S. internment camps. This grave injustice has yet to be fully redressed. On this Remembrance Day, let us redouble our efforts to increase awareness of this troubling period in our nation’s history.”

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice-Chair: “Japanese Latin American Day of Remembrance sheds light on one of the darker chapters of American history. During World War II, our country detained more than 2,000 individuals of Japanese descent who were living in Latin American countries. Although we cannot change the past, we can educate ourselves about these issues and work to ensure that similar breaches of civil rights are never again perpetrated in our country.”

Rep. Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02), CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair: “Although the relocation and internment of Japanese American families is now well-known, most Americans don’t know about U.S. involvement in taking some 2,300 Japanese Latin Americans from their homes in other countries to internment camps in the United States. At the least, we owe it to those who suffered this injustice to remember what happened.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08): “Today we mark the grave injustices done to Japanese descendants from Latin American countries by our government during World War II. Not only were they forced to suffer inhumane treatment, but it took far too long for the U.S. government to acknowledge their mistreatment. We must recommit ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never be allowed to happen again.”

Background: During World War II, the United States relocated approximately 2,300 men, women, and children of Japanese descent from Latin American Countries and held them in internment camps on American soil. From 1941 to 1945, these individuals were used in hostage exchanges, orchestrated by the U.S. government, which often resulted in their deportation to Japan or other Axis countries. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act granting redress to Japanese Americans interned during the war, but this did not include Japanese Latin Americans. Ten years later, following a class-action lawsuit, the U.S. Government offered settlements of $5,000 to Japanese Latin Americans (in contrast to the $20,000 offered to Japanese Americans) and a letter of regret. Despite all this, the official narrative on this troubling period remains incomplete. There are hundreds of people of Japanese, German and Italian descent who have yet to receive appropriate redress.

President Obama Signs FAA Bill into Law That Provides $6 Million in Additional Funds Annually for Hawaii Airports

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today President Obama signed into law a four year renewal of the Federal Aviation Administration that provides crucial investments in our nation’s air transportation system. This law will also provide an estimated $6 million more a year from the Airport Improvement Program for Hawaii’s busiest airports as a result of an amendment authored by Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

In addition, the legislation maintains the Essential Air Service Program which provides subsidized air service to residents of Kalaupapa, Molokai.

“As our nation’s only island state, Hawaii stands to benefit from this new law’s support of our local airports. Hawaii can expect an estimated $6 million more a year to help our airports make critical improvements, resulting in safer airports and more jobs,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “Also, the Essential Air Service Program is preserved in this law so residents of Kalaupapa can continue to fly to the neighbor islands affordably.

“While there are a lot of good things in this law, it is not perfect. I am especially concerned about provisions that undermine the rights of airline and railroad workers. We will have to work hard to see that these rights are restored in the future.”

Background on Congresswoman Hirono’s Amendment

Because of the importance of air travel in Hawaii, current federal law exempts Hawaii’s airports from charging passenger facility fees (PFCs) to passengers on interisland flights. In general, PFCs are used to pay for capital improvement projects at airports that collect them.

However, airports that charge these fees must return 50 to 75 percent of their annually allotted Airport Improvement Program funds, which are provided to airports for the same purposes as PFCs. This prevents airports from “double-dipping.”

Most airports in the U.S. that collect PFCs charge them on 100 percent of the passengers passing through their facilities.

However, due to the exemption for interisland travel, the state collects PFCs on far fewer passengers using Hawaii’s airports than cities such as Los Angeles or Seattle.

This puts Hawaii at a disadvantage under the previous formula.

Congresswoman Hirono’s amendment remedies this by requiring the FAA to take into account the number of interisland passengers when calculating Hawaii’s annual share of Airport Improvement Program grants.

There are 15 airports operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Airports Division.

The State DOT is responsible for maintaining safe and efficient facilities that accommodate approximately 25 million passengers a year.

President Obama Requests $250 Million for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project in Fiscal Year 2013

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Obama Administration has requested $250 million for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project for fiscal year 2013, the largest amount for any rail project in the country, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The money would come from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program.

Of the five programs currently awaiting a full funding grant agreement with the FTA, the President requested $100 million more for Honolulu than any other project:

High Capacity Transit Corridor Project (Honolulu, HI): $250M

Third Street Light Rail (San Francisco, CA): $150M

Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project (San Jose, CA): $150M

Portland-Milwaukee Light Rail Project (Portland, OR): $100M

South Sacramento Corridor (Sacramento, CA): $46M

“I am very pleased that the Honolulu Rail Transit Project is the administration’s top New Starts funding request for the coming fiscal year. Like any large, publicly funded project, there are bound to be questions and concerns about how best to proceed. But the facts remain that the successful construction and timely completion of this project will create jobs, decrease our dependence on imported oil, and offer a long awaited alternative to driving for thousands of working families on the West side of Oahu. I have participated in rail transit discussions in Hawaii and Washington for the last forty years and I can say, without reservation, that the support we currently enjoy from the government of the United States is unprecedented. To ignore this support would be a big mistake. I will continue to do everything I can to direct federal funds to the project and marshal support in the Congress. But we must work together, at all levels of government and throughout the community, to ensure that we do not waste our best opportunity to revolutionize the way we move about Oahu,” said Senator Inouye.

“The Obama Administration is again demonstrating its commitment to supporting Honolulu’s rail project,” said Senator Akaka. “This budget proposal keeps Hawaii on-track towards creating a convenient, affordable choice in getting around the island that will help local families avoid trips to the pump and reduce pollution in the air we breathe,” said Senator Akaka.

“President Obama’s budget has once again demonstrated the strong federal commitment to this job-creating project. The President recognizes that these types of investments in our nation’s infrastructure directly strengthen our economy while also providing long-term benefits by increasing access to clean, affordable transportation options to meet Oahu’s growing needs,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I would like to say mahalo to the Obama Administration for their continued commitment to the Honolulu Rail Transit Project,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa. “This important transportation project will alleviate congestion on our roadways, create local jobs, and help reduce pollution. I will continue to work with the Hawaii Delegation to ensure our rail project receives its share of federal funding, and is completed in a responsible and timely manner.”

For more information please visit:

http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Pages_from_dot_budget_highlights_fy_2013.pdf

http://www.honolulutransit.org/

Statement by Congresswoman Hirono on Announcement by President Obama on Contraception Coverage

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

President Obama today announced a new policy that ensures women will have free preventive health care, including contraceptive services, under the Affordable Care Act. Religious organizations will not be required to pay for contraception, under the new policy, but women will be able to access contraceptive coverage from their insurance companies directly, free of charge.

“Making sure women have essential medical care is a fundamental right. I’m glad President Obama brought everyone together so women will have the full range of preventive health care services, regardless of where they work, while also addressing religious concerns,” said Congresswoman Hirono (D-HI), member of the Congressional Women’s Caucus.

Congresswoman Hirono Votes to End Insider Trading by Members of Congress

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (HI-02) today voted in favor of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, or STOCK Act, which bans insider trading by Members of Congress, congressional staff, and officials in the executive and judicial branches of government.

The STOCK Act overwhelmingly passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 417-2.

“The American people wanted the STOCK Act passed and I agree. Members of Congress should play by the same rules as everyone else and not profit from insider information. And executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shouldn’t get bonuses while they’re under government control,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a cosponsor of the House version of the bill. “While I wanted to see a stronger version of the STOCK ACT come to the floor, the bill we passed today is a step forward to restoring Americans’ faith in their government.”

The STOCK Act has support from both sides of the aisle. In addition to the insider trading ban, it also requires Members of Congress to report stock sales within 30 days of the sale and requires disclosure of home mortgages by Members of Congress.

Congresswoman Hirono Applauds Housing Deal to Help Keep Hawaii’s Families in their Homes

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and 49 State Attorneys General (including Hawaii Attorney General David Louie) today announced a $25 billion agreement between federal and state governments and the nation’s five largest mortgage lenders: Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi, and Ally Financial.

“This agreement is a promising step that will provide the State of Hawaii approximately $60-70 million to help responsible homeowners stay in their homes by meeting their financial commitments. This agreement is also important because it doesn’t let the banks off the hook. It requires them to make much-needed lending reforms and institutes stiff penalties if they fail to meet the terms of the agreement.” said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Congressional Housing Stabilization Task Force. “I applaud this joint effort to provide relief to Hawaii’s struggling families and commend Attorney General Louie and his colleagues from around the country for coming together in a bipartisan way to address one of the most significant issues facing our communities and economy.

“We still have a lot of work to do. This issue goes far beyond party or ideology because for a full economic recovery to take hold we have to fix the foreclosure and housing crisis. Congress should take a page out of the AGs’ book and get to work in a bipartisan way on legislation to further address this issue.”

Lenders will provide at least $20 billion in financial relief for homeowners, including principal reduction, refinancing, and forbearance. They will provide at least $5 billion directly to federal and state governments to support foreclosure prevention efforts and compensate certain victims of fraud and abuse. The settlement also requires significant changes to the mortgage servicing process, and imposes financial penalties on banks that fail to meet the terms of the settlement.

Additional information on the settlement is available at http://nationalmortgagesettlement.com.

Hawaii County to Receive more than $1 Million to Repair Tsunami Damage at the Kailua-Kona Wharf Small Boat Harbor

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Hawaii County will receive $1,095,907 to repair tsunami damage at the Kailua-Kona Wharf Small Boat Harbor, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The money will be used to repair extensive damage caused by the March 11, 2011, tsunami. The boat harbor’s pavement, revetment, parking areas, utilities, ramps, and the comfort station were all damaged during the tsunami.

Over 200 waves were recorded at varying heights with the high water mark being 4.5 feet above the wharf pier deck. The work also includes the restoration of 4,650 square yards of four inch thick aggregate concrete pavement and an eight inch sub-base.

The funds were received through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will be administered by the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“The Kona community depends on a safe and well maintained boat harbor for residents and visitors to use for recreation and business. As our nation continues to help the people of Japan recover from the March earthquake and tsunami, I am very pleased that the administration continues to recognize the need to repair Hawaii’s harbors,” said Senator Inouye.

“Federal assistance is critical to a small community like Kona as it recovers from a natural disaster,” said Senator Akaka, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “FEMA, a key partner in disaster management, is providing over a million dollars to repair tsunami damage at the boat harbor. I thank FEMA for helping Hawaii rebuild, as we continue to support and pray for our extended ohana in Japan.”

“It’s been inspiring to see firsthand the way the people and small businesses of Hawaii Island have come together and picked themselves up since the tsunami last March. The assistance we’re announcing today will continue the ongoing repairs and improvements to help make the area safer and more accessible,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“As we continue to help our friends in Japan rebuild after the devastating March earthquake and tsunami, I am pleased that Hawaii is receiving federal support to repair the damage our harbors and communities suffered from the disaster,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. “The Kailua-Kona Wharf Small Boat Harbor is an important component of our state’s boating community and we must ensure these structural repairs are made for the safety of our residents and visitors.”

For more information please visit: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/hawaiiharbors/kailuakona.htm

Honolulu Receives Approval To Begin Advanced Construction Of Rail Route

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The City and County of Honolulu may spend $184.7 million to begin building the foundation and pillars along the first segment of the Honolulu rail transit route, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The Federal Transit Administration granted the city permission to proceed with advanced construction in a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) that was delivered today.

The LONP allows for construction associated with the West Oahu/Farrington Highway segment, the Kamehameha Highway segment, the maintenance and storage facility, and the Farrington Highway stations group.

“We have debated and discussed a rail transit plan for Oahu for decades and I am very pleased that the administration is allowing the city to proceed with construction. Too many hard working families on the West side of the island spend too much of their time stuck in traffic. This project offers an alternative to driving and helps lessen our dependence on imported fossil fuels. The construction of the rail line will create jobs and help a construction industry that is always in need of good work. I will continue to do everything I can to support this project and direct federal funds to ensure its timely completion,” said Senator Inouye.

“This is great news for the rail project and for the community, and I would like to thank Senator Inouye and our congressional delegation for their strong support. I also appreciate the FTA’s willingness in working collaboratively with us to keep this project moving forward,” said Toru Hamayasu, Interim Executive Director and CEO for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). “This means we will begin advanced construction of the foundation and pillars for the guideway along the first half of the rail alignment, and move forward on work on our maintenance and storage facility.”

“This brings us closer to achieving a modern rail system that will allow Oahu residents to avoid traffic and lead to the development of communities that are more environmentally sustainable,” said Senator Akaka, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. “Rail increases our options by adding a convenient, affordable choice in getting around the island.”

“It is critical that we build public transportation systems that meet Hawaii’s growing needs,” said Congresswoman Hirono, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This letter is another step forward for this important traffic relieving, job-creating project as it lays the groundwork for construction to begin.”

"This is an important step. While there is still work to do, proceeding with construction now not only means progress in serving Oahu's transportation needs, but in the near future it represents jobs that strengthen our economy and help Hawaii's families," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

For more information please visit: http://www.honolulutransit.org/