Councilmember Berg Releases Wrap-up of Town Hall

A significantly large crowd attended the recent town hall meeting held by Honolulu Councilmember, Tom Berg.  The meeting focused on Rail and saw a presentation by Dr. Panos Prevedorous.  Here is the link to Councilmember Berg’s wrap-up of the event as well as a link to Dr. Prevedorous’ presentation.

Councilmember Berg’s wrap-up

Dr. Prevedorous’ presentation

Berg Wins Special Election

Congratulations to Honolulu City Council’s newest member, Tom Berg.  Berg was victorious in the special election to fill the remaining two years of Todd Apo’s recently vacated seat.  Berg won with 2,326 votes out of a total of 12,559 votes cast.  Berg edged out Jason Espero and Mel Kahele to win the all mail-in ballot election.

For complete results, click here.

Thoughts On 2010 and Beyond

Hope everyone had an excellent holiday season thus far.  New Year’s Eve is only days away and it has got everyone thinking.  In the spirit of remembering the year, Desperate America Report wants to know what are a few things you will remember about this past year and what are a few things you are looking forward to next year?  Leave a comment or use the email form below to tell us your thoughts.

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City Council District 1 Candidate John Roco

Honolulu City Council District 1 Candidate:

John Roco

Aloha!

Firstly, Mahalo to all of those who have supported me! From ‘horn honking’ while sign waving,  to suggesting campaign ‘colors’ from KPHI Radio, to ‘voting,’ or even those of you expressing ‘concerns.’  I value all of your calls, your input, and I will continue to listen.  Concerned citizens make Hawaii great.

Honolulu City Council District 1 Candidate John Roco

Honolulu City Council District 1 is very unique.  The ‘L’ shape covers the region most impacted by traffic.  When I commuted my children to parochial schools in Kalihi and Waialae, while opening practice in Waikiki, my family experienced traffic in the worst way.  This issue impacts District 1 most. Not only do we start jamming once we reach Waikele, but we have big jams coming home.  For us living in Waianae on the Leeward Coast, this invariably occurred at ‘The Plant,’ but happens throughout District 1- Ewa, Ewa Beach, Honouliuli, West Loch, Kapolei, Honolai Hale & Nanakai Gardens, Kalaeloa, Makakilo, and Ko Olina.  TheBus to Waianae Watershed (sometimes up to 2 ½ hours), though a refuge, still gets stuck.

5.5 Billion dollars is a lot of money.  From the U.S. Census (2009 estimate), Oahu has a population of 907,574.  If we divide:

$  5,500,000,000  / 907,574 people    =     $ 6060 / person

We get $ 6060 for each person on the island of Oahu.  Simply speaking, the responsibility of those who govern is to ensure money spent produces the greatest good. If I truly felt that spending this amount of money would save the people of Oahu from impending disaster, I would be all for it.  Security and safety is priority.

But that is not the case.

We are investing in a $ 250,000 Ferrari, when instead we could get a $ 50, 000 Ford. For those who have earned a Ferrari, such as Alberto Tomba- Italian skier whose father promised a Ferrari if he won the gold- power to them.  But as a city official, one must get the best bang for the buck and serve all the people.

5.5 Billion dollars for elevated steel, ‘invests in jobs,’ but from where?  The HTA head must be from outside Hawaii because we have no one experienced in elevated steel rail. Whereas in steep contrast, ’at grade’ track knowledge and labor is right here at home.  We can invest money in jobs that support the people who need the work, and spend the money here in Hawaii to support families and loved ones.  4 cities built light rail for less than $20 million/mile.  If we did the same, we could cut costs to 1/5 of $5.5 billion.

What I propose is ‘Cut Costs Combine.’  Hawaii has the 2^nd highest and 5^th highest fatality rates for bicyclists and pedestrians (go to State of Hawaii Department of Transportation ‘home’ page then click ‘Emphasis 4’).   Instead of spending $ 6060 per person on a rail plan that only extends 20 miles, and does nothing for the fatality rates of bicyclists and pedestrians, let us do the Oahu Bike Plan (just google ‘Oahu Bike Plan’) for the whole island, and everyone in it.  If we use ‘at grade’ ‘light rail,’ and integrate the ‘Oahu Bike Plan’ with trains that allow bicycles on board, and extend the original ’20 miles’ to  ’30 miles’ going all the way to Nanakuli, the cost will still be less than 1/5 of the $5.5 billion price tag for elevated steel rail.

That way:

1) money will not just benefit just those on route, but will benefit all on Oahu, whether walkers or bikers or railers.

2) the Oahu Bike Plan integrated with the ‘Safe Routes to School Hui’ ( see hawaiisaferouteshui.org ) and the ‘walking school bus,’ can safely guide children, while developing fit habits, and taking cars off the road,

3) we will decrease bicycle deaths on Oahu,

4) we will decrease pedestrian deaths on Oahu,

5) we will attack traffic at its source; those furthest will be able to RAIL, decreasing jams, and benefitting ALL OF US.

 

My slogan is ‘doing the leg work:’ Do the research- find the better solution.  If any questions or concerns, please contact me!   If you agree, Please Vote! Mahalo!

Sincerely,

John Roco

(808) 721-9845                     rocogop.blogspot.com                  johnproco@yahoo.com

 

 

 

City Council District 1 Candidate: Jason Espero

City Council District 1 Candidate:

Jason Espero

My roots in West Oahu began in 1989 when my family moved into Ewa by Gentry.  I started my education at Ewa Beach Elementary, and then transferred to Pearl Ridge Elementary in Aiea when my parents got divorced.  Basically, I grew up in Aiea and Ewa Beach.  Following graduation from Aiea High School, I attended two years at Menlo College.  I returned home to earn an Associate degree at Leeward Community College.  Continuing my education, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Honolulu City Council District 1 Candidate Jason Espero

After graduating from UH, my first job was working with the homeless at Pai’olu Kaiaulu Emergency Shelter in Waianae. Currently, I am involved with the homeless as the Next Step Shelter Coordinator for Waikiki Health Center.  Homelessness is a major issue in my district and on Oahu.  Furthermore, my direct experience working with the homeless and knowledge of the challenges they face will help me with finding viable solutions to end homelessness.  My compassion for others fuels my desire to serve.

I am running for office because I grew up around government and have seen how government can make a positive difference in our community and in people’s lives.  My mother is a dedicated public school teacher; my father is a veteran lawmaker in the State Senate; my brother is an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and my grandfather is retired from the Navy.  I am concerned about the future of our district and want to participate with you in the decisions which will affect us.

I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to enhance the quality of life for all residents on Oahu and in our community.

I am a strong supporter of a rail transit system from West Oahu to downtown.  Rail will create thousands of jobs and provide another transportation option for our commuters as our population continues to grow.  Transit-oriented development (TOD) will provide jobs, services, housing, and opportunities for our residents.

Our district is known as the new city, the Second City.  As new homes are built for our residents, it is important that the proper infrastructure is in place; roads, sewers and parks in particular.

My favorite past times are surfing at White Plains Beach, spending time with my family and participating in church ministry.  My faith and family values make up my foundation.

I know it will not be an easy task, but I look forward to working with you and seeking your input on the issues that affect us.  Together, we can strive to make a difference in our community for future generations.  If you would like to learn more about me, you can visit my website www.esperoforcitycouncil.com.

I humbly ask for your support and consideration.

Mahalo,

Jason Espero

Calling all the candidates! Honolulu CD1

Aloha everyone! The special election to fill the vacant Honolulu City Council District 1 seat is only a few weeks away.  Today we would like to extend an invitation to all the candidates running for the vacant seat and offer an opportunity to make your case to the voters of Honolulu Council District 1.  If any of the candidates are interested, they can submit a bio and summary of their positions on issues they feel are important for the area.  Desperate America Report will gladly work with the candidates to reach the voters and to have an informed electorate.  Email us for more information!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Who can unseat Daniel Inouye?

Sen. Inouye has served in the US Senate since 1962.

With the recent passing of Sen. Robert Byrd, Hawaii’s own, Daniel Inouye became the President Pro-Tempore of the US Senate.  It is a position with considerable power and puts him fourth in the line of succession for the Presidency of the United States.  Inouye has held the position of US Senator since 1962.  He has served eight consecutive terms in Senate and is currently the most senior member.  Having established himself as the king of the earmark, it will be very difficult for any of the candidates this election to unseat Sen. Inouye.

The only Democratic challenger to Inouye, Andy Woerner is looking to pull off a Cinderella type effort to gain the nomination.  A political novice, Woerner resides on the Big Island of Hawaii with his wife and child.  He is an Operational Manager for a scuba diving company.  Woerner is not expected to do much against the popular Inouye.  However, Woerner is making waves with his push for term limits and an overhaul of the campaign finance laws.

Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan is the lone Libertarian candidate for US Senate.  Mallan currently serves as Project Manager for Artful Expressions of Hawaii, an internet marketing firm.  Having earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, Mallan has a history in theater and music.  Mallan runs on the traditional Libertarian principles of eliminating all taxes, privatizing all government services, and reducing the size of the military.

Heading the charge for the Republican Party is Cam Cavasso.  Cavasso served as State Representative for district 51 on Oahu from 1985-1991.  The former State Rep. has been the financial advisor at Mass Mutual Financial Group for the last 22 years.  Cavasso also owns a small farm in the Waimanalo area.  He runs on a platform of immediate cuts in payroll taxes, a federal balanced budget amendment to the constitution, and traditional values.

Republican John Roco is also a political newcomer.  A conservative, Roco works as a social worker for young children.  He has previously worked as an instructor at San Bernadino Valley College.  Roco is a strong Catholic and points to his faith as the reason he has decided to run for office.  Roco has a platform aimed at extending all of the Bush tax cuts, defining marriage as between a man and a woman, and repealing the recent healthcare reforms.

Also running for the US Senate are Jim Brewer(G), Jeff Jarrett(N), and Eddie Pirkowski(R).

The chance to unseat Sen. Daniel Inouye is the grand prize in this race.  After the September primary, join us as we go in-depth with the remaining candidates.  Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at the Honolulu Mayoral race.

Get Involved: Complacency breeds Incompetence!

Notes: Hawaii Coffee Party Meeting

Cross-Posted with Honolulu Coffee Party Examiner

The Hawaii Coffee Party recently held a meeting to discuss a party platform and to plan for the upcoming meeting with United States Congresswoman Mazie Hirono.  As originally reported here, the Hawaii Coffee Party is a local extension of the Coffee Party USA.  Originally started by Annabelle Park, Coffee Party USA strives to bring civility into the public discourse and to be a melting pot of various political view points and opinions.

A small group of concerned and interested citizens made their way to a Honolulu Starbucks for the meeting.  The meeting was convened and led by Coffee Party USA’s Hawaii contact, Wayne Coito.  The discussion started with introductions by the various participants.  The meeting quickly turned into a forum to air the public despair towards the current state of the government, financial industry and the overall economy.  The underlying complaint was a lack of transparency and integrity in the American political system.

The conversion soon turned to the organization and goals of the Coffee Party.  Attendees expressed confusion as to what the party was trying to accomplish and what was they plan of attack.  Mr. Coito explained that the organization was still in the infancy stages and was continually shaping its platform.  The core issues of government transparency, responsibility, and civil discourse remained unchanged.  However, the Coffee Party is currently evaluating possible goals and courses of action.  Elaborating further, Mr. Coito talked about the need for interested parties to step up to the plate and lend a hand in shaping the organization.  He explained that the organization was formed as a response to the public outcry over the need for civility in politics.  As with any fledgling entity or business, the Coffee Party is ever changing and always looking to solidify its stance on issues.

Moving forward, the Hawaii Coffee Party is attempting to organize their efforts into sitting down with politicians and officials to discuss ways for individuals to help in the community.  The Hawaii Coffee Party is also looking to work with local officials to ensure open elections and voter education.  For more information on the Hawaii Coffee Party, keep your browsers open to the Honolulu Coffee Party Examiner.

Get Informed and Get Involved!