WAHIAWA, HI - Senator Hirono delivered remarks at the opening of the Warrior Transition Battalion’s new barracks and Soldier Family Assistance Center Administrative Building at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa. The Senator toured the state-of-the-art complex and met with the professionals who will provide much-needed services to returning soldiers, such as primary care managers, nurse case managers, social workers, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
The Warrior Transition Battalion Barracks is built to accommodate 120 soldiers and is designed to meet the needs of servicemembers who will require at least six months of complex medical care and rehabilitation. The new facilities feature innovative construction and upgrades including solar water heating and high-efficiency appliances. It is also photovoltaic-ready.
Senator Hirono has long advocated for advancing military construction projects and family support programs. In April 2013, the Senator toured the facilities and met with soldiers at Schofield Barracks. Upon her return to Washington, D.C., Senator Hirono discussed the outdated facilities at Schofield Barracks with the Secretary of the Army, urging support for new programs and benefits for servicemembers and their families.
HAWAII ISLAND - Senator Hirono met with Cindy Orlando, Superintendent, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and was on hand when work started on the portion of Chain of Craters Road located within the park. Heavy bulldozers began tearing up lava that first covered the road in the mid-1980s.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials estimate it’ll take up to two months to construct the road for vehicular traffic. As part of the day’s events, National Park crews removed the iconic “Road Closed” sign that was encased by Pele’s grip in 2002. The sign will now become part of an exhibit at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitor center.
HONOLULU - With the goal of strengthening the connections between civilian and military domestic violence service providers, Senator Mazie K. Hirono today chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing at the Hawaii State Capitol. Joined by Senator Brian Schatz and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, the Hawaii Congressional delegation heard from military representatives, government leaders and service providers regarding military families affected by domestic violence.
Senator Hirono presides over Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing at Hawaii State Capitol Building
During the hearing Hirono emphasized the need for coordination between the Department of Defense, State of Hawaii and service providers on ensuring the best service possible with existing resources. Hirono noted that members of the military are part of Hawaii’s community and explained that domestic violence is a community wide problem that defies easy solutions and requires a community wide response.
U.S. Army Colonel Derrick Anincorayan and Cindy Morita
In joint testimony, U.S. Army Colonel Derrick Arincorayan and Cindy Morita, of the U.S. Army Hawaii’s Family Advocacy Program, noted the availability of “restricted reporting,” which preserves the confidentiality of military-connected women and men experiencing domestic violence.
They also highlighted the military’s continued collaboration between the service branches as well as formal agreements made with state agencies that focus on child safety and welfare.
Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director Marci Lopes and Domestic Violence Action Center CEO Nanci Kreidman testify
Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center testified that in a two-week span last month, her organization assisted as many as 40 military-connected victims of domestic violence. That number of cases represented 14 percent of all of Domestic Violence Action Center’s casework at the time. Kreidman noted that cases involving military-connected women and men has grown to as much as 20 percent of her organization’s caseload in the past.
Marci Lopes, executive director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also stated the growing need for services for military connected families.
Ms. Lopes provided example of the broader programs currently working with military victims, including emergency shelters, family visiting centers, and a “Flight to Freedom” program that helps reunite victims with their families out of state.
Hawaii State Attorney General David Louie addresses the congressional panel
Hawaii State Attorney General David Louie also emphasized the ongoing collective effort testifying that in an era of shrinking governmental resources, it is important that criminal justice agencies and victim service providers work together in a collaborative and coordinated manner. Mr. Louie expressed optimism that all of Hawaii’s agencies will continue to systematically work together to address these issues.
The hearing coincides with “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
PUNA, Hawaii Island – Senator Mazie K. Hirono met with individuals from the Puna community to hear the latest update on their recovery from the effects of Tropical Storm Iselle and the effects of the June 27 lava flow from Kilauea volcano.
The meeting served as a follow-up to Senator Hirono's visit to the Puna area in August with members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Preliminary Damage Assessment Team to assess damage to the area caused by the tropical storm.
Senator Hirono meets with kupuna and community leaders in Puna.
With the assistance of Hawaii County Council Member Greggor Ilagan, Senator Hirono met with representatives from the Puna community including the Nanawale Community Association, Makuu Farmers Association, as well as area educators and social service providers, Hawaii County and church leaders.
They informed the Senator of their concerns for the continuum of services for Puna in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle and in advance of the lava flow. Topics raised include transportation and access issues; Chain of Craters Road, Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road. Concerns over a potential delay in postal delivery from USPS for Puna residents along with issues related to emergency services, air quality, homeowner's insurance, pre-school closings, food pantries and albizia mitigation were also discussed.
Short-term Preparations, Long-term Plans for Chain of Craters Road
Senator Hirono hosted a meeting on the immediate and future plans for Chain of Craters Road bringing together about a dozen people from the Hawaii County, U.S. National Park Service (NPS), Hawaii Department of Transportation and Federal Highways Administration. Senator Hirono wanted to ensure that there was communication and coordination among the federal, state and county agencies working to address access issues for the Puna community and to preserve the option for federal reimbursement for construction costs if Highway 130 is closed due to the lava flow.
On the day of the meeting, based on new information related to design, construction and anticipated longer term use, NPS re-evaluated the Chain of Craters Road layout and dimensions and announced its intent to complete an environmental analysis to reestablish Chain of Craters Road to its original alignment of the two lane road with a width of 22 feet with gravel surface. Hawaii Department of Transportation will provide the design for the two lane road.
USGA scientists brief Senator Hirono on the lava flow's projected path
Senator Hirono also received an update from Steve Brantley and Frank Trusdell of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), including projected dates of the June 27 lava flow crossing Highway 130, Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road. The lava's advance rate has varied significantly, prompting USGS to update its information.
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We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we continue to work with community and government leaders.
HAWAII ISLAND UPDATE:
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists estimated Monday, October 13, that the lava flow is advancing at an average rate of about 80 yards a day, predicting it could reach Apaa Street on the outskirts of Pahoa in about 19 days. Apaa Street leads to the Pahoa Recycling and Transfer Station.
Senator Hirono meets with kupuna and community leaders in Puna.
USGA scientists brief Senator Hirono on the lava flow's projected path 
