This year will be the third year middle and high school students from Ka’u will participate in the Youth and Government program in Honolulu. The program offers hands-on experience with state government by allowing students to draft their own legislation regarding state issues that they are passionate about.
The Youth and Government program was brought to Ka’u by Kevin Sun, a former teacher at Ka’u High, who participated in the program during his high school years. Ever since the first delegation was established in 2015, the program has grown ever since. The first delegation had 11 students, 15 in 2016 and this year, the Ka’u delegation plans to send 24 delegates to the state conference where it plans to maintain the same momentum it had over the past two years.
Ka’u students have been successful in Youth and Government. Aislinn Carroll, HPA senior and former Ka’u YAG delegate and Rowlie Flores, current KHS senior claimed the “Rookie Legislator of the Year” awards in both the House of Representatives and the Senate respectively during its first year in the program. Ezra Ramones and KHS alumna Chloe Gan then claimed the “Veteran Legislator of the Year” awards the next year.
Info: Cole Stalter at cole.stalter@kauh.k12.hi.us.
Your Voice workshops on Hawaii Island
Are you interested in learning how laws are made in Hawaii? Do you have an idea for a law, or just want to let your legislators know what you’d like them to focus on next session? Learn about the legislative process and how you can participate in it at our free “Your Voice” workshop offered Nov. 8-9 at several locations on Hawaii Island:
• Kailua-Kona, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Hale Iako training room 119, 73-987 Makako Bay Drive
• Honokaa, noon-1 p.m. Nov. 9 at North Hawaii Education &Research Center, 45-539 Plumeria St.
• Hilo, 5-6 p.m. Nov. 9, Hawaii Community College Manono Campus, 1175 Manono St. Building 379, Room 1 (Kaneikeao).
The presentation provides information on the state Legislature and legislative process, and includes tips and tools that citizens can use to effectively communicate with lawmakers. The workshop is designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike.
Sign up for health insurance
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii encourages Hawaii residents without health insurance to find affordable coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Hawaii residents who currently have Marketplace plans from this past year should update their information in their Marketplace accounts. Open enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. After Dec. 15, residents can enroll in Marketplace plans only if they qualify for special enrollment. Coverage begins as late as Jan. 1, 2018.
Residents without health insurance coverage may face a fine on their tax returns. Fines may include the higher of these two amounts: $695 per adult (and $347.50 per child), up to $2,085 or 2.5 percent of the annual household income in excess of the return filing threshold up to the national average premium for a bronze level health plan. In 2016, the national average was $2,676 per year for an individual.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii’s Health Care Navigators can provide additional assistance for free. To make an appointment, please call (808) 536-4302, Monday-Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1- 3:30 p.m. or visit www.legalaidhawaii.org for more information.
Fall happenings
at PATH
PATH’s 31st annual general membership meeting is Nov. 12 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Hawaii Gateway Energy Center at NELHA. Take this opportunity to hear about and give input on the county’s Multi Modal Transportation Plan. Public transit is a key element of a thriving community. Households with nearby public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit. Featuring Cheryl Soon, Ph.D., FAICP transportation practice leader.
PATH also wants to thank its amazing sponsors. The 31st Annual PATH 5K/10K and Keiki Dash event is history, but without their support, we would have been unable to put the race on. As it was, their donations covered most of our race costs and we are able to apply most of the registration fees to our Bike Ed program. Sponsors included HMSA, Keahou Veterinary Hospital, Bikeworks, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Terrance J. Cisco, Monica Scheel Dermatology, Ironman, Big Island Honda, Lavaman Waikoloa, ClubREHAB physical therapy, Huggos, Lava Lava Beach Club, Kona Beach &Sports, and Big Island Running Co.
We are so very grateful for the support from these fine organizations!