Aloha neighbors and friends!

As 2008 draws to a close, we look forward to new opportunities to help Hawaii. I have been honored to serve as the Chair of the Committee on Education for several years. In this upcoming legislative session, I will chair of the Committee on Education and Housing. I will also have the responsibility of vice-chair for the Committee on Higher Education.

We have made strides to improve all levels of education- early learning, K-12, community colleges and at the university level.  With the economic challenges that face Hawaii and our nation, we need to focus on prioritizing what really matters.

Our housing challenges continue to blare at us on the television or headlines in the media.  There are ways to help our families cope and to eventually overcome the barriers to home ownership or affordable rents.  Many people have success stories and we hope there will be more.

We look forward to your ideas and comments as we move forward.  Please send us your thoughts.

Aloha and May God Bless You,

LEARNING NEVER STOPS

"Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat."

Prince Phillip of England

Lawrence and Cynthia Johanson, Edmund Moy, Director of the US Mint, Senator Sakamoto, and Aaron Johanson, Deputy Chief of Staff, External Affairs of the US Mint celebrate the launch of the last coin in the 50 State Quarters Program. Aaron is a proud graduate of Moanalua High School and his parents still live in Moanalua Gardens.