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Isle GOP plans food drive
along Kailua parade route

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The Hawaii Republican Party will be collecting donations of canned food for the Hawaii Foodbank along the route of this week's annual Kailua Fourth of July Parade.

Party Chairman Brennon Morioka said the food bank plays a critical role in helping those in need, and he encourages everyone to bring a donation. Party members will collect the canned goods as they walk the parade route.

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate our country's birthday and also show our support for helping people with their most basic need," he said.

Filipino vets bill advances

U.S. Rep. Ed Case said a measure that restores health care benefits for Filipino veterans who fought in World War II alongside American soldiers is progressing in the House.

The measure, sponsored by Case, provides veterans benefits that were promised to these fighters by the U.S. government but were taken away after the war.

Case said these Filipino veterans are now in their 70s and 80s and are in desperate need of health care. About five Filipino veterans die each day, said Case, who is a charter member of the House Philippines Caucus.

The measure heads for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for a vote.

"This top legislative priority of our Filipino community addresses a historic injustice to Filipino veterans of World War II," Case said.

"I am optimistic that this year, after so many years of frustration, we will finally be able to do the right thing."

Aiona takes official trip

Lt. Gov. James Aiona has taken his first out-of-state trip since assuming office, participating earlier this month in the national "Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free" conference in Denver.

The coalition is comprised of governors, spouses, federal agencies and public and private organizations to help prevent alcohol use by children ages 9 to 15.

Aiona attended presentations on the latest research on the effects of early alcohol use in the brain, alcohol marketing and youth and prevention strategies.

Aiona also traveled to Chicago to join officials from around the country to observe how Illinois' court system deals with substance abuse and treatment.

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