Instead of banging a gavel, the Legislature's newest caucus is likely to convene a meeting by passing around the wax. Newest legislative caucus
has ocean sports at heartThe only trouble is, the caucus can only meet when the surf is up, so the first official meeting of the bipartisan Surfing Caucus is on hold, pending bigger waves.
Reps. Marcus Oshiro (D, Wahiawa), Brian Schatz (D, Makiki) and Bud Stonebraker (R, Hawaii Kai) joined with Sens. Fred Hemmings (R, Kailua) and Jonathan Chun (D, South Kauai) to form the new caucus.
"There's been no surf, so we haven't been able to convene our first board meeting," said Oshiro, who usually keeps a board in the back of his SUV.
He suspects there are probably more "closet surfers" in the Legislature, and Oshiro said they should come forward.
The caucus does have a serious side, as it was formed to address issues of shoreline recreation.
"Oftentimes, government funds are spent on what are considered mainstream sports -- like golf, football, basketball or baseball -- while traditional Hawaii water sports are left wanting more for onshore amenities and protection," Oshiro said.
Dan's man: U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye has named Ron Sakoda, owner of Roan's Electric Co. in Lihue, as his new Kauai field representative.
"I have been privileged to know and work with Ron over the past 10 years," Inouye said. "He is a veteran, a tradesman and a savvy businessman."
Kudos for Kono: It was just last month that Gov. Ben Cayetano was dedicating a day as Michelle Wie Day after the 11-year-old won the Jenny K. golf tournament and also became the first female qualifier in the Manoa Cup. Now, Cayetano is expected to declare today Stephanie Kono Day.
On June 29, Kono, who is also 11, became the youngest winner ever at the Hawaii State Women's Golf Association Match Play Championship.
Both Wie and Kono are students at Punahou School.
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