UH men’s basketball fever
hits some state senators

Basketball was on the mind of the state Senate on Friday.

The Senate session was wrapping up just as the University of Hawaii's men's basketball game against Xavier in the NCAA tournament was winding down.

During a quick recess, some senators dashed into the back to get a status report on the game.

Before adjourning, Senate President Robert Bunda (D, Wahiawa) asked Sen. Bob Hogue (R, Kailua), a sports broadcaster, for the game's score.

With 20 seconds left in the game at that point, Hogue reported that it didn't look good with Hawaii down by seven. Hawaii lost 70-58.

"Let's remember them for the great season they gave," Hogue told colleagues.

Hemmings going to Peru

Tourism and sports are among the topics state Sen. Fred Hemmings (R, Kailua) will be discussing on a planned trip to Peru later this month.

Hemmings, Senate minority floor leader, will traveling to Peru next Monday to March 31 and meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Peru, John Hamilton.

Hemmings will be discussing with community leaders the benefits of sports as an alternative to drug use, and he is also scheduled to give a speech to business leaders on developing tourism.

U.S. security taps Baron

A Hawaii man has been tapped to serve in the White House Office of Homeland Security.

Christopher Baron, a CINCPAC Asia/Pacific affairs analyst, has been appointed special assistant, coordinating local, state and federal agencies response to emergencies.

"I'm gratified that President Bush continues to tap Hawaii talent for his administration," said state Rep. Barbara Marumoto (R, Waialae Iki), chairwoman of the 2000 Bush presidential campaign in Hawaii.

Iwo Jima vets honored

The state House honored World War II veterans who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima.

Friday's floor presentation honored the 3rd Marine Division, 4th Marine Division, 5th Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corps and the Naval Forces' 5th Fleet.

"We are privileged to recognize these Iwo Jima heroes who will be representing their respective divisions that secured Iwo Jima in a strategic move during World War II," said Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R, Kailua).

Scholarships offered

Four scholarships of $2,500 each are available for first-time graduate students who will be pursuing advanced degrees in political science, public administration, public policy, law or a related field beginning next fall, state Rep. Barbara Marumoto announced.

The Women's Network of the National Conference of State Legislatures, along with Sprint Corp., will provide the scholarships.

For more information, contact Marumoto's office at 586-6310.

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