Case aides include
11 Mink holdoversA former legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has been put in charge of U.S. Rep. Ed Case's staff, and former state Board of Agriculture Chairman James Nakatani was named district director, Case announced Friday.
Esther Kia'aina, most recently chief of staff to Guam Congressman Robert Underwood, was named as Case's chief of staff. Kia'aina is a graduate of the George Washington University Law School and the Kamehameha Schools with 12 years of experience in Washington, D.C. She has specialized in native Hawaiian issues and will be in charge of Case's legislative efforts in that area. She will be based in the Washington, D.C., office.
Nakatani will be responsible for administering Case's efforts in Hawaii.
Randy Obata, who was the press spokesman during the campaign, was named press secretary. He will be based in Honolulu and will be responsible for dealing with Hawaii media.
Case also retained 11 members of Mink's staff and promoted Anne Stewart and Pam Okimoto to the positions of legislative director and deputy chief of staff, respectively, in the D.C. office. Case also hired Peggy Lui and Ted Saribay as office manager and community liaison.
Djou's new baby girl arrives a week early
Just days after becoming a new city councilman Jan. 2, Charles Djou became a new dad.Djou and his wife, Stacey, are the proud parents of a baby girl, Victoria Emiko Djou, who was born Jan. 11 at 1:40 a.m. at the Queen's Medical Center. "She made an early appearance," said Djou, who added that his daughter was expected a week later.
She weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 1/2 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. The family also includes her big brother, Nicholas, 10.
Djou, a lawyer, represents Ala Moana through Hawaii Kai.
Previously he was a state representative who served in the House for two years.
Quarantine reform bill wins bipartisan support
Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings (R, Waimanalo) says there is bipartisan support in the Senate for a bill that modifies the state's 120-day quarantine requirement for animals.Hemmings said his measure, co-sponsored with state Sen. Cal Kawamoto (D, Waipahu), fixes what he describes as obsolete quarantine rules while providing ways to ensure Hawaii remains rabies-free. The state's quarantine requirements have been particularly problematic for military families because of the high cost of confining pets, he said.
"The people of Hawaii have waited too long to get rid of this obsolete rule," Hemmings said. "This bipartisan effort should get it done this session."
Anti-gambling coalition plans church gathering
Several local churches and others organized as the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling will hold an educational meeting Feb. 4.The Rev. Tom Grey, executive director of the Illinois-based National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, will speak at the "Don't Gamble with Aloha" gathering at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St. The program, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., will also feature entertainment by comedian Frank De Lima and refreshments.
A donation of $25 is requested. For information, call 536-3811.
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