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State representative joins
Hawaii National Guard

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Freshman state Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo (D, Waipahu-Ewa) has added another title to her name: soldier.

Tamayo, 22, was sworn into the Hawaii National Guard on the state House floor Friday by Col. Lon Paresa, who also serves as the House assistant sergeant-at-arms.

She will undergo nine weeks of intensive military training starting in late May, after the scheduled adjournment of the session on May 1.

Tamayo said the months spent away from home will be well invested, and she is honored to have an opportunity to serve the National Guard.

"I've been thinking about (this) for a while, and the timing was perfect. I wanted to take the opportunity rather than regret it in the future," Tamayo said after the swearing-in ceremony.

"And with all the current events that have been happening lately, I felt the opportunity was there for me to try to give something back to my country, rather than just being given all the freedoms that sometimes we take for granted."

Tamayo acknowledged there's a possibility she could be activated full time once her initial training is over, but she won't be alarmed if it happens.

"I think that factor is always there in any armed services, and I'll just have to take everything in stride and keep the motivation and the purpose in mind."

Rep. Scott Saiki (D, Moiliili-Kaimuki), said House members have become sort of an extended family during the session, and they are all proud that Tulsi has decided to serve her country.

Among those viewing the ceremony on Friday were her parents, Mike and Carol Gabbard. Mike Gabbard is a Honolulu city councilman, while Carol Gabbard serves on the state Board of Education.

Beauty watches the state

A beauty queen and well-known minister are in the world of local politics this week.

Gov. Linda Lingle announced that Angela Baraquio, 2001 Miss America, will host a weekly 30-minute review of the state administration on the community access television channel 54.

First up last week was an interview with Lingle. The show will run every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 54 on Oahu.

Next month, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona will be interviewed by Baraquio.

Today, Lingle is expected to appear on a television show hosted by the Rev. Wayne Codeiro, New Hope Christian Fellowship. Lingle's office said the governor "will share how she balances work and faith in her daily life."

The show will be shown at 7 a.m. today and will repeat tomorrow at 8 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m. on KALO-TV, Channel 38.

Lava Tube Award given

Sen. Cal Kawamoto (D, Waipahu) has been given the Big Island Press Club's annual Lava Tube Award, which recognizes the worst offenses against openness, the state Sunshine Law and the public's right to know in the previous year.

In celebrating National Freedom of Information Day last month, the club also gave its annual Torch of Light Award posthumously to the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink for an outstanding career of service to the public's right to know.

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