News, notes and anecdotes
on government and politics
New drug control liaison
starts her job WednesdayEarline Yokoi is the state's first drug control liaison.
The job was created in response to a recommendation from the Hawaii Drug Control Strategy Summit, hosted by Lt. Gov. James Aiona in September, to designate one person to oversee the state's efforts.
The new $60,000-a-year position is part of the state Department of Human Services. However, Yokoi will be temporarily assigned to Aiona's office to assist in the planning, control, coordination and management of the Lingle administration's Strategic Drug Control Plan to fight illicit drug use and underage drinking.
The new position takes effect Wednesday. Yokoi moves into her new job from the state Department of the Attorney General, where she has more than 25 years of experience in human services and criminal justice.
She earned her master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Hawaii and is a graduate of Hilo High School.
Waihee is OHA vice chair
John Waihee IV is the newest vice chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. He was elected at the board's Jan. 8 meeting. Waihee succeeds Don Cataluna, who resigned from the position Dec. 17.Waihee was first elected to the OHA board in a special election in 2000 and was re-elected to a full, four-year term in 2002. He is the son of former Gov. John Waihee III.
Isles' migrant aid to rise
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka said Hawaii will receive $10.5 million from the federal government this year to offset the cost of migrants from the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia.Last year, the state received $3 million to partially offset the cost for education, health and human services provided to migrants.
"This allocation is a direct result of the increase in mandatory funding that we obtained during negotiations on the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003," Akaka said in a written statement.
Last year, Congress doubled to $30 million the annual impact aid split among Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
"Although this compact impact payment is at a higher amount than Hawaii was allocated in the last two fiscal years, our state's deficit in this area is still many times that amount," Akaka said.
The state spent $32 million for services to migrants from the Pacific territories in 2002 and more than $140 million since 1997.
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes