28 January 2015 - Philippine Consulate General officials, led by Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, attended the Opening Day Session of the Hawaii’s 28th Legislature, Senate and House of Representatives on January 21. At the Senate, Filipino-American Senators Donna Mercado-Kim and Willie Espero were elected President and Vice President respectively.
In her remarks, Senate President Donna Mercado-Kim talked about the need to preserve Hawaii’s environment. She noted that Hawaii’s tourism industry brings about US$55 million annually to the economy. She also discussed the problem of homelessness, the need for more affordable housing for residents, more control over land use, developing Hawaii’s energy resources, improving the Hawaii health system and education. She likewise announced new facilities being planned for the University of Hawaii and its community colleges, particularly the fashion and culinary arts program at Kapiolani Community College.
At the House of Representatives, current House Speaker Joseph Souki, was re-elected as Speaker together with current Vice Speaker John Mizuno. Vice Speaker John Mizuno recently visited Bohol in December 2014 to witness the turnover of houses constructed for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and Bohol earthquake by the Congress of Visayan Organizations in Hawaii (COVO) officers. The houses constructed were funded by funds raised by Congress of Visayan Organizations in Hawaii and Gawad-Kalinga (GK) US Chapter.
After the adjournment of the sessions, Consul General Jamoralin personally congratulated the legislators in their respective offices. END