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06-09-2010 - Shapiro:  “Candidates need to focus on regaining conscience”

In his column in the Star Advertiser on June 9, David Shapiro wrote:

    "Of all the political rhetoric I've heard early in this campaign season, what's resonated the most is Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie's call for the 're-establishment of a public conscience.'"

He says that our biggest problem in dealing with the current recession hasn't been a loss of tourism, jobs or tax revenue, but "an abandonment of the social contract that sustains our island culture." He continues:

    "Instead of coming together as a community, sharing the sacrifice and making sure our children and neediest were taken care of first, it's been everyone for themselves as we've played politics, pointed fingers, refused to compromise and fought like feral cats over every table scrap."

Click here to read Shapiro's full column.

06-07-2010 - Discussion on Elders in Hawaii

Join us at Abercrombie for Governor headquarters (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor, next door to Kincaid’s) on Monday, June 14, 2010, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a discussion about elders in Hawaii. Attendance is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

    Ensuring that our rapidly growing senior population can live productive and dignified lives has become one of the most important public challenges of our time.  Too many seniors and their families are without the support and resources they need forcing them to turn to more expensive and less desirable living situations.  Many lack the respect and opportunities that they deserve.  It is a crisis that has been neglected in Hawaii for too long.  

    In an Abercrombie administration, retirement and aging will be seen in a whole new light. Seniors will be treasured community assets who are fully integrated into the whole of society, and the challenges of aging will be seen as a social issue, not just one for families to deal with on their own.  We will redefine social attitudes about aging toward one of opportunities and possibilities.

Three experts from the field will join Neil Abercrombie in a panel discussion on this important issue. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion. Andrew Aoki, Deputy Campaign Manager, will moderate. In addition to Neil Abercrombie, the panelists will be:


  • Larry Geller, President, Kokua Council for Senior Citizens of Hawaii

  • Cullen Hayashida, Long-term Care Coordinator, Kupuna Education Center

  • Jim Shon, former State Legislator, Advocate for creating aging in place system

Please RSVP to Josh Levinson at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 589-2237.  

The event will be live-streamed on the web at http://www.neilabercrombie.com/index.php/live/.  Those watching online will be able to submit questions for the panelists.

06-04-2010 - Neil Abercrombie introduces Energy Plan

Click here to read the full policy and plan.

Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise right now is to pursue energy independence. When we are successful, we will create good “green” jobs and grow local businesses; we will retain a major portion of the billions of dollars that we now spend on imported oil so we can reinvest it here at home; we will turn Hawaii into a global model for clean energy that will attract people to experience our success; we will become more resilient in confronting outside economic forces; and we will restore confidence in ourselves.

Planning for a clean energy future is one of the few recent examples of people working together for a public purpose. We commend the ongoing efforts of the Governor, legislators, academics, entrepreneurs, public employees, community organizations, advocates, and individuals. Together we have raised awareness, formulated plans, and formed working partnerships.

But we need to remember that in 1977, Hawaii had a plan to be energy independent by 2010. It is now 2010, and the annual cost of our oil imports has gone from $500 million to over $5 billion. Now is the time for bold action. Now!

Hawaii’s energy independence goals are rightfully ambitious. But we have a regulatory system and a utility monopoly that were built for a time and a public purpose that is in the past. If we don’t fundamentally change our approach, we simply will not reach our goals.

The way to get to energy independence is by expanding economic activity, entrepreneurship and full participation by everyone. We need appropriate oversight, but it cannot come at the expense of innovation and action. We must make this goal our collective mission, pass and implement innovative policies, enhance our unique island grids, have open dialogues with communities, and train our workforce to build and operate a clean energy economy. The benefits could not be greater. Clean energy will be the cornerstone of Hawaii’s economy for generations.

In an Abercrombie administration, plans will turn into swift action beginning with a Governor who will stay committed to implementing efforts and who is willing to take on the big challenges that must be faced.

Click here to read the full policy and plan.

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