On Sunday, I returned from an eventful week of district work in Hawaii. Some of the highlights included a celebration commemorating the expansion of Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, also known as the "City of Refuge," and an Aloha United Way press conference urging Hawaii taxpayers to explore eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
As it is for every visit home, my trip was much too short. My return to DC was met by a fresh snowfall that caused a short flight delay. It could have been worse. Other flights were cancelled.
This week, the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars each hold their mid-winter conferences here in Washington. As Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will be meeting with many of them and attending several related events.
Here are a few highlights from the rest of my schedule for the week of Monday, February 26.
On Monday, Jessanie Marques and June Domondon from the Ka`u Rural Health Community Association and students from the Ka`u Emergency Response Academy will update me on their programs and activities.
Later Monday morning, I meet with representatives from the Campbell Estate to discuss regional traffic and transportation issues.
Tuesday morning, the Senate will vote on a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 184, a bill to provide improved rail and surface transportation security.
The Armed Services Committee will meet to consider current and future threats to national security. Witnesses include Vice Admiral John McConnell, USN, (Ret), and Lt. General Michael Maples, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Tuesday afternoon, the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees hold a joint meeting to hear the legislative agenda of the Disabled American Veterans.
I will also meet with Al Baang, Sr. of the American Federation of Government Employees to discuss TSA related issues.
Later that afternoon, Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa will visit my office to discuss various law enforcement issues and to update me on information sharing through the Western States Network.
Wednesday morning, I meet with Hawaii representatives to the annual Disabled American Veterans mid-winter conference, Katherine King and Wendall Kekumu.
Also Wednesday morning, officers of the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters, Susii Hearst, Chris Leonard, Mark Haworth, and Jamie Hartnett will stop by to talk about broadcast issues and their annual conference.
Wednesday afternoon, I will meet the more than 40 Hawaii Credit Union League delegates attending the Credit Union National Association Government Affairs Conference.
Later that afternoon, Dean Andy Hashimoto and Dr. Halina Zaleski from the UH College of Tropical Agriculture will be by to discuss agricultural issues.
Thursday morning, Ambassador Eric Edelman and Lt. General Douglas Lute appear before the Armed Services Committee to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
Thursday afternoon, I meet with Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson to discuss priorities for the 110th Congress.
Friday morning, I meet with the President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Art Gordon and Executive Vice President Jon Adler to discuss issues of importance to their organization.
