Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 20, 2025

GOV. JOSH GREEN POSTED QUOTES FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. on Pres. Donald Trump's inauguration day, which fell on Monday, the MLK holiday. One of the quotes is "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." The other MLK quote shared by the Governor is, "We must learn that passively to accept an unjust system is to cooperate with that system, and thereby to become a participant in its evil." See the full inauguration speech by Pres. Donald Trump at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFvLorAL5-8.

GOV. JOSH GREEN ISSUED THIS STATEMENT THANKING PRES. JOE BIDEN, on Sunday, for his service over the last four years, ahead of the Trump inauguration on Monday, which Green did not attend. " As Governor of Hawai‘i, I extend my deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as they conclude their administration. Your unwavering support during the Maui wildfires was instrumental in our recovery. Within hours of the disaster, you signed a Major Disaster Declaration, enabling the swift deployment of federal resources.
    "Over the past year, your administration has provided nearly $4 billion in federal support for response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, including approximately $385 million in assistance to individuals and households, and more than $500 million for debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding.Your commitment to preserving Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural heritage is equally commendable. The designation of the marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as the nation’s 18th national marine sanctuary, encompassing approximately 582,250 square miles, stands as a testament 
to your dedication to environmental conservation. This action ensures the protection of one of the world’s most significant marine ecosystems for generations to come.
    "On behalf of the people of Hawai‘i, mahalo nui loa for your steadfast support and leadership. We wish you both continued success and aloha in your future endeavors."
    Green gives his State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. See https://www.facebook.com/GovJoshGreen/

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Sen. Brian Schatz has been encouraging Democrats to
 "talk like normal people"to reach more voters. He also
 said Pres. Trump's inauguration speech shows he will
 transfer money from working class people
to the wealthiest companies.

SEN BRIAN SCHATZ responded on Monday to Trump's  promises during his inauguration speeches. After the inauguration, which Schatz attended, the Hawai'i Senator posted a video saying, "None of this is going to reduce the price that you pay at the pump or the grocery store or in terms of your insurance costs or anywhere else. All of this stuff is about attacking vulnerable people and moving money from people who work for a living to the most wealthy international corporations in human history. So, whether it's these executive orders going after LGBTQ individuals or the executive orders trying to terrorize immigrant communities, or whatever else Trump is doing, remember this last election was supposed to be about the cost that people paid and the pain that people were going through  economically as inflation soared."

    Schatz, earlier on Monday, noted that it is Martin Luther King Day, writing: "In 1959, Dr. King called Hawai'i 'a place where we see the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice.' On Martin Luther King Day, we honor his legacy and devote ourselves to advancing the isdeals of freedom, equality, and justice that he fought for."

Mazie Hirono, herself an immigrant, says she will
watchdog Trump on this issue. Photo from NPR

AFTER TRUMP SWORE IN TO BECOME U.S. PRESIDENT, HAWAI'I SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO said the following: “I attended today’s inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump’s vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we’ve made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights.”

ED CASE ISSUED A STATEMENT AFTER PRES. DONALD TRUMP'S INAUGURATION on Monday Case who represents Hawai'i in the U.S. House of Representatives said, joining the Inauguration of Trump as the 47th President of the United States in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
    Case said, “I congratulate President Trump and Vice President Vance on taking the oath as President and Vice President of our great country. “Like all of our fellow Americans, we want what is best for our families, communities, country and world. I will work with them and our colleagues in government wherever and however I can to forge our best way forward.

Pres. Donald Trump during his inauguration
 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday.
Photo from Rep. Ed Case

    “Beyond any one person, Inaugurations are celebrations of our democracy and the pillars on which it rests. Among them is our system of checks and balances and separation of powers, including the role of Congress as a separate, independent and co-equal branch of government. “As one of Hawaii’s Members of Congress, I will continue to fulfill that role under this Presidency with the guidance of those I represent.”

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5,000 delivered in the mail, 2,500 on the streets.