03-18-2010 - Issue Forum:  Discussion on Clean Energy in Hawaii

We've begun a regular series of public discussions focusing on issues of importance to Hawaii. Earlier this week, Neil was part of a panel discussing early childhood issues and what we are doing to ensure the well-being of our youngest keiki.

Join us at Abercrombie for Governor headquarters (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor, next door to Kincaid's) for the next discussion, on Monday, March 22, 2010, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., about clean energy in Hawaii. Attendance is free of charge. The event will be broadcast live on the web for those who cannot attend in person.

Hawaii is blessed with the most diverse array of alternative energy potential of any state in the nation. Harnessing the natural resources available on our islands to generate renewable energy is an essential part of moving Hawaii toward energy independence. Now we must take it to the next level, and fast.

Three experts from the field will join Neil Abercrombie in a panel discussion: What is the future of clean energy in Hawaii? Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion.

In addition to Neil Abercrombie, the panelists will be:

* Mark Duda, Hawaii Solar Energy Association
* Robert Harris, Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter
* Sharon Miyashiro, Hawaii Energy Policy Forum

Please RSVP to Josh Levinson at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 589-2237. And stay tuned for details about the next discussion, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, April 6. We'd love to hear your suggestions for topics we should cover in future forums.

03-14-2010 - Early Childhood Health, Education, and Care in Hawaii

Join us at Abercrombie for Governor headquarters (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor, next door to Kincaid’s) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a discussion about early childhood care and education in Hawaii. Attendance is free of charge.

For over a decade Hawaii has been striving to create a comprehensive system of health, education and care for young children (from birth to 5 years of age) and their families. Where have we been and where are we going? What are our triumphs and what are the roadblocks?

Four experts from the field will join Neil Abercrombie in a panel discussion: What we are doing to ensure the well-being of our youngest keiki?  Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion.

In addition to Neil Abercrombie, the panelists will be:

* Liz Chun, Good Beginnings Alliance
* Sheri Schonleber, Asst. Prof. of Early Childhood Ed., UH Manoa
* Lora Perry, Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana
* Melodie Vega, Hawaii Careers with Young Children

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.

03-10-2010 - Rail at risk

by Bill Kaneko

Yesterday, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he is "a step closer" to running for Governor. To run, he would have to resign as mayor, which would put the Honolulu rail transit project at risk.

Rail transit is by far the most significant and expensive project in the history of Hawaii - costing over $5 billion to build and millions annually to operate.

Neil Abercrombie has always been a rail supporter. As a Congressman, he helped secure federal funding and, as Governor, he will continue his partnership with the city to make it a reality.

But Honolulu's rail transit is and always will be a project of the City and County of Honolulu, led by whoever is the mayor.

The rail project hasn't progressed as quickly as planned. Many now believe that it would be better if Mayor Hannemann stays in his current office instead of jeopardizing the future of rail and the jobs and community benefits that come with it.

Rail will have a huge impact on the state's economy and alter the landscape of Oahu forever. We need to set politics aside and ask ourselves what's in the best interest of the people. The impact of rail will last far beyond any current politician's career.

03-10-2010 - Hawaii’s working families support Neil

Earlier this week, the three local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers -- Local 1186, 1260 and 1357 -- endorsed Neil Abercrombie for Governor, saying he has a proven record of supporting causes that benefits Hawaii's working families. Neil has always fought for working men and women, and as Governor, his top priority includes restoring the state's economy and creating good jobs for the people of Hawaii.

For Immediate Release
March 9, 2010

IBEW ENDORSES NEIL ABERCROMBIE FOR GOVERNOR

Three local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that represent more than 7,500 of Hawaii’s working men and women have endorsed Neil Abercrombie for governor.

IBEW Local 1186, 1260, and 1357 made the unified endorsement. The three locals represent electricians, utility workers, power plant workers, technicians, telephone workers and television camera people working in Hawaii.


Neil speaking at a press conference Tuesday with IBEW leaders

“Neil Abercrombie has a proven record of supporting causes that benefits Hawaii’s working families,” said Lance Miyake, IBEW Local 1260 Business Manager and Financial Secretary. “Neil is committed to restoring the state’s economy and creating more jobs for the people of Hawaii.”

“Over the years of serving Hawaii, Neil Abercrombie has shown he has the leadership, experience and commitment the people of Hawaii need in their next Governor,” said Damien Kim, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 1186. “We look forward to doing everything we can to elect him as our next governor to build a brighter future for all of us in Hawaii.”

“We continue our support to elect Neil Abercrombie as our next governor,” said Scot Long, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local 1357, which had endorsed Abercrombie last year. “We believe in Neil’s leadership to restore the trust that many of us have lost in our government.”

03-09-2010 - Everyone is an Organizer

by Josh Levinson

“This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.”

That’s what Neil Abercrombie told hundreds of supporters last Saturday at a grand opening rally of the campaign headquarters -- calling on each person to become an organizer.


"This is the most important election in Hawaii that I can recall," Neil said.


An army of sign wavers lined Ala Moana Blvd. before the rally, encouraged by the honking horns of passing cars.

We reminded the crowd that Neil Abercrombie will be elected Governor because each of us will take responsibility for our own personal precincts:  our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.  We asked everyone to do three important things:

* Complete a supporter card and ask at least five friends to do the same (then follow up and ask each of them to ask five friends, and so on)

* Utilize Facebook and Twitter to broadcast news to personal social networks

* Put bumper stickers on cars (request bumper stickers by dropping by headquarters or clicking here)


Fill out the card online and then send it to your friends electronically.

Neil got a cheer from the crowd when he said that, for him, being Governor will be a cornerstone, not a stepping-stone.  

“We are going to outflank politics-as-usual in Hawaii,” Neil said.  “Our supporters are not going to be spectators.  Everyone is an organizer and every voice matters.”

03-03-2010 - Democratic Party Caucus Tonight

by Josh Levinson

Tonight you have an opportunity to participate in politics at its most local, grassroots level.

Please remember to attend your neighborhood Democratic Party precinct meeting this evening. Elections start at 7 p.m. sharp so try to be there by 6:30 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect precinct officers who will represent you and your neighbors at the Democratic Party's County Convention and delegates who will represent you at the upcoming State Democratic Convention.

Find out where your District/Precinct is meeting by visiting the Democratic Party of Hawaii website [link]. If you need help figuring out where to go, please call the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters at 589-2237.

03-02-2010 - Restoring Trust

Yesterday, on his first day after formally leaving Congress, Neil Abercrombie filed his nomination papers for Governor. The filing at the state Office of Elections signals Abercrombie’s full-time entry into what many consider the most important campaign since statehood. Abercrombie served as a Congressman for 19 years. This is his first run for Governor.

To mark the occasion, Neil sent the following email to Hawaii voters:

Aloha Everyone,

Today, on my first day after formally leaving Congress, I filed my nomination papers for Governor.

In my 19 years in the U.S. Congress, I put my entire focus on representing the people of Hawaii. I worked hard to get along with my colleagues, no matter their party affiliation or viewpoint, because I knew these relationships would help my constituents at home.



Now, I am focusing my four decades of experience in public service into becoming the people's Governor. I am more energized, more determined and more committed than ever.

The single biggest issue of our campaign is restoring people's trust in government. In my conversations with people across the state, it is clear that we are losing confidence in our ability to tackle the long-term economic, social, and environmental challenges that face our islands. We're going to turn this around.

Our campaign is going to listen to people and their concerns, respect everyone's opinions, including those with different views, and bring in new voices and talent to change the status quo.

Please join me this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., for the grand opening of our campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse. The opening was originally planned for this past Saturday, but was postponed due to the tsunami warning. Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237. [learn more].  I hope to meet you soon.

Imua Hawaii,




NEIL ABERCROMBIE

03-01-2010 - Rescheduled Grand Opening of Headquarters this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m.

by Josh Levinson

We postponed the grand opening of Abercrombie for Governor headquarters because of the tsunami warning this past weekend. We have rescheduled the event for this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m. (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor; formerly Stuart Anderson's).

Please come have pupus with us at campaign headquarters, and hear from Neil on how -- together -- we can and will build a better Hawaii. Bring your friends, your family and your neighbors. We're going to make history together.

Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237.

For our neighbor island friends and anyone else who can't be here in person, we will be live-streaming video of the opening at www.neilabercrombie.com.

02-27-2010 - AFG headquarters opening CANCELLED due to tsunami warning

The opening of AFG headquarters scheduled for 11:00 A.M. today has been cancelled due to the tsunami warning. Please take all necessary precautions, keep up to date with the news, keep your family and friends safe and be helpful to one another. Aloha.

02-27-2010 - Tsunami Warning for February 27

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for the State of Hawaii.

2:30AM - The AFG headquarters opening scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 AM is pending. Please stay tuned to local media for more information and take all necessary precautions. Sirens will sound at 6:00 AM at which time civil defense will provide more instructions.

3:00AM - Evacuation maps for all islands can be found at http://www.pdc.org/iweb/tsunami_zones.jsp

02-25-2010 - Cutting Edge Campaigning

Learn to use new tools like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube to help Neil spread campaign messages. Campaign Social Media Director, Neenz Faleafine, will be holding a social media training for volunteers on Thurs, March 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at headquarters (Ward Warehouse, second floor, next door to Kincaid's Restaurant). Please sign up by filling out this form.

02-24-2010 - Final days in Congress

This is Neil's last week in Congress after serving in the House of Representatives for 19 years.

Yesterday, while working to ensure House passage of the "Akaka bill" that enables Native Hawaiians to form a governing entity, Neil paused to recognize his House colleagues, saying, "I love you, and I love this House."

The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based newspaper that covers Congress, wrote an editorial that called Neil "a rare breed" in the House who was admired by Democrats and Republicans for his independence.

Abercrombie’s departure
By The Hill Editors

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), who is running for governor, is serving his last week in the House.

Abercrombie is a rare breed in the lower chamber. He is respected and admired by both Democrats and Republicans. And he was never seduced by the Senate; he was always a House guy, through and through.

But unlike many other House members, Abercrombie did not take cheap partisan shots.
In an interview with The Hill on Tuesday, the Hawaiian choked up when discussing his looming departure. “I have such deep regard and affection for the House,” he said, adding that he is getting “waves of emotion” this week.

He was first elected in 1986 in a special election, but the triumph was bittersweet. On that same day, he lost the Democratic primary, so he only served a few months before returning to Hawaii.

Abercrombie noted with pride that he was the last person whom Speaker Tip O’Neill (D-Mass.) swore in to office.

“Tip told me, ‘Whether you’re here three months or 30 years, everyone should remember the privilege of serving in the House.’ ”

In 1990, Abercrombie returned to the House, and this time he was there to stay. The Buffalo, N.Y., native was subsequently appointed to the Armed Services Committee, and after Democrats took control of the House, he chaired the Air and Land Forces subcommittee.

The 71-year-old legislator, an avid weightlifter, is not shy about expressing his views. And he has shown no qualms about bucking his party, sometimes loudly.

He lambasted his leaders for moving an ethics bill he strongly opposed and ripped Democrats on their energy policy in 2008.

Abercrombie is going out on a high note. The House on Tuesday was expected to pass the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which would extend the federal policy of recognition to Native Hawaiians and provide parity for Hawaii with policies toward Native Alaskans and American Indians. Abercrombie and the Hawaii delegation have been working on the bill for more than a decade.

Needing to campaign back home, Abercrombie will resign from the lower chamber on Feb. 28.

While he was certainly a productive member, Abercrombie’s time in the House will not be remembered for his legislative track record.

Members, aides, lobbyists and reporters will recall his storytelling skills, his rambunctious style and his respect for his colleagues.

He will miss the House. And the House will miss him.

02-23-2010 - Participate in Democratic Party Caucus on March 3

by Josh Levinson

Change politics in Hawaii from the ground up!

We are urging all of Neil’s supporters to attend the Democratic Party’s local precinct caucuses on Wednesday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. Your goal is to be elected as a delegate for the Democratic Party’s state convention in May.

If you are interested in attending, the first thing you should do is determine which District/Precinct site you should go to. Please contact Kay Hoffman by calling the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters at 589-2237 or e-mailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to obtain this information. Kay will tell you where to go and give you a contact person affiliated with Neil’s campaign who will be organizing your local meeting.

Please note, you must be a registered voter and party member to participate in the caucuses--but you may register for both at the caucus site.

02-23-2010 - Headquarters Grand Opening this Saturday at 11 a.m.

by Andrew Aoki

Join us for the grand opening of the Abercrombie for Governor headquarters on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. (Ward Warehouse, 2nd Floor; formerly Stuart Anderson's).

Beginning in March, Neil will be home full time and is completely committed to being our next Governor.

We are coming together to build a future where we face our toughest challenges, where we are united, where our individual voices matter, where we have a leader we can trust.

So, please come have pupus with us at campaign headquarters, and hear from Neil on how -- together -- we can and will build a better Hawaii. Bring your friends, your family and your neighbors. We're going to make history together.

Please RSVP by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 589-2237.

For our neighbor island friends and anyone else who can't be here in person, we will be live-streaming video of the opening at www.neilabercrombie.com.

02-18-2010 - Rail is too important

Rail is too important a project for Honolulu and for the State of Hawaii for it to fail because of a personal political agenda. Neil, a longtime rail supporter who helped secure federal funding for the proposed rail system, believes the project deserves the proper discussion and examination to ensure it gets built.

In media interviews this week, Neil talked about how the rail system has the potential to positively transform Oahu, but it has to be done right. We need our leaders to work collaboratively with all parties to address legitimate concerns, build real community commitment, and ensure that we all share in the project's success.

Neil's interview on Hawaii News Now:



A story posted by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

Hit on gov hurts rail, Abercrombie says
By Richard Borreca

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's personal attacks on Gov. Linda Lingle are hurting the city's plans for rail transit, according to rail supporter and candidate for governor U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

In an interview yesterday, Abercrombie said Hannemann's antagonistic position is unrealistic and political. The mayor is likely to oppose Abercrombie in the Democratic gubernatorial race.

"You would think the approach would be an invitation for Lingle to participate, not calling her names and threatening her and trying to push her around, sign something you never saw before," Abercrombie said.

Lingle said earlier this year that she had concerns about financing for the $5 billion transit plan and would not sign the required environmental impact statement until she had a clear picture of the city's finances. She also held a forum at the state Capitol to allow local architects to explain alternatives to the city's plan.

"The problem goes back to the mayor saying, 'If you are not for me and what I say is rail, then you are against rail.' That is factually and demonstrably not so. That is why I find it dispiriting and destructive for the mayor to make this adverse position with the governor."

Hannemann declined to respond yesterday.

Last month, at a news conference, he said about Lingle, "Every step along the way, she has been presenting roadblocks."

"I believe she's anti-rail, and anti-rail meaning she's anti-jobs. I'm sorry, I call it like it is because the evidence is compelling."

Hannemann then held his own Capitol forum saying it was there that Lingle, in 2005, said she wanted to work with the new city administration on a mass transit project for Honolulu.

"I took her up on it because this is where it all began," he said. "She can't forget that. That's part of her history."

Abercrombie said yesterday that Hannemann has let the situation "devolve."

"Rail is too important to have to be the victim of a personal political agenda.

"You can't blame the governor for wanting to actually see the EIS before committing to it," he said.

Abercrombie has said he would resign his congressional seat this month to campaign for governor.

Hannemann has started his own campaign for governor but has not officially declared his candidacy. He has raised more than $2 million and is staging rallies across the state.

Abercrombie was also critical yesterday of Hannemann's repeated description of rail being a job creation project.

"This isn't about jobs; it is about community," he said. "The whole idea of rail is what kind of a life are we going to have, what kind of community—how will we connect housing, transposition, education and the quality of life?"

Abercrombie said that because Lingle saw her hoped-for Hawaii Superferry fail because of an EIS problem, she would not make a mistake with rail.

"It is unreasonable ... to think the governor is not going to take a thorough look at it and the finances," Abercrombie said.

 1 2 3 >  Last »

Issue Forum:  Discussion on Clean Energy in Hawaii: Join us at Abercrombie for Governor headquarters (Ward Warehou... http://bit.ly/ckVo78

Please join me for a panel discussion on Clean Energy in Hawaii. 3/22, 5:30 pm at Abercrombie HQ. RSVP: http://twtvite.com/bfgwv6 #AFG2010

Please join me in a discussion about Hawaii's early childhood education, health, care. RSVP: http://twtvite.com/jlcyjq #AFG2010

Early Childhood Health, Education, and Care in Hawaii: Join us at Abercrombie for Governor headquarters (Ward Ware... http://bit.ly/cd2I0A

Having fun in Chinatown

We are in hinolulu's Chinatown

Hey! I'm live on Ustream from my iPhone - http://ustre.am/hiD

Walk wiith me in China town

Live from Chinatown

I'm broadcasting, from my iPhone, live on Ustream - http://ustre.am/hiD

I have shared an audio update using #Cinch, check it out: http://bit.ly/aQBU5Q

Rail at risk: Yesterday, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he is "a step closer" to running for Governor. To run... http://bit.ly/auA861

Everyone is an Organizer: “This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.” ... http://bit.ly/aXlicA

Everyone is an Organizer: “This campaign is not about me. The people of Hawaii are the heart of this campaign.” T... http://bit.ly/aXlicA

Live interview in a couple of minutes (@neilabercrombie live at http://ustre.am/hiD)