Awarded “2008 Champion of Small Business” from the National Coalition for Capital

From July 22 to 27, I was in New orleans, Louisiana where I attended the annual National Conference of State Legislatures.  I attended meetings, caucuses, and met with other politicians and leaders from the business and non-profit sectors.  On the the first night there, I attended an organized dinner with the Hawaii delegation.  In the [...]

Some of my Strategy for Compassion, Happiness, and Peace will be released on 08/08/08

It will probably be years before I complete my strategy for compassion, happiness, and peace.  However, I want to share at least some of it with you by August 8, 2008 or 08/08/08 because it is an auspicious day.  Hopefully, by sharing with you my positivity on this day, happiness will reach all of you.

Endorsements and Contributions

I just got word that I got endorsed by several business and union organizations.  Also, since June 2008, I received several thousand of dollars from a number of donors.  The cost of campaigning has steadily gone up over the last six years.  I was hoping, I could reduce the amount of money I spend in an election, [...]

July 14, 2008 Meetings

Yesterday, I had a meeting with a couple of union leaders at the Ironworkers office.
I also met with a nice lady and her two nephews who are about to graduate high school.  She read about me in the newspapers and wanted me to help motivate her nephews.  I told the two boys about myself.  I shared [...]

Filipino Community Events

I attended many Filipino community events this year.  Some of the notable events were:
1.  Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Legislative Listen – January 2008 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii;
2.  Hawaii State House of Representatives Filipino Caucus – About twice a month from January to May 2008;
3.  University of the Philippines Alumni Association [...]

Waipahu Hongwanji Bon Dance

I attended the Waipahu Hongwanji Bon Dance.  I danced to the “Fukushima” song.  I thought of my grandma Karamatsu when I danced.  She used to dance with me and my sisters at the Jodo Shu bon dances.

Honolulu Central Seventh-day Adventist Church – Festival of Religious Freedom

Below is my speech for the Honolulu Central Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Festival of Religious Freedom.  I freestyled so I went a little off the written speech.
 
Aloha and good morning,
 
My name is Jon Riki Karamatsu and I am a State Representative from District 41, which comprises of Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park and Waipahu.  I [...]

Legislative Hearing, Constituent Concerns, and Meetings

Yesterday, I talked to a constituent in regards to the possibility of building a new school in our area.  She used to work in Duty Free Shoppers(DFS) in the customer relations department and knew my grandpa Maurice Karamatsu who was vice president of that department.
Not to long ago, I met one of the former DFS presidents [...]

Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo

Yesterday, in the afternoon of July 9, 2008, I also attended the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center.  Every year I attend this expo to look for new products for my business or just to see what is the latest happenings in the industry.  There is another Douglas Trade Show [...]

Welcomed Waipahu Adult Education Class to the Hawaii State Capitol

This morning, I welcomed the Waipahu Adult Education class to the Hawaii State Capitol.  I greeted them in the House chambers.  I talked about my background and legislation.