noveMBeR 1, 2014 hawaii filiPino chRonicle 1
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NOVEMBER 1, 2014
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COMMENTARY
Q&A
LEGAL NOTES
viewing Political coRRUPtion MoRe BRoadly
Race foR U.S. Senate cavaSSo vS. Schatz
what to do if yoUR iMMigRation caSe iS denied
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2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 1, 2014
EDITORIALS
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Hawaii’s Congressional Seats at Stake
ith Christmas displays and items already on many store shelves, it can mean only one thing—the Holiday Season is right around the corner! Some dread this time of the year, while others look forward to the coming festivities. No matter which type you are, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to get a head start for the Holidays by making a “To-Do” list or a shopping budget. This issue marks the final installment in the Chronicle’s indepth coverage of the 2014 elections. Please take time to read the question-and-answer for both the 1st Congressional House race (see page 4) and the race for U.S. Senate (page 6). Overall, we feel strongly that those candidates who want to win their respective races owe it to voters to tell them why. Big mahalo to those candidates who responded to the Chronicle’s questionnaire on the issues we felt were important to voters. This November 4th, we urge you to vote not for a familiar name but for candidates that you believe in because you have educated yourself on their values and visions for our great state and country. In other news, congratulations to the Filipino Community Center (FilCom) which celebrated its 12th Anniversary with a special gala on October 25th at the Sheraton Waikiki. The event raised much-needed funds to support our beloved FilCom and its many programs that benefit the community. Three very special people were also recognized for their lifelong contributions— Simeon Acoba Jr.; Mario Ramil and Maria Etrata. We’ll have more on these outstanding individuals in our next issue. Lastly, State Department of Health officials recently confirmed three cases of the measles—one on Maui and two on Kauai. As travel increases during the Holiday season, so does the likelihood of seeing more cases. Health officials say that the best way to prevent yourself from getting measles—which is highlycontagious and spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing—is to get vaccinated. While you’re at it, consider getting a flu shot to protect yourself and your family. If you have questions or need to be vaccinated, see your doctor or healthcare provider. In closing, best wishes to all of the candidates and their hardworking supporters in the General Election. If you are a registered voter, please remember to cast your ballots! We cannot emphasize enough how important your vote is and that your vote truly does make a difference. That’s all for now. Until next time…aloha and mabuhay!
O
ne is too close to call, the other is decidedly lopsided. Such are the expected outcomes for two of the more important races in the November 4th General Election. While all election races are important, the congressional seats are especially vital, considering Hawaii’s efforts to maintain a viable presence in D.C. With the passing of the venerable Dan Inouye, our congressional delegation must fight tooth and nail for Hawaii’s fair share of federal dollars. The 1st Congressional District race, pitting Charles Djou and Mark Takai, is too close to call, as evidenced by the latest polls. The latest Civil Beat poll shows Djou holding a slim 46-42 percent lead, with 12 percent undecided. Both candidates share similar backgrounds but differ considerably on their stances regarding taxes, U.S. military involvement in the Middle East and other key issues. Takai’s campaign continues to gain momentum, ever since his easier-than-expected win over his closest challenger, State Sen. President Donna Kim, in a crowded Democratic Primary. Furthermore, the same people who supported gubernatorial candidate David Ige’s landslide Primary Election victory over Neil Abercrombie are also supporting Takai. The well-oiled and well-organized Democratic machine, together with a formidable Japanese-American vote, will indeed be tough for Djou to overcome. Djou’s lead is tenuous but if any candidate can pull out a victory, it is certainly Djou. In the race for U.S. Senate, Brian Schatz is by all accounts expected to win—and win big over opponent Cam Cavasso. One poll by CBS/NYT/YouGov taken the week of October 16-23 shows the incumbent with a commanding 71-17 percent lead, with 11 percent undecided. Schatz managed to distance himself enough from the unpopular Abercrombie to pull out a Primary Election victory over Colleen Hanabusa. Not surprisingly, Schatz has been soundly criticized by Cavasso for refusing to appear at debates and candidate forums. While voters would stand to benefit from hearing both candidates debate the issues, Schatz chose the politically safe route by laying low. A debate would only give Cavasso much-needed exposure. Cavasso would give Hawaii a Republican voice at a Republican-led Senate but voters may understandably balk at giving him such a crucial seat, since he is still relatively unknown. A Cavasso victory would be nothing short of epic, but we don’t see that happening. The race for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District between incumbent Tulsi Gabbard and Kawika Crowley is almost an afterthought. The same Civil Beat poll showed Gabbard with a nearly insurmountable 69-19 lead. Gabbard, a former City Councilmember defeated Crowley, a little-known homeless candidate, in the 2012 election by a wide margin.
Time Running Out for Pahoa Residents
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he eyes of Hawaii and the world for that matter are on the Kilauea lava flow which has continued its inexorable creep towards Pahoa on the Big Island. This latest flow from a new vent started June 27th and has since advanced some 13 miles to the door steps of sleepy Pahoa town where the majority of its residents
have left. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea began flowing in 1983 and hasn’t stopped since. The glowing orangeyellow lava flow’s temperatures reach well over 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to set structures ablaze that are 30 to 40 yards away. Since 1983, Kilauea’s lava has destroyed more than 200 structures, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park visitor center, the Royal Gardens subdivision and many homes and buildings in the historic fishing village of Kalapana. The current
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Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Associate Editors Dennis Galolo Edwin Quinabo Contributing Editor Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. Creative Designer Junggoi Peralta Photography Tim Llena Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan Columnists Carlota Hufana Ader Emil Guillermo Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Ron Menor J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Contributing Writers Clement Bautista Teresita Bernales, Ed.D Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. Julia Crowley Linda Dela Cruz Fiedes Doctor Danny De Gracia, II, MA Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Deborah T. Manog Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro Philippine Correspondent Greg Garcia Big Island Distributor Grace Larson Ditas Udani Maui Distributor Cecile Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe
flow averages 10 to 15 yards per hour depending on the topography and is notoriously difficult to predict. Authorities have already prepared for the inevitable by creating emergency roads, closing nearby schools and moving a polling site in the lava flow’s path to a nearby precinct. In hopes of keeping the power on as long as possible, Hawaiian Electric Light officials have even wrapped power poles in thick insulating foil and placed a six meter barrier with crushed rocks and cinders. Civil defense officials have also gone door-to-door, preparing the few remaining residents for evacuation. Those who have decided to stay until the bitter end are being allowed to witness the slow motion disaster, as a closure of sorts. Most have lived in the area for several generations and watching the lava slowly creep towards their homes and property is terribly difficult to endure. Sometimes, it is better for a quick end, rather than a prolonged agony from the slow-moving lava flow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the lava flow. Big Island residents, though, are a resilient bunch and will eventually rebuild their lives. Ultimately, the lava flow is a poignant reminder of Mother Nature’s unpredictability and how temporary our time here on earth really is. Our possessions won’t last—only the memories and relationships that we have forged over the years.
Advertising/Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader J.P. Orias The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006-2014. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 6781829. E-mail filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com
MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional JournaliStS
noveMBeR 1, 2014 hawaii filiPino chRonicle 3
COMMENTARY
Viewing Political Corruption More Broadly By Lee H. Hamilton
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arlier this year, veteran political writer Thomas Edsall reported an eyebrow-raising fact about Americans’ views toward government. Polling by Gallup, he noted, found that the proportion of Americans who believed that corruption is “widespread” in government had risen from 59 percent in 2006 to 79 percent in 2013. “In other words,” Edsall wrote, “we were cynical already, but now we’re in overdrive.” Given the blanket coverage devoted to public officials charged with selling their influence, this shouldn’t be surprising. Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife were convicted last month of violating public corruption laws. Former mayors Ray Nagin of New Orleans and Kwame Kilpatrick of Detroit were good for
months of headlines. So were Republican Rep. Rick Renzi, convicted last year on influence-peddling charges, and Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who pled guilty to charges of misusing campaign funds. If you add state and local officials who cross the line, it might seem that we’re awash in corruption. Yet as political scientist Larry Sabato told The New York Times, that’s more perception than reality. “I’ve studied American political corruption throughout the 19th and 20th centuries,” he said, “and, if anything, corruption was much more common in much of those centuries than today.” Nor have the numbers over the past couple of decades risen. In 1994, according to the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, 1,165 people were charged in public-corruption cases, of whom 969 were convicted. Last year, 1,134 were charged, of whom 1,037 were convicted.
HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
New Fishing Rule to Ensure Fresh Sashimi for Holidays
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he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has approved a new rule proposed by the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council to establish a management framework and process for specifying fishing catch and accountability measures for fisheries in the U.S. Pacific territories. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz worked with NOAA, the Hawaii Longline Association and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council on an agreement that allows longliners to fish year round in a responsible, sustainable way and increase ahi catch for the rest of the year. As a result, the newly-approved rule allows the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI) to allocate a portion of its ahi quota to Hawaii’s longline fleet, which typically exhausts its tuna quota in November. By combining CNMI’s unused quota with its own, Hawaii’s fleet can remain active all year round, ensuring an ample supply of sashimi for the remainder of the year. Schatz says the agreement means Hawaii’s families won’t experience shortages of ahi when ringing in the New Year. “Sharing sashimi with family over the holidays is a valued tradition in Hawaii,” he says. “For years, the shortage during the holidays has caused higher prices for families and less productivity for our fishermen.”
Corruption is hardly a negligible issue. Americans rightly have very little tolerance for public officials who are on the take. Officials who violate the law in this regard should face criminal prosecution and incarceration. But what’s notable about our corruption laws is how narrow they’ve become. This point is driven home by Fordham Law School Professor Zephyr Teachout in her new book, Corruption in America. "As a matter of federal constitutional law,” she writes, “corruption now means only 'quid pro quo' corruption." Prosecutors today have to prove an intentional exchange between “briber” and public official, in which the official receives a benefit for taking action. Teachout argues that our Founders were quite resistant to public behavior promoting private interest. She quotes George Mason, for instance, arguing against giving the President the power to appoint key officials: “By the sole power of appointing the increased officers of government,” Mason
insisted, “corruption pervades every town and village in the kingdom.” As late as the second half of the 1800s, American society was alarmed by the notion that private individuals might seek to influence government on their own or others’ behalf. “If any of the great corporations of the country were to hire adventurers... to procure the passage of a general law with a view to the promotion of their private interests, the moral sense of every right-minded man would instinctively denounce the employer and the employed as steeped in corruption,” the Supreme Court declared in 1874. We have another word for “adventurers” these days. We call them lobbyists. Americans remain uncomfortable with “corruption” as our forebears viewed it. A hefty majority believe that government is run on behalf of a few big interests. And Congress, whose ethics committees have not been rigorous in looking for misconduct that brings discredit on their chambers, has
contributed to that view. I would hardly contend that all who seek to promote their private interests are corrupt. But I do think the Founders had a valuable insight when they saw that a focus on private concerns could lead to neglect of the common good. I have the uneasy feeling that too many politicians are self-absorbed, failing to put the country first, and using their office to promote their private interests. Our Founders had very firm ideas about the importance to the nation of “virtue” in a public official — and they were thinking expansively about the basic standards of public accountability. Maybe it’s time we looked to them for guidance, and not think of corruption only in the narrow sense of violations of specific laws or precepts, but more broadly in terms of failing to pursue the common good. lee haMilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
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COVER STORY
1st Congressional House raCe Djou, Takai Contend for Votes By HFC Staff
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o close, yet so far apart. Such is the description for 1st Congressional District candidates Charles Djou—the Republican—and Mark Takai—the Democrat. Both are Asian-Americans in their 40s, serve in the military and are devoted family men. However, they differ on many key issues facing Hawaii and the nation. Read on to find out more on their stances and vision for Hawaii and the nation.
Charles Djou Q: A recent poll by Civil Beat shows you holding a slim lead over your opponent. What are your thoughts on that poll? A: While my campaign team and I are excited to see a slim lead in the polls, we understand that the only poll that counts is the one held on Election Day. We will continue to work hard in these closing days of the campaign. Q: If elected to the U.S. House, what is your vision for our state? A: I will work to lower Hawaii’s crushing cost of living by eliminating needless government regulations, creating jobs by expanding trade and taking care of the next generation by passing a balanced budget amendment. Q: Why are you a better candidate for Congress than your opponent? A: With Republicans retaining control of the House, it is important that we elect at least one person who will be an independent and outspoken voice for Hawaii in the majority, which Hawaii critically needs right now in Congress. In addition, there are clear and significant differences between myself and my opponent: • I have never voted for a tax increase. My opponent has voted many times to increase taxes. • I oppose Obamacare. My opponent supports it. • I support traditional marriage. My opponent favors same-sex marriage. • I oppose legalization of gambling. • I oppose federal funding for abortions, support parental notification, and oppose partial-birth abortion.
Mark Takai Q: How concerned are you with the U.S. Army’s proposed force reduction and what is your plan to offset the impacts on Hawaii’s economy? A: As an Afghanistan combat veteran, I understand the importance of the military to Hawaii. It is important to elect a representative who can work with Democrats and the GOP majority in Congress to protect our community’s interests. I will fight to make sure Hawaii’s key military installations are protected. Q: What is the most serious threat facing our nation? What is your answer to addressing this threat? A: Our country’s $17.5 trillion national debt is the greatest long term threat to America’s future. I don’t want to mortgage the future of our children and grandchildren with endless government debt as so many European nations have done. If elected to Congress, the first measure I will cosponsor as a congressman will be the balanced budget amendment. Q: How should the U.S. deal with the threat from ISIS and other militant groups in the Middle East? A: I support the president’s plan to isolate and ultimately destroy ISIS through a combination of American air power, allied diplomacy and forces on the ground from the affected Middle East nations. As a war veteran, I don’t want the U.S. engaged in any more wars in the Middle East, but I would much rather fight ISIS in the Middle East than in America. Q: Where do you stand on immigration reform? A: As a child of immigrants, I understand the importance of immigra(continued on page 5)
Q: A recent poll by Civil Beat shows you holding a slim lead over your opponent. What are your thoughts on that poll? A: All polls are just snapshots in time. The only poll that really matters is the one on November 4th. We are working very hard to get our message of Hawaii’s strong democratic values out to the community. Q: If elected to the U.S. House, what is your vision for our state? A: We need to move Hawaii towards a more sustainable future. We export $7 billion to pay for energy costs and $2 billion for food. We need to keep more of our hard earned dollars in the local economy. Hawaii will also play a pivotal role as our nation rebalances to the Pacific. I want Hawaii to receive the proper federal funding needed to play this crucial role moving forward. Q: Why are you a better candidate for Congress than your opponent? A: I have worked on Filipino issues during my time in the Legislature and I understand the challenges our working class families are facing. I am very proud of my record as a coalition builder. Working with state and military officials, I was able to bring $40 million in federal funds for our public schools. This is just one example of how I can be a more effective leader in Congress. Q: How concerned are you with the U.S. Army’s proposed force reduction and what is your plan to offset the impacts on Hawaii’s economy? A: As our nation rebalances to the Pacific, it will be critical for Hawaii to receive adequate funds. Military spending is the second biggest driver
of our local economy and we need to ensure that this critical portion of our economy is protected. I will fight in Congress to acquire the necessary funds to safeguard Hawaii’s place in the national conversation. Q: What is the most serious threat facing our nation? What is your answer to addressing this threat? A: I believe government surveillance of U.S. citizens is the most serious threat to our nation. It is a very scary time indeed when we start infringing upon the basic rights of our citizens. Q: How should the U.S. deal with the threat from ISIS and other militant groups in the Middle East? A: I support the president’s efforts to build a coalition to combat the threat of ISIS. I do not support putting troops on the ground, nor do I support arming the Syrian rebels until we have a much better indication of who they are and what they represent. I think that this situation is best dealt with by coalition-led air strikes. Q: Where do you stand on immigration reform? A: We need comprehensive immigration reform and we need it now. I was proud to introduce our state’s version of the Dream Act, and I will fight in Congress to make immigration reform a reality. In Congress, I will fight for the Filipino Family Reunification Act. We need to keep our promises to veterans who have fought for our country. Immigrants have shaped the way Hawaii has grown in a positive manner. They can do the same for our nation as a whole. (continued on page 5)
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COVER STORY (from page 4, DJOU ...)
tion reform. I support immigration reform that will expand legal immigration and reduce illegal immigration. While I believe America’s borders need to be secured, I also believe the U.S. should further expand legal immigration visas, including visas from the Philippines. It is important to accommodate or expedite the processing of visas for Filipinos who are coming to the U.S to: (1) attend college/university; (2) work in critical fields such as health care where there is a shortage, and (3) care for family members (the elderly and disabled) who need assistance in their daily living. Obtaining a visa is long and cumbersome. I support including the Philippines in the list of countries with a visa waiver program to the U.S. I also support changing the current visa policies to allow for
a reasonable accommodation for those with expired visas. Q: What is the outlook for the U.S. economy? What should the government do to avoid facing another fiscal cliff? A: I am hopeful for the future of the U.S. economy if the federal government balances its books and stops placing so much debt on the backs of our children. I support President Obama’s bi-partisan deficit reduction recommendations as a starting point for negotiations to resolve America’s fiscal problems. Long-term, I support a balanced budget amendment to fix our country’s financial issues. Q: How do you plan to address problems affecting Social Security and Medicare? A; Unlike my opponent, I have never voted to tax seniors’ pensions or raided the
state retirement account. Similarly, I am committed to preserving and protecting Social Security and Medicare for all seniors. For young workers entering the workforce, however, I support allowing an expansion of individual retirement accounts to provide for retirement security when they look at retirement. Q: What is your approach in working with colleagues, constituents and others who do not share your philosophy or values? A: When I represented you in Congress, I was ranked as one of the few centrists who voted across party lines. I believe in finding common ground to solve problems. I worked with Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on the Truth in Spending Bill and Democrat Congressmen Brian Baird and Walt
(from page 4, TAKAI ...)
Q: What is the outlook for the U.S. economy? What should the government do to avoid facing another fiscal cliff? A: We need to ensure that the circumstances that led to the mortgage crisis are not repeated. I believe that our economy has the ability grow and to remain as a leader in the world economy. However, actions like last year’s Republican-led government shutdown negatively impacted our economy in a big way. Many working families in Hawaii were affected by the shutdown, and that is just not right. I will be a champion in Congress for all the people—not just the “1 percent” and big corporations. Q: How do you plan to address problems affecting Social Security and Medicare? A: I will fight against any cuts to retirement benefits such as Social Security and Medicare. These are benefits that our kupuna have earned and these programs should not be subject to harmful cuts. I want to raise the cap on Social Security. Right now, if you make anywhere from $117,000 to $1 million, you pay the same rate. That’s something I want to change.
We need to raise the cap to at least $250,000 and hopefully more. By doing this, we would extend the life of Social Security by 75 years. At the state level, I have worked extensively for the health care industry, and in particular, the caregivers who serve our aging population. Q: What is your approach in working with colleagues, constituents and others who do not share your philosophy or values? A; I am very proud of my ability to build partnerships that deliver results for Hawaii. For the first time in our state’s history, we are governed by a bipartisan leadership coalition in the House of Representatives—Democrats and Republicans working together to move Hawaii forward. I am proud to say that I helped to put that coalition together. This is the mentality I want to bring to Washington, D.C. My door has always been open to my constituents and it will remain so if I have the honor of representing Hawaii in Congress. Q: What is your campaign strategy heading into the final
days before the General Election? A: We are going to keep working hard to get our message out to voters. It has been a challenge so far, but I have never been afraid of hard work and this is a deep aspiration of mine to help the people of Hawaii. At the end of the day, our message of supporting the middle class through tax cuts, protecting the retirement benefits of our kupuna and making college more affordable will resonate with voters. Q: Any last words on why the Filipino community should support you for Congress? A: I have been a staunch supporter of the Filipino community during my time in the Legislature. I worked closely with Rep. John Mizuno on many of his initiatives and am happy that we were able to accomplish so much for the Filipino community. Some of my biggest supporters have been Amy Agbayani and Maria Etrata. I am incredibly grateful for their support. I want to take my same track record of delivering results to Congress and work to improve our nation and state.
Minnick on balancing our nation’s budget. I believe in working cooperatively and collaboratively with all people regardless of ideology or background. Q: What is your campaign strategy heading into the final days before the General Election? My campaign strategy is simple—hard work. We are going to work hard to reach as many voters as possible and communicate our message of positive hope for lowering the cost of living, creating jobs and taking care of our children and grandchildren. Q: Any last words on why the Filipino community should support you for Congress? A: As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and having served in Afghanistan, I understand the concerns of
Filipino veterans and support the newly-passed Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Act. I also support the Filipino World War II Veterans Family Reunification Act pending in Congress. I support granting World War II Filipino veterans, who were granted disability compensation/benefits that are service related, exchange and commissary privileges. I am a strong believer in free trade. The Philippines should have most “Favored Nation Status” and am willing to support a negotiated free trade compact between the U.S. and the Philippines. I support the Filipino Community Center. I have walked through and met the employees at the Fil-Com Center. While in Congress, I formed a Filipino advisory group that was part of my staff that kept me apprised of issues facing the Filipino community.
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Q & A
raCe for u.s. senate
Cavasso a Decided Underdog Against Incumbent Schatz By HFC Staff
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t’s a classical example of David vs. Goliath. Cavasso, the relative unknown Republican, vs. incumbent and former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Cavasso the conservative man of prayer vs. Schatz, who was rated among the most liberal senators in the nation by the National Journal, a widely regarded publication in Washington, D.C. So who will it be? You the voter, will ultimately decide.
Brian Schatz Q: You are the overwhelming favorite in the U.S. Senate race. What is your campaign strategy heading into the final weeks before the General Election? A: I am not taking anything for granted and am meeting and listening to people and staying in touch with the many communities, like the Filipino community, that make up our state. By keeping in close contact with the community, I can better understand the needs of your families, which are similar my own. In addition, I am continuing to do my job as your U.S. senator. Q: Why do you think you are you the better candidate for Congress? A: I’ve gotten things done as U.S. Senator and built relationships that have put me in a unique position to help Hawaii. We have common values. I believe in Social Security, immigration reform, college affordability, improving working conditions, honoring the com-
Cam Cavasso mitments to our Filipino veterans and creating more jobs. I’m the chair of the Tourism subcommittee and the chair of the Water and Power subcommittee, and I can help with clean energy and local tourism jobs. We’ve done well by increasing federal investments to our state when it comes to the East¬-West Center, clean energy, transportation, and native Hawaiian health and education funding. Q: How concerned are you with the U.S. Army’s proposed force reduction and what is your plan to offset the impacts on Hawaii’s economy? A: Given that the military constitutes a significant part of Hawaii’s economy, any proposed force reduction poses great concern for me. I will work as hard as I can to continue the resources Hawaii gains from the military. Furthermore, I hope to see increased diversity in the leadership of our military where women and a variety of ethnic groups are represented. The Filipino community has role models like General Taguba who have paved the way for individuals from different backgrounds to attain the highest ranks in the military. Q: What is the most serious threat facing (continued on page 10)
Q: Please introduce yourselves to our readers. A: My name is Cam Cavasso and I am running for the U.S. Senate. I grew up in Hawaii and started my first landscape maintenance business when I was 14. I am an entrepreneur who works hard in multiple businesses like most Filipino families I know. I served three terms at the State Legislature and served five years in the U.S. Army. I am 64 years old and married to my wife Tula. We have 5 children and 10 grandchildren. I am a man of prayer who knows we cannot make it without the help, guidance and protection of our God and creator. Q: What have you been doing to get your name out to voters? A: We have been sign waving, telephone banking, door knocking, etc. We just completed our first week of television and have an aggressive internet campaign. Unlike my opponent, I have appeared at every community, church and organizational forum to which I have been invited. Mr. Schatz has refused to debate or appear with me in a public discussion of issues. Q: Why did you decide to run for Congress? A: The people of Hawaii have not been properly represented in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Schatz was appointed by Neil Abercrombie in direct contradiction of Senator Inouye’s dying wish to appoint Colleen Hanabusa. Schatz represents the rejected views and leadership of Abercrombie. Furthermore, without a Republican representative in what will be a Republican majority U.S. Senate, Hawaii will be powerless. Finally, I am pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage and pro-military. Schatz opposes traditional marriage, a strong military and supports abortion and Pono Choices. I believe he is wrong for Hawaii.
Q: How concerned are you with the U.S. Army's proposed force reduction and what is your plan to offset the impacts on Hawaii's economy? A: The impact on Hawaii’s economy will be disastrous. Hawaii is a key strategic target and to make us more vulnerable to attack, especially terrorist threats, is unconscionable. I would work with the majority Republican Senate and House to restore military strength and spending, and take better care of our veterans. In addition, I would take several steps to strengthen Hawaii’s economy, the first being to gain an exemption from federal shipping regulations that are the reason our food costs almost twice as much as on the mainland and our electricity costs are three times higher. One simple act can fix that. Q: What is the most serious threat facing our nation? What is your answer to addressing this threat? A: Under the Obama administration and Democratic leadership in the Senate, we see a new serious threat almost daily. A sinking economy, the disastrous health care law that raises health costs making it difficult to see a doctor and global terrorism are all serious threats. Right now, the most serious threat is ISIS and the spread of terrorism. The current leadership in Washington is always too little, too late in recognizing and dealing with serious threats. Q: How should the U.S. deal with the threat from ISIS and other militant groups in the Middle East? A: We must quit pretending that the threat isn’t real. It’s past time to take aggressive, pro-active military action. You cannot negotiate with terrorists if they are not thoroughly defeated and destroyed. They will rise again and attack Americans. (continued on page 11)
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HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
DOH Confirms Measles Cases on Maui, Kauai
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he State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed three cases of measles—one on Maui and two on Kauai. Officials say the cases are unrelated but involve unvaccinated young adults who recently traveled to the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. According to state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, measles is highly-contagious
and spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing, and infects 90 percent of those who are not immune. “Measles outbreaks continue to occur both internationally and on the mainland, especially in areas where vaccination is declining,” says Dr. Park. “As travel increases during the holiday season, so does our chance of seeing more cases.”
Since January, there have been 594 cases of measles reported in 22 states according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including two cases in Hawaii reported earlier this year. With the additional recently confirmed cases, Hawaii now has a total of five confirmed cases reported in the state this year. The best way to prevent
Letter to Parents Contest Extended to Nov. 3
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eyukai America, Kalamansi Books &Things and the Sariling Gawa Youth Council have extended the deadline for entries in the 2nd Annual Letter to My Parents Contest to November 3, 2014. The contest is open to Hawaii residents age 15-22. Contestants are invited to submit stories about their relationships and feelings about their parents or legal guardians while growing up in Hawaii. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 prize, second place $500 and third $250. Entries should include concrete examples from per-
sonal life, reflecting family relationships and interactions. Suggested themes include: • How I can improve relationships in my family • What my parent(s) or guardian(s) means (mean) to me • What would I like to do for my parent(s) or guardian(s) • How my parents’(s) experiences and influence affect or shape the person I am today
Entries must be submitted to: www.lettertomyparents.com and can be in any language but an English translation is required. Contestants 17 years old are required to submit a parental/guardian consent form. Ten finalists will be se-
lected and invited to present their letters to contest judges on November 23, 2014 at the U n i v e r s i t y o f H a w a i i Manoa’s William Richardson School of Law. Last year’s winner was Maria Andrea Jurado of Waipahu High School. The contest is co-sponsored by Budget Color Litho Inc., and the Filipino Association of University Women. Contact Rose Churma or Toshiro Obara at 239-6365, info@lettertomyparents.com for more information. Details are also available at www.lettertomyparents.com.
City Announces Next TOD Forum
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ity officials and the Urban Land Institute of Hawaii are co-hosting “2014 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Symposium: Ready to Roll” on November 22, 2014 at the Blaisdell Center Pikake Room from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Attendees will receive updates on the City’s efforts to implement TOD, learn from local and national experts, weigh in on TOD priorities for Honolulu and discuss new ideas for neighborhood design, streets, infrastructure, housing and financing. The list of speakers include: • Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who will speak on the topic “A Vision for Honolulu” • Gil Penalosa, executive director of 8-80 Cities. She is an internationally known visionary of what makes a great city – from age-friendly streets to dynamic public spaces. • Meea Kang, president, Domus Development. She is an award winning developer of mixed-use infill devel-
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opments who has extensive experience with public-private partnerships. William Fleissig, president, Communitas Development. He is a mixed-use developer and former public-sector policymaker, and consultant to cities on market-driven strategies to create economically successful communities. Cathy Camp, director of development, Kamehameha Schools, who will speak on the topic “Focus on Kalihi: Opportunities and Challenges in Revitalizing the Kapalama Canal area.” Stanford Carr, president, Stanford Carr Development. He is an experienced local developer of groundbreaking affordable and urban infill development.
The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register by November 13, 2014. For more information on the event, contact the City’s Department of Planning & Permitting at 768-8050.
measles is to get vaccinated. DOH is urging everyone to check their immunization status and contact their healthcare provider if they need to be vaccinated. Those who suspect they have measles should call
their doctor right away and isolate themselves from others to help contain the spread of illness. Symptoms include a blotchy red rash, fever, cough and running nose. For more information o n m e a s l e s , v i s i t http://health.hawaii.gov/do cd/home/imm.
8 HAWAii FiliPiNo CHroNiClE NoVEmBEr 1, 2014
CANDID PERSPECTIVES
Sex and the Filipino/a By Emil Guillermo
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r. Dawn Mabalon, San Francisco State University history professor has written what I call my go-to-American Filipino history book in her study of the community in Stockton, Calif. But one obvious thing you’ll notice in “Little Manila is in the Heart,” is the use of the term “Filipino/a.” It’s confusing at first. But it’s a bold grammatical revolution After all, there may be some truth that we’re all a little bit of “o” and “a.” That’s just one of the issues cropping up in the Philippines where in Olongapo City they buried Jeffrey/Jennifer
Laude last week. Born Jeffrey, and a member of the transgender community as Jennifer, Laude was brutally murdered earlier this month. You might have heard of her brutal murder on Oct. 11. Laude was found dead in a hotel bathroom. Reports say her head was placed in a toilet where she drowned and died of asphyxia. The murder gets complicated and politicized because the suspect is Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, a U.S. Marine from the Second Battalion. Witnesses say Laude and Pemberton checked into the hotel together. Currently detained in the Philippines’ military headquarters in joint custody, Pemberton’s legal status remains uncertain. Tried in the Philippines? Protected as an American? Set free as a U.S. serviceman? Oh and then, there’s that simple matter of the VFA, aka,
the Visiting Forces Agreement, the last vestiges of colonialism revived, just when you thought the Philippines was ready to stand tall and do things on its own. The VFA is like a colonial shield. It’s instant American imperialism by contract. We just allow the U.S. and the Philippines to shack up militarily whenever we need. It’s a nice cozy “side-by-side” relationship. So we have a trans-national problem, on top of a trans-gender problem. And of course, being the Philippines and Filipinos/as, we want to have it all ways at once. Sort of trans-ethical. President Aquino doesn’t want to dump the bases, so he’s for the VFA and doesn’t attend the Laude funeral last week. Meanwhile, Pemberton has hired a Philippine lawyer to go before a Philippine judge this week to ask that no mur-
der charges be filed. Pemberton was not in attendance,but his lawyer insisted there is no probable cause for murder. Laude’s family is, of course, upset with the Philippine government and the U.S Military. They’re crying for justice. But the VFA has protected Pemberton so thoroughly, Philippine police have been unable to get even basic evidence like fingerprints at the crime scene. The only one speaking sense is Sen. Walden Bello, who has called the death of a Filipino/a at the hands of a U.S. military person reason for the termination of the VFA. Bello also mentioned such thing as the alleged dumping of hazardous waste at Subic Bay by a US Navy Contractor in 2012, the grounding on the Tubbataha Reef by the USS Guardian in 2013, as well as the purported establishment of a base for US Special Forces in Zamboanga.
Bello says the VFA allows for the U.S. to skip the accountability. The VFA does give the Philippines jurisdiction over US troops who commit crimes in the country not linked to their official duties. But it also says custody over the Americans remain with the US government except on “extraordinary cases.” Is the Laude case extraordinary? I think it is. Hawaii readers with the close connection to the military are likely to have a greater understanding of what’s at play here. But Hawaii is the U.S. The Philippines is a sovereign nation. Does it give up everything for a VFA? Does it give up on a transgendered person who has been murdered? Emil GuillErmo, an award-winning journalist and winner of an American Book Award, was an editorial board member of the Honolulu Advertiser.
noveMBeR 1, 2014 hawaii filiPino chRonicle 9
10 hawaii filiPino chRonicle noveMBeR 1, 2014
Q & A (from page 6, SCHATZ ...)
our nation? What is your answer to addressing this threat? A: Political grandstanding is derailing even nonpartisan issues, like basic infrastructure improvements. We must put aside the games. My Republican partners on the pieces of legislation I passed are at the other end of the ideological spectrum, but we found common ground honoring our veterans and making military bases more efficient. Q: How should the U.S. deal with the threat from ISIS and other militant groups in the Middle East? A: I strongly oppose putting U.S. combat troops on the ground but ISIS cannot be ignored. We must coordinate with NATO allies and partners in the region to craft a deliberate, multilateral strategy. We need to ensure that American air strikes can help stop ISIS’ advance, disrupt its training and deter new recruits from joining its ranks. Q: Where do you stand on immigration reform? A: Immigration is the story of Hawaii, America and of all our families. I voted for the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform that will provide a path to citizenship, bring people out of the shadows and increase our border security. Immigration is an important issue for the Filipino community. I will do all I can to make it easier and faster to petition relatives in the Philippines. I also hope to simplify the process of obtaining visitor visas for loved ones and work visas for the many skilled workers in the Philippines who can contribute to the local economy. Q: What is the outlook for the U.S. economy? What should the government do to avoid facing another fiscal cliff? A: We have a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely, but we need to keep in mind that debt and deficits are not the main economic problem. In recent years, we have reduced the deficit by $2 trillion. We need to focus on jobs and investing in infrastructure and education instead of austere measures that will hurt people and the economy. Too often, politicians have put benefit cuts on the table and entertained Social Security cuts in the name of deficit reduction. That is something I will not do. I will never vote to cut Social Security which is not responsible for the deficit. I believe we should work to strengthen the program rather than undermine it. Q: How do you plan to address problems affecting Social Security and Medicare? A: Social Security and Medicare are
under increasing threat. Social Security should be strengthened, not undermined. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to increase Social Security benefits and strengthen the financial stability of the program. This legislation would increase benefits by about $65 per month, make cost-¬of-¬living adjustments more accurate and remove the wage cap so that wealthy Americans pay into the program the same way the rest of us do, extending Social Security’s long-¬term solvency. Social Security is extremely important to the Filipino community with its many hard-working individuals, some of whom work two to three jobs. Our seniors need a safety net they can rely on when they retire or are unable to work. I’m also working with Democratic leadership to protect Medicare and provide seniors with access to quality, affordable care. Currently, drug manufacturers have a deal in place that allows them to charge higher prices for prescription drugs for certain seniors and people with disabilities. I support the Medicare Drug Savings Act, which would require pharmaceutical companies to charge more reasonable prices for drugs used by low¬-income seniors and people with disabilities—a common-sense change to level the playing field for Medicare Part D and save taxpayers money. Medicare Part D is currently prohibited from negotiations while Medicaid and private insurers are able to negotiate lower drug prices. That’s not fair. By correcting this provision, we would prevent excessive payments to pharmaceutical companies and save money. Q: What is your approach in working with colleagues, constituents and others who do not share your philosophy or values? A: I’ve been able to work across the aisle to pass bills into law. I’ve found common ground with Republicans where I can get things done and pass legislation that will help Hawaii. Johnny Isakson is a conservative senator from Georgia, but we were able to work together on a defense amendment that passed into law which will improve U.S. military bases and make them more sustainable to protect our environment. Q: Any last words on why the Filipino community should support you for Congress? A: My main mission is to help families. I work every day to protect Medicare and Social Security, make college more affordable, improve working conditions, honor the commitments to our veterans and create more jobs. I am humbled by the support I’ve received from the Filipino community and committed to making sure Hawaii’s Filipino community has a voice in the U.S. Senate.
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Q & A (from page 6, CAVASSO ...)
Q: Where do you stand on immigration reform? A: America is a nation made great by immigrants. We must welcome those who want to come and become true Americans. We must also secure our borders, fix the broken system so that people seeking legitimate entry can become Americans more quickly, create a viable guest worker program and find a humane solution, not instant citizenship, for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently in our country. Q: What is the outlook for the U.S. economy? What should the government do to avoid facing another fiscal cliff?
A: The economy looks bleak and will continue as long as we look to government and not ourselves and private enterprise for solutions. What government should do is reduce regulations, cut the corporate tax rate, pass a balanced budget amendment, slash waste and excess so we do not burden our children and grandchildren with debt, create an environment that makes it easier to start and maintain businesses which will result in more jobs, and dismantle the onerous tax burden called Obamacare. In addition, if we would return to sound money, such as the Gold Standard, it would stabilize our dollar and stop the government from simply printing money whenever
they want. It would return confidence to the economy and create a boom that would double our domestic growth. Q: How do you plan to address problems affecting Social Security and Medicare? A: We must protect Social Security and Medicare. Longterm solutions include raising the age of eligibility and allowing some levels of private investment. My opponent has advocated removing the income cap on social security. That would result in one of the largest tax hikes in American history, cripple small business and cost thousands of jobs here in Hawaii. Congressional experts have derided his plan
HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
Lava Flow to Affect Pahoa Polling Place
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he on-going Kilauea lava flow has forced State elections officials to offer alternate polls for voters on November 4th. According to Chief Election Officer Scott Nago, voters assigned to the precinct at Pahoa Community Center have been instructed to cast their ballots at the Hawaiian Paradise Community Center. This latest move ensures access to those who choose to vote on Election Day.
“The flow is expected to cross Highway 130, cutting off access to voters living in Ainaloa and Orchidlands Estates,” Nago says. “We’ll be providing poll workers at Hawaiian Paradise Community Center with the poll books and ballots to allow voters in these communities the oppor-
tunity to vote on November 4.” Nago estimates about 2,000 voters are affected by this move. Voters that still have access to the Pahoa Community Center may still vote there. In preparation for the lava flow, county election officials mailed absentee mail applications to voters in the area and set-up an early vote location at Nanawale Community Center which was open through October 31st.
Repairs Completed at Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
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he Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is back at full operation after crews and contract workers earlier this week repaired infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Ana. On October 19, a spike in runoff water into the sewer system during heavy rains from Hurricane Ana led to an overflow within the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Nearly 5,000 gallons of partially-treated waste water overflowed into Honolulu Harbor. At the same time, some 20 million gallons were contained in the basement area, damaging the electrical wiring. Flooding within the
plant short circuited some of the electrical systems and knocked clarifiers 4, 6, 7, and 8 offline. The clarifiers have been repaired and crews plugged up the two holes in an offline channel to prevent a reoccurrence of wastewater overflowing into the basement area that contains electrical paneling. The egg-shaped digester operated by Synagro Technologies has also been restored to full service and resumed converting the plant’s sludge into soil amendment pellets. The Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest wastewater treatment facility in Hawaii and serves
m e t r o p o l i t a n H o n o l u l u , Waikiki and outlying suburbs. It has the capacity to process some 82 million gallons of sewage per day.
and say it has zero chance of being introduced and passed. Further, he has proposed raising the monthly payment by $65. This is also laughable as it represents $45 billion more a year in payments—another unfunded mandate that will dramatically increase taxes for very little benefit. Gaining a Jones Act exemption for Hawaii, which Brian Schatz opposes, would save Social Security recipients $500 to $1,000 a month and would help make it more affordable to live in Hawaii. Q: What is your approach in working with colleagues, constituents and others who do not share your philosophy or values? A: At the Legislature, I worked successfully with both parties and will do so in Washington. As a Republican majority takes over the Senate this year, a junior minority senator
will have no voice at all and Hawaii will suffer. We need a Republican Senator to be certain that Hawaii has a seat at the table and only I can continue the legacy of federal benefits started by Senator Inouye. Q: Any last words on why the Filipino community should support you for Congress? A: I have the highest respect for the Filipino community, its strong work ethic and family and religious values. I represent the values of the Filipino community far more thoroughly. I am pro-life, pro marriage and anti Pono Choice. This is in sharp contrast to my opponent who is pro-abortion, pro same sex marriage, pro Pono Choice and against religious liberty and the freedom to create business. I have the experience and knowledge to truly represent you and your values. Thank you for your support.
12 hawaii filiPino chRonicle noveMBeR 1, 2014
PHILIPPINE NEWS
Iloilo Overprice: Drilon, 2 Cabinet Men Face Plunder Raps by Michael Punongbayan Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014
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ANILA, Philippines - Another plunder charge has been filed against Senate President Franklin Drilon for the alleged P487.8-million overprice in the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC). Former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada Jr. filed the complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday. Also included in the complaint were Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and six other government officials and private individuals. Hilmarcs Construction Corp. (HCC), the contractor that built the controversial Makati City Parking Building II, was also named in the complaint along with its president
Efren Canlas. The respondent officials are also being accused of dishonesty and grave misconduct as well as violation of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Reform Act. An earlier plunder case was filed against Drilon, Jimenez and Singson also in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of the ICC. Mejorada, in his complaint, argued that the ICC, once completed, would be overpriced by P487.851 million because with a total floor area of 6,400 square meters, the unit cost for the construction and completion of the establishment would amount to P106,226 per square meter. He noted that the SM Mall of Asia SMX convention center was built for P26,400 per square meter, which is within the industry standard of P30,000 per square meter.
Perspective of the Iloilo Convention Center
“By any language, that is an overpriced contract cost for the completion of this building, which, computed at the industry standard of P30,000 per square meter, should only have cost not more than P192 million,” Mejorada said. “The overprice for the project is glaring, because just across the street stands the 12story Richmonde Hotel of Megaworld. This grand edifice, complete with world class furniture and fixtures that go with a five-star hotel, cost only P500 million,” he added. Mejorada said Drilon is the principal proponent of the ICC project as it was he who pushed
for the funding of the contract from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). “It is his baby. Hence, respondent Drilon must be held accountable for the loss of P488 million from the coffers of the government,” Mejorada said. “He is presumed to have harvested the fruits of the anomalous expenditures way above what can be considered reasonable for the construction of the project,” the former provincial official alleged. He also said the awarding of the contract to HCC was “in-
firm, invalid and violative” of the procurement law. He said the officials and the other respondents in the complaint “confederated and conspired” to defraud the government. “The conceptualization, procurement and implementation of this project oozes with dishonesty and grave misconduct,” he said. “It was a high-level conspiracy involving the project proponent and key Cabinet secretaries in the government, and their subordinate officials, in cahoots with the private respondents,” he said. “The construction of the Iloilo Convention Center is only a disguise for the proponent, respondent Franklin M. Drilon, to build an avenue for corruption with public funds coming from the DAP, which the Supreme Court had declared as illegal and unconstit u t i o n a l , ” h e a d d e d . (www.philstar.com)
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LEGAL NOTES
What To Do If Your Immigration Case Is Denied By Reuben S. Seguritan
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undreds of thousands of immig r a n t s a r e deported from the U.S. each year. For fiscal year 2013, deportation under the Obama administration totaled 438,421, according to the immigration enforcement statistics recently released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The number is nearly a 5 percent increase from the 418,397 deportations in 2012. If the USCIS denies an application or petition, it will send a denial notice to the applicant or petitioner explaining the reasons for the denial. The applicant or petitioner may appeal the decision to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The denial notice will provide information
about his appeal rights. The applicant or petitioner, with certain exceptions, may also file a motion to reopen or reconsider. If there is no right to appeal, the applicant or petitioner may still file a motion with the USCIS. Also, where the option to appeal is available and the decision made on appeal is still unfavorable, a motion to reopen or reconsider may be filed. In a visa petition case, the beneficiary cannot file an appeal or motion unless he is also the petitioner such as in the case of a VAWA self-petitioner, widow/er of a citizen and other visa petitions where the beneficiary self-petitions. When an applicant or petitioner files an appeal, he is requesting a higher authority of the original deciding office to review the decision due to the incorrect application of law or misinterpretation of pertinent facts of the case. Generally, a decision denying a family-based petition is appealable to the BIA. The ap-
peal is made on Form EOIR29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of an INS Officer, and is filed with the office that originally made the decision. Most appeals, with certain exceptions, are made on Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion. The denial notice will provide the instructions as to which form to use and where to file it. When the applicant or petitioner appeals the decision to the AAO, the adjudicating officer who made the original decision will review the record. If the officer determines that reopening or reconsidering the case is not warranted, the case will be forwarded to the AAO or the BIA. The appeal must be filed within the set period indicated in the denial notice which is generally 30 days from the date of the decision. Shorter period may apply to some cases. There is no extension for the set deadline. A brief may be submitted with the appeal. The brief and other supporting evidence
may be filed concurrently with the appeal. However, it may also be submitted after the appeal is filed. The applicant or petitioner is not required to submit a brief; however, he must provide an explanation as to why he believes the original decision was made in error. If the applicant or petitioner opts not to file a brief, failure to submit at least an explanation as to why the decision was made in error may result in the denial of the appeal. When the applicant or petitioner files a motion to reconsider or reopen, he is requesting the adjudicating officer who originally made the decision to review it. A motion to reopen must be based on factual grounds such as the discovery of new evidence or changed circumstances and must be supported by affidavits and other documentary evidence. A motion to reconsider on the other hand must establish that the decision was incorrect based on an incorrect application of law and must be supported by pertinent prece-
PHILIPPINE NEWS
Bill Pushes Philippine Farms as Tourist Destinations
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anila, Philippines Farms will be included in the country’s list of feasible tourist spots once the “Farm Tourism Act” becomes a law. AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin authored House Bill 3745 or “An act providing for the development and promotion of farm tourism in the Philippines and for other purposes” which was approved on first reading by the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism. The proposed measure provides that tourists may enjoy activities such as milking cows, fruit-picking, harvesting vegetables, fishing, horseback riding, watching butterflies, tasting wines or juices and sight-seeing while visiting farms. Albay Rep. Fernando
Gonzalez supports the bill, noting that the tourism and agriculture sector will both benefit from it and would boost the country's economy. The Tourism Committee consulted farm owners, tourism officers, agriculture experts, other stakeholders and government officials in studying the measure. Agri-tourism will encourage farmers will encourage farmers to preserve their lands and ensure food security in the country, University of South Eastern Philippines Professor Fernando Magdato, Jr. said. Under the bill, the Department of Tourism will team up with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Depart-
ment of Agrarian Reform and local government units in identifying which farms are viable tourism sites. Each of the 81 provinces in the country should have at least one tourism farm. Asian countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia thrive in the farm tourism industry. (www.philstar.com)
dent decisions. Most motions are filed on Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, generally, within 30 days from the date of the decision. Although a brief is not required, it may be filed with the motion. If not filed, the applicant or petitioner must provide a sufficient explanation as to why he believes the decision was made in error. The USCIS tries to adjudicate motions within 90 days from receipt. If the motion is denied or dismissed, it may be appealed to the AAO. Although it may take longer, the AAO attempts to resolve appeals within six months from receipt. In some cases, the USCIS can waive the fee for filing an appeal or motion as long as the fee for the underlying petition or application can also be waived. ReUBen S. SegURitan has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com
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PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE
DAYASADAS By Pacita Saludes
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a l a k s i d t i p a n nakaimatang kadagiti dipay naam-ammo a masisirib a tattao iti ili a Candon, Ilocos sur, adu pay dagiti naisangsangayan a naiparang kadayta a rabii iti Dole Cannery Ballroom. Naimatangan dagiti nagduduma nga arwat ni PINAY, ken imprensetar dagiti Ilokana kasta met dagiti arte dagiti nagiparang. Rimruar dagiti arwat a nabayag a di naar-aramat ken nakitkita a kawes babaen ti panangiyarte dagiti nagarwat. Kasta met ti panangdanggay dagiti maidulduin a Barong nga isu dayta ti makuna a kadaanan nga arwat ni Filipino, nagborda a puraw. Saan la a dayta iti CADONIAN AFFAIR, manmano dagiti rantaen a dar-ayan dagiti agtuturay idiay pagilian.
Naidumduma a Kinagarbo Ti Indasar Ti Candonian’s of Hawaii Iti Dole Cannery Ballroom Dimmar-ay da Hon. ERIC DARIO DINGSON iti Candon City a Congressman ti 2nd District ti Ilocos Sur a kaduana ti napintas ken naragsak nga asawana. Isuda ti nakaitalimudokan ti imatang ken panagdayaw dagiti amin a dimmar-ay. Adu ti timmalantan, nagruna pay dagiti dadduma nga organisasion dagiti il-ili. Adu dagiti masdaaw, ngem kunami a saan a pagsiddaawan dayta, gapu ta dagiti Candonians mannakikaduada isu nga adu met ti makikadua ken dumaray kadakuada. Aglalo iti maysa nga edukada ken naragsak a babai ti kappili nga agturayda a Presidenta - ni Helen Grace Villanueva Go. Naayat, naragsak, mannakidadua ken mannakaawat , sigurado nga agbiag ken narangrang-ay pay ita. Kadagiti amin a naam amammok a presendente isu pay laeng ti nangibisik kaniak ti kalikagumna nga agadal nga ag-
surat. Immisemak ta mariknak ken madlawko nga adu ti kabaelanna nga aramiden iti ababa laeng a panawen. Madlaw iti tignay ken panagsasaona iti galad a saan a panaginkukuna ken managserbi. KUDOS TO HELEN GO!! Congratulations to the C A N D O N I A N S O F HAWAII!!
Narvacan Association of Hawaii: Naimbag A Paskuayo!! Adu met ti proyekto ti Narvacan ASSN nga inorganisar ni LOUIE FONTANILLA, nga isu ti Presindente agingga ita. Isagsaganada met ti FUN DANCE a pagraragsakan dagiti amin a dumar-ay a maaramid inton December 6,
2014, 5:30 pm agingga iti rabii idiay Golden Coin Restaurant iti Waipahu. Makablaawantayto dita dagiti opisyalesda , ti Presidente Louie Fontanilla, ti naragsak a bise presidentena ni Aida Ancheta, ni Eliza Cachola ken dagiti amin a Narvakenios.
PaNuNOTeN ITa Ta NaSaPa PaY Bukraen ti sinirutan a siglot ti napalabas Usisaen dagiti benneg a siaannad Di agsarimadeng idatag a sipapalanas No ainia’t namsaakan aldaw a naglabas.
Awan makapaglibak uray pugedan Amin a paddak di ammo a masipsiputan Uray nayebkas ki mapaglibakan Ta ti langit adda latta nga agwanwanawan.
Saggaysaen nga anagen dagiti bilin Adda man nalibtawan ken saan Awan rason ta suroten ti pagalagadan Bayat ti panagbiag di paginsasaanan.
Kada maysa naikkan iti naan-anay a panawen Mangiringpas naited nga akem No naglabes wenno nagkurang templaen No ania ti utang gayadan pagsobraen.
Lagipen a ti biag saan kuakua Naipabulod laeng aywanan koma Amin a nagapuanan masamirka No nakaibaonan maaramid met la ida. Anaten a lukiben binulong ti listaan No adut nagkurangan nakaisangratan Ita met laeng rugianen a sulnitan Amangan madanon panawen adut’ pagkurangan
Madanon panawen a pannaka-awag Agawid di pay nadalusan naglastan Ditan ti pakasagatan pakaamirisan Nasayaat ken dakes inlemlemmeng maduktalan Agbabawikan, ngem naladawen, anusam!
ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE HOW THE FACE OF BUSINESS IS CHANGING! No matter how small your ad, it gets our readers attention! CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @
www.thefilipinochronicle.com
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Pa S u q u I N I O a S S O C I aT I O N O F H aWa I I ' S INSTallaTION OF OFFICerS & DIreCTOrS ● SuNDaY ● November 1, 2014 | Pomaikai Ballroom, Dole Cannery | 5:30-10:30 PM | Contact Froebel Garcia at 386-6559 or Dory Villafuerte @ 397-9718 for details.
MISS PHIlIPPINeS HaWaII uSa PreSeNTaTION ● SaTurDaY ● November 22, 2014 | Kalayaan Philippines International, Pacific Beach Hotel | 6:00 PM | For more info, contact Ben Pulido @ 421-9747.
PaSKuHaN Sa CONSulaDO, a COMMuNITY CHrISTMaS CeleBraTION ● TueSDaY ● December
more info, call Jeff de Mesa @ 595-6316 to 19 ext. 105.
FIlIPINO aSSOCIaTION OF uNIVerSITY WOMeN (FauW), PaSKO! ● SuNDaY ● December 21, 2014 | Honolulu Museum of Arts | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM | FREE Admission courtesy of Bank of Hawaii's monthly family Sunday | For more information, please contact Pepi Nieva at pepinieva@hotmail.com.
TarlaC MuTual CluB, aNNual CHrISTMaS ParTY & COrONaTION OF MOTHer OF THe Year ● SaTurDaY ● December 27, 2014 | FilCom Center | 5:0011:00 PM | Contact Armando Celestino @ 779-2166 for more info.
16, 2014 | Philippine Consulate Grounds | 5:30-10:30 PM | For
MAINLAND NEWS
Welga Project Launched in Oakland
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he Welga Project (Tagalog for “strike”) was launched at the Eastside Arts Alliance Center in Oakland, California on October 24, 2014. The Welga Project brings to light the hidden history of Filipino leadership and engagement in the Delano Grape Strike of 1965 which led to the creation of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) and
granted workers better pay, benefits and protections. Organizers created a publicly accessible digital archive which houses oral history and other materials from strike participants and supporters. The Welga Project also included a teacher’s resource guide to support the implementation of AB123, legislation recently signed into law by the state of California,
which mandates the teaching of Filipinos’ contribution to the farm worker struggle. The launch of the Welga Project included a screening of the film “The Delano Manongs” by Marisa Aroy, which tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers who instigated the strike against the grape growers of Delano, California.
Seton Hall Univ President Receives Papal Honor
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eton Hall University President A. Gabriel Esteban and Father Christopher Ciccarino and associate dean of the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, were recently inducted as knights in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The investiture mass was held in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Being knighted in the Order of the Holy Sepulcher is one of the highest papal awards for clergy and laity in the Catholic Church. Knights of the Holy Sepulchre are chosen for their deep Christian faith, involvement in the Church at the parish and diocesan levels, their ecumenical spirit and
Gabriel A. Esteban
their interest in the Holy Land. The chivalric order dates back to the First Crusade in 1099, and its mission is to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land through the building of schools, shrines and seminaries in the Holy Land as well as projects such as housing,
scholarships, business start-up loans, and other types of social work. The charity of the order is provided to all those in need, regardless of their religious beliefs. Pope Francis approved the nominations of President Esteban and Father Ciccarino, which were submitted by the Most Rev. John J. Myers, archbishop of Newark. “I am truly humbled to receive this honor and thank Archbishop John J. Myers for considering me worthy as a candidate,” says Esteban. Esteban holds a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Management at the University of California at Irvine, an M.S. in Japanese Business Studies from Chaminade University in Honolulu, and an M.B.A. and B.S. in mathematics from the University of the Philippines.
GLOBAL NEWS
No Fireworks Seen in Noy’s APEC Attendance in China
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ANILA, Philippines - No fireworks are expected when President Aquino visits China for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next month. But the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) believes it will be the perfect forum to discuss business and investments, and show that
the Philippines’ relations with China go beyond the West Philippine Sea dispute. In a press briefing yesterday, DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura del Rosario said the President and his Cabinet economic cluster would seize the opportunity to market the country as an investment destination.
Del Rosario said the country’s territorial row with China is not on the agenda. She said tourist arrivals from China had increased despite the sea dispute. Del Rosario said this year’s APEC would be “a bit more exciting for us” because the Philippines would host the forum in 2015. The President would talk
before chief executive officers in the region. He will also have a dialogue with leaders of the APEC Business Advisory Council on economic reform for competitive growth. Aquino will not have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping but will meet with Latin American leaders.
The President will leave for Beijing on Nov. 9 and leave on Nov. 11 for Myanmar to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit until Nov. 12. Del Rosario said Latin American countries were also looking for investment areas. (www.philstar.com)
NOVEMBER 1, 2014