Friends of Russell Ruderman

11/03/2020

Aloha and Mahalo!
On this, my last day as state senator, I thank you all for the support over the years. No flowery speeches today as I know we are focused on the election.
This page may disappear soon. If you want to stay in touch please contact me on my personal page.
Again, Aloha, and Mahalo!

10/11/2020

05/20/2020

Aloha All,
After eight years as your state senator, I have chosen not to run for a third term this year. I want to thank each of you for your support over these last eight years. Serving Puna and Ka’u in the state legislature has been one of the great honors of my life. The reasons include personal, health, and political.
I thank every one who ever helped my campaigns, or supported my efforts in office. Few thought I could win, or get reelected, or be effective. With your help we did all of that. Every time one of you said “Mahalo!” or “Hang in there” here in our community is forever appreciated, and that’s what kept me going.
I also thank my longtime staff, Maigee Chang and Michael Greenough, who have been the foundation of my senate office for all these eight long years! I believe we are the only office that had this stability or talent. This has allowed us to be much more effective for our community, which my staff has grown to love as much as I do. I could never thank them enough and I could not have been more fortunate to have them.
I also thank my hardworking campaign team, Chair Brent Norris and Treasurer Gretchen Klungness! We never lost an election!
I’m proud of what we have accomplished together. We represented our community with an honest, independent voice working towards responsiveness and integrity in our government. Our community deserves this and strongly supported me in this commitment. While some projects remain unfinished, I will remain involved and hope to see them through. I will also be involved in other efforts, some to be announced soon, and I hope to make much more of a contribution to our community in these other ways.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Russell Ruderman

03/13/2020

Senator Ruderman has setup a page with Coronavirus resources here:

March 13th - As of 8:00 AM, March 13, 2020 there have been 1,629 total cases detected in 47 states (or districts) through US public health surveillance

10/29/2019

I am honored to be named Legislator of the Year by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii along with Representative Joy Sanbuenaventura, and the Achievement in Advocacy Award recipient - Representative Sylvia Luke, at the HAH's 2019 Royal Red Ball Awards and Scholarship Gala.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s 160 member organizations include all of the acute care hospitals in Hawaii, all public and private skilled nursing facilities, all the Medicare-certified home health agencies, all hospices, all assisted living facilities, durable medical equipment suppliers and home infusion/pharmacies. Members also represent other healthcare providers from throughout the continuum including case management, air and ground ambulance, blood bank, dialysis, and more.

with Hilton R. Raethel, President and CEO, and Kathleen Libao-Laygo, RN, Senior Director.

06/01/2019

Many of us may not know the background of this Hawai‘i State Senator and owner of the Island Naturals stores, and how he arrived on Hawai‘i Island.

04/26/2019

I'm very happy to report some major funding for Puna and Ka'u! Note, these are in addition to $60 Million for lava disaster relief.

CIP (Capitol Improvement Projects) funds appropriated for our district this year:
Volcano School of Arts -$15 Million for building out new campus

Puna Boat Ramp - $500,000 for planning and design of a new boat ramp in Puna to replace Pohoiki boat ramp, which is now land-locked due to lava. (Note, a study has been completed showing Pohoiki is not repairable, and a new location will be determined)

Pahoa Wastewater Treatment Plant, - $600,000 for planning and design. This is something we have pursued for 7 years! The lack of a sewage system prevents business development, and endangers groundwater. Pahoa is the largest town in Hawaii lacking a sewage treatment system.

Big Island Substance Abuse Council in Kea'au - $100k for operating expenses, this wonderful organization treats many Puna residents with substance abuse issues.

Ka’u Hospital - $500,000 for equipment and renovations

Ka’u High and Elementary School - $200,000 for Cafeteria, equipment and site improvements
Kea’au Elementary School - $270,000 for new fire alarm system and various site improvements
Kea’au High School - $175,000 for fire alarm and site improvements
Kea’au Middle School - $75,000 for fire alarm and site improvements
Keonopoko Elementary School – $500,000 for fire alarm, equipment and site improvements

Not in district but of island-wide importance, we strongly supported the following:

Mauna Kea Fence - $500,000 for fencing for ungulate control. This will protect native species and habitat. We are a big supporter of tree planting efforts on Mauna Kea, including the Sandalwood Project.

Ulu Coop Facility / Honalo Yard - $1.1 Million for improvements. This Kona facility supports local food island-wide as host of the Ulu Cooperative, and we are a big supporter of this visionary project led by Dana Shapiro and Ulu Cooperative. Hawaii Ulu Producers Coop was also awarded $150k in additional funding.

Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island - $100k.

After School All-Stars $150k to continue various programs in all of our Puna and Ka'u high schools.

10/04/2018

Hoping to see you at the Town Hall meeting Tuesday, 6pm, Keaau. Please share.

06/01/2018

CIVIL DEFENSE THU 5/31 6:45PML:

Residents along Papaya Farms Rd & Noni Farms Rd should evacuate now. Residents of Vacationland & Kapoho Beach Lots should evacuate by 6/1 6PM or risk isolation.

Mandatory evacuation order in effect for areas east of Pomaikai St in Leilani Estates. Evacuate by 6/1 12PM.

03/26/2018