March 27, 2014

Dear Neighbors,

We are sprinting towards the end of the 28th Alaska State Legislature and multiple bills are passing the House every day. As of this writing, we have more than 25 pieces of legislation that have passed out of committee and are waiting to be voted on in the House. My office has been working diligently to ensure everything is properly vetted before we vote. It is our duty as legislators to ensure we only pass legislation that is beneficial to all Alaskans and I will continue to work hard for Fairbanks and Alaskan families.

Arctic Winter Games Successes!

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games athletes on an incredible week of sportsmanship, friendship and cross-cultural interaction. Team Alaska performed superbly and ended the Games with sixty-eight gold ulus, sixty silver ulus and seventy-four bronze ulus for a Games-most 202 total medals. Yet it won’t be the medals that these young Alaskans remember; it will be the lasting memories and friends that they’ll take forward and cherish in the future.

I am proud to say Fairbanks truly lived up to its billing as the Golden Heart City of Alaska. More than 2,700 volunteers made the 2014 Arctic Winter Games a success as they devoted tens of thousands of hours to hosting, feeding, cleaning, protecting, chaperoning and caring for the athletes and venues. Thank you to all those who participated, volunteered and cheered at the Arctic Winter Games.

50 Year Anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake

At 5:36 p.m. on March 27, 1964 the second-largest earthquake in history rocked Anchorage. For five terrifying minutes, the ground shook underneath Alaska’s largest city. The quake set off a tsunami on the West Coast and caused an estimated $2.3 billion in damages (in 2014 dollars). The natural disaster ultimately killed 131 Alaskans. As a result of the earthquake the Tsunami Warning Center was created and the U.S. Geological Survey learned more about the warning signs of massive quakes. As the state reflects back on that horrifying day and the destruction that followed, we can stand proud, knowing the citizens of Alaska had the strength and bravery to pick up the pieces and rebuild our community.

Get Involved!

There are many ways for you to get involved this weekend in both legislative and non-legislative events. I plan to attend most of them and see you there. Below are a few highlights.

Saturday, March 29:

Legalization of Marijuana Initiative Public Testimony: LIO, 9am

Science Fair: Pioneer Park Civic Center, 10am

Vietnam Veterans Day: UAF Wood Center Ballroom, 12:30pm

Increasing the Minimum Wage Initiative Public Testimony: LIO 1:30pm

Sunday, March 30:

Raven Landing Sunday Brunch: Raven Landing Center 12:30-2pm

Pizza and Politics with Rep Kawasaki: Lathrop High School cafeteria, 2-4pm. Bring your questions, comments and concerns regarding the 28th Legislature to discuss with your Representative!

Monday, March 31:

Public Testimony on SB 138 (AK LNG Proposal): House Resources will begin taking public testimony at 6pm on this critical piece of legislation.

New Voter ID Cards

This month the State division of elections will distribute new voter ID cards to all eligible voters in Alaska. Because of recent redistricting, many Alaskans will find themselves in different districts. You may find that the boundaries of your old district have shifted, putting you in a new district, or the number of the district has been changed. Conveniently, your new voter ID will have your district and precinct as well as your name, address and voter ID number. I urge you to study your new card closely as the Fairbanks area has been heavily influenced by the new districting plan. If you are unsure which district to vote in this fall, please visit the Division of Elections’ website here.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
District 4 - Fairbanks