RepMcDermott.com

Bob and his wife, Utu, urge drivers to slow down

Representative Bob McDermott joined with Ewa Police officers to conduct a CTAP anti-speeding program. CTAP stands for Community Traffic Awareness Program. At the request of Ewa residents, who were alarmed by the growing level of accidents on specific stretches of road, Rep McDermott worked with Sgt. Darryl Evangelista to set up a series of driver awareness events.  Bob’s wife, Utu, son and nephew were all out early in the morning on July 1st to help warn drivers to slow down…and arrive alive. Bob & friends were back out the afternoon of July 8th and have two more CTAP events planned in the future.

McDermott make his point with the news media

Representative McDermott blasts Abercrombie administration’s obstruction of VA loans.

Arbitrary ruling by Department of Health blocks VA loans for up to 60,000 affordable Big Island homes for Hawaii’s Veterans.

 HONOLULU – June 20, 2013 –Today Representative Bob McDermott held a press conference at the State Capitol to outline his efforts to work with the Abercrombie administration to alter an arbitrary DOH (Department of Health) ruling posted on their Website that blocks VA loans to homes with rainwater catchment systems.

“We tried working with Gary Gil at the DOH and Blake Oshiro at the Governor’s Office for over sixty days,” explained Rep. McDermott.

“Everyone seemed to understand the situation, but absolutely nothing was done to correct the problem.”

McDermott was first apprised of the problem by VA loan administrators who pointed out that the policy statement on the DOH Website was causing the VA to balk at home loans and re-fi’s for thousands of homes with catchment systems.  They were also concerned that other lenders such as Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac might follow suit paralyzing mortgage lending for a huge segment of the Big Island real estate inventory.

According to McDermott the problem has a simple solution.  Just change the Website copy.

“This isn’t a law, or an official rule,” said McDermott.  “it is just something…an opinion…that some nameless bureaucrat put up on the Website that has become de facto policy.”

READ MORE: StarAdvertiser story

Rep’s McDermott and Ward pose with members of the Waikiki Rotary in the Governors ceremonial office.

Members of the Waikiki Rotary were given a tour of the Capitol by Representatives Gene Ward and Bob McDermott. The group met with the Representatives to discuss the legislative process and specific issues that relate to business in Hawaii.

Rep McDermott introduces Art Plekaus, Gentry Home’s Customer Service Manager.

Ewa neighborhood invaded by bugs gets much needed help