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Commentary: Senator Josh Green – “Over $180 Million in Appropriations for West Hawaii Over the Next Two Fiscal Years”
Posted on May 3, 2013 by Damon
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to report that this year the State Legislature has approved over $180 million in appropriations for West Hawai’i over the next two fiscal years to improve our region’s transportation, education, healthcare, and justice systems.
These important new investments in our community’s roads, schools, and hospitals will continue to create jobs, stimulate our economy, and build our community for years to come.
I am particularly pleased to report that this year the Legislature has made a strong commitment to complete the new Kona Judiciary Complex, a facility which represents a large state investment in the development of West Hawai’i and will house 230 full-time employees when it is completed. In 2011, the Legislature appropriated $12 million for land acquisition and design of the complex, and this year the Legislature approved an additional $9 million to begin construction with the intention of approving an additional $81 million to complete construction in the coming years.
This year the Legislature has also approved an additional $2.4 million to complete the construction of phase I of the new West Hawai’i Community College Campus at Palamanui, bringing the state investment in the new campus to $14.9 million, in addition to private investment of close to $20 million. This new campus will give our young people the option of pursuing higher education in West Hawai’i, and will serve as an educational resource for our entire community.
In addition, the Legislature has renewed the Hospital Sustainability Act, which will this year again bring more than $37 million in federal money to help strengthen and support hospitals in Hawai’i, including over $4 million to North Hawai’i Community Hospital on the Big Island.
Projects approved for West Hawai’i during the 2013 legislative session include:
- Kona International Airport – $113.5 million for airport improvements including construction of the first phase of the terminal expansion program, design and construction of an international arrivals building, and extensive security improvements
- Saddle Road Extension – $15.8 million for design of a new roadway extending the Saddle Road from the Hilo terminus to Queen Kaahumanu Highway, and land acquisition and construction of a road maintenance facility that includes maintenance and office structures
- Puuanahulu Shooting Range Facility – $13 million for plans, design, and construction of the Puuanahulu Shooting Range Facility
- NELHA Frontage Road – $9.7 million for construction of a frontage road and new connections to the Kaiminani Drive and Makako Bay Drive intersections on Queen Kaahumanu Highway
- Kona Judiciary Complex – $9 million for plans, design, and construction of a new Judiciary Complex in Kona
- Mamalahoa Highway – $6 million for construction of drainage improvements to Mamalahoa Highway in the vicinity of Puuwaawaa Ranch Road
- Kona Community Hospital – $4 million for renovations and upgrades to Kona Community Hospital
- Manuka Natural Area Reserve – $3.5 million for plans, design, and construction of a boundary fence at the Manuka Natural Area Preserve
- West Hawai’i Community College at Palamanui – $2.4 million for design and construction of the completion of phase I of the new West Hawai’i Community College Campus
- Kohala Community Hospital – $1 million for renovations and upgrades to Kohala Community Hospital
- Kealakehe High School – $300,000 for design of upgrades to an all-weather and synthetic track at Kealakehe High School
Please join me at the West Hawai’i Community Forum on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 pm at the Main Pavilion of Maka’eo (Old Airport) Park, along with our other legislators from West Hawai’i. Come join us for pupus and beverages, talk story, and share your ideas and concerns with your representatives in state government.
As your State Senator, I will continue to work hard every day to improve our transportation, education, healthcare, and justice systems and make our roads, schools, and hospitals in West Hawai’i the best that they can be.
Let’s keep working together to achieve even greater results in the coming years, and to make West Hawai’i and our entire state an even better place to live.
Aloha,
Josh Green, State Senator, District 3, West Hawai’i
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2013 Hawaii Legislature Adjourns
Posted on May 2, 2013 by Damon
The 27th Hawaii State Legislature ended today with members from the House and the Senate joining in the singing of Hawaii Aloha.
End of the Legislature. Photo by Micah Alameda
Before gaveling the session closed, House Speaker Joseph M. Souki acknowledged the work of everyone involved in the legislative process and summarized the session’s accomplishments. He said the approach this session was to focus on the State’s long term needs such as reducing long term fiscal liabilities, replenishing reserve funds, promoting economic development, education, sustainability and improving the quality of life for all residents.
The full text of his closing remarks are below:
We have come to the end of the 2013 Regular Session. To the Leadership Team, the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and each and every member of the House, because of your unwavering commitment to do your best for the people of Hawaii, this was a productive session.
Thank you all, for working together and for doing a wonderful job.
I would like to especially thank the Majority Leader Scott Saiki and Finance Chair Sylvia Luke for your tremendous contributions and tireless efforts in moving us forward to this day.
To our Minority Leader Aaron Johanson and the Minority Caucus, thank you for bringing your ideas and perspective to the table to help us craft legislation for all of Hawaii’s people. Thank you.
We began this session cautiously optimistic. Our economy was on the rise, tourism was strong, and unemployment was down. We needed to invest in programs and projects, and make strong investments in Hawaii’s future.
Economic Development:
We committed to the strengthening of our number one industry by making significant investment in the future of tourism.
We made permanent the current TAT rate and increased funding to aggressively market our visitor industry as we compete with other travel destinations.
We also kept the current level of support to the counties giving them fiscal continuity.
We passed a tax credit measure aimed at encouraging the presence of the film industry which returns a significant amount of revenue to the state.
Funding for capital improvement projects for state infrastructure will jumpstart economic growth on all islands.
Education:
To invest in our Keiki, we are funding the expansion of the Open Doors Program to provide day care opportunities for preschool aged children.
And to help provide funds for repair, maintenance, and additional classrooms and school facilities for our growing population, we have passed the 21st Century Schools bill to look at responsible partnerships to generate much needed revenue for our public schools. But this will all be done with community and county input, and compliance with state and county requirements.
Now, on the question of early education – preschool – the public will have the chance to voice their opinion through a Constitutional Amendment on whether public funds should be used by private early childhood education programs.
Quality of Life:
In this session, we have also reaffirmed our commitment to our kupuna, the homeless, a sustainable and clean environment, and the local farming and feed industry. We are taking care of needs today, and investing in our future.
Fiscal Responsibility:
During the past economic crisis, we had to borrow from the state’s Rainy Day Fund and the Hurricane Relief Fund. We made a promise that when the economy improved we would return that money.
Well, not only are we keeping that promise, we are providing additional money to recapitalize those funds. And we have taken a big step in addressing the unfunded liability of our public workers.
And finally, we listened to the resounding voice of the people and moved quickly to repeal the Public Land and Development Corporation – PLDC.
Acknowledgements:
Speaker Emeritus Say, I thank you for your years of leadership, fiscal restraint, and know how. You and your Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro laid the foundation for much of what was achieved this year.
I would like to thank Senate President Donna Kim, her leadership team, the Senate Chairs and members who worked with us and collaborated as we worked to craft legislation for the people of Hawaii.
To the permanent and session staff of the House, thank you for professionalism and tireless efforts in supporting the work of the House.
I am deeply grateful to all of you. It is an honor to serve as your Speaker, and I look forward to working together next session to serve the people of this State.
Thank you and God bless.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, Politics, State Affairs | Tagged: 2013 Hawaii State Legislature Wrap-Up, Hawaii State Legislature | Leave a Comment »
One Hawaii Senator Kills Media Shield Law – Senator Clayton Hee Goes on My Naughty Liar’s List
Posted on May 2, 2013 by Damon
First amendment attorney Jeff Portnoy tells reporters that one Senator – Judiciary Chair Clayton Hee – killed Hawaii’s journalism shield law this 2013 legislative session even though it is considered one of the best in the country because of his distrust and disdain for the media.
Related articles
- Hawaii Senate’s Proposed Shield Law is an “Abomination”, Media Lawyer Said (hawaiireporter.com)
- First Amendment attorney: Hawaii journalists left with shield legislation that’s an ‘abomination’ (watchdog.org)
- Attorney Jeff Portnoy’s Response to Senator Hee’s Comments on Floor of Senate on April 17 – Re: Hawaii Shield Law (damontucker.com)
- House amends shield law to keep protections for journalists (staradvertiser.com)
- Commentary: UH Professor Gerald Kato “The Endgame of the Shield Law…” (damontucker.com)
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, National Affairs, Newspapers, Politics, State Affairs, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Clayton Hee, Hawaii shield law, Jeff Portnoy, Journalism, Reporters' privilege, Shield laws in the United States | 1 Comment »
Hawaii Bloggers and Journalists Go Down in Flames
Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon
Some of the legislators words:
Filed under: Blogs, Legislature, Newspapers, Politics, Rumors, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Hawaii shield law | Leave a Comment »
Commentary: UH Professor Gerald Kato “The Endgame of the Shield Law…”
Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon
Some thoughts on today.
The endgame for the shield law played itself out in the state Senate and House today after efforts to extend the life of the law failed.
The Senate passed a draft bill authored by Sen. Clayton Hee by a vote of 16-9. But the House hours earlier amended that bill to eliminate changes and extend the life of the shield law by two years. The net result is that there are now two different bills, and that means the bill dies Thursday.
Without legislation extending its life or making it a permanent part of Hawaii statutes, the shield law will sunset June 30, 2013. It will die a victim of Hee’s visceral disdain for the media and the failure of political will in the state Senate.
House leaders Scott Saiki and Cynthia Thielen courageously worked to amend the bill in the House to extend the existing law for two years to give parties time to take a closer look at the issues. The Senate knew of the House action but ignored pleas from shield law supporters to consider an extension amendment to reconcile the bills and keep the existing shield law alive. Instead, Hee pushed through his bill to define journalists and journalism in a narrow way, eliminate protection for non-traditional journalists and digital media publications. Hee’s bill was nothing more than an effort to replace a good law with a zombie of his own creation.
Nine senators stood against Hee’s bill. They were: Laura Thielen, Michelle Kidani, Roslyn Baker, Sam Slom, Russell Ruderman, Les Ihara, Willie Espero, Josh Green, and Clarence Nishihara.
There was a lot of fingerpointing back and forth and scratching of heads by senators about why an amendment to extend the life of the shield law never came up on the floor of the Senate. A lot of unaccountability politics in the kabuki of the Senate.
While it’s true that nothing is ever dead at the Legislature until everyone leaves the building, and maybe not even then, it is unlikely that there will be an extension to the existing shield law.
We’ll have a lot more to say about this in the days to come. But it is a shame that Hee’s antics wins out, and he kills one of the best shield laws in the country. We will have no shield law, but we must continue to have the collective will and desire to defend the First Amendment.
Gerald Kato
Filed under: Announcements, Blogs, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, National Affairs, Newspapers, Politics, Rumors, State Affairs | Tagged: Clayton Hee, Gerald Kato, Hawaii shield law | Leave a Comment »
Hawaii Legislature Unanimously Passes State Budget
Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon
The Hawaii State Legislature today voted unanimously in both the House and Senate to approve the state budget for the upcoming FY2013-2015 biennium.
HB200 CD1 appropriates funds for operating and capital improvement costs of the Executive Branch for the biennium fiscal years FY2013-2014 and FY2014-2015.
For FY2013-2014, the bill offers $6 billion in general funds and $11.8 billion in all other means of financing. For FY2014-2015, it appropriates $6.1 billion in general funds and $12 billion in all additional financing means. It also provides over $3 billion in funding for capital improvement projects (CIP) and $30 million Grants-In-Aid for non-profit organizations.
House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa) acknowledged that the fiscal outlook is looking positive but reiterated the importance of financial prudency, “our economy is recovering and while we have the money, it is now time to take a measured approach towards our State’s financial plan. This means passing a budget that takes care of our current needs, while also taking care of our financial obligations and reinvests in our future,” said Luke. “In this budget, we kept our promise to recapitalize the Hurricane Relief Fund and Rainy Day Funds and we have taken significant steps towards reducing our unfunded liabilities.”
The financial plan includes an addition of $160 million into the Hurricane Relief Fund and $50 million into the Rainy Day Fund. Most importantly, it includes appropriations of $217 million in the next biennium to begin payments towards the State’s unfunded liability and will continue to allocate funds every year ending in an allocation of $500 million in FY2019.
“We used the projected surplus to strengthen economic drivers to ensure increased revenue returns. To help the construction industry, the budget bill authorizes more than $1.3 billion in general obligation bond authorization for capital improvement projects statewide. Additionally, to support our number one industry our financial plan includes an $11 million increase to the Hawaii Tourism Authority to strengthen the marketing of Hawaii as a visitor destination. We also appropriated $6 million to assist our growing high technology industry in investment start ups and tax credits for research and development,” said Luke.
Other funding highlights include:
Agriculture (AGR)
· Added $750,000 in general funds for the New Farmer Loan Program in FY14. This funding will enhance opportunities for new farmers to grow and expand, while also supporting the State in becoming more food self-sufficient.
· Added 10 positions and nearly $1.2 million over the biennium to the Plant, Pest, and Disease Control division to support the Apiary program on Maui, Kauai, and Kona, and various other programs aimed at protecting local agriculture from invasive species, as well as the Hawaii Queen Bee industry.
Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC)
· Added 2 temporary positions and over $300,000 in special funds each year for the Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program, which handles disputes between owner-occupants and lenders.
· Added $190,000 in special and trust funds over the biennium to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for public service campaigns aimed at educating consumers on a broad spectrum of consumer issues, including the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors.
Economic Development and Business (EDB )
· Provided 3.69 temporary positions and $3 million in special funds over the biennium for the Hawaii State Energy Office Strategic Plan Programs to develop alternative energy resource related projects.
· Added $800,000 over the biennium to the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems Program (PISCES). This supports the PISCES center on Hawaii Island to build an aerospace research and development park in cooperation with NASA and other international organizations, to be able to test aerospace robotics on a similar terrain.
· Added $1.5 million in general funds over the biennium for the Hawaii Invasive Species Council in Forestry Resource Management and Development Division of DLNR. This restores funding to support invasive species control, bringing general funding closer to historical levels.
Education (EDN)
· Added $12.9 million in general funds for the Weighted Student Formula. This funding will go directly to classrooms to support educational activities for students, teachers and principals.
· Added $8.2 million in general funds in FY14 for a pilot program relating to Common Core Instructional Materials. This is the DOE’s initiative to give every child from grades 3-12 either a tablet or laptop to enhance their educational experience.
· Added $1 million in general funds in FY14 for Common Core Standards Assessment in Hawaiian. This funding creates a Hawaiian language Common Core Standards test for 350 third and fourth grade students enrolled in 14 immersion schools.
· Added $700,000 in FY14 in general funds for library books and materials. Includes funding for both physical books and e-books. Libraries have not received general funding for materials for 4 years.
Energy and Environmental Protection (EEP)
· Added 13 temporary positions to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for Watershed Management to continue management of watershed projects.
· Added 8 positions and $1.3 million for quality management and monitoring of environmental resources. These positions support programs for watershed and surface water quality monitoring, water reuse, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution control, federal and state clean water regulations, solid waste permitting and monitoring.
Higher Education (HED)
· Added nearly $1.2 Million over the biennium for The Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the John A. Burns School of Medicine.
· Added 10 positions and $3 million in general funds in each year of the biennium to support activities and growth at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu campus.
· Added 9 positions and $3 million in general funds over the biennium for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiatives. This program enhances the professional development of middle school teachers in STEM subject matter areas.
Health (HLT)
· Added $1.4 million general funds each year for Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
· Added 1 position and $95,000 in the Children and Youth Services section to re-establish the Violence Prevention Coordinator position, which is responsible for statewide Domestic Violence program planning.
Human Services (HUS)
· Added $3.1 million for various social service programs including those to expand voluntary foster care to 21, increasing the clothing allowance for foster children, and developing Neighborhood drop-in Centers on Kauai.
· Added $750,000 in general funds in FY14 to expand the Housing First program to the Leeward coast of Oahu. This helps transition chronically homeless into affordable housing situations.
· Added 5 Counselors and nearly $875,000 over the biennium for the Office of Veterans Services.
Public Safety (PSD) & Judiciary (JUD)
· Added $327,000 in general funds over the biennium for the Automated Fingerprint Identification system maintenance. The system is used by the Honolulu Police Department and State Sheriffs in the field to check a suspect’s criminal history. This also includes facial recognition software which allows field officers to also check a suspect’s criminal records through photographs.
· Added 94 positions for the re-opening of the Kulani Facility on Hawaii Island, as part of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative to bring prisoners home.
· Added 10 Positions and $850,000 in general funds over each year of the biennium for additional security at courthouses statewide. These deputy sheriffs would provide additional security to courthouses on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui.
Transportation (TRN)
· Added $161,886,000 in special funds over the biennium to highways division for special repairs and maintenance of roads statewide.
· Added 33 positions and over $2.3 million in special funds over each year of the biennium for additional janitorial support. Positions include: 32 janitors for Honolulu International Airport and 1 janitor supervisor for Kona International Airport, who will be tasked with improving the first and last impressions and overall experience of visitors by improving the quality of services and facilities at State airports.
Also approved today were the budgets for the Judiciary Branch and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
HB197 appropriates funds for operating and capital improvement costs of the Judicial Branch for the next biennium. The bill offers in general funding $145 million for FY2013-FY2014 and $144 million for FY2014-FY2015.
HB222 appropriates $3.1 million in FY2014 and $2.7 million in FY2015 in operating funds for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Filed under: Announcements, Economy, Education, Hawaii, Legislature, Politics, State Affairs | Tagged: Fiscal Year 2013-2015, Hawaii, Hawaii State Legislature | Leave a Comment »
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to Deliver UH Hilo Spring Commencement Address
Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon
Hawaiʻi Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will address the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo spring commencement as keynote speaker on Saturday, May 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium.
My son w/ Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at the State Capital
Students have petitioned for a total of 765 degrees and/or certificates from the colleges of Arts and Sciences (460), Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (27), Business and Economics (53), Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke`elikõlani College of Hawaiian Language (46) and Pharmacy (120), while 33 others are candidates for various post graduate honors, and another 26 are seeking the Teacher Education Program certificate.
Gabbard came to Hawaiʻi two years after her birth in Leloaloa, American Samoa. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business from Hawaiʻi Pacific University in 2009. She was first elected in 2002 when she became the youngest person ever elected to the State Legislature by winning a seat in the House of Representatives at the age of 21. The following year, she enlisted in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard and voluntarily deployed to Iraq in 2004.
She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was the first female Distinguished Honor Graduate at Fort McClellan’s Officer Candidate School, and became the first woman to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwaiti military on her second overseas deployment. Between tours of duty, she worked as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka in Washington, DC. Today, she continues to serve as a Military Police Captain.
Her return to politics took place in 2010 when she won a seat on the Honolulu City Council. In January 2013, she was sworn into office to represent Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District.
Ashlee Kalauli, a mathematics major with a minor in chemistry, represents the Class of 2013 as student speaker. Born in San Diego, California and raised in Honoka`a, Kalauli attended Kamehameha Schools – Hawaiʻi in Kea`au where she graduated 5th out of 142 students in 2008 with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.
At UH Hilo, she has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.87 while earning numerous academic honors and awards, including the Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation and Hawaiʻi Noyce Teacher’s Scholarships, the Pearson Undergraduate Mathematics Award, and the Pearson Outstanding Mathematics Senior Award. She was also among a select group of students chosen for the 2012 Pacific Undergraduate Research Experience in Mathematics (PURE Math) program.
Her extensive campus and community activities include being an Orientation Leader and a Student Coordinator for the University’s New Student Programs, math tutor, and host of the First Hawaiʻi Noyce Teacher’s Scholarship Math Day. A member of the UH Hilo women’s basketball team from 2009-2010, she also served as a referee for the 2009 Special Olympics Basketball Tournament.
Kalauli will return to the PURE Math program she excelled in last summer to resume her work as a program assistant. She has also been admitted into the University’s Master’s of Arts in teaching program, which convenes its next cohort in mid-July. After earning her masters, Kalauli plans to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics with the eventual goal of returning to her alma mater.
For more information on Commencement, call (808) 974-7555 or email commence@hawaii.edu. For disability accommodations, contact Susan Shirachi at (808) 933-0816 (V) or (808) 933-3334 (TTY). Requests should be made at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Education, Hawaii, Politics, UH Hilo | Tagged: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »
Commentary – Dear Legislators “Video on Frankenstein Bill”
Posted on April 26, 2013 by Damon
Dear Legislators:
I am seeing quite a few bills that don’t meet the standards of an open and accessible government.
Such as, SB252 which unrelated language was inserted without notice or discussion.
Here is my view on this practice. Enjoy the video.
Frankenstein Bill from Jonas William on Vimeo.
Filed under: Announcements, Comedy, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Legislature, Politics, Rumors, State Affairs, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Frankenstein Bill, Hawaii Legislature, SB 252 | Leave a Comment »
Commentary on Roger Christie Resolutions: “An Injustice in Lawmaking, a Manipulation of Process, and a Deliberate Disregard for Fellow Committee Members”
Posted on April 17, 2013 by Damon
Guest Commentary:
I witnessed an injustice in lawmaking, a manipulation of process, and a deliberate disregard for fellow committee members vote on the Roger Christie resolutions from the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Sen. Clayton Hee.
Here is a short video I put together to explain what happened.
Hee kills Christie Resolution from Jonas William on Vimeo.
Feel free to share it with others.
Jonas William
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Health, Legal, Legislature, Politics, Puna, Rumors, State Affairs | Tagged: Jonas Williams, Roger Christie | 1 Comment »
Senator Russell Ruderman: Reversal of Fate – “… I Support Safe Geothermal Development”
Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon
Aloha Constituents and Concerned Citizens,
I want to thank everyone who supported my position in objecting to the process used to create and pass House Bill 252. Please know that all the emails and calls that each senator received were crucial to the approval of the important amendment I proposed this morning. Without your public comments, this may not have happened. I remain concerned that due process, including public comment, was by-passed, yet as the process was going forward regardless, including a major improvement was the best course of action to take.
I object strongly to the process that introduced geothermal permitting procedures into an unrelated bill, HB252, without public notice of the changes or opportunity to testify. While the bill has some desirable provisions, the lack of transparency is difficult to support. The procedures used to by-pass public input are potentially unconstitutional, as is the fact that HB252 now contains two unrelated subjects. It is unfortunate this kind of politics persists in our State legislature.
Earlier in the session we had two bills on this issue, HB106 and HB932. HB106, which restored County oversight and contested case hearings, was supported by Hawaii County Council, OHA, Puna community groups, and 90% of testifiers. HB106, which had the support of the majority of the subject matter committees, was deferred, probably in hopes of passing HB932 instead, yet HB932 did not have support in committee. HB932does restore county oversight, but replaced contested case hearings with forced mediation and made changes to the definition of geothermal. It was opposed by all community groups and individuals, yet supported by Hawaii County Mayor and DLNR.
The last minute language inserted in HB252 is similar to HB932. Inserting this language, from the bill with the least support, thwarts the desires of the impacted community, the Hawaii County Council, and OHA. The voice of the community was ignored by this objectionable procedure. This continues a long-standing trend that has resulted in the problems and controversy we now have over poorly planned geothermal development.
Instead of voting “no,” in what appeared to be a losing battle to kill the bill, I submitted an amendment to improve HB252. My amendment removes the requirement for mediation from this bill. As senator of the only district with geothermal development, I am aware of some of the problems that result from poorly regulated planning. Required mediation processes proved profoundly unsuccessful in 1990. The agreements reached in mediation were violated, and the enforced mediation process is widely reviled by the community. The affected communities deserve the right to contested case hearings, as is the common remedial action in most planning disputes. By removing references to mediation, citizens’ rights are protected, and one of the most objectionable portions of HB252 is corrected.
My community and I support safe geothermal development. We simply desire fair treatment and due process to ensure a safe community. Given that the amendment was approved; I can now support this bill instead of opposing it, since it does provide for the reinstatement of county oversight that was taken away in Act 97.
Again, I want to thank everyone who submitted comments and will continue to remain vigilant when similar tactics are applied to legislation that could negatively affect my district and the State. You provided a voice that was heard loud & clear! No new testimony is needed at this time.
Thank you for your support and involvement!
Mahalo,
Senator Russell E Ruderman
Hawaii State Senate
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Health, Legal, Legislature, Politics, Puna, Rumors, Technology | Tagged: Geothermal in Hawaii, Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii County, Senator Russell Ruderman | Leave a Comment »
Senator Mazie Hirono on Immigration Reform
Posted on April 7, 2013 by Damon
Senator Mazie K. Hirono hosted a roundtable discussion with community leaders about how comprehensive immigration reform could impact Hawaii. Among the 20 attendees included immigration law specialists, children’s advocates, philanthropic organizations and immigration justice activists. The meeting was the first of a series of events this week where Hirono will discuss how her work in the Senate impacts Hawaii residents.
Click to sign letter
“After listening to these local immigration experts, I was struck by their stories of how central families are to an immigrant’s success,” Hirono remarked after the event. “These professionals and activists serve on the front lines of the issue in Hawaii, helping immigrants wade through the bureaucratic red tape and see firsthand the challenges our immigration system poses for families.”
At the meeting, Hirono listened as participants spoke of their own daily experiences dealing with the immigration system and discussed ways immigration reform could make their jobs easier.
“What I thought was so great about the meeting is how many different voices from the community were here — the people from Micronesia, people with medical issues related to immigration, the immigration services community,” participant John Robert Egan, a Honolulu immigration attorney, remarked after the event. “It’s so great to get so many voices around the table and have a free interchange with the Senator.”
Participants also spoke up on how important Hirono’s fight for the family immigration system is as the Senate takes up immigration legislation in the coming weeks.
“Senator Hirono showed understanding of the community’s needs and where we are in terms of advocating for the issues. Hopefully, she will be able to get support from the other senators because this really means so much, not only for Hawaii, but for the rest of the country,” remarked participant Melba Bantay, Program Director for Immigration Services at Catholic Charities Hawaii.
After spending three months in the United States Senate and joining key discussions on national security, economic issues, immigration reform and other matters important to Hawaii, Senator Hirono is meeting with Hawaii residents this week to discuss how her work in the Senate impacts them.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Economy, Hawaii, Legal, National Affairs, Politics, Rumors, Security, State Affairs | Tagged: Immigration, Immigration Reform, Senator Mazie Hirono, United States Senate | 1 Comment »
Senator Ruderman and Senator Espero Meet With Detainee Roger Christie at Federal Detention Center
Posted on April 3, 2013 by Damon
At 8:00am today, Senator Russell Ruderman, joined by Senator Will Espero, met with federal detainee Roger Christie at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Honolulu to discuss his incarceration, health, and rights as a United States citizen under the United States Constitution. Mr. Christie has been held now for almost three years without a bail hearing or a trial.
Senator Espero and Ruderman at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu
After weeks of requests and assurances, the U.S. Attorney’s Office granted permission for Senator Ruderman, representing Christie’s district, and Senator Espero, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to visit Mr. Christie at the FDC in Honolulu with restrictions, including that no media shall be present. Mr. Christie has not been allowed to meet with media despite requests from National Geographic, Newsweek and Honolulu Civil Beat among many others.
In June of 2010, Mr. Christie, along with twelve co-defendants, was charged with manufacture, possession with intent to sell marijuana. The other defendants have been released on bail pending trial. Prior to the detention hearing, Mr. Christie was interviewed by the Office of Pretrial Services and on July 13, 2010, Pretrial Services issued a report that recommended that Mr. Christie be released on an unsecured bond of $50,000.
In the almost three years since that recommendation, all efforts to have Mr. Christie released pending trial or have access to a speedy trial have been denied. Visitations have been severely limited by the FDC including those by his wife Share Christie, who has not been allowed to see her husband for almost a year. In recent weeks, additional charges have been added, and his trial postponed once again.
While the charges against Mr. Christie are federal in nature, holding a defendant without bail, while denying his/her constitutional right to a speedy trial is virtually unheard of in our state. Even those accused of serious crimes such as large-scale distribution of ice, violent criminals, rapists, and murderers are routinely released on bail pending trial.
To urge President Obama and the Federal Government to release Mr. Christie pending a hearing, Senator Ruderman authored two measures – Senate Concurrent Resolution 75 and Senate Resolution 42 – both of these measures have been passed by the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs.
Mr. Christie explained that he is content with the position he is in because he feels he is doing the right thing and looks forward to proving his innocence in a court of law, saying, “Dignity trumps longevity.”
Senator Ruderman and Senator Espero expressed their concern for Mr. Christie, the violation of his Constitutional rights, and the implications for all persons facing non-violent federal charges and deemed dangerous by the federal judicial system, such has been the case for Mr. Christie since July 2010.
Senator Ruderman said, “I have known Roger for over 25 years. He is one of the most peaceful persons I know. To anyone who knows him, the claim that he is a danger to the community is absurd.”
Senator Espero commented. “This visit was very enlightening. I still feel that Mr. Christie should be released pending a trial.”
Senator Ruderman and Senator Espero would like to graciously thank FDC Warden David Shinn, Asst. Warden Tom Blumm, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Kawahara, and Public Defender Thomas Otake, for their assistance and for the opportunity to meet with Roger Christie.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Health, Legal, Legislature, Politics, Rumors, Security, State Affairs, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Roger Christie, Russell Ruderman, United States Constitution, Will Espero | 6 Comments »
Bill to Create Public Funding Option for Elections Headed to Final Committee
Posted on March 28, 2013 by Damon
Advocates for campaign finance reform were pleased today when the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed House Bill 1481. The bill would create a law that would modernize Hawaii’s outdated partial public funding program for elections.
The original public funding program was implemented during the 1978 Constitutional Convention, but has become ineffective over time. In the 2012 election cycle, only one house candidate used the program. Advocates in favor of house bill 1481 say it is now time to upgrade the old program.
“Delegates in 1978 fought hard to implement this important program, and we owe it to them to modernize it to make it useful once again”, said Kory Payne, executive director for Voter Owned Hawaii, a non-partisan non profit organization working to pass the bill.
This proposed policy has been gaining national attention also. Public Campaign is a non-partisan, non-profit that works on federal legislation for publicly funded elections and has been supporting organizations locally. According to Nick Nyhart, president and CEO of Public Campaign, “States are the true laboratories of democracy and Hawaii has the chance to be a national leader in addressing the growing influence of special interests in our political system.”
“We’re delighted with this bill’s passage, and excited about the prospect of leveling the playing field for House candidates,” said Janet Mason, Vice President of League of Women Voters, Hawaii.
In 2008, Voter Owned Hawaii led and effort to implement a similar program for Big Island County elections. That program ran in the 2010 and 2012 elections and was deemed successful. Currently, five out of nine councilors on the Big Island were elected without accepting money from special interests.
Payne says the program is intended to serve taxpayers. “Special interests donate to politicians to get a return on their investment, and right now they’ve cornered the market on elections and the public is not invited to the party. Publicly funded elections will save taxpayer money by allowing politicians to make decisions based upon what’s best for the people instead of campaign donors,” he said.
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Legislature, National Affairs, Politics, State Affairs | Tagged: Clean Election, HB 1481, League of Women Voters, Publicly Funded Elections, Voter Owned Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
Bill to Create Public Funding Option for Elections Scheduled for Final Committee
Posted on March 26, 2013 by Damon
Advocates for campaign finance reform were pleased today when the Senate Ways and Means Committee scheduled House Bill 1481 for a hearing. The bill would create a law that would modernize Hawaii’s outdated partial public funding program for elections.
The original public funding program was implemented during the 1978 Constitutional Convention, but has become ineffective over time. In the 2012 election cycle, only one house candidate used the program. Advocates in favor of house bill 1481 say it is now time to upgrade the old program.
“Delegates in 1978 fought hard to implement this important program, and we owe it to them to modernize it to make it useful once again”, said Kory Payne, executive director for Voter Owned Hawaii, a non-partisan non profit organization working to pass the bill.
This policy has been gaining national attention also. Public Campaign is a non-partisan, non-profit that works on federal legislation for publicly funded elections and has been supporting organizations locally. According to Nick Nyhart, president and CEO of Public Campaign, “States are the true laboratories of democracy and Hawaii has the chance to be a national leader in addressing the growing influence of special interests in our political system.”
In 2008, Voter Owned Hawaii led and effort to implement a similar program for Big Island County elections. That program ran in the 2010 and 2012 elections and was deemed successful. Currently, five out of nine councilors on the Big Island were elected without accepting money from special interests.
Payne says the program is intended to serve taxpayers. “Special interests donate to politicians to get a return on their investment, and right now they’ve cornered the market on elections and the public is not invited to the party. Publicly funded elections will save taxpayer money by allowing politicians to make decisions based upon what’s best for the people instead of campaign donors,” he said.
Voter Owned Hawaii is a non-partisan, non-profit organization working to upgrade and modernize Hawaii’s outdated partial public funding program for elections.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Economy, Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, Politics, State Affairs | Tagged: Campaign finance reform in the United States, Clean Election, HB 1481, Pulicly Funded Elections | Leave a Comment »
Commentary – Open Letter to Senator Solomon on House Bill 111
Posted on March 16, 2013 by Damon
Dear Senator Solomon,
I respectfully ask that you give a hearing to the Sustainable Living Research Bill (HB111). This Bill had almost unanimous support from State Representatives as it recently passed through three House committees. Among over 200 testimonials, only one was opposed. We believe it is time to give residents more tools to implement the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan legally.
Twenty-six years ago I co-founded ‘Bellyacres,’ an artistic ecovillage in the Puna district on the Big Island. Today, we are a demonstration model for sustainable community development. In the last year, we have been visited and praised by our County Mayor, the Chairman of our County Council and several university groups.
We have also received glowing commendations from all of our senior State leaders:
Gov. Neil Abercrombie wrote, “Bellyacres encourages renewable non-petroleum based energy, sustainable cultivation, and resource processing [and] serves as the gathering place for a community of 1200 homes and 3000 residents.”
Sen. Daniel Inouye said, “since 1987 Bellyacres has worked diligently towards building a sustainable eco-friendly community [providing] a positive enriching and safe place that helps motivate the entire community with a focus on self-sufficiency.”
Sen. Akaka commended us for “a long list of public service [with] many outstanding accomplishments.”
Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz stated “the service provided by Bellyacres for the Hawaii public is exemplary.”
Congressional Rep. Colleen Hanabusa noted that we are “an international example for artistic ecovillages due to [our] community-based, community-owned, and community-run ideals” and thanked us for being “an example of public service by encouraging a stronger community.”
Bellyacres, plus hundreds of organizations and individuals promoting sustainable development statewide, need legislative changes to allow our activities to be permitable and regulated by our County administrations.
The benefits that the Sustainable Living Research Bill (HB111) offers to the State are very clear, so please support us with this initiative.
Sustainably yours,
Graham Ellis
President, Hawaii Sustainable Community Alliance., RR2 Box 4524, Pahoa, Hi 96778, www.hawaiisustainablecommunity.org
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Legal, Legislature, Politics, Puna, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Bellyacres, Graham Ellis, House Bill 111, Sustainable Living Research Bill | Leave a Comment »
Special Interest Legislation Introduced by Councilwoman Margaret Wille
Posted on March 9, 2013 by Damon
Councilwoman Margaret Wille sent out a newsletter yesterday and she had the following special interest legislation that she is introducing at the upcoming council meetings on March 12th and March 13th.
Department of Environmental Management to provide a comprehensive overview of its solid waste programs – Comm. 169 (9:45 am 3/12/13)
I am requesting this presentation so that the Council is not asked to approve solid waste contracts on a piecemeal –case by case basis – without first having a comprehensive understanding of this important responsibility of County government.
Urging the Mayor to Immediately Implement the West Hawai‘i School Impact Fee – Reso. 75 (10:45 am 3/12/13)
I am introducing this Resolution because of Mayor Kenoi’s Administration’s on-going refusal to implement DOE’s West Hawaii School Impact Fee program.
Audit of the Police Department’s Receipt, Storage, and Disposal of Evidence – Reso.78 (1 pm 3/12/13)
I am requesting this audit to promote and reinforce trust in government and ensure that all evidence and confiscated property is being properly handled.
Corporation Counsel Conflict of Interest – Reso. 53 (9:20 am 3/13/13)
I introduced this resolution to address the conflict of interest of having one attorney (Corporation Counsel/Lincoln Ashida) have primary responsibility for simultaneously representing the Executive and the Legislative branches of the County government – and at the same time also being a member of the Mayor’s cabinet. A majority of the Council opposed having a separation of representation for the County Council, so this legislation has been forwarded to the full Council with a negative recommendation.
Commission Nominations-
Mr. Oliver “Sonny” Shimaoka of Council District 9 to the County of Hawai‘i Transportation Commission – Comm. 170 (9:15 am 3/12/13)
Other Legislation of Interest-
Report of Change Orders Authorized – Comm. 3.5 & 3.6 (1 pm 3/12/13)
There is concern about the large amount of overruns related to contracts with the County – some as high as 8 fold.
Organic Waste Diversion 10 year contract – Reso 31 (9:20 am 3/13/13)
This is a request for authorization for a long-term contract about an important component of our solid waste program.
To view County Council & Committee TV, link here www.naleo.tv/tv-schedules/channel-52/ To follow state legislation link here www.capitol.hawaii.gov/
Margaret Wille – Council Member, District 9 – North & South Kohala, 64-1067 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743, PH: 808-887-2069; mwille@co.hawaii.hi.us
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, County Council, Hawaii, Legal, Politics, Rumors, Something New?, State Affairs, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Conflict of Interest, Councilwoman Margaret Wille, Hawaii Corporation Council, Hawaii County Council, Lincoln Ashida | Leave a Comment »
NaCo Legislative Conference and General Community Update with Councilmembers Karen Eoff and Dru Kanuha
Posted on March 7, 2013 by Damon
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, County Council, Hawaii, Politics | Tagged: Dru Kanuha, Karen Eoff, NaCo Legislative Conference | Leave a Comment »
Hawaii House Moves Hundreds of Bills Over to Senate
Posted on March 5, 2013 by Damon
Among the measures that passed their final vote in the House are several bills that are focused on sustainability, improving the environment, revitalizing our economy and improving the quality of life for Hawaii’s citizens.
“As we hit the half way point of this legislative session the House of Representatives is committed to exploring avenues that provide for less dependence on outside sources for food and energy and provide for the protection of our environment for future generations,” said House Speaker Joe Souki.
- HB858 HD1 RELATING TO THE HI GROWTH INITIATIVE Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation for the HI Growth Initiative, an investment program to develop an ecosystem to support high-growth entrepreneurial companies in the State. Part of the Governor’s New Day Plan, the bill hopes to reinvigorate state efforts to fuel an innovation economy and advance research innovation and commercialization.
- HB1419 HD2 RELATING TO THE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SPACE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION SYSTEMS Appropriates funds to support the development and expansion of Hawaii’s aerospace and related industries to Hawaii. The funding will capitalize upon Hawaii Island’s lunar-like terrain to build aerospace technology research and development park industries. Supplemental funding will be provided to help attract aerospace technology and corporations that will create new high paying technology-related jobs.
- HB497 HD3 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY Amends the tax credit for renewable energy technologies to encourage development in solar and wind energy technologies while reducing the revenue impact to the state by ramping down the percentage of the credits over the next five years.
- HB338 HD2 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST A SEAWATER AIR CONDITIONING PROJECT IN WAIKIKI Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds for Kaiuli Energy LLC for the planning, design, and construction of its seawater air conditioning district cooling system to serve Waikiki and nearby areas on the island of Oahu.
- HB70 HD2 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Deletes the repeal of the High Technology Innovation Corporation that would have taken effect on June 30, 2013. The High Technology Innovation Corporation (HTIC) was created by the Hawaii State Legislature as a 501(c)(3) public not-for-profit corporate body, to facilitate the growth and development of the commercial high technology industry in Hawaii.
- HB1188 HD1 RELATING TO THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE Establishes the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force to assess state policies and practices that promote economic opportunity and poverty reduction and to develop a plan to expand economic opportunities in Hawaii to reduce, by at least 50 percent by 2021, the number of Hawaii residents living in poverty.
- HB96 HD2 RELATING TO FARMS Creates an income tax exemption for family farms, family farm communities, and family farm cooperatives.
- HB1263 HD2 RELATING TO IRRIGATION Appropriates funds and authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds to finance improvements to various irrigation systems.
- HB1264 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS Expands the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Loan Program to provide loans for infrastructure, infrastructure improvements, the implementation of new farming techniques, and biosecurity projects.
- HB487 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE Expands the livestock feed subsidy to include feed for certain goats, sheep, lambs, fish and crustaceans.
- HB799 HD3 RELATING TO CREATIVE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT Establishes a Workforce Development Training Program that provides wage reimbursement for on-the-job training by entities who receive a Motion Picture, Digital Media, Television, and Film Production Tax Credit. Deletes internet-only distribution exclusion for advertising; clarifies definitions of qualified production costs; and extends the sunset date of the tax credit. Appropriates funds for the Training Program.
- HB111 HD2 RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE BUILDING CODE Authorizes the use of certain land, subject to county approval and oversight, for research, development, and testing of sustainable agriculture, development, waste management, and resource management through planned community use. This Act will create a doorway through the current limitations of traditional codes to support the development of more sustainable methods of living, allowing greater implementation of county and state sustainable living policies.
- HB174 HD2 RELATING TO FOOD LABELING Imposes labeling requirements and import restrictions on imported genetically engineered produce. Authorizes labeling of non-genetically engineered food and creates a private right of action to enjoin violations.
- HB486 HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE Appropriates funds for implementation and operation of the Future Farmers of America and 4-H programs to educate and support youth in agriculture careers as administered by the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
- HB505 HD2 RELATING TO GREENWAYS Appropriates funds for the Office of Planning to contract for up to two years with a consultant to develop a plan for the establishment and implementation of a statewide greenways system which includes trails, greenways, bike routes, parks, and other projects.
- HB508 HD2 RELATING TO THE PROCUREMENT CODE Amends the Hawaii public procurement code to create exemptions for state agencies to procure locally produced agricultural commodities to promote food sustainability and self-sufficiency.
- HB710 HD1 RELATING TO FISHPONDS Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Health, and Office of Planning to streamline the permitting process and facilitate the restoration of Hawaiian fishponds. Also requires DLNR to submit a report of findings and recommendations.
- HB734 HD1 RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF TARO LANDS Amends public lands classifications to add taro lands as a fourth class of agricultural lands to improve protections for taro lands. The bill will require the retention of supporting structures for taro fields and add growth of all traditional Hawaiian crops to agricultural planning objectives.
- HB749 HD2 RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Appropriates funds to establish the Hawaii Agriculture Workforce Advisory Board to promote economically competitive activities that increase Hawaii’s agricultural self-sufficiency, attractiveness, and opportunities for an agricultural workforce and livelihood.
- HB856 HD2 RELATING TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Establishes a regulatory financing structure that authorizes the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide low-cost loans for green infrastructure equipment to achieve measurable cost savings and achieve Hawaii’s clean energy goals.
- HB1330 HD1 RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT Restores funding cuts taken over the last four years to the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources. The budget cut has reduced or eliminated non-essential services and limited work hours for officers and the restoration of funding will allow for renewed protection of the state’s natural resources.
- HB1483 HD2 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORTATION Establishes a task force to study, among other things, the feasibility of allowing the operations of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation regional systems and their facilities to transition into public-private partnership status.
- HB1028 HD2 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT Raises the minimum wage to $9.00 incrementally over the next years. Provides unemployment insurance relief for businesses.
- HB1132 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS STATEMENTS Requires a legislator to file a disclosure of financial interests statement with the State Ethics Commission between January 1 and January 31 annually.
- HB865 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT Establishes a framework for the Department of Education to facilitate public-private partnerships to develop or redevelop public school lands in order to generate income to improve public school facilities so that our children can learn in twenty-first century schools.
- HB7 HD2 RELATING TO THE ELDERLY Creates the Hawaii Kupuna Trust Fund, comprising public and private funding, to strengthen care for the elderly and vulnerable populations by the awarding of grants.
- HB276 HD2 RELATING TO THE SENIOR RESIDENCE AT PIIKOI, OAHU Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds for the construction of the Senior Residence at Piikoi, an affordable senior rental housing project on Oahu.
- HB196 HD1 RELATING TO VETERANS TREATMENT COURT Appropriates funds for positions to support a Veterans Treatment Court in the First Circuit that can better respond to the unique needs of veterans entering the criminal justice system with mental illness and substance abuse issues arising from their service to our country.
- HB158 HD3 RELATING TO TUITION ASSISTANCE Broadens the scope of tuition assistance to Hawaii National Guard members working toward a degree on any campus of the University of Hawaii system with priority given under specified conditions.
- HB411 HD2 RELATING TO HOSPITAL EMERGENCY COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS Adds new provisions to Hawaii law to ensure that female sexual assault victims are provided with medically and factually accurate and unbiased information about and access to emergency contraception when receiving emergency medical care at Hawaii’s hospitals.
- HB245 HD1 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Prohibits landlords from terminating the tenancy of a tenant based solely on the tenant’s status as a victim of domestic abuse with certain exceptions and provides protection for the landlord against civil claims that might arise out of the landlord’s compliance with the law.
- HB535 HD2 RELATING TO HOMELESS PROGRAMS Authorizes the designation of temporary nighttime parking lots in each county to provide safe overnight parking for homeless individuals who live and sleep in their motor vehicles and who would otherwise park overnight on public or private roads or property.
- HB198 HD2 RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTING Requires the absentee ballot for a voter requesting permanent absentee status to be mailed to the mailing address contained on the voter’s most recently completed affidavit on application for voter registration, unless the voter submits a temporary mailing authorization in writing for the absentee ballot to be temporarily mailed to a different address.
- HB321 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS Provides a process for voter registration on election day at polling places to encourage greater voter participation.
- HB114 HD3 RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION Requires the Administrator of the State Procurement Office, rather than the University of Hawaii President, to serve as Chief Procurement Officer for the University of Hawaii for construction contracts and professional services related to construction contracts. Establishes an Independent Audit Committee within the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.
- HB980 HD2 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY Creates a statute that prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle in the State and establishes penalties. Having a State law that uniformly covers all the counties also makes Hawaii eligible for Federal funding.
- HB873 HD2 RELATING TO THE YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTARY FOSTER CARE ACT Supports Hawaii’s youth in foster care by establishing the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program that will extend foster care services to provide care and supervision of eligible foster youth until their twenty-first birthday.
- HB1298 HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION Provides a nonrefundable income tax credit at fifty per cent of qualified wages for the first six months for a taxpayer who hires a developmentally, intellectually, or physically disabled individual.
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Legislature, Politics, State Affairs | Tagged: Crossover at the Legislature, Hawaii State Legislature | Leave a Comment »
Hawaii State Senate Statement Regarding House Bill 622 – (Journalism Shield Law)
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Filed under: Announcements, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Idiots, Legal, Legislature, National Affairs, Politics, Rumors, State Affairs | Tagged: Brickwood Galuteria, Clayton Hee, Hawaii, Hawaii shield law, HB 622, Reporters' privilege, Shield laws in the United States | Leave a Comment »