Bills of interest for Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #1
10:00 A.M. – ROOM 308

HB2598 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX
Suspends for three years, from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013, the distribution of transient accommodations tax revenues to the counties. (SAY BR)

HB2542 RELATING TO NON-GENERAL FUNDS
Addresses the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget shortfall by transferring to the general fund a total of $10,000,000 in excess balances from certain special funds. (SAY BR)

HB2737 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF PUBLIC LANDS
Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to fund the general fund by disposing of public lands. Also directs the Department to dispose of public lands leased to not-for-profit organizations meeting certain criteria. (SAY, ITO)

HB2887 RELATING TO TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEYS
Transfers temporarily to the general fund the portion of moneys from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund designated for the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund. Requires interest and earnings of the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund to be deposited into the general fund. Reduces the portion of moneys from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund to be transferred to the tobacco enforcement special fund. Encourages the nonprofit entity responsible for the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund to increase its annual expenditures to assist in revitalizing the economy. Takes effect on 07/01/2010, and sunsets on 06/30/2015. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
10:30 A.M. – ROOM 329

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIN HOME LANDS
Issues: Plan for generating revenues, plan for putting more native Hawaiians on their lands, plan for decreasing the wait-list, plan to help native Hawaiians obtain access to commercial leases, strategic planning to address $600 million settlement (1995 Act 14), operating costs vs. generating revenues, etc.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
1:30 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB2850 RELATING TO THE LIQUOR TAX
Temporarily increases the liquor tax rates during the period of 7/1/10 to 6/30/15. (SAY)

HB2852 RELATING TO THE INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX
Temporarily makes the insurance premium tax applicable to mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations. Establishes a medical and health promotion tax credit. Authorizes the insurance commissioner to adjust any inadequate rates for the managed care plans of mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
3:00 P.M. - Room 308

HB2867 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals various income tax credits and deductions. Takes effect upon approval and sunsets on 12/31/2015. (SAY)

HB2866 RELATING TO TAXATION
Adjusts income tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009 and ending before January 1, 2016. (SAY)

HB2991 RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE
Creates higher income tax brackets and rates for high-income individual taxpayers. Eliminates certain corporate tax exemptions. Provides for taxation of capital gains as ordinary income. Creates commission to provide a more equitable and progressive tax system. Also provides a means to fund public education and other high priority programs. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
4:30 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB2878 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals certain exemptions under the general excise, use, and public service company taxes. The Act takes effect on July 1, 2010 and sunsets on June 30, 2015. (SAY)

HB2877 RELATING TO TAXATION (PROPOSED HD1)
Temporarily suspends the exemption for certain amounts of gross income or proceeds from the general excise tax and requires the payment of the tax at a one-half per cent rate. Takes effect on 7/01/2010 and is repealed on 6/30/2015. (SAY)

HB2876 RELATING TO TAXATION
Temporarily increases the general excise and use tax rates from 4% to 5%, the capital goods excise tax credit rate from 4% to 5%, and the refundable food/excise tax credit by $10 per exemption. Takes effect on 07/01/2010 and is repealed on 06/30/2015. (SAY)

HB2880 RELATING TO TAXATION
Increases the "wholesale" rates under the general excise, use, and public service company taxes to one per cent from one-half per cent. Effective 7/1/10; repealed 6/30/15. (SAY)