Bills of interest for TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #1
10:00 AM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1455 RELATING TO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
Allows gasoline dealers to enter into cooperative purchasing agreements to acquire discounts on gasoline purchases. (HB1455 HD1) (CHONG)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
11:00 A.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1300, HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION
Requires the Department of Taxation to establish a system to allow taxpayers to file all tax returns, applications, reports, and other documents electronically; provided that there is no additional cost to the taxpayer for the electronic filing. Reestablishes the end of the month as the deadline for filing and payment of various taxes. Effective July 1, 2112. (HB1300 HD1) (MCKELVEY)

HB667, HD1 RELATING TO FOOD SAFETY
Requires the department of health, with the cooperation of the departments of agriculture and business, economic development, and tourism, to develop a detailed plan of action to simplify and consolidate permitting and licensing requirements for the production and processing of food by food production and processing facilities to comply with food safety requirements. (HD1) (EVANS)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
12:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1368, HD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS
Defines a party candidate and modifies the withdrawal process for a party candidate. Clarifies the filing process of nomination papers. Effective January 7, 2059. (HB1368 HD1) (MORITA)

HB545, HD1 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION
Requires electronic voter registration on the website of the office of elections by January 1, 2014. Establishes requirements for online voter registration, including identification and affidavits. Effective January 7, 2050. (HB545 HD1) (B.OSHIRO)

HB257, HD1 RELATING TO CAMPAIGN SPENDING
Provides regulation of automated phone calls, changes report filing deadlines, provides a cap of $ on the price of fundraiser tickets that may be purchased with campaign funds, and applies notice and disclaimer requirements to an advertisement that is not paid for by an independent party. Effective January 7, 2059. (HB257 HD1) (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
1:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1239 RELATING TO FERRIES
Establishes the Hawaii state ferry system and the Hawaii state ferry system special fund for the operation of a system to ferry people and cargo between the islands. Makes appropriation. Effective July 1, 2011. ($) (SOUKI)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB393, HD1 RELATING TO CRIME
Amends the driver's license revocation provision to require a lifetime revocation for manslaughter involving the operation of a vehicle, five to ten years for negligent homicide in the first degree, and two to five years for negligent homicide in the second degree. Allows for up to two years of imprisonment when a convicted defendant is sentenced to probation for manslaughter. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB393 HD1) (SOUKI)

HB548, HD2 RELATING TO TRESPASS
Holds authors and publishers of visitor websites and publications liable to readers who suffer injury or death as a result of being enticed to go onto private or public lands from which the public is excluded. (HB548 HD2) (TOKIOKA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #6
3:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1330, HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII TOBACCO SETTLEMENT SPECIAL FUND
Extends the appropriation of a portion of Hawaii Tobacco Settlement Special Fund moneys for annual operating expenses of the John A. Burns School of Medicine until June 30, 2015, and adds annual reporting requirements. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB1330 HD1) (NISHIMOTO)

HB761 RELATING TO INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Changes references to "mental retardation" or like terms in the Hawaii Revised Statutes to "intellectual disability" or like terms. (MIZUNO)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #7
4:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB594, HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH
Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to match the federal disproportionate share hospital allowance allocated to the State. Effective July 1, 2011. (HB594 HD1) ($) (YAMANE)

Bills of interest for MONDAY, February 28, 2011

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM
9:30 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING – To discuss The Economy and Tourism with a focus on tourism funding and the transient accommodations tax. Scheduled to present: Carl Bonham, UHERO; Lowell Kalapa, Tax Foundation of Hawaii; Mike McCartney, Hawaii Tourism Authority; Mufi Hannemann, Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
10:30 A.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB422, HD1 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE
Applies the solid waste disposal surcharge to waste that is deposited in landfills, incinerators, or waste-to-energy facilities, whether the waste is disposed of in-state or transferred out-of-state. (HD1) (MORITA)

HB1019 RELATING TO SUSTAINABILITY
Authorizes the revision of allocation from the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax. Effective 07/01/11. (SAY BR)

HB1176, HD2 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSMISSION CABLE
Establishes the regulatory structure under which inter-island undersea energy transmission cables could be commercially developed, financed, and constructed. Effective July 1, 2011. (HB1176 HD2) (MORITA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
12:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB549 RELATING TO PUBLIC AGENCY MEETINGS
Requires notice of state and county board meetings to be posted on the appropriate internet website, and eliminates the requirement that notice be filed in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Effective January 7, 2050. (HB549 HD1) (TOKIOKA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #5
1:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB569, HD1 RELATING TO MEDICAID
Requires medical assistance recipients for any Medicaid program administered by DHS to re-enroll annually and reimbursement for reason of parity for Medicaid beneficiaries in the same level of care in a community based facility. Establishes a Joint Legislative Medicaid Task Force. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB569 HD1) (CHONG)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #6
2:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB338, HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Sets the terms and conditions of a student voting member on an appointed Board of Education. (HB338 HD1) (TAKUMI)

HB339, HD1 RELATING TO RECONSTITUTING SCHOOLS
Allows the superintendent of education to reconstitute a public school, except for certain charter schools. Allows the superintendent to recommend actions to charter school review panel, including the revocation of a school's charter. (HB339 HD1) (TAKUMI)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #7
3:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB174 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Increases the members on the ERS board of trustees from eight to ten. Establishes county representation on the ERS board of directors. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #8
5:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB884, HD1 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE
Amends the family leave requirement to permit an employee to use family leave time to care for a sibling. Adds definition of "sibling". (HB884 HD1) (M.OSHIRO)

HB519 RELATING TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Excludes services performed by an individual who is a member of a limited liability company or a partner of a limited liability partnership who has a distributional interest in the company or partnership of at least fifty per cent, a partner or a partnership, and a sole proprietor from the definition of "employment" under the workers' compensation law. (YAMASHITA)

HB1411 RELATING TO MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES
Repeals the old non-judicial foreclosure process. Clarifies the new non-judicial foreclosure process. Strengthens laws regarding mortgage servicers. Broadens the duties of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB1411 HD1) (SAY)

Issue of aging needs to be at the top of Legislature's agenda

The opinion piece below appeared in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Friday, February 25, 2011. Link here.

The new administration has indicated support for issues related to aging — more attention to bringing down federal funds and sensitivity to those in the community dealing with long-term care. Our First Kupuna, the governor, has every reason to do so.

Will it be enough? Physicians are crying for relief from reimbursement shortfalls and hospitals barely meet their budgets while caring for patients wait-listed for community care.

Families groan under the weighty responsibilities of the "sandwich generation," trying to care for children on the way up while welcoming parents into their homes, sometimes reluctantly.

Plenty of lip service is given to the support of aging issues but more concrete action is needed if we are to deal with the coming tsunami. Aging issues remain at the bottom of the list of priorities for some legislators.

One bright spot lies within the work of the legislative Kupuna Caucus, which meets monthly to listen to concerns of seniors, advocates and experts in the field of gerontology. Supported enthusiastically by groups such as AARP, the state Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren, the Executive Office of Aging and consumers, the caucus has put forward a comprehensive package of bills.

While many of the bills have financial implications, others are more dependent upon changes in attitude, community participation and the recognition that, sooner or later, aging happens to all of us.

Two of the bills in the package have broad implications for seniors and their families. Preventing falls is the focus of House Bill 507 and Senate Bill 939.

A fall can lead to major complications, not limited to the obvious result of broken bones. Confine an older person with a fracture to bed for just a few days, and you have potential for decubitus (pressure sores) and pneumonia.

Premature death is often associated with falls. Costs of care and rehabilitation are burgeoning. When falls occur, they are often avoidable. Prevention needs be universal and the community needs to be educated.

Palliative care is addressed in Senate Bill 941 and House Bill 512. Palliative care relieves symptoms and improves quality of life without necessarily focusing on cure as an outcome. Many times palliative care is part of hospice care, but can be used to improve quality of life in serious illnesses where there is pain or other symptoms. This is an ideal form of therapy for those in their last years of life and should be a reimbursable service.

Resources are at the very core of our ability to address many of the issues that accompany aging. Of course, seniors who live on a fixed income are rightly concerned about a proposal to tax pensions, yet there are many in the community who are willing and able to make the sacrifice.

How this debate comes to a conclusion may well mean the realization by some that to deal with the needs of the aging community, we will all have to contribute.

We often see public outcry over the location of care homes, long-term care facilities and senior housing, but these facilities are in short supply in our community. Change must come.

We debate closure of low-census public schools, but couldn't some of the extra space be used for senior day care? An added advantage of this would be to provide the students in the school with ready-made grandmas and grandpas.

Times are tough. There is no debating that. However, many of our kupuna have gone through tougher times and are a model of resilience. We need to learn from them and to put the issues of aging right at the top of our agenda for the future.

It’s in the bag

State lawmakers this session are once again considering legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastic bags used in Hawaii stores. One bill would implement a total ban of single-use plastic bags in certain businesses, while the other two would require a small fee, paid by customers, for each single-use plastic checkout bag.

The bills alive and going through the legislative process are:

HB998 – Requires businesses in the State to collect a 5-cent fee for each single-use checkout bag provided to a customer. The fees collected will be deposited in the general fund. The bill in its current form will allow exemptions and also require fees to be collected on paper bags in counties that currently have ordinances banning plastic bags. Introduced by Rep. Mark Nakashima.

SB1059 – Prohibits certain businesses in the State from distributing single-use plastic checkout bags, which was introduced by Senator Clayton Hee.

SB1363 – Requires business to collect a 25 cent offset fee for distribution of every non-reusable checkout bag. The bill in its current form would allow exemptions for certain uses and for beneficiaries of the women, infants, and children program and the supplemental nutrition assistance program. It also allows the Department of Health to collect 75 percent of offset fee to be used for administration and enforcement, and allow businesses to retain 25 percent of the offset fee as taxable income, while exempting the offset fee from general excise tax. Introduced by Senator Mike Gabbard.

In August 2008, Maui County banned plastic bags, and Kauai County followed suit in October 2009. Both ordinances went into effect January 2011.

With the law just taking effect, and stores and the public adjusting to life without plastic, the impact of it is still unknown, but the Star Advertiser recently reported that food service industries are taking issue with the law. They are “complaining that other alternatives such as paper and cloth bags do not work as well, especially when food spills from containers.” A Kauai council member is considering introducing an amendment exempting food establishments from the law.

What’s next for the bills alive at the Legislature?

HB998 passed second reading and is now awaiting a hearing in the House Finance Committee. SB1059 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, February 22, 2011 and it will now go to the Senate floor for third reading. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold decision making on SB1363 Friday, February 25, 2011 at 9 a.m. in conference room 211.

Tourism Chair on Homelessness

Representative Tom Brower, Chairman of the House Tourism Committee, recently held a informational briefing on Hawaii's homeless problem on the tourism industry. The Star Advertiser story about the meeting is here.

Below is Rep. Brower's thoughts on the meeting and issue:

When talking about tourism, the issue of homelessness must also be addressed. It is a growing problem in Hawaii's major tourist destinations, including Kakaako.

During the informational briefing, we listened to guest speakers Marc Alexander, the governor's newly appointed state homeless czar, Darlene Hein of the Waikiki Care-A-Van, of Waikiki Health Center, and Anthony Ching, Executive Director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

It's clear that Hawaii has several incentives for addressing its homeless problem: for residents, visitors, and the homeless.

At the latest Ala Moana/ Kakaako Neighborhood Board meeting, Executive Director Anthony Ching presented HCDA's latest efforts to address the homeless encampment at Kakaako Waterfront Park.

Kakaako Waterfront Park has been the home of many kinds of homeless— newly arrived from cold weather states, local chronic homeless and CoFA migrants— and of many health/ public safety complaints from residents and visitors, who feel displaced by them and, as a result, avoid visiting one of the State's most popular parks.

HCDA's strategy is rooted in the new philosophy, "Hand up instead of hand out," and includes the following elements:

• Work Training: Homeless are trained to provide trash removal, janitorial and landscaping services, allowing the opportunity to learn job and people skills that will help them obtain future employment as well as to give back to their community. Mr. Ching notes that, for the first time, the park's bathrooms are cleaner than ever. He was impressed with their dedication.

• Matching: The homeless can receive a 50% match towards housing security deposit, enabling to move into their own home.

I urged Mr. Ching to consider safe zones as part of his multi-faceted approach.

Finally, I am grateful for all the attention on safe zones and the Kakaako homeless issue.

In particular, the Star Advertiser published two articles:

• A Sunday editorial was in favor of safe zones.

• In a previous story, the newspaper reported the increase of homeless in the Kakaako.

Bills of interest for FRIDAY, February 25, 2011

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #1
10:00 AM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB815 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
Makes employer contributions to the employer-union health benefits trust fund non-negotiable under collective bargaining. Establishes employer contributions for active public employees at 50% of monthly cost of the health benefits plan. Limits the trust fund to offering to active employees a medical benefits plan that provides not more than the minimum benefits required under the Hawaii prepaid health care act. Requires the trust fund to offer separate prescription drug, dental, and vision plans. Takes effect on 7/1/2011, and is repealed on 6/30/2015, but does not affect collective bargaining contracts, the cost items of which were approved before the effective date. (SAY)

HB1041 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND
Eliminates medicare part B reimbursements for employee-beneficiaries and spouses of employee-beneficiaries hired after June 30, 2011. Provides that an employee-beneficiary would be entitled to receive up to ninety percent of medicare part B reimbursements, based on the employee-beneficiary's year or years of credited service on June 30, 2011. Effective July 1, 2011. (HB1041 HD1) (SAY BR)

HB1037 RELATING TO EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Sets the rates for employer contributions to the Employees' Retirement System. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
11:00 AM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB808 RELATING TO THE CONVEYANCE TAX
Temporarily suspends the distribution of a portion of the conveyance tax to the land conservation fund and rental housing trust fund. Reduces distribution to the natural area reserve fund. (SAY)

HB806 RELATING TO TAXATION
Temporarily modifies the trade or business expense deduction under the income tax as follows: (1) prohibits a deduction for traveling expenses while away from home and out-of-state, and (2) establishes a ceiling on the deduction for the remuneration of a high-paid employee. (SAY)

HB805 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals the income tax exemption for income derived from stock options or stock from a qualified high technology business. (SAY)

HB797 RELATING TO TAXATION
Extends the deadline to claim amounts against the high technology business investment tax credit and the technology infrastructure renovation tax credit. (SAY)

HB794 RELATING TO TAXATION
Temporarily places a cap on itemized deductions claimed on state income tax returns until 01/01/16. Suspends the refunding feature of the capital goods excise tax credit for eligible depreciable tangible personal property placed in service after 12/31/10, but before 01/01/15. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/10. Effective retroactive to 01/01/11. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
12:30 PM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1183 RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX
Creates a nexus standard for taxing out-of-state businesses on their business activities in Hawaii. Amends the definition of engaging in business to include local affiliate agreements. Allows out-of-state businesses to file information regarding sales to residents of the State instead of collecting GET. Effective 7/1/2112. (HD1) (CHOY)

HB1043 RELATING TO THE HURRICANE RELIEF FUND
Appropriates funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund into the State general fund to balance the State budget. ($) (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
1:30 PM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1092 RELATING TO TAXATION – HD1 PROPOSED A
Makes various amendments to the tax laws: excluding pension income from income tax only for certain persons; eliminating the deduction for state income taxes paid; and eliminating the income tax exclusion for certain persons involved in copyrights. (HD1 Proposed #1)

HB1092 RELATING TO TAXATION – HD1 PROPOSED B
Makes various amendments to the tax laws: excluding pension income from income tax only for certain persons; eliminating the deduction for state income taxes paid; and eliminating the income tax exclusion for certain persons involved in copyrights. (HD1 Proposed #2)

HB1142 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Provides for the retirement age for state and county employees who become members of the ERS after 6/30/12. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 PM
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1107 RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD
Authorizes members of the Hawaii national guard to use non-lethal weapons, including electric guns, when assisting civil authorities in disaster relief, civil defense, or law enforcement functions. (TAKAI)

HB551, HD1 RELATING TO ELECTRIC GUNS
Permits county liquor authority investigators to possess electric guns. Effective July 1, 2020. (HB551 HD1) (TOKIOKA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #5
3:00 PM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1101, HD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Allows for increase in the State motor vehicle registration fee and deposits the money into the State Highway Fund. Effective December 1, 2011. (HB1101 HD1) ($) (SAY BR)

HB1102, HD1 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE WEIGHT TAX
Allows for increase in the State motor vehicle weight tax and appropriated the money from the State Highway Fund. Effective December 1, 2011. (HB1102 HD1) ($) (SAY BR)

HB1531, HD1 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS
Increases the state liquid fuel tax in section 243-4(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, for a period of six years. (HB1531 HD1) ($) (SOUKI)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #7
5:00 PM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB976, HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION – PROPOSED HD2
Imposes the transient accommodations tax on resort fees. Provides that the transient accommodation tax shall be assessed and collected at a minimum rate of $4 per day per unit. (Proposed HD2) (YAMASHITA)

HB809, HD1 RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX – PROPOSED HD2
Temporarily increases from 7/1/11 to 6/30/15 the transient accommodations tax rate on time share units. (HD2 Proposed) (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #8
6:00 PM
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB799 RELATING TO TAXATION – PROPOSED HD1
Suspends temporarily the exemptions for certain persons and certain amounts of gross income or proceeds from the general excise and use tax and requires the payment of the tax at a 4% rate. Effective 07/01/11 and sunsets on 06/30/15. (HD1 Proposed) (SAY)

HB1270 RELATING TO TAXATION
Requires the department of taxation to evaluate certain tax credits and tax exemptions and report to legislature. Provides automatic repeal of the tax credits and tax exemptions. ($) (CHONG)

HB786, HD1 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE – PROPOSED HD2
Increases the solid waste management surcharge. Effective July 1, 2011. (PROPOSED HD2) (SAY)

HB840 RELATING TO LIQUOR – PROPOSED HD1
Increases liquor tax rates. Reduces the liquor tax rate on beer for small breweries or brewpubs. Makes it lawful to provide a discount for liquor purchases through coupons or mail-in rebates when made in combination with other merchandise. (Proposed HD1)

HB798 RELATING TO TAXATION – PROPOSED HD1
Imposes the general excise tax on the gross income derived from a life settlement insurance policy. States expressly that the tax shall not be imposed on any compensation received by an insured for the transfer of the policy or designation of a beneficiary or any death benefit received by a person related to the insured. (PROPOSED HD1)

Bills of interest for THURSDAY, February 24, 2011

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
11:30 A.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1380, HD2 RELATING TO HAWAII-GROWN PRODUCE
Establishes the farm-to-school program in the department of agriculture to increase the procurement of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Establishes the Hawaii-grown fresh fruit and vegetable program and appropriates funds for the program to increase school children's access to Hawaii produce. Establishes the farmers to food banks pilot program. Effective July 1, 2020. (HB1380 HD2) ($) (B.OSHIRO)

HB1570, HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
Appropriates funds to reimburse livestock producers for feed costs. Makes goat farmers with a herd of at least 25 milking goats eligible for the livestock revitalization program. (HB1570 HD1) ($) (TSUJI)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
12:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB865, HD1 RELATING TO INSPECTION FEES
Increases the fee assessed for the inspection, quarantine and eradication of invasive species contained in any freight from 50 cents to $1 for every 1,000 pounds of freight brought into the State. Effective on July 1, 2020. (HB865 HD1) (TSUJI)

HB290, HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
Establishes the Agriculture Inspection and Certification Special Fund under the Department of Agriculture for the inspection, certification, weighing, or grading of agricultural commodities that are to be imported into, exported from, or shipped within the state. Deposits all fees, civil penalties, and other moneys collected by DOA into the Special Fund. Allows DOA to enter into agreements with government and private agencies to hire and pay inspectors to perform certification and audit services, maintain food safety, and establish and maintain an Internet food safety promotional and reporting system. Repeals the Certification Services Revolving Fund. Requires the establishment or increase of certain fees to cover the operation and maintenance costs of agriculture inspection and certification programs, and central services and departmental administrative expense assessments. Appropriates funds for DOA's agriculture inspection and certification program. (HB290 HD1) ($) (TSUJI)

HB1568, HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
To strengthen and support Hawaii's agricultural industry, establishes biosecurity and inspection facilities at major airports and harbors in the state. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB1568 HD1) ($) (TSUJI)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #6
1:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB70, HD1 RELATING TO THE HOMELESS
Establishes the Return-to-home Program to assist eligible homeless individuals to return to their home state if there is a support network available and the support network is able to receive them. Effective July 1, 2011. (HB70 HD1) ($) (CABANILLA)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:15 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1095, HD1 RELATING TO MOPEDS
Requires passengers on a three-wheeled moped to be at least twelve years of age. (HB1095 HD1) (SAY BR)

HB1098 RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Defines "after market motorcycle frame" and allows the County director of finance to assign a vehicle identification number to a motorcycle with an aftermarket frame. Except for special interest vehicles, reconstructed vehicles and motorcycles with an after market frame, the bill disallows the registration of uncertified motor vehicles and devices. (SAY BR)


HB1133, HD1 RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE
Makes intentional or knowing performance of a veterinary procedure in a cruel or inhumane manner by an unlicensed person a Class C felony. Subjects cropping or docking by an unlicensed person for compensation to the law against cruelty to animals in the 1st degree. (HB1133 HD1) (B.OSHIRO)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #7
2:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB1342, HD1 RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Exempts broadband infrastructure improvements from state or county permitting requirements for five years. Exempts telecommunications companies from replacing existing utility poles when installing new or improving existing telecommunications cables. Effective July 1, 2112. (HB1342 HD1) (YAMASHITA)

HB235, HD1 RELATING TO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
Allows a limited liability company to be designated as an "ingenuity company" by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires an ingenuity company to use the right to exclude, conferred by a patent in which the company has an interest, to create job opportunities, strengthen labor, and enhance environmental protections. Effective July 1, 2112. (HB235 HD1) (M.OSHIRO)

HB550 RELATING TO TELEVISION
Requires the auditor to analyze the allocation of cable operator franchise fees. Requires a performance review or audit of Olelo Community Television. Appropriation. ($) (TOKIOKA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #8
3:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB853 RELATING TO THE BANK OF THE STATE OF HAWAII
Establishes the bank of the State of Hawaii. (M.OSHIRO)

HB1626 RELATING TO FUEL TAXES
Permits the County of Hawaii to appropriate the County's share of fuel tax revenue for a grant-in-aid program for the maintenance of private roads maintained by nonprofit maintenance corporations. ($) (HANOHANO)

Bills of interest for Wednesday, February 23, 2011

COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMMERCE/COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB903, HD1 RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR
Prohibits the sale or distribution of caffeinated beer beverages labeled as "pre-mixed drinks" in the State. (HB903 HD1) (YAMANE)


HB904, HD1 RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR
Prohibits the sale or distribution of caffeinated beer beverages unless labeled as an "intoxicating liquor" and accompanied by a warning about potential harmful effects of consumption. (HB904 HD1) (YAMANE)


COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMMERCE
2:05 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1545 RELATING TO CONSUMER INFORMATION
Requires bread products that have been baked and then frozen to be labeled "previously frozen". Prohibits bread that has been frozen to be labeled or advertised as "fresh". (HERKES)

Coqui found on Oahu

Three coqui frog were recently captured on Oahu, one from Kapolei, one in Waikiki and one on Monsarrat Avenue in East Oahu. These three were still alive and hanging out in Rep. Clift Tsuji's office. It's hard to tell from the photo, but they are about 1 inch long. They will be there until the Department of Agriculture comes to get them.

Bills of interest for TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE/COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
9:00 A.M.
AUDITORIUM
HEARING NOTICE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING: The Department of Budget and Finance will brief the House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on the Governor’s proposed biennium budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1376 RELATING TO EVIDENCE

Makes permanent the limited news media privilege against the compelled disclosure of sources and unpublished information.

HB194 RELATING TO EVIDENCE
Makes permanent the limited news media privilege against the compelled disclosure of sources and unpublished information. (WARD)

HB618 RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
Makes the use of another person's name or persona to create a web page on or to post one or more messages on a commercial social networking site, without the permission of the other person, and with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten any person, a misdemeanor. Makes the repeated commission of this offense a class C felony. Provides that harassment by impersonation, if committed with the intent to solicit a response by emergency services personnel, is a class C felony. (EVANS)

HB44 RELATING TO PROSTITUTION
Makes it a misdemeanor to offer or agree to pay a fee to engage in sexual conduct within 750 feet of a school or public park. Effective 7/1/11. (RHOADS)

HB241 RELATING TO PROMOTING PROSTITUTION
Increases the grade of offense for promoting prostitution in the first, second, and third degree to a class A, B, and C felony, respectively. (SAY BR)

HB242 RELATING TO PROMOTING PROSTITUTION
Amends Act 192, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, to make the offense of habitual solicitation of prostitution a class C felony. (SAY BR)

Manoa Legislative Town Meeting, Feb. 26, 2011

Manoa lawmakers, Rep. Isaac Choy, Sen. Brian Taniguchi and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, will be holding a Manoa Legislative Town Meeting for community members to meet and talk  with them about current legislation.

February, 26, 2011
Noelani Elementary School Library
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

Third graders vote for shorter recess

Rep. Mark Hashem and Hahaione School third graders

Rep. Mark Hashem hosted the third graders of Hahaione Elementary at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 17, 2011. In addition to learning about the building and points of interest, such as the Father Damien statue above, Rep. Hashem took them into the House chamber for a civics lesson.

To better understand the democratic process, Rep. Hashem explained how lawmakers vote on bills. As an example, he presented two different proposals:

Bill #1: A bill to make recess longer but would require staying longer at school in the afternoon.

Bill #2: A bill to make recess shorter but would allow them to go home sooner in the afternoon.

The two bills were put to a vote by show of hands. It was close, but the majority of students voted for bill #2.

Class of 2006

Left to right: Representatives Joey Manahan, Angus McKelvey, Karen Awana, Karl Rhoads, Sharon Har, James Kunane Tokioka, John Mizuno. (courtesy Rep. Mizuno)

Bills of interest for THURSDAY, February 17, 2011

COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING TO DISCUSS HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Focus on child labor, sex slavery, forced labor, barriers to combating human trafficking, solutions and policy changes to better address human trafficking.


COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & MILITARY AFFAIRS
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB876 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY
Directs the department of public safety and the department of accounting and general services to plan and design the construction and operation of a new minimum security facility at the site of the existing Oahu community correctional facility. ($) (M.OSHIRO)

HB1650 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Directs DPS to prepare preliminary design and request for proposals for the design, development, and operation of a correctional treatment facility and to consider the undeveloped portion on the existing Halawa correctional facility as a possible site for the facility. Appropriates funds. ($) (CHANG)


COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION & BUSINESS
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

HB1307 RELATING TO TAXATION
Provides a temporary tax credit for residential construction and remodeling projects. Requires a report to the legislature comparing the impact on jobs and the state budget for various tax credit applications. Sunsets 12/31/13. (HAR)


COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB576 RELATING TO CRIME
Establishes class A and B felony sex trafficking offenses and provisions related to prosecution of the offenses. Effective upon approval. (BELATTI)


COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION & BUSINESS
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

DECISION MAKING ONLY ON HB1551 RELATING TO TAX CREDITS.
Amends the motion picture, digital media, and film production tax credit to provide a designated income tax credit for certain qualifying counties. Removes tax credit caps. Provides an additional bonus for qualifying spending related to computer aided special or visual effects and animation. Establishes a non-refundable tax credit with a carry forward period of up to ten years to encourage film production development in certain qualified counties. Allows for a certain exemption from the transient accommodation tax for stays exceeding thirty days. Permits certain production tax credits to be assigned.


COMMITTEE ON CULTURE & THE ARTS
10:30 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB1124 RELATING TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA DAY
Designates August 4 as President Barack Obama Day. (MIZUNO)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

HB838, HD1 RELATING TO REAPPORTIONMENT
Appropriates $732,430 for fiscal year 2011 to support reapportionment and authorizes five full-time temporary positions within the office of elections. (HB838 HD1) ($) (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB461, HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIFORM MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS ACT
Enacts Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act to ensure ability of members of the military and others eligible voters who are overseas to participate in all elections for federal, state, and local offices. Authorizes ballots and balloting materials to be transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail. Effective July 1, 2020. (HB461 HD1) (KEITH-AGARAN)

HB688 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Requires the department of education to maintain, monitor, and enforce anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies and procedures to protect students or groups of students from bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. (AWANA)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:30 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1627 HD1 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT
Establishes procedures for state recognition of a first nation government. (HB1627 HD1) ($) (HANOHANO)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
3:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB781 RELATING TO GAMING
Grants 10-year license for 1 stand-alone casino in Waikiki not in a hotel. Establishes Hawaii gaming control commission. Imposes 6.75% wagering tax on gross receipts. Creates state gaming fund and compulsive gambler program. ($) (SAY BR)

HB1225 RELATING TO BINGO
Allows bingo to be conducted by 1 licensee at 1 location on lands designated by the Hawaiian homes commission. Creates Hawaii bingo commission within department of commerce and consumer affairs to regulate bingo. Allocates 20% of general excise tax on gross receipts to the state general fund; 1% for a compulsive gambler program; up to 4% for administrative expenses; and the balance for deposit into the Hawaiian home lands trust fund. (CARROLL)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
4:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1575 RELATING TO CAMPAIGN SPENDING
Amends Hawaii public funding pilot project to raise the program cap, to repeal the requirement of a minimum fund amount, to extend the period for signature collection, and clarify provision of matching funds. (LUKE)

Bills of interest for WEDNESDAY, February 16, 2011

COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
8:30 A.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB70 RELATING TO THE HOMELESS
Establishes a Return-to-home Program to assist eligible homeless individuals to return to their home state if there is a support network available and able to receive them. Effective July 1, 2011. ($) (CABANILLA)


COMMITTEE ON CULTURE & THE ARTS/COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
9:30 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB1637 RELATING TO THE STATE TREE
Makes the ‘ohi‘a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) the official state tree. (C.LEE)


COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES/COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
10:30 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB948 RELATING TO CEDED LANDS
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct an audit of all state-held lands and an inventory of ceded lands, and report to the Legislature prior to the convening of the 2012 session. (AWANA)


COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
10:45 A.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1489 RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
Requires DHHL to develop a pilot program to establish a kanaka village for homeless native Hawaiians. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB1489 HD1) (CARROLL)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE

SB8 SD1, HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Establishes implementing legislation for the appointment of board of education members. Establishes considerations for the senate during the advise and consent process. (SB8 HD1) (TOKUDA)


COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION &COMMERCE
2:05 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB466 HD1 RELATING TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations for workers' compensation claims to be performed by physicians mutually agreed upon by employers and employees or appointed by the director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. (HB466 HD1) (RHOADS)

TB Rap

Members,

In my evolution from street rapper

to singer-song-writer,

I'd like to share with you,

A message of hope, entitled…

"Not in My House"

If, You, Want, Some Innovation in the Invocation

Invite Chair Brower for the celebration

Separate, Church and State, that's a debate

But I'm finding time to write God a rhyme

Think about, important things, you believe in

While our soldiers die, for peace and freedom

The people who, separate – make a facade

What they really show me, is denial of God

So let go the pride, keep faith alive

Without freedom of expression - you got no direction

Leadership Speaker, Joey - Cindy – Blake

Let's show the world, we're Aloha State

Keep the invocation, for the times we live in

So we'll have less hate, in our floor debate

If the dollar bill, can say in God we trust

Than why can't I say a prayer at lunch

Believe, in life, there's a higher power

Let love guide the House, to its finest hour

Thank You

Star Power

Left to right: Cuba Gooding, Jr, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Bradley Cooper, Zach Braff, Rep. Tom Brower and Adrien Brody. The Hollywood stars were in town to support legislation on motion picture tax credits.

Bills of interest for Tuesday, February 15, 2011

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2011

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION & BUSINESS
8:00 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

HB1308 RELATING TO DIGITAL MEDIA
Establishes digital media enterprise subzones as unspecified geographic areas surrounding University of Hawaii campuses that are also designated as enterprise zones. Establishes tax benefits for digital media infrastructure development and operation. (HAR)

HB1183 RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX
Creates a nexus standard for taxing out-of-state businesses on their business activities in Hawaii. Amends the definition of engaging in business to include local affiliate agreements. Allows out-of-state businesses to file information regarding sales to residents of the State instead of collecting GET. (CHOY)

HB667 RELATING TO FOOD SAFETY
Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism, with the cooperation of the departments of agriculture and health, to develop a detailed plan of action to simplify and consolidate permitting and licensing requirements for the production and processing of food by food production and processing facilities to comply with food safety requirements. (EVANS)

HB1187 RELATING TO THE LIQUOR TAX
Increases the liquor tax rates. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB1494 RELATING TO SMOKING IN CONDOMINIUMS
Allows a condominium association, if not prohibited by its articles of incorporation or bylaws, to prohibit smoking within a condominium unit. Requires an association to prohibit smoking in common elements and covered limited common elements. (ICHIYAMA)


COMMITTEE ON LABOR & PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB577 RELATING TO CRIME
Establishes class A and B felony labor trafficking offenses, a nonpayment of wages offense, and an unlawful conduct with respect to documents offense. Establishes provisions related to prosecution of the offenses. Effective upon approval. (BELATTI)

HB946, HD1 RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Establishes the offenses of human trafficking in the first degree and sexual human trafficking in the first and second degrees. Establishes civil action for damages to victims of human trafficking. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB946 HD1) (AWANA)


COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB1330, HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII TOBACCO SETTLEMENT SPECIAL FUND
Extends the appropriation of a portion of Hawaii Tobacco Settlement Special Fund moneys for annual operating expenses of the John A. Burns School of Medicine until June 30, 2015, and adds annual reporting requirements. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB1330 HD1) (NISHIMOTO)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB1368 RELATING TO ELECTIONS
Defines a party candidate and modifies the withdrawal process for a party candidate. Clarifies the filing process of nomination papers, and grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to resolve challenges to an individual's candidacy. (MORITA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE AGENDA #1

HB564 RELATING TO THE EMERGENCY AND BUDGET RESERVE FUND
Increases from 5% to 10% the percentage of moneys from the excess general fund balance to be deposited into the emergency and budget reserve fund as a temporary source of funding for the State during times of emergency, severe economic downturn, and unforeseen reduction in revenues. (CHONG)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
3:00 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE AGENDA #2

HB79 RELATING TO STATE FUNDS
Repeals, terminates, or closes certain revolving and trust funds. Establishes provisions for automatic repeal of certain special and revolving funds beginning on 6/30/12. (CHOY)

HB273 RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Imposes an excise tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes, little cigars, and large cigars that is equivalent to the tax imposed on a standard package of twenty cigarettes or little cigars. (YAMANE)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
3:30 P.M.
ROOM 308
HEARING NOTICE AGENDA #3

HB1319 RELATING TO THE PROGRESSIVE TAX REFORM TASK FORCE
Establishes a task force within the department of taxation to reform Hawaii's tax laws. (SAY BR)

It's always the right time to do the right thing

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro's floor remarks during third reading of Senate Bill 232, relating to Civil Unions, on February 11, 2011.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of SB 232, SD1, HD1.
I rise in honor of all those who stand steadfast against those who assail us merely for wanting their share of justice and equality that is promised in our constitution.

I rise and stand for those of the generations before me, who have fought, whether loudly and proudly, or quietly and strategically, but nonetheless relentlessly for their rights, regardless of categorization, labels or insults, because what truly matters is that when we promote and safeguard the rights of one, we protect and enhance the rights of all.

I rise and literally stand on the foundation of support built by those around and behind me that serves not only to lift me higher but allows me to stand prouder and pump up the volume of my voice.

And, I rise to thank all of my colleagues who regardless of differences in the past, some made more apparent in recent times, are still willing to stand up regardless of the stones and arrows that are slung our way. From my very core being, from the inner most reaches of my soul, I thank you.

Questions have arisen about why this now, why so fast, what about other priorities. To that I answer that it is always the right to do the right thing.

What a difference a year makes after the roller coaster ride that carried this issue from exhilarating highs to stomach churning drops. We now stand on the precipice of another peak.

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to repeat forever, the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again.

The myth can easily be distinguished by the fact that the passage of the bill before us is not “meaningless.” Punishing at times - yes, and even torment, having to enduring theocratic proselytizing and dogma. But hardly “meaningless.”

For the struggle and fight has helped to galvanize and bolster those in the battle to see done what we believe is right, is just, is fair.

And, it is my hope that we need not live through such heartbreaking and gut-wrenching endeavors again. That instead, we shall not be subjugated to re-living the task for pushing this enormous rock up the hill of trying to re-invent, re-introduce, and repeat over and over again, merely to see it roll back down. Because when it fails, there is no shattering or booming crash as the rock falls back down. Instead, there are merely quiet tears of sadness, gossamer breaths that break, that disintegrate before our very eyes, dissipating like ribbons of smoke.

But I hope that today, instead, we shall see the rock finally break that tipping point, overcome that pinpoint zenith that has long alluded us and see the rock over the edge to the other side. What awaits us all after that point – be it another hill, another struggle and another battle remains to be seen.

The French philosopher Albert Camus analogized Sisyphus and the absurd-ism of human existence. He imagines that truly tragic moment, when the hero finally becomes consciously aware of his wretched condition. And once Sisyphus acknowledges the futility of his task and the certainty of his fate, he is free to realize the absurdity of his situation and reach a state where “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.”

But for all of us who have long waited this day, happiness does not come from the recognition of absurd-ism and futility. Happiness comes by embracing the struggle that is part of the human condition. Happiness comes from that single step, large or small, taken in the advancement of true liberty and equality.

It has been a long pursuit of happiness promised by the Declaration of independence because we seek not just to have it written in words, but to have it realized and effectuated in our daily lives.

Let that long pursuit and chase come to an end, at least for today.

Let us have that day where we can mark in our calendar the overdue respite that has tired many for generations. Let today be a day where we all have that day of being created equally.

And let today be that day where we move ever closer to having justice for all.

Bills of interest for MONDAY, February 14, 2011

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB1266 RELATING TO FERRIES
Provides a non-refundable tax credit of five percent and a fifty per cent reduction in harbor fees for the first year of operation for any company operating an inter-island ferry vessel. (CHONG)


COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB548 RELATING TO TRESPASS
Holds authors and publishers of visitor websites and publications liable to readers who suffer injury or death as a result of being enticed to go onto private lands that are not open to the public. (HB548 HD1) (TOKIOKA)

HB376 RELATING TO STREAMLINING PERMIT, LICENSE, AND APPROVAL APPLICATION PROCESSING
Authorizes counties to contract with a third-party reviewer to streamline construction permit, license, and other application processing; provides that applications will be deemed approved if historic preservation division fails to review and comment within 60 days, and after 30 days if agencies fail to establish maximum time periods for permit and other application processing. (MCKELVEY)

HB460 RELATING TO TAXATION
Authorizes a county to levy a one-half per cent surcharge on state general excise tax and use tax to be used for county water infrastructure, including drainage improvements, wastewater infrastructure, and reclaimed water infrastructure. (KEITH-AGARAN)


COMMITTEE ON TOURISM
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING: This briefing is to provide the committee with an overview of homelessness in Oahu's tourist areas as well as development in tourist areas of Kakaako and Ala Moana, near major shopping destinations.

Scheduled to present: Darlene Hein of Waikiki Care-A-Van and Tony Ching of Hawaii Community Development Authority.


COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
10:00 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB1003 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE
To provide greater protections to victims of domestic violence who the court is already attempting to keep safe through protective orders. (SAY BR)

HB769 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES
Allows the Department of Human Services to oversee a three-year demonstration project permitting two private-pay individuals to live in the same community care foster family home under specified conditions. (HB769 HD1) (MIZUNO)


COMMITTEE ON TOURISM
10:20 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

HB956 RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS
Authorizes lease extensions of up to 65 years for demised hotel and resort premises where the Board of Land and Natural Resources approves a development agreement that meets certain criteria. Sunsets on December 31, 2015. Effective July 1, 3000. (HB956 HD1) (CHANG)

HR10/HCR 8 URGING THE GOVERNOR TO PRESERVE THE COUNTIES’ SHARE OF THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATION TAX
Preserve the Counties' Share of TAT


COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION/COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
11:00 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB1567 RELATING TO INSPECTIONS
Requires the Department of Transportation to provide biosecurity inspection facilities at Honolulu International Airport, Kona International Airport at Keahole, and Hilo International Airport. Appropriates funds. ($) (TSUJI)

HB1568 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
To strengthen and support Hawaii's agricultural industry, establishes biosecurity and inspection facilities at major airports and harbors in the state. ($) (TSUJI)


COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMMERCE
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB678 RELATING TO INFORMATION
Requires any government agency responsible for a security breach to pay for the costs of providing each person whose personal information was disclosed with, at a minimum, a three-year subscription to a nationwide consumer reporting agency's services. (HB678 HD1) (ITO)


COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
2:05 P.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB995 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Requires fiscal accountability measures at the school level. Requires the BOE to develop an appeals process for when school principals set aside a school community council decision. Requires school principal evaluations to assess the performance of principals in carrying out statutory powers and duties. (NAKASHIMA)

HB344 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Creates the Facilities Alignment Commission to establish criteria for the selection of public schools to be constructed, expanded, consolidated, or closed, and recommend a list of areas for new school construction, and of schools for expansion, consolidation, or closure. Requires the Board of Education to comply with these recommendations if the Legislature does not disapprove of them in their entirety. (HB344 HD1) ($) (TAKUMI)

HR29/HCR34 REQUESTING A FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Department of Education; Financial and Management Audit (TAKUMI)

House approves Civil Unions bill on third reading

The House voted 31-19 during third reading in floor session to pass Senate Bill 232, SD1, HD1, legislation that would allow same-sex and opposite-sex couples to enter into a civil union, which would give them equal rights and responsibilities afforded to married couples. Because of minor changes made to the bill in the House, it will now go back to the Senate for agreement and upon agreement to the Governor for signature.

Several members of the House stood to support or oppose the bill and provide comments. Below are the floor comments from two of our House members. 

Rep. Chris Lee, District 51 - Lanikai, Waimanalo (Support)

In 1968, a year after interracial marriage was legalized, just 20 percent of the American public approved of such relationships. Yet, look how far we have come.
I don’t know how elected leaders who opposed interracial marriage, voted against civil rights, or fought against women’s suffrage can look their grandchildren in the eyes today and say that opposing these cornerstones of freedom and equality was the right thing to do.

We are elected by doing what is popular, but we will be remembered for doing what is right. Unfortunately, history shows that what is popular and what is right are rarely one in the same.

Like so many others, I wasn’t old enough to vote on this issue in 1998. Fortunately, generational change has brought a majority of residents in Hawai‘i to support the individual freedoms protected by this bill, and that makes our job today a little bit easier.

Our generation is not afraid of those who are different than us, or those whom we may not understand. I look forward to getting married, knowing that my marriage will be as strong as my commitment to it, and no one else can diminish that.

We all have family, friends and neighbors who are gay. They have always lived in our society, and they will continue to live here whether we pass this bill or not. They will continue to have relationships whether we pass this bill or not. They will continue to raise children whether we pass this bill or not.

But we have an obligation to pass this bill and see that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law in this great state, where it is self-evident that each of us is created equal, endowed by our Creator with the unalienable right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, and I know of no one who can be happy when kept apart from the one they love.

We cannot in Hawai‘i, cherish diversity, yet let it divide us. We cannot, in our communities, preach tolerance, yet remain intolerant. We cannot, in this chamber, speak of equality, then turn our backs upon it.

Mr. Speaker, one day I will look my grandchildren in the eyes and tell them I did the right thing. I vote yes.

Rep. John Mizuno, District 30 - Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter (Opposition)

Excerpts from Rep. Mizuno’s floor comments:

I stand in opposition to this measure…Some of us have been called a bigot and hater because of our “no” vote. We are not. We have family and friends who are recognized in the GLBT segment of our community. We have no hate nor disdain for our people – for the people of Hawaii…My “no” representative my steadfast commitment and understanding of our God and his word… I mean no disrespect to any religion or faith-based organization…Finally, after this measure becomes law – I respectfully ask our church members and our members of the GLBT to work together, united for the betterment of our communities – our State. I ask that we all end the rhetoric and display restraint and love to everyone.

Bills of interest for Friday, February 11, 2011

COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 325
HEARING NOTICE

HB496 RELATING TO LAKE WILSON
Establishes a pilot project within the department of land and natural resources to demonstrate the effectiveness of marine phytoremediation using plants that are native to Hawaii to remove pollutants and improve water clarity in Lake Wilson; appropriates funds for the project. ($) (M.OSHIRO)


COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB1344 RELATING TO HEALTH
Allows the sale of hand-pounded poi by an individual producer directly to consumers under certain conditions. Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules. (HB1344 HD1) (C.LEE)


COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
9:00 A.M.
ROOM 312
HEARING NOTICE

HB1488 RELATING TO LANDOWNER LIABILITY
Establishes a criminal trespass on agricultural lands enforcement fund; provides that owners of agricultural land or range land have no duty of care to trespassers; establishes rebuttable presumption of no liability; permits trespasser to overcome presumption by preponderance of evidence that owner was grossly negligent or intentionally injured the trespasser; authorized fines of up to $10,000 for the offense of criminal trespass on agricultural lands. (CARROLL)


COMMITTEE ON LABOR & PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
9:10 A.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

HB1041 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND
Proposed HD1: To eliminate Medicare Part B reimbursements for retired employee-beneficiaries and the spouses of employee-beneficiaries who are retired employees. To only apply prospectively and would only apply to an employee-beneficiary hired after June 30, 2011 or the spouse of an employee-beneficiary hired after June 30, 2011. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON HEALTH/COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
10:30 A.M.
ROOM 329
HEARING NOTICE

HB955 RELATING TO HEALTH
Requires a county to investigate and notify the state department of health of a report of possible nuisance involving air pollution; clarifies that a nuisance includes foul or noxious odors, gases, or vapors, including those emanating from buildings; allows the director of health, upon receipt of a complaint of foul or noxious odors, gases, or vapors emanating from buildings, to enter and inspect any building or place to investigate an actual or suspected source of air pollution or for the existence of a nuisance. (MANAHAN)


COMMITTEE ON CULTURE & THE ARTS
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 309
HEARING NOTICE

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING: The purpose of this informational briefing is to discuss the current use and potential use of both the endowment and culture and the arts funds.


COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT
2:00 P.M.
ROOM 423
HEARING NOTICE

HB550 RELATING TO TELEVISION
Requires the auditor to analyze the allocation of cable operator franchise fees. Requires a performance review or audit of Olelo Community Television. Appropriation. ($) (TOKIOKA)