Doodle 4 Google

Roadtrip to Paradise by Alan Perreira

Good luck to Alan Perreira, a 4^th grader at Haaheo Elementary School in Hilo, in the national Doodle 4 Google competition for his drawing titled “Roadtrip in Paradise.”

The company asked for drawings from students across the country that depicted each artist's best day ever.  More than 130,000 students submitted entries, and Google narrowed it down to one finalist from each state to compete for a scholarship and their drawing displayed on the front page of Google.com.

The national winner will be announced today in New York City, and the artwork will take over Google's homepage on May 23.  The grand prize winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school.

Perreira's redesigned Google logo was inspired by the Big Island.  "My best day ever would be a roadtrip around the Big Island to visit the many tourist attractions, especially Mauna Kea," Perreira wrote.  "My mom sometimes takes my sister and I to Kona. We get to eat Hawaiian food and listen to local music on the way."

Artwork from the national finalists can be viewed online at http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html.

The other state finalists for each age bracket are listed below:

Grades K-3, Charles S. http://www.google.com/doodle4google/finalists.html#d=d1-18
Grades 6-7, Carolos R. http://www.google.com/doodle4google/finalists.html#d=d3-21
Grades 8-9, Mailani W. http://www.google.com/doodle4google/finalists.html#g=g4
Grades 10-12, Aiko M. http://www.google.com/doodle4google/finalists.html#d=d5-2

Full Episodes of "An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say"

Olelo has produced and will be airing "An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say," a 6-part documentary series about Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say. 

The episodes in this series include:

1. Childhood and Adolescent Years

2. College Years and Early Adulthood

3. Life as a Legislator

4. Contemporary and Reoccurring Issues

5. Personal Life of Calvin Say

6. Legacy Episode

The episodes can be viewed online on Olelo on Demand and also on the House's Youtube Channel.

If you want to catch the remaining episodes on TV, they will air on the dates, times, and channel listed below.

An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say: Episode 2 - College & Early Adult Years
5/15/2013	6:00 PM	OAHU 55
5/16/2013	8:00 AM	OAHU 55
An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say: Episode 3 - Life as a Legislator
5/15/2013	6:30 PM	OAHU 55
5/16/2013	10:30 AM	OAHU 55
An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say: Episode 4 - Contemporary & Reoccurring Issues
5/14/2013	10:00 PM	VIEW 54
5/19/2013	3:00 PM	VIEW 54
5/20/2013	8:00 AM	VIEW 54

An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say: Episode 5 - The Personal Life of Calvin Say
5/18/2013	6:30 PM	VIEW 54
5/24/2013	10:30 AM	VIEW 54
5/26/2013	11:30 PM	VIEW 54
5/27/2013	8:00 AM	VIEW 54
An Oral History: The Life of Calvin Say: Episode 6 - The Legacy
5/22/2013	6:00 PM	VIEW 54
5/28/2013	10:30 PM	VIEW 54
5/29/2013	8:00 AM	VIEW 54
5/31/2013	2:00 PM	VIEW 54

Kauai Capital Improvement Funding 2013

$52 MILLION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ON KAUAI 

Funding Includes Money for Significant Highway Improvements

Kauai legislators secured $51,884,000 in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island.  The largest amount of funding was provided for a significant amount of highway improvements throughout Kauai. These roadway improvements will address aging infrastructure, improve existing operations, establish additional safety measures, and mitigate the effects of traffic constrictions.

Here are the highlights of the CIP funding for Kauai: 

Highways

• $27.5 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Hanapepe River Bridge along Kaumualii Highway.

• $5.9 million for construction of various improvements to existing intersections and highway facilities to 

        improve traffic operations. 

• $2.4 million to stabilize sloping conditions at Lumahai Hillside.

• $1.2 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Kapaia Stream Bridge along Kuhio Highway.

• $790,000 for the rehabilitation or replacement of Bridge No. 7E along Kaumualii Highway.

• $670,000 for the rehabilitation or replacement of Wainiha Bridges No. 1, 2, and 3 along Kuhio   

        Highway.

• $560,000 for Mailihuna Road intersection safety improvements and the rehabilitation of Kapaa Stream 

        Bridge along Kuhio Highway. 

• $347,000 for various guardrail and shoulder lane improvements throughout the island’s highways.

• $254,000 for the improvement of Kapule Highway, Rice Street and Waapa Road; and the 

        strengthening/widening of Nawiliwili Bridge. 

Kilauea Elementary School 

• $1.5 million for the renovation of Building B for administrative services.

• $1.3 million for the upgrade and installation of waterlines for fire protection sprinklers.

Water Systems

• $1 million for the improvements to the upper and lower Aahoaka Reservoirs.

• $200,000 for the design and construction of a new water source and connection pipeline for the 

        Kekaha Water System.

Miscellaneous 

• $2.7 million for improvements to the Camp 10 access bridges connecting Kokee State Park to the Na 

        Pali Kona Forest Reserve.

• $2.5 million in matching state funds for the construction of improvements at the Federal Kikiaola Small 

        Boat Harbor.

• $1 million for the repair and reinforcement of the Hanalei River breach.

• $1 million for the resurfacing of the Mana Drag Racing Strip.

In addition to CIP projects there were several Grants In Aid funding awarded to Kauai organizations:

• $200,000 to the Waipa Foundation for the construction of the Waipa Kitchen, Poi Mill, and Hale Imu.

• $60,000 to Hui O’laka for renovations to Civilian Conservation Corps camp and Kokee State Park.

• $400,000 to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for the expansion and renovation of 

        a new women’s center.

• $10,000 to the West Kauai Business & Professional Association to support the efforts of maintaining      

        the Russian Fort Elisabeth in Waimea.

• $435,000 to Hale ‘Opio for the installation of energy improvements to the facility including a 

        photovoltaic system.

Contact information:

Representative Derek Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua)

(808) 586-8435

repkawakami@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative James Tokioka (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town)

(808) 586-6270

reptokioka@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Waimea, Koloa)

(808) 586-6280

repmorikawa@capitol.hawaii.gov

Maui CIP Appropriations 2013

$294 MILLION FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ON MAUI

Funding Includes Monies for Kihei High School and Kahului Airport

Honolulu, Hawaii – Maui legislators secured almost $300 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island. The largest single item by far was $130 million over the next two years for construction of the new Kihei High School. Construction is expected to begin in 2015, and the full funding will allow bidding on the whole project, saving the State millions of dollars.

$60 Million has also been appropriated for land acquisition and construction of a new access road from Kahului Airport to Hana Highway.

Here are the highlights of the CIP funding secured for the Maui districts:

Lipoa Point Land Acquisition

• $20 million for the acquisition of land parcels at Lipoa Point, the purchase will preserve the land for future generations.

Hoapili Hale Courthouse

• $2.775 million for the design and construction of exterior improvements, exhaust monitoring, and ventilation systems upgrades.

Upcountry Maui Watershed Project

• $9 million for the design and construction of a new pipeline system for upcountry Maui watershed.

Upcountry Maui Agricultural Park

• $8 million for the acquisition of land, and design and construction of a state agricultural park in upcountry Maui.

Kahului Airport

• $50 million for the acquisition of land near the airport for development
• $10 million for the construction of a new access road to the airport from Hana Highway

Harbors

• $6 million for the planning, design, and construction of capital improvements that will provide for safer and more efficient use of operational areas at Kahului Harbor
• $20 million for the planning, design, and construction of capital improvements that will develop infrastructure and expand operational areas at Hana Harbor.

Highways

• $3 million for the construction of shoreline improvements including shoreline erosion mitigation and roadway work along Honoapiilani Highway.
• $5.463 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Honolua Bridge along Honoapiilani Highway.
• $3.6 million for the acquisition of land to develop a new two-lane highway from Kihei to Upcountry Maui.
• $6.744 million for various improvements along Hana Highway

Haiku Elementary School

• $700,000 for the design and construction of two portable classrooms

Kihei High School

• $130 million for the design and construction of a new high school in Kihei

King Kekaulike High School

• $14 million for the construction of a new auditorium

Lahaina Intermediate School

• $75,000 for various pedestrian safety improvements

Nahienanea Elementary School

• $75,000 for the design and construction of pedestrian safety improvements

Central Maui Region Sports Complex

• $4.7 million for the design and construction of a regional park in central Maui

In addition to CIP projects there were several Grants In Aid awarded to Maui organizations:

• $950,000 to Easter Seals Maui for the construction of phase 2 of the Maui Campus for Disability Services
• $500,000 to Maui Economic Opportunity Inc (MEO) for the construction of various facilities at the MEO Transportation Center site.
• $210,000 to Hale Mahaolu to cover operating costs for the Hale Mahaolu Personal Care Program in Kahului.

Education Chairs to Participate in National Early Learning Initiative

Rep. Takumi in attendance at the Early Childhood Education Rally

House and Senate Education Chairs Roy Takumi and Jill Tokuda Tapped to Participate in Program Sponsored by National Conference of State Legislatures

Honolulu, Hawaii – Representative Roy Takumi (Pearl City, Manana, Waipio) and Senator Jill Tokuda (Kāne‘ohe, Kāne‘ohe MCAB, Kailua,He‘eia, Āhuimanu) are among legislators from across the country who will participate in a new Early Learning Initiative by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

The endeavor is designed to support emerging legislative leaders on early childhood learning expand their knowledge in all areas related to pre-kindergarten education.

Takumi and Tokuda were instrumental in stewarding early education bills through the 2013 Legislative Session, and successfully implementing into law the foundation for phasing in early learning in Hawaii,an issue which had been endlessly discussed since the 1990's without concrete resolution.

"State Legislatures have been on the forefront of addressing the early educational needs of our children.  The NCSL Early Learning Fellows Program will enable us to get more information on policy issues, training, assessment, accountability and governance of early learning to better make decisions on Hawaii's early education policies," said Representative Takumi.

Takumi also served as a co-chair at the National Conference of State Legislature’s (NCSL) Foundation for State Legislatures Partnership on Educator Effectiveness.  First elected to the State House of Representatives in 1992, Takumi served as Chair of the Higher Education Committee from 2001-2003 and as Chair of the Committee on Education from 2003 to the present.

“Early childhood education is one of the greatest equalizers we can give our children, ensuring every chance that they can have to be successful in both school and life,” said Tokuda.  “As we build Hawaii's early learning system, we hope to integrate models of best practice from across the country with what we know works best locally to meet the needs of our children and families. Collaborating and engaging with colleagues and experts in the field of early childhood through this program will allow us to do this.”

Tokuda has served as the Senate’s education chair since 2011 and served as higher education chair since 2009.  Tokuda has served in the Hawaii State Senate since 2007.

The program will also allow the Hawaii lawmakers to meet, discuss and learn from fellow legislators working on the issue, and engage with research and policy experts who are leaders in the field of early childhood learning.

Opinion Editorial

Representative Chris Lee (Kailua, Waimanalo)

Time for marriage equality has come

By Chris Lee

Exactly 20 years ago today, May 5, 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples constituted basic discrimination.

In response, Hawaii voters supported a constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples.

However, my generation had no say in that debate — we were not yet old enough to vote. Since then, more than 100,000 new voters have come of age in Hawaii, and polls show nearly 80 percent of us now in our 20s and 30s support marriage equality as an important step toward fulfilling the promise of a free and equal country.

Throughout our nation's history, each succeeding generation has fought to expand basic rights, liberties and freedom to Americans previously denied them. Women's suffrage, racial equality and interracial marriage are now commonplace, but all were seen as unacceptable and even immoral in recent history.

Such discrimination might have persisted longer but for the actions of visionary leaders. When the U.S. Supreme Court finally legalized interracial marriage in 1968, just 20 percent of the American public approved of such relationships. How much longer would legalizing interracial marriage have taken if it had to wait for a public vote — or for elected officials too worried about their next election to take action? I wonder how they explain to their grandchildren today that opposing these cornerstones of freedom and equality was the right thing to do?

Fortunately, we are seeing a turnaround in equal rights for same-sex couples.

Our military has rescinded "Don't ask, don't tell," and former President Bill Clinton admits signing it into law was a mistake. By hearing challenges to the "Defense of Marriage Act" and state bans on marriage equality, the U.S. Supreme Court signaled it is keenly aware that constitutional issues exist.

President Barack Obama has given his full support and nine states and the District of Columbia now recognize same-sex marriage. Each year, more Americans support marriage equality — today nearly 60 percent — and worldwide even Catholic countries like Argentina have legalized marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Today, my generation finally has a voice in this debate. We embrace diversity. We look forward to getting married knowing that our marriages will be as strong as our commitment to them, and no one else can diminish that. Many of us have family, friends and neighbors who are gay. They will continue to have relationships and raise children whether we allow them to marry or not. But our Constitution makes it an obligation to treat everyone equally because it is self-evident that we are all created equal, endowed by our creator with the unalienable right to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

We cannot speak about tolerance yet remain intolerant, speak about diversity yet let it divide us, or speak about equality and turn our backs upon it. If we pride ourselves on being a free country with all citizens equal, then it is time we act like it.

Just as our parents fought the status quo to legalize interracial marriage and civil rights, we must help ensure individual freedom and equal protection for another group of citizens who have endured discrimination simply for being themselves.

In Hawaii, our courts, elected officials and the general public will inevitably face the question of whether to allow marriage equality. We should look forward to one day telling our grandchildren that when the time came to do the right thing, we supported marriage equality for every citizen.
----
This opinion editorial was published in the Star-Advertiser on Sunday, May 5, 2013

Speaker Souki Closing Remarks

The 27^th Hawaii State Legislature ended today with members from the House and the Senate joining in the singing of Hawaii Aloha.  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 21^st 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.

Adjournment Sine Die 2013

The House approved bills that address the needs of a wide spectrum of the State's population.  The approach this session was to focus on the State's long term needs such as reducing long term fiscal liabilities, repaying our reserve funds, promoting economic development, education, sustainability and improving the quality of life for residents.

"With the actions we have taken today, our kupuna will be better protected from financial abuse and better supported by a variety of programs and services. Residents who want to lower their electric bills by installing solar panels, but could not afford to do so, will be able to apply for low cost loans. We will be able to support food sustainability and encourage our young people to enter the farming profession with expanded incentives," said House Speaker Joseph M. Souki. "We are also putting $160 million back into the hurricane relief fund and $50 million into the rainy day fund over the next biennium. We are setting up a schedule to re-establish appropriate levels to the EUTF health fund to ensure the State's financial standing remains strong."

SB1087 SD2 HD3 CD1 RELATING TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: Establishes a regulatory financing structure to provide low-cost loans for green infrastructure equipment.

SB19 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY: This bill would allow renters to enjoy cost savings on their electrical bill through the installation of solar panels without having to incur the cost of installing the system themselves. Landlords would enjoy an investment opportunity to add value to their property.

SB1084 SD1 HD1 CD1 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 1, OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO PERMIT THE APPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR PRIVATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Proposes a constitutional amendment to permit the appropriation of public funds for private early childhood education programs, subject to non-discrimination provisions, as provided by law.

SB1093 SD2 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO SCHOOL READINESS: Establishes the

Open Doors program within the Department of Human Services. The purpose of the Act is to develop Open Doors as the statewide School Readiness Program.

SB237 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL LANDS:Establishes a pilot program to generate revenue through the lease of public school lands for public purposes. The purpose of this Act is to optimize the use of public school lands to generate opportunities to improve school facilities and infrastructure to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.  Any redevelopment shall comply with county plans, ordinances, and zoning and development codes and mandates community input.

SB563 SD3 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII: Amends the form and function of the Candidate Advisory Council for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. The purpose of this Act is to increase the consideration and appointment of qualified individuals to serve as members of the Board of Regents.

HB114 HD3 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION: Requires the Administrator of the State Procurement Office, rather than the University of Hawaii President, to serve as the University's chief procurement officer for construction.

HB726 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: The purpose of this Act is to encourage the growth of the film and creative media industries by providing enhanced tax incentives.

HB858 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO HI GROWTH INITIATIVE: Appropriates funds for the HI Growth Initiative, an investment program to develop an ecosystem supporting high-growth entrepreneurial companies in the State.

SB993 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS: The purpose of this Act is to establish enhancements in the agricultural loan program. To provide incentives to the younger generation to enter into and to continue farming by adding farm innovation loans,

SB757 SD2 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE:  Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to operate and implement the Future Farmers of America program.

SB593 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE:  Expands livestock feed subsidies to include milking goats, goats raised for meat, sheep, lambs, fish, and crustaceans. This financial support enables the livestock industry to stabilize its operations, thereby contributing to food security and increasing the competitiveness of the local livestock industry with mainland suppliers.

SB642 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO HEALTH: The purpose of this measure is to amend the medical use of marijuana law to address the concerns of Hawaii's seriously ill patients.

HB668 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HEALTH: Authorizes transfer of the medical use of marijuana program from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health.

HB672 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HEALTH: Prohibits the sale and purchase of electronic smoking devices to minors under eighteen years of age.

SB106 SD1 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO AGING: Establishes and funds a position for an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Services coordinator. Appropriates funds for programs and services that support the State's elderly population. Establishes the Task Force on Mobility Management.

SB102 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE ELDERLY: Requires financial institutions to report instances of suspected financial abuse of the elderly directly to the appropriate county police department and the Department of Human Services.

SB548 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO TELEMEDICINE: Exempts from licensing requirements in the State any commissioned medical officer or psychologist employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, who is credentialed by Tripler Army Medical Center, while providing direct telemedicine support or services to neighbor island beneficiaries.

SB551 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO A MEMORIAL: Directs the Office of Veterans Services to develop a plan to establish a memorial honoring the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Global War on Terrorism, Homeland Defense, and Operation Noble Eagle, and those who have protected our borders by land, sea, and air.

SB515 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO HOUSING: The purpose of the legislation is to better assist individuals facing or experiencing homelessness by funding various homeless and housing programs.  The bill also provides for substance abuse treatment and mental health support services.

SB1340 SD2 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO FOSTER CARE: Establishes the young adult voluntary foster care program to care for and supervise eligible foster youth until age twenty-one.

SB535 SD1 HD2 CD1 RELATING TO LABOR: Establishes basic rights and protections for domestic workers.

SB69 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO FIREARMS: Requires county police departments under certain conditions to fingerprint, photograph, and perform background checks on individuals who wish to register a firearm that was procured out-of-state

SB978 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE: Makes the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree involving ten or more pet animals in any one instance a class C felony.

SB635 SD1 HD3 CD1 RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY: Amends offenses of causing injury or death to a service dog and intentional interference with the use of a service dog to include law enforcement animals. Adds a definition of "law enforcement animal" to the Penal Code.

SB1092 SD1 HD1 CD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO RECAPITALIZE THE HURRICANE RESERVE TRUST FUND: Makes a general fund appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2013-2014 to recapitalize the hurricane reserve trust fund.

SB1094 SD1 HD1 CD1 MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE EMERGENCY AND BUDGET RESERVE FUND: Makes a general fund appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2013-2014 to recapitalize the emergency and budget reserve fund.

HB546 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYERS-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND: Establishes the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund (EUTF) task force to examine the unfunded liability of the EUTF. Requires the annual public employer contribution to be equal to the amount determined by an actuary commencing with FY 2018-2019.

SB1194 SD2 HD1 CD1 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX:.  Makes permanent the transient accommodation tax rate of 9.25 per cent. Includes an $11 million increase to the Hawaii Tourism Authority to strengthen marketing of Hawaii as a visitor destination.

HB1132 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS STATEMENTS:  Requires a legislator to file a disclosure of financial interests with the State Ethics Commission between January 1 and January 31 annually.