Thursday, May 15, 2014

OP-ED: Dismantling the Hawaii Health Connector Will Do More Harm Than Good

Hawaii Health Connector boardmembers and state officials testify before the  House Committees on Health and Consumer Protection & Commerce

As members of the Legislature who worked throughout the session with all stakeholders on reshaping the Hawaii Health Connector, we are troubled by president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Medical Service Association Michael Gold’s recent call to dismantle the health insurance exchange (Maui News 5/9/14). HMSA is one of two health insurers participating in the health insurance exchange and its representatives have been intimately involved in the formation of the Hawaii Health Connector from day one.

With the legislative session recently concluded, it is very disappointing to hear the CEO of HMSA calling for the shutting down of the Hawaii Health Connector. During the long and arduous legislative session, state lawmakers were extensively briefed by all stakeholders on the Health Connector, by the Governor’s department heads, the Attorney General and HMSA on how to restructure, reform and right-size the Connector.

Mr. Gold calls for the removal of the Hawaii Health Connector’s Small Business Options Program (SHOP) as an unnecessary middle man and encourages small businesses to enroll directly with HMSA. But this “direct enrollment” solution virtually eliminates competition in the marketplace by denying Hawaii businesses and residents the opportunities to “shop and compare” and choose a health plan that’s right for them, leaving only the “big boys” to dictate that choice. Having a robust SHOP is an essential element to the Connector’s sustainability and allows employees and employers to compare plans to see what works best for them.

Moreover, Mr. Gold’s assertion that these waivers exist and that the Legislature did not pursue them is simply not true. On February 4, 2014, we wrote to our congressional delegation asking for the very same waiver that Mr. Gold alluded to, and we were told, in no uncertain terms, that we would not be able to secure them. We also drafted a House resolution asking for a waiver and were told again that we would not be able to get permission.

Through the legislative process, we learned that the only way we could secure a federal waiver was through the innovation waiver process, which is why we passed House Bill 2581 that will set up a task force to develop a plan to seek the waiver.

Mr. Gold also stated that the Legislature did not ask the right questions regarding the Health Connector during our deliberation on the bills. During this past legislative session, all of the information that we received from the Hawaii Health Connector reflected the views of its board of directors, which included Jennifer Diesman, an HMSA vice president.

Moreover, in all of the briefings, never did HMSA’s representative question the route or the line of questioning that was being asked. It seems strange that at the same time HMSA is asking for a rate increase of nearly 13 percent; at the same time that the bill removing HMSA from the board is going to the Governor for his signature, that HMSA now suddenly questions the need for a health exchange. These new developments push us to the next part of health care reform that needs to be taken up by elected officials – taking a closer look at what’s really driving the costs of health care here in Hawaii.

There are some who would have us do nothing but hand the problem off to Washington D.C. or to big insurance corporations. If we do, we run the risk of losing all the gains we’ve made under our Prepaid Health Care Act. And that has always been our main concern: the protection of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act. Despite our differences, we believe that is also Mr. Gold’s ultimate goal, and we remain open to discussing with him his concerns and how we can, together, ensure that end for the benefit of all of Hawaii.

     Representative Della Au Belatti, Health Committee Chair
     Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa

     Representative Angus McKelvey, Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee Chair
     West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei 

     Senator Rosalyn Baker, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Chair 
     South and West Maui

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The opinion-editorial was published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on May 15, 2014.

Friday, May 9, 2014

State Lawmakers Respond to HMSA CEO's Remarks on Dismantling Hawaii Health Connector

Questions why the member of Health Connector Board did not express concerns earlier

For someone who has been so intimately involved in the formation of the Hawaii Health Connector, state lawmakers are baffled by recent remarks by Michael Gold, president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). In a Maui News article published today, Gold told the newspaper that the Connector was a costly mistake and that Hawaii “needs to get out from under it. We need to go right now to the federal government and ask them for a waiver to get us out of the connector in Hawaii.” HMSA is one of two health insurers along with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii participating in the health insurance exchange.

“Our legislative session concluded not less than 10 days ago and it is very disappointing to see today’s reports from HMSA calling for the shutting down of the Hawaii Health Connector,” said Rep. Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa), chair of the House Health Committee. “During the long and arduous legislative session, state lawmakers were extensively briefed by all stakeholders on the Health Connector, including the Governor’s department heads, the Attorney General, and HMSA on how to restructure, reform and right-size the Connector.

“It is very disingenuous, disheartening, and disappointing to learn that the CEO of HMSA is now calling for the dismantling, shutting down and federalization of the Health Connector.”

Rep. Angus McKelvey (West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei), chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, also expressed dismay over Gold’s comments which he described as misinformation.

“First of all, the assertion that these waivers exist and that the Legislature did not pursue them is simply not true,” McKelvey said. On Feb. 4 we wrote to our congressional delegation asking for the very same waiver that Mr. Gold alluded to, and we were told in no uncertain terms that we would not be able to secure them. We also drafted a House resolution asking for a waiver and were told again that we could not.

“Through the legislative process, we learned that the only way we could secure a federal waiver was through the innovation waiver process, which is why we passed House Bill 2581 that will set up a task force to develop a plan to seek the waiver.

“Mr. Gold also stated that the Legislature did not ask the right questions regarding the Health Connector during our deliberation on the bills,” McKelvey added. “Well, I for one did not see Mr. Gold at any of the numerous hearings and briefings on the Connector, nor did any of the HMSA participants question the route or the line of questioning that were being asked. And there was plenty of time during the session for HMSA to have brought up any issue relating to the Connector.

“It seems very strange to me that at the same time HMSA is asking for a rate increase of nearly 13%; at the same time that the bill removing HMSA from the board is going to the Governor for his signature, that HMSA now suddenly questions the need for a health exchange, an exchange that HMSA sits on and has been involved in from day one. It’s very problematic, but suggests that we should take a closer look at what’s really driving the cost of health care here in Hawaii.”

With the passage of Senate Bill 2470, the state Legislature has put the Hawaii Health Connector on a corrective course to the future—a future that helps to ensure the survival of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Act and the health care of everyone in Hawaii. This measure establishes a Legislative Oversight Committee, requires the Health Connector to submit an annual sustainability plan, and amends the composition and procedures of the Connector’s Board of Directors. It also appropriates $1.5 million for the operation of the Connector.

In addition, House Bill 2581 establishes a state Innovation Waiver Task Force to develop a plan for applying for a state innovation waiver that meets the requirements of federal law. With these actions, the Legislature has taken action to address serious issues relating to the transparency, accountability and sustainability of the Health Connector and its process of enrolling and determining the eligibility of potential users during its initial start-up phase.

Ironically, part of the problem with the Health Connector involves Hawaii’s own success under Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act. Enacted in 1974, it has enabled the state to maintain the highest rate of coverage in the nation for health care, and has brought Hawaii closer than most other states in achieving universal health care and fulfilling the goals of the federal Affordable Care Act, which mandates state health exchanges or the participation in the federal program.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

2014 Big Island CIP and GIA

Big Island legislators secured over $400 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island. The Big Island’s portion of the budget included funding for the new Kona judiciary complex, the Kona airport terminal expansion and other airports improvements, various highway improvements and monies for Hawaii island schools.

Notable CIP funding highlights for Hawaii County include:

•    $79.309 million for terminal expansion and other improvements for Kona International Airport
•    $33 million for the design and construction of a new instructional facility for the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy
•    $35 million for the design, engineering, and construction of a Judiciary Complex in Kona
•    $14.89 million for the construction and equipment of a specialty and support classroom building at Waimea Middle School
•    $2 million for improvements to the Waimea irrigation system
•    A total of $5.4 million for improvements for the Lower Hamakua Ditch watershed project
•    $3.5 million for the design and construction of a community agricultural park in Waimea
•    $3 million for the plans, land acquisition, design, construction and equipment for the Keeau Demonstration Facility to develop biofuel animal feed in Keeau
•    A total of $14.517 million for various improvements to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)
•    $2 million for the construction of a student drop-off and parking area at Honokaa Elementary School
•    $3 million for improvements to athletic facilities at Honokaa High School
•    $250,000 for the design of a covered play court and site improvements at Kamalii Elementary School
•    $550,000 for improvements to athletic facilities at Kau High School
•    $300,000 for upgrades to the Kealakehe High School track
•    $675,000 for the construction of covered walkways and site improvements to Keaau Middle School
•    $275,000 for ground and safety improvements at Keaau High School
•    $250,000 for lighting system for gymnasium at Konawaena High School
•    $3.86 million for gymnasium renovations and improvements at Pahoa High and Intermediate School
•    $1.05 million for the design and construction of a covering for the existing play court at Waiakea Elementary School
•    $450,000 for the design and construction of a new batting cage at Waiakea High School
•    $800,000 for the plans and design of a new regional library in Pahoa
•    $7.9 million for improvements to the Youth Challenge Academy, Keaukaha Military Reservation
•    $300,000 for plans and design of a new West Hawaii Veterans Center
•    $1.61 million for a non-potable well at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery
•    $2.55 million to plug two geothermal wells and to restore well sites
•    $3 million for the design and construction for Puu Waawaa structure improvements and dam compliance
•    $3.5 million for Manuka Natural Area Reserve boundary fence
•    $13 million for the design and construction of Phase 1 of the Waimea District/Regional Park
•    A total of $43.4 million for new aircraft rescue and firefighting station and other various improvements at Hilo International Airport
•    $3 million for various improvements to the Ellison S. Onizuka Space Museum
•    $1.425 million for modification plans to improve navigational safety and operational efficiencies at Hilo Harbor
•    $12.41 million for various improvements to Mamalahoa Highway
•    $7.570 million for realignment construction and widening of Akoni Pule Highway on the Pololu Valley side of Aamakao Gulch
•    $10.71 million for various improvements to Hawaii Belt Road
•    $2.215 million for the construction of miscellaneous improvements to existing intersections and highway facilities necessary for improved traffic operation
•    A total of $9.175 million for the extension design of Saddle Road from the Hilo Terminus to Queen Kaahumanu Highway
•    $6.75 million for land acquisition and the design of Puainako Street from two to four lanes between Kanoelehua Street to Komohana Street
•    $7.622 for the construction of a Saddle Road maintenance baseyard facility
•    A total of $27.7 million for the widening of Queen Kaahumanu Highway to a four-lane divided highway from Kealakehe Parkway to the vicinity of Keahole Airport
•    $1 million for the construction of sidewalk and intersection improvements on Mamane Street from Lehua Street to Plumeria Street
•    $3.5 million for the plans, design, and construction of a traffic signal at the Pahoa bypass and Post Office Road intersection
•    $7 million for various improvements along state highways, including guardrail and shoulder improvements
•    $2 million for the alignment and replacement of the Waiaka Stream Bridge along Kawaihae Road
•    $2 million for intersection improvements at Highway 130 and Homestead Road
•    $2 million for infrastructure improvements to the University of Hawaii-Hilo Office of Mauna Kea Management
•    $2.5 million to the University of Hawaii-Hilo College of Astronomy for the modernization and repair of the 2.2 meter telescope on Mauna Kea
•    $500,000 to the University of Hawaii-Hilo College of Agricultural, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management for the plans, design, and construction to establish the temporary international flight training center at the Hilo Airport.
•    $600,000 for renovations to the nursing and culinary buildings at the University of Hawaii- West Hawaii campus
•    $2.4 million for the design and completion of Phase 1 at the University of Hawaii – Palamanui Campus
•    $2.5 million for improvements to the Kau Irrigation System

In addition to the executive budget CIP funding, appropriations for Grants-In-Aid were also awarded to organizations for the benefit of the Big Island community:

•    $1.7 million to Kanu O Ka Aina Learning Ohana (KALO) for the construction of a new community recreation center in Kamuela
•    $500,000 for the construction of a new Island Heritage Gallery at the Lyman House Memorial Museum
•    $1.5 million to the Waiohuli Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, Inc. for the construction of Phase 2 of the Waiohuli Community Center and park master plan
•    $950,000 to La’i’Opua 2020 (L2020) for improvements to the parking lot and roadway. L2020 is a community group focused on supporting communal needs and the coordination of facilities and services for residents of the Villages of La’i 'Opua and the broader Kealakehe area
•    $643,000 to the Salvation Army for the renovation of the Family Intervention Services facility in Hilo
•    $250,000 to The Food Basket, Inc. (Hawaii Island Food Bank) for infrastructure repairs and maintenance
•    $1 million to the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation for the construction of a new adult day care facility
•    $750,000 for the design of a new free-standing emergency room at the Puna Community Medical Center
•    $425,000 for the design and construction of a community based outpatient clinic and box culvert at the Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial
•    $751,000 to the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council for various equipment and improvements including the design and construction for emergency repairs and handicapped access improvements; vehicles for the transportation program; and the design, construction and equipment for a botanical garden
•    $1.5 million to the Kahilu Theatre Foundation for improvements to existing facilities
•    $30,000 to the Brantley Center, Inc. for renovations of existing facilities in Honokaa. A partner of Hawaii Island United Way, The Brantley Center provides training and support individuals with disabilities so they may overcome barriers in the community
•    $200,000 to the Hawaii Island Humane Society for Phase 1 of the Hawaii Island Animal Community Center
•    $75,000 to Child and Family Services to support operations and rent subsidies for transitional housing in East Hawaii
•    $200,000 to the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council for the Drop-Out Prevention Program which provides educational and support services to students at-risk of dropping out of school
•    $92,362 to Kalani Honua to assist with the restoration of the Pahoa Intermediate and High School eight-man football program
•    $200,000 to the Kona Historical Society for the Hawaii Island Museum Outreach Project which provides a wide range of academic, community, and volunteer services
•    $107,672 to Malama O Puna to restore priority areas of the Keauohana native lowland wet forest
•    $79,214 to Project Vision Hawaii to expand health screening services for the poor and disabled across Hawaii island
•    $15,000 to the Volcano Art Center to equip the Hale Hoomana building with the basic tools to support a range of teaching programs that will serve a diverse population of Hawaii residents and visitors
•    $20,000 to the Anekona Ouli Kanehoa VFD Company for the construction of a volunteer apparatus garage
•    $60,000 to the Kailapa Community Association for the plans and design of the Kailapa Community Resource Center
•    $1 million for the construction of the West Hawaii Community Health Center at Laiopuna in Kona

Representatives Contact Information:

Representative Richard Creagan (Naalehu, Ocean View, Capt. Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona)
(808) 586-9605
repcreagan@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Cindy Evans (North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala)
(808) 586-8510
repevans@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Faye Hanohano (Puna)
(808) 586-6530
rephanohano@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau)
(808) 586-8400
replowen@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Mark Nakashima (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo)
(808) 586-6680
repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Richard Onishi (Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano)
(808) 586-6120
reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Clift Tsuji (Keaukaha, parts of Hilo, Panaewa, Waiakea)
(808) 586-8480
reptsuji@capitol.hawaii.gov

2014 Kauai Island CIP and GIA Funding

With the close of the 2014 legislative session, Kauai legislators secured over $80 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island. The largest amount was provided for 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.

Notable CIP funding highlights for Kauai include:
  • $200,000 for design and construction of a new water source and pipeline for the Kekaha water system 
  • $1 million for improvements to the upper and lower Aahoaka Reservoirs
  • $1.6 million for improvements and renovations to Career Pathway classrooms and facilities to provide additional learning opportunities at Kapaa High School
  • $250,000 for an automotive paint booth at Kauai High School
  • $1.52 million for the renovation of Building B at Kilauea Elementary School for administrative services
  • $2 million for the rockfall mitigation at Menehune Road in Waimea
  • $3 million for the construction of remediation improvements to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands dams and reservoirs in Anahola
  • $2.45 million for the construction of improvements at the Federal Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor
  • $2.8 million for improvements to the Camp 10 access bridges connecting Kokee State Park to the Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve
  • $2.5 million for plans, design and construction to repair, reinforce and upgrade the Hanalei River breach
  • $1.3 million to repair, upgrade and install waterlines for fire protection sprinklers at Kilauea School
  • $600,000 for the construction of approximately 46 sheltered bus stations along highways across Kauai Island
  • $27.6 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Hanapepe River Bridge along Kaumualii Highway
  • $1 million for the resurfacing of the Mana Drag Racing Strip
  • $7.95 million for a new West Kauai field operations facility for eight divisions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources
  • Over $6 million for construction of various improvements to existing intersections and highway facilities to improve traffic operations
  • Nearly $14 million for a wide range of transportation infrastructure improvements including those to bridges, highways, and roadways
  • $2.4 million for the construction of slope stabilization at Lumahai Hillside
In addition to the executive budget CIP funding, appropriations for Grants-In-Aid were also awarded to organizations for the benefit of the Kauai community:
  • $270,000 to Hawaiian Island Land Trust for a long range development plan for the former Coco Palms site
  • $300,000 to Aha Hui E Kala for design and construction of infrastructure improvements at the Lawai International Center
  • $435,000 to Hale Opio Kauai Inc. for renovations, upgrades and energy improvements, to include photovoltaic systems. Hale Opio Kauai Inc. provides youth-directed and family centered programs that address physical, emotional, education, recreational, and developmental needs of those in the community.
  • $105,406 to Hale Opio Kauai Inc. for the operation of the Kauai Teen Court, a family-centered accountability-based program focused on first- and second-time youth offenders
  • $50,000 to Hui O’Laka (Kokee Museum) for renovations to the 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
  • $200,000 to Waipa Foundation for construction of the Waipa Kitchen, Poi Mill and Hale Imu. The Waipa Foundation is a Native Hawaiian learning and community center that provides hands-on cultural and physical learning opportunities for over 5,000 keiki a year.
  • $120,000 to Malama Kauai for the development of Kilauea Agricultural Park
  • $776,000 to Kauai Museum Association for improvements and renovations of the museum to include installation of a photovoltaic system
For more information, please contact:
Representative Derek Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua)
(808) 586-8435

Representative James Tokioka (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town)
(808) 586-6270

Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Waimea, Koloa)
(808) 586-6280

Effective Communication Rights for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

State Representative James Tokioka (Wailua Homestead, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Oma`o) applauded the actions taken by the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and Disability and Communication Access Board that unveiled today public education materials on the legal obligations and rights of health care providers and patients. Under state and federal law, health care providers have an obligation to provide auxiliary aids and services for patients who have disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters when needed to provide effective communication.

For Tokioka (who has a son, Pono, who is deaf), the hurdles and challenges of those who are deaf or who are hearing impaired and their families are ones he has personally experienced in his own life.

“I am personally grateful to the Executive Director William Hoshijo of the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission (HCRC), Executive Director Fancine Wai of the Disability & Communication Access Board (DCAB), Senator Josh Green, Kristine Pagano of DCAB and Delphine le Marie for taking this proactive approach to assisting our families who struggle to negotiate everyday activities that most of us give little thought to, like a visit to the doctor,” Tokioka said.

“I can’t tell you how important this initiative is for these families and what a difference it makes in their lives, when qualified sign language interpreters are available to help them communicate with their doctors during a normal visit or with a hospital attendant in an emergency situation, which can include serious life and death situations.”

“The deaf do not choose to be deaf, but must sometimes rely on others for help. Government is set up to help those who cannot help themselves, and this is a clear case when government should and must step in to help. If we can create greater awareness and better educate not only our health care providers but our entire community, we’ll help to create a better quality of life for these individuals and their families.”

One to two percent of people in Hawaii (approximately 16,000) are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf blind. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Hawaii state civil rights law, they have the right to effective communication in medical and health care services.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Hawaii Womens Legislative Caucus Reponds to Federal Title IX Investigation into UH


Earlier in this legislative session, the Women’s Legislative Caucus introduced House Concurrent Resolution 12 (HCR 12), asking the University of Hawaii to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the tenets of Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA). Adopted in the last days of session, HCR 12 is one of a several measures relating to women’s rights and issues submitted by the Women’s Caucus that made it successfully through the legislative process.

“We asked the University of Hawaii to rededicate itself to ending all forms of sexual violence on all of its campuses, formulate concrete plans to address and prevent gender discrimination and gender violence, and provide a progress report to the 2015 Legislature on the University’s compliance with Title IX and VAWA,” said Representative Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa), co-chair of the caucus.

“During the session, the University and Interim President David Lassner responded very positively to our resolution and were supportive of the Caucus’ requests,” added Representative Cynthia Thielen (Kailua, Kaneohe Bay), co-chair of the caucus.

House Concurrent Resolution 12 was passed prior to yesterday’s release of a list by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) identifying 55 universities nationwide under investigation for possible violations of federal law over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints. The University of Hawaii was one of those universities listed.

The schools were selected based on various sources of information, including statistical data, news reports and information from parents, advocacy groups and community organizations. It is the first time that the OCR made public a list of colleges under investigation and was characterized by the agency as taking a “proactive” step in light of a recent statistical report of sexual violence on college campuses across the country.

“Sexual harassment and violence against women are horrific and debilitating crimes that cannot be shoved under the rug or hidden from view just because they make us uncomfortable to acknowledge,” Belatti said. “The light has got to be shined on these acts of violence so that we can create safer environments that provide opportunity for all women to thrive and succeed. This federal investigation, HCR 12, and the University of Hawaii’s active support and cooperation will all go a long way in doing just that.”

Legislature Passes Measure to Boost Funding to Rental Housing Trust Fund


State lawmakers this week passed SB2542 that will increase funds allocated from the State’s conveyance tax to the Rental Housing Trust Fund from 30 percent to 50 percent starting July 1, 2014. In 2006, the Legislature raised the allocation to 50 percent, but the economic crisis and recession in 2008-10 forced the State to reduce that amount to 30 percent. The measure restores that amount back to 50 percent.

In Fiscal Year 2013, the Rental Housing Trust Fund received $16.4 million from the current 30 percent share of conveyance tax revenues. The proposed increase will add $10.8 million per year and provide a total of about $30 million annually, according to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, administrator for the Rental Housing Trust Fund for the State.

“This bill will help the State provide more affordable rental housing for our families who need assistance in a market that is among the highest in the nation,” said Representative Sylvia Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa), Chair of the House Finance Committee.

“The high cost of rental housing and the high rate of homeless people and families in Hawaii take a significant toll on the quality of life all of our citizens. While it may not be as much as we’d like to provide for the Rental Housing Trust Fund, it does provide a significant but measured contribution given the State’s current fiscal outlook.”

The State continues to face major challenges related to affordable housing because of a lack of available land, low wages coupled with the high cost of living, the high cost of construction, as well as other factors.

“The need for affordable rental housing has not abated during and since the recession and, in fact, has become more pressing in the intervening years since we were forced to reduce the allocation to the Trust Fund,” said Representative Mark Hashem (Hahaione, Kuliouou, Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Waialae, Kahala) House Chair of the Housing Committee.

“Honolulu ranks as one of the most expensive cities for rentals, and this bill will help our young families and singles, who struggle every day just to make ends meet. It also helps moderate income families, who earn wages too high to qualify for low-income housing programs but too little to afford market priced housing.”

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Speaker Joseph M. Souki End of 2014 Session Closing Remarks


The 27th 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.

Here is the full text of his closing remarks:

We have come to the end of another legislative session.  To the leadership team, the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and each and every member of the House, thank you for your unwavering commitment to do your best for the people of Hawaii. 

Because of you, this was not only a productive session but a biennium marked by significant accomplishments. 

I would like to especially thank Majority Leader Scott Saiki, Vice Speaker John Mizuno and Finance Chair Sylvia Luke for their 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.

To the permanent and session staff of the House, thank you for your professionalism and tireless efforts in supporting the work of the House.

I would also 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.

At the end of the day when all the talk is done, we can only take stock in the actions taken to assess what we’ve accomplished.

When the year started, our economy was on the rise, tourism was strong and unemployment was down. But long-term projections suggested the need for cautious optimism.

We needed to invest in current programs and projects, but we also had to make strong investments in Hawaii's future.

And you’ve done that, showing your ability to look beyond immediate needs, adjust to changing times, and exercise responsive legislation with vision.

Quality of life
At the same time, you saw the need to help our lowest wage earners by raising the minimum wage, for the first time since 2007. 

You saw that a rising economy is a healthy one, only when it elevates all of our citizens.

And you saw the need to assist the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

To that end, you increased funds allocated from the State’s conveyance tax to the Rental Housing Trust Fund from 30 to 50 percent starting July 1.

That will help our young families who are struggling to make ends meet with their housing needs.

You also moved quickly to shore up the Hawaii Health Connector that will preserve Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, thereby ensuring the future healthcare needs for all of Hawaii’s people. 

In spite of being “given the ball on your own one-yard line,” you established greater oversight, created a better game plan, and restructured the Connector’s Board Directors to represent the broader interests of the community.    

Under the Majority Package, you also reaffirmed our commitment to our kupuna, providing services and support programs for their health, safety and well-being.

And for others in need of help you provided more than $10 million in Grant-in-Aid for nonprofit organizations who reach out to the community with invaluable services.

The environment
You took measures to protect our environment and economy against invasive species and sought to plan for contingencies in the event of catastrophic consequences due to climate change.

You also took measures to secure a 665-acre conservation easement on Oahu’s north shore, which will protect those lands for future generations.

Education
Education at all levels is the bedrock upon which lifelong success hinges. Knowing this, you continued to invest in education, from preschool to higher learning. You made kindergarten mandatory for all five-year-olds and provided for children with special needs.

The economy
You also committed to strengthening our number one industry by raising the cap on the TAT.

As I noted in my opening day speech, the counties are equal partners in marketing our number one industry and should be provided with the necessary funds to do their job—certainly funds that we originally promised them.

Be that as it may, the increase is a start and we have an opportunity down the road to build upon this year’s actions. 

In addition, you provided over $5 billion for a wide range of Capital Improvement Projects for state infrastructure, which will continue to support economic growth on all islands.

Included in those CIP funds are monies for the new Kona Judiciary Building and the University of Hawaii at Hilo School of Pharmacy. 

Fiscal responsibility
During the past economic crisis, the State borrowed from the rainy day fund and the Hurricane Relief Fund, promising the money would be returned when the economy improved.

You began fulfilling that promise in the first year of the biennium and continued that process this session.  You also continued to address the state’s unfunded liabilities.

And finally, you responded to the voices of the people and moved quickly to restructure the Hawaii Community Development Authority that will help it create a better future for Kakaako and its residents.

Again, I am deeply grateful to all of you for your trust, your hard work and commitment to the people of Hawaii.

They say that pride is the result of accomplishments. That is why I take great pride in and am honored to have served as your Speaker, and I look forward to working with you in the foreseeable future. 

Thank you and God bless.

House Passes Remaining Bills for 2014 Session

On the day the Legislature ended the 2014 session, the House approved bills relating to education, the PUC, juvenile justice, health planning, a conservation easement agreement for 665 acres of pristine undeveloped land on Oahu’s North Shore, and securing funds to execute an exchange for Dole Food lands to preserve agricultural and conservation acreage in Central Oahu while fostering transit-oriented development in Kapolei. The bills now head to the Governor for his consideration.
  • HB2434, HD2, SD2, CD1 establishes a method to use Transient Accommodations Tax revenues to pay the debt service on revenue bonds issued by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to acquire a conservation easement in Turtle Bay, Oahu.
  • HB1796, HD2, SD1 CD1 establishes conditions and procedures for the use of restraint and prohibits the use of seclusion in public schools.
  • HB2490, HD2, SD2, CD2 Enhances the juvenile justice system by concentrating on using secure bed space for serious juvenile offenders. Strengthens disposition, adjustment, diversion, and services available for juvenile offenders to ensure family court judges, court staff, departmental staff, and service providers have the tools needed to keep youth safely and effectively in their communities. Increases interagency collaboration. Establishes a temporary Juvenile Justice Oversight Advisory Council.
  • SB2948, SD1, HD1, CD2 Transfers the administrative placement of the public utilities commission from the department of budget and finance to the department of commerce and consumer affairs. Clarifies the public utilities commission's authority concerning standard administrative practices, including operational expenditures and the hiring of personnel. Enables the chair of the public utilities commission to appoint, employ, and dismiss an executive officer, fiscal officer, and personnel officer. Establishes that the executive director of the division of consumer advocacy shall be the consumer advocate. Appropriates funds to effectuate the transfer of the public utilities commission and for the hiring of an executive officer, fiscal officer, and personnel officer.
  • HB1616, HD1, SD1 Adds to the Hawaii State Planning Act's objectives and policies for health, the identification of social determinants of health and prioritization of programs, services, interventions, and activities that address identified social determinants of health to improve Native Hawaiian health and well-being in accordance with federal law and reduce health disparities of disproportionately affected demographics.