HOUSE BILL KEEPS FRONT STREET HOUSING AFFORDABLE

Rep. McKelvey's bill protects, expands home options for low income residents

The House today moved to ensure the continued availability of affordable rental housing on Maui, including the Front Street Apartments project and the Leialiʻi affordable housing project, by passing HB543 HD1 SD1 CD1.

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei), who was one of the bill's introducers, said it is critical to protect the limited affordable housing available on Maui.

HOUSE PASSES 206 BILLS ON FINAL DECKING

Measures include cannabis decriminalization, bail, Medicaid and election reforms

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – As the end of the 2019 legislative session approaches, the House is starting to take final votes on bills that have survived close scrutiny by both the House and Senate.

More than 3,000 bills were introduced this session and more than 200 bills will likely be sent to the Governor by the end of session May 2.

The House today passed 206 bills ranging from cannabis decriminalization to landmark Medicaid, bail, and election reforms, to clean transportation policies and measures that address Hawaiʻi's homeless and affordable housing crises. Once all the measures passed with a CD1 are also passed by the Senate, they will go to the Governor for approval or veto.

Measure highlights:

Medicaid

SB330 SD1 HD1 SD1 CD1  Individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicaid are often unable to earn an income and retain the benefits their lives depend on. "Kal's Law" requires the Department of Human Services to implement an Earned Income Disregard Program, which will disregard the income earned by otherwise Medicaid-eligible individuals with disabilities between 16 and 64 years old when determining their eligibility for Medicaid. This is intended as an interim step towards a Medicaid buy-in program.

Bail/Prisons

HB1552 HD2 SD2 CD1  Addresses overcrowded jails and brings equity to Hawaiʻi's system of bail by establishing a Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, implementing recommendations of the Criminal Pretrial Task Force, and establishing a Criminal Justice Institute within the office of the Chief Justice.

BILLS SUPPORT GROWTH OF ZERO-EMISSIONS ELECTRIC VEHICLE INDUSTRY

Clean transportation policies set to pass tomorrow promote sustainability, fight climate change

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In passing bills supporting electric vehicle use in Hawaiʻi, the Legislature is paving the way for the state to take its first major steps toward implementing a strong clean transportation policy.

Representative Nicole E. Lowen, Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environment and author of two of the bills, said the time has come for Hawaiʻi to transition away from fossil-fuel powered vehicles.

"In order to meet our emissions reduction goals, we must address the transportation sector, which accounts for two-thirds of Hawaiʻi's imported oil, and is not included in the 100 percent RPS requirement, which applies only to electric power generation."

COMMITTEE PASSES LANDMARK BAIL REFORM TO ADDRESS JAIL OVERCROWDING

Bill to thoroughly reform our system of handling people arrested, incarcerated

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To address overcrowded jails and bring equity to our system of bail, House and Senate conferees today passed HB 1552 HD2 SD2 CD1, a landmark bill designed to take a thorough look at our system of handling people who are arrested and incarcerated.

Rep. Gregg Takayama (Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades), Chair of the House Public Safety, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee, said the reform is long overdue.

"This measure will help create safer, smarter and more transparent systems of corrections and criminal justice in Hawaii," said Rep. Takayama.

The in-depth bill will:

Establish a Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission

• The Commission is responsible for helping transition to a more effective rehabilitative and therapeutic correctional system, investigating complaints, and examining best practices in other systems.
• Five members of the Commission will be appointed by the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, and OHA Chairperson.
• An oversight coordinator will be appointed for two-year term by the Governor from a list submitted by the Commission.

HOUSE AND SENATE CONFEREES PASS REMAINING EXECUTIVE BUDGET

New budget system allowed for closer scrutiny, more transparency

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House and Senate conferees passed additional appropriations for the executive branch today, HB116 SD1 CD1. The new budget process the Legislature has been utilizing this session allowed lawmakers to pass the executive operating budget, HB2 HD1 SD1 CD1, nearly a month earlier than previous sessions and provided time for closer scrutiny and discussion about individual budget items. HB116 SD1 CD1 is an addendum to HB2.

"By passing the governor's base operating budget early rather than in the dying moments of the session, we were able to engage in meaningful discussions on other critical funding requests," said Representative Sylvia Luke, chair of the House Committee on Finance. "HB116 is the result of these discussions and has led to a more efficient, transparent, and productive legislative session."

HB2 HD1 SD1 CD1 that passed earlier this session allocated $16 billion in operating funds; conferees today approved an additional $10,757,811 for FY20 and $9,045,621 for FY21 in HB116 SD1 CD1.

HB 116 SD1 CD1 Highlights:

Department of Agriculture

• $79,998 to establish (1) full-time permanent business loan officer position to assist with agricultural loans and provide agricultural financial assistance.
• $350,000 for food safety grants in fiscal year 2020.
• $240,000 for agricultural development and marketing for Hawaiʻi specific agricultural surveys in fiscal year 2020.

HOUSE AND SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AGREES ON $3.4 BILLION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BUDGET

CIP funds for renovations, repairs, construction, land acquisition statewide

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Conference Committee today agreed on the Capital Improvement Project budget for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021 totaling more than $3.4 billion. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final vote.

HB 1259 SD1 CD1 contains the funding totals for all Capital Improvement Projects including renovations, repairs, and major maintenance to existing facilities, landscape improvements, new construction, land acquisition, and utility modifications statewide.

Capital Improvement Projects Biennium Budget Totals (not including CIP grants-in-aid):

·         FY2020:          $1,022,811 billion General Obligation Bond Funds

·         FY2021:          $439,275 million General Obligation Bond Funds

·         FY2020:          $2,323,126 billion All Means of Financing

·         FY2021:          $1,154,258 billion All Means of Financing

CIP Highlights

Agriculture

·         $13.8 million to support irrigation systems statewide

o   $9.3 million FY21 for Molokaʻi Irrigation System

o   $2 million FY20 for Kauaʻi Irrigation systems

o   $2.5 million FY20 for Waimanalo Irrigation system

·         $19.4 million to support diversified agriculture and agriculture initiatives statewide

o   $1.7 million FY20 for improvements to the Kahuku Agricultural Park

o   $15 million FY20 for agricultural land acquisition

o   $1.1 million FY20 for improvements to the Honalo Marshalling Yard

o   $1.6 million FY20 for upgrades and infrastructure for a Kalaeloa Harvesting Facility

GOVERNOR RELEASES $1.9 MILLION TO BUY LAND FOR NEW WAIKOLOA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Representative David A. Tarnas

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Governor David Ige has released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds to buy a 1.750-acre parcel for a new Waikoloa Public Library.

"I am very grateful to the Governor for releasing these funds to purchase the land where the future Waikoloa Public Library will be built," said Representative David A. Tarnas (North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala). "The Waikoloa community has been working on this project for many years, led by the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of the Library – Waikoloa Region. We still have much to do and I know the Waikoloa community will continue the hard work needed for this project to succeed."

Once the parcel is purchased by the state, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the project and the public will have the opportunity to submit comments.  After that, the project will start its design phase during which the community can provide their advice about what should be included in the facility. 

"This will be more than just a library," said Rep. Tarnas. "It will be a gathering place for all members of the community to learn together and build strong bonds which support a healthy community."

GRAMMY-WINNING HONOKA‘A HIGH JAZZ BAND TOURS OʻAHU

Performances celebrate jazz's reach beyond borders during National Jazz Appreciation Month

honolulu, Hawaii —The Grammy-winning Honokaʻa High School Jazz Band is performing on Oʻahu this month as part of National Jazz Appreciation Month which culminates in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) International Jazz Day on April 30. 

The Honokaʻa High School Jazz Band is a group of advanced music students at Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School. Under the direction of Gary Washburn, dedicated teacher and accomplished jazz artist, the band has long been considered one of the state’s top high school bands and has received local and national recognition for its excellence.

The band will perform a series of free concerts on Oʻahu from April 25-28. This year, the theme of Jazz Appreciation Month celebrates jazz beyond borders, exploring how jazz unites people across geography and culture.

"These students work together to create something beautiful and meaningful. Music resonates across cultures, languages, and traditions; we've all experienced music's unique ability to bring people together. As a music and jazz lover, I'm thrilled that the Honokaʻa Jazz Band continues to share this gift," said Representative Mark M. Nakashima (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo) a former student of Washburn.

LEGISLATURE VOTES TO FUND SUICIDE PREVENTION, PROMOTE AWARENESS

Representative Nadine K. Nakamura talks to reporters about the Legislature passing suicide prevention bills along with other lawmakers and Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force members.

Task force statistics reveal youth, especially on neighbor islands, most at risk

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The Legislature has passed two important measures to help prevent suicide and to bring awareness to a disturbing increase in youth suicides in Hawaiʻi, especially on the neighbor islands.

HB655 HD1 SD1 designates September as "Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" to promote public awareness regarding suicide prevention and education, resources, and support available to individuals, families, and communities.

HB330 HD1 SD1 CD1 appropriates $150,000 to the Department of Health to support youth suicide early intervention, prevention, and education initiatives in all counties focusing on youth between the ages of 10 through 24.

HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE PROVIDES $2.3 MILLION IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS

Bills continue successful Promise Program and expand HINET Program to help with tuition, basic needs

Representative Justin Woodson, Chair of the House Lower and Higher Education Committee, along with other Representatives, Senators, UH staff and students discuss the bills passed this year to support community college students.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In recent years, paying for a college education has become too expensive for many people, and students who are at an economic disadvantage are disproportionately affected. To offset costs for tuition and basic needs, state lawmakers have passed two bills appropriating more than $2.3 million in state funds to help our young people achieve their dream of a college degree.

The first bill is SB316 SD2 HD2 – Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program.

·         This bill provides $1.4 million ($700,000 for each of the next two fiscal years) to cover community college tuition for eligible students once all other federal aid and public and private scholarships are exhausted.

·         The bill also requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect data on how well the Promise Program directly increases the likelihood that a recipient attends college and completes a degree program.

HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL PACKAGE TO SUPPORT KUPUNA CARE SERVICES

Bills totaling over $20 million in funding passed to support elder services in the community

House and Senate lawmakers today approved four Kupuna Caucus bills, bringing total funding to over $20 million for elder services in the community. This package of four bills dedicates $18 million to kupuna care services, expands and strengthens the Kupuna Caregivers Program, supports healthy aging in the community, and provides funds to coordinate and improve Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia services in the community. 

LAWMAKERS, STAFF DONATE 432 POUNDS OF GENTLY USED CLOTHING TO THE YWCA'S DRESS FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM

Lawmakers, including members of the Women's Legislative Caucus, collected 432 pounds of gently used professional clothing for the YWCA's Dress for Success program. (Standing, from left) Rep. Della Au Belatti, Rep. Cynthia Thielen, Sen. Rosalyn H. Baker, Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura, Rep. Gregg Takayama, Maryann Bray, YWCA Lead Member Services Associate, Rep. Lisa Kitagawa, House Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Rep. Sylvia Luke, Kepola Dudoit, YWCA resident artist, (seated from left) Rep. Linda Ichiyama (with baby Emily), Rep. Dee Morikawa, Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, and Cecilia Fong, the YWCA Director of Fund Development.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Members and staff at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature have donated 432 pounds of gently used professional clothing, shoes, handbags, and other assorted items to the Dress for Success Program hosted by the YWCA O‘ahu.

The items were collected from March 25 to April 10 and presented to the YWCA today. The clothing will be provided to women – many of them formerly incarcerated – making a second start in life with the help of the YWCA. 

HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM MEASURES

Attending today's press conference on Juvenile Justice bills (from left) were Representative John Mizuno, Chair of the House Health Committee, James Dold, founder and president of Human Rights for Kids, Kat Brady, Coordinator for the Community Alliance on Prisons, Representative Joy San Buenaventura, Chair of the House Human Services & Homelessness Committee, Representative Chris Lee, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Lawmakers this week passed bills to protect children's constitutional rights when in police custody and to limit long sentences for minors.

"Too little attention has been paid to the most vulnerable casualties of mass incarceration in America — our children," said Representative John M. Mizuno, introducer of both measures. "From the point of entry and arrest, to sentencing and incarceration, our treatment of children in the justice system is long overdue for re-examination and reform."

House Bill 217 HD1 SD1 requires that when an officer has custody of a child under the age of 16, the child shall consult with legal counsel before waiving any constitutional rights and before any custodial interrogation. House Bill 218 HD1 SD2 grants the Circuit Court, when sentencing a minor for a nonviolent criminal offense, the discretion to impose a sentence that includes a period of incarceration as much as 50 percent shorter than any mandatory minimum and, in certain cases, decline to impose a mandatory enhanced sentence.

LAWMAKERS, STAKEHOLDERS CREATE BLUEPRINT FOR HUMAN SERVICES FOR COFA CITIZENS

Representative John Mizuno (D – Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, Lower Kalihi), Chair of the House Committee on Health, together with fellow lawmakers and stakeholder organizations formed an initial outline of solutions to address the unique needs of Compact of Free Association citizens in Hawaiʻi.

"This is a blueprint for a path in the right direction for both Compact citizens and the state," said Rep. Mizuno. "When Pacific Islanders do well, our entire state benefits."

HOUSE AMENDS, APPROVES 85 SENATE BILLS FOR FINAL CROSSOVER

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – With two days left before the Second Crossover deadline, the House today passed an additional 85 Senate bills. These bills now head back to the Senate for their consideration. If the Senate does not agree to amendments made by the House, the bills will be negotiated in conference committees. To date, 236 bills have crossed over from the House to the Senate.

Key measures that passed by the House today includes homeless services, emergency highway appropriations, election reforms, kupuna caregivers funding, ambulance services changes, community college Promise Program support, bail reform, and gun violence prevention.

Below are some highlights from today's session:

Ambulance Services

SB417 SD2 HD2 Authorizes the Department of Health to establish fees for transportation and provision of emergency medical services. Authorizes transportation to certain medical facilities and to medical facilities other than hospital emergency departments.

Bail Reform

SB1423 HD1 Permits defendants for whom a monetary amount of bail has been set to pay the bail amount seven-days-a-week on a 24-hour basis and be released from custody upon posting or payment of bail.

STATEMENT BY HOUSE SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI ON HOUSE BILL 1326 RELATING TO WATER RIGHTS

House of Representatives Speaker Scott K. Saiki released the following statement on the Water Rights Bill.

"The report that the House leadership is pressuring the Senate to advance HB 1326 during its floor session is not true. At this point, it is entirely up to the Senate leadership to determine how it wants to proceed. Whatever the leadership decides, it is important that the Legislature be civil and reasoned, rather than divisive."