LAWMAKER TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CAP THE COST OF INSULIN TO $100 PER MONTH

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Representative John M. Mizuno (D) (District 28 - Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, portion of Lower Kalihi), Chairman of the House Health Committee, has drafted a bill to cap the co-pay for a 30-day supply of the life-saving drug insulin to $100.

In crafting the legislation, Mizuno said, "Insulin is an excellent example of runaway drug costs throughout our nation. It is my understanding that insulin prices have increased approximately 555 percent in the last decade and a half and therefore has caused co-pays to sky-rocket to unaffordable rates for our people. As painful as it sounds, many of our residents' underuse insulin because of its significant cost. Thereby increasing the potential for emergency room visits and costly intervention health services rather than prevention health maintenance."

Read bill at https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CCTGC0jZK1iaAhca8sGUcDlXZyoZjdr9 

HAWAI‘I ANT LAB EXTENSION OFFICE ESTABLISHED IN WEST HAWAI‘I

New extension agent to expand efforts to combat little fire ants on Hawai‘i Island

Captain Cook, Hawaii – The Hawai‘i Ant Lab, which was established to address the invasive Little Fire Ant (Wasmannia Auropunctata), has hired a new West Hawai‘i extension agent, Kiyoshi Adachi. Adachi previously worked for the Hawai‘i Ant Lab in Hilo as their senior research associate, and as a Pest Control Technician for the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture.

State Representative Nicole Lowen (D-North Kona) secured the funds for the new position during the 2018 legislative session.

“With the spread of fire ant populations in West Hawai‘i, we needed someone on the ground here to meet the growing needs of the West Hawai‘i community. Kiyoshi is the ideal person for this job because he has the needed expertise and experience, and he also understands how to work effectively with local residents and businesses,” said Representative Lowen.

NEW LAW REQUIRES BUSINESSES TO REDEEM GIFT CARDS WITH LESS THAN $5 REMAINING FOR CASH

Representative Matayoshi says gift cards often go unused when only a small amount remains

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – A bill introduced by Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi requires Hawaii merchants to refund consumers the remaining balance of their gift cards if the value remaining is less than five dollars.

"If you are given a gift card and use most of it leaving just a small balance, the card is often just dropped in a drawer and forgotten," said Rep. Matayoshi (Kāne‘ohe, Maunawili, Olomana). "In Hawaiʻi, gift cards don’t expire, so the merchant gets to keep that balance. With so many gift cards issued by mainland companies, that money is being held and spent out of state instead of returned to local consumers."

HB314, now Act 236, requires a certificate issuer to redeem the remaining value of a gift certificate or gift card for cash if it has a balance left of less than $5.

NEW LAW PLACES TOUGH PENALTIES ON DUI OFFENDERS

Rep. Chris Lee says the goal is to keep drunks off the road, save innocent lives

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In an effort to end the crisis of drunk drivers killing innocent people, a law passed by the Legislature this session placing tough penalties on DUI offenders is starting to take effect.

"Last year 33 people were killed by drunk drivers in Hawai’i and each death was the result of a choice by a driver knowingly getting behind the wheel drunk. We will tolerate this reckless behavior no more," said Representative Chris Lee (Kailua, Waimānalo), who introduced the bill. "Our new law substantially increases fines, adds years of automatic license revocation, and helps send repeat drunk drivers to prison for up to five years to keep our roads safe."

Since the bill was signed into law this month, at least four repeat DUI offenders have been arrested and face long prison sentences and other penalties under the new law.

Captain Benjamin Moszkowicz, Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division, said on average four to six habitual drunk drivers are arrested each month and this new law makes a third DUI arrest a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

"It is important now that we make sure the public is aware of the penalties, so we can save lives and end the constant fatalities caused by people making bad choices and getting behind the wheel drunk," Moszkowicz said. "Hopefully, this will help prevent some of the habitual folks from reoffending in the future."

STATEMENT BY THE HOUSE HAWAIIAN CAUCUS CHAIRMAN HOLT

Representative Daniel Holt, Chairman of the House of Representatives Hawaiian Caucus released the following statement asking Governor David Ige to rescind the emergency proclamation on Mauna Kea.

"The Hawaiian culture is one of aloha and respect. These values must be present in all that we do. It has become evident from the number of demonstrations across the State that the events on Mauna Kea impact all residents of Hawai‘i, whether or not they are of Native Hawaiian ancestry. 

"When an issue of this magnitude and sensitivity arises, it demands an approach of utmost care and understanding. We ask that Governor Ige immediately rescind the proclamation of emergency in order to de-escalate the situation and to allow space for the voices of Hawai‘i’s people to be heard. It is inappropriate to respond to peaceful protests with disproportionate force.

CITY'S BULKY ITEM PICKUP FAILURE TURNING HONOLULU INTO A DIRTY CITY ON A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

House Representative proposes State step in to solve problem

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The City's pilot project for scheduled bulky item pickup throughout urban Honolulu fails to address the fundamental issues of illegal dumping. As residents work to adjust to the new system, violators continue to discard bulky items in public places.

"The program is clearly not working as evidenced by the piles of mattresses, rusting appliances, infested sofas and other trash growing daily on street corners, at public parks and even at our schools," said Representative Takashi Ohno. "This is not only an eyesore but a health and safety problem that is turning Honolulu into a dirty city on a beautiful island."

Ohno (Nu‘uanu, Liliha, Pu‘unui, Alewa Heights) said the City's system of requiring residents to make appointments for limited bulky items pickups does not solve the more serious problem of "hot spots" where trash regularly is piled in places with no one to hold accountable for the illegal dumping.

"Basic government responsibilities include keeping our communities clean and sidewalks clear for residents," Ohno said. "Right now, the government is failing in that regard."

REPRESENTATIVES MATAYOSHI, OKIMOTO TAKE PART IN DANIEL K. INOUYE LECTURE 'LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF POLITICAL CONFLICT'

July 16 event to be live-streamed, replayed on ʻŌlelo

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The fifth and final Daniel K. Inouye Distinguished Lecture at the Library of Congress will feature political strategists David Axelrod and Karl Rove discussing leadership, public discourse, political parties, and campaigns in a changing world, in a conversation moderated by former White House correspondent Ann Compton.

The event, “Leadership in an Age of Political Conflict,” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, in the Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

Hawaiʻi Representatives Scot Matayoshi and Val Okimoto, along with other young lawmakers across the county, have submitted video questions for the discussion.

"Our country is terribly divided right now and part of that is due to people not talking to those with differing viewpoints," said Democrat Representative Matayoshi (Kāne‘ohe, Maunawili, Olomana). "Having friends across the aisle helps us to see that we agree on a lot of the end goals, even if we disagree about how to get there. As young leaders, we need to find a way to refocus on the goals and not waste time vilifying the opposition."

"As a member of the minority party in a blue state, it is important to have the voice of the people heard," said Republican Representative Val Okimoto (Mililani Mauka, Mililani, Waipio Acres).  "There are issues we agree and disagree on, but respectful dialogue with aloha is necessary to effectively serve and represent the people of Hawai‘i who may have differing points of view and opinions."

NEW LAW INCREASES PARKING FINES ON STATE HIGHWAYS

Measure a 'game changer' for neighborhood road safety, less invasive tourism

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Thousands of people are drawn to the popular scenic areas on Kauai's north shore every day, but one long-standing problem has been too many vehicles illegally parked along state highways. This has caused gridlock, safety concerns, and numerous complaints according to Representative Nadine K. Nakamura (Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Kapaʻa, Wailua).

HB 333 HD1 SD2 CD1, a bill introduced by Rep. Nakamura and signed into law July 5 by Gov. David Ige, establishes a new State Highway Enforcement Program. The bill also sets a parking violation surcharge in special no parking zones in addition to other penalties and fines for parking violations on State highways.

“This bill is the direct result of Hāʻena and Wainiha residents raising the concern about illegally parked cars taking over their community and causing health and safety issues," Rep. Nakamura said. "Adding a $200 surcharge to the existing parking fine of $35 will deter visitors from parking in the newly established 'no parking' zone."

STATE CAPITOL TO HOST LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY O‘AHU

WHO:             Representative Tina Wildberger,

Partner organizations include The ACLU of Hawai‘i, The Legal Clinic, AAUW Hawai‘i, Hawaii J20+, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawai‘i, LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Indivisible Hawai‘i, Americans for Democratic Action, Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network

WHAT:          Lights for Liberty vigil to end human detention camps

WHEN:          Friday, July 12

                        4-6 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Hawai‘i State Capitol Rotunda

                        415 S. Beretania Street

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The public is invited to attend the Lights for Liberty O‘ahu vigil at the State Capitol being held in solidarity with hundreds of similar events nationwide to protest the inhumane treatment of children and migrants at border detention camps.

The event will include musical guests, spoken word performances, guest speakers, and tables with information about organizations who provide services to immigrants. Food trucks featuring varieties of ethnic cuisines will be parked nearby.

STATEMENT BY MAUI REPRESENTATIVE MCKELVEY ON VETO OF TAX FAIRNESS LEGISLATION

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) released the following statement on Gov. David Ige's veto of Senate Bill 301 - Real Estate Investment Trusts.

"As Chair of House Economic Development & Business Committee, which oversaw the measure, I’m very disappointed the Governor would choose to veto SB 301, which sought to create tax parity and ensure those who profit off our states natural resources pay their fair share. I disagree that this measure would have chilled the investment climate in the state of Hawai‘i when our very climate itself has and always will provide an attractive investment to those around the world.

"Paradise is our natural resource and if people are going to make money from it, then they need to pay their fair share. Other states tax the financial gain of their natural resources by outside entities and as such, this was much-needed revenue for much-needed tax relief, to

STATEMENT BY REPRESENTATIVE SAN BUENAVENTURA ON VETO OF FORFEITURE BILL

Rep. Joy A. San Buenaventura (Puna) released the following statement on the veto of House Bill 748 by Governor David Ige today.

"I introduced this bill to prevent the ongoing seizing and selling of assets from people that have been arrested but not convicted of a crime. I am very disappointed in this veto as are so many people and organizations fighting to protect the rights and property of our residents.

"This bill would have required a criminal conviction before law enforcement could forfeit property, and any forfeiture revenue would be directed into the state's general fund, not of into police and prosecutor's office budgets which is a clear conflict of interest.

STATEMENT BY MAUI REPRESENTATIVE MCKELVEY ON VETO OF MOLOKINI CONSERVATION BILL

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) released the following statement on Gov. David Ige's veto of his bill to limit commercial permits at Molokini.

"I am very disappointed that my bill to limit the number of commercial use permits for the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District has been vetoed. HB 1133 would not only have been good for the environment and business but would also benefit tourism by making a visit to the shoal a better experience for visitors.

"Policy should be set by the legislature to allow for public input and transparency and not by the DLNR which chooses to hold limited public hearings and arbitrarily decide what standards to use. We are not in the business of cutting off the public from government. While there are concerns about the size of boats under the current permit system, nothing in this measure prohibits the DLNR from addressing this issue in rules pursuant to the statute being passed, as it should be. 

BILL TO REVITALIZE ALOHA STADIUM SIGNED INTO LAW

Measure will fund a new stadium and provide economic development for the area

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – A bill to dramatically revitalize Aloha Stadium by rethinking its use, management and the experience being provided for residents and visitors alike was signed into law today by Gov. David Ige.

HB1586 HD1 SD2 CD1, now Act 268, establishes the Stadium Development District comprising all state land under the Stadium Authority's jurisdiction. The bill authorizes the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to facilitate the development of all state property within the District. The bill appropriates $20 million in general funds to develop the district for public use and authorizes the issuance of up to $180 million in revenue bonds and $150 million in general obligation bonds to build a new stadium.

GOVERNOR SIGNS HOUSE BILL COMMITTING ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO RELIEVE RENTAL HOUSING CRISIS

Appropriation continues commitment of lawmakers to provide affordable housing

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Providing affordable rental housing has been a top priority for Hawaiʻi lawmakers and with the signing of House Bill 1312 by Governor David Ige today, the state has move a step closer to that goal.

HB1312 HD1 SD1 CD1 authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates $50 million each in 2019 and 2020 into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.  This is in addition to the $35 -$38 million from the conveyance tax that is placed annually into the RHRF, bringing the total appropriation to about $170 million for two fiscal years.

"By passing and signing this bill the Legislature and the Governor continue their resolve to address Hawaiʻi's affordable rental housing crisis for the whole spectrum of local households," said House Majority Leader Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakōlea, McCully, Pāwa‘a, Mānoa).

GOVERNOR SIGNS THREE WOMEN'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS BILLS

Measures address civil rights, prostitution offenses and domestic violence

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Three bills supported by the Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC) were signed into law today by Governor David Ige. The bills, part of a package of measures introduced by the group this past session, address civil rights (Title IX), prostitution offenses, and domestic violence.

"This year's package reflects a strong collaboration between the women's community and the legislature," said WLC co-convener Sen. Rosalyn H. Baker (South and West Maui). "We worked with many different stakeholders to create thoughtful solutions to pressing issues like women's health care, domestic violence and gender equity."

The bipartisan WLC, is comprised of women elected to the State House of Representatives and the Senate. Along with Sen. Baker, the other co-conveners for 2019 include Representatives Lauren Matsumoto and Linda Ichiyama and Senator Laura H. Thielen.

"Thank you to our women's caucus members and to our male colleagues for their support of our WLC package," said Rep. Ichiyama (Moanalua Valley, Salt Lake, Āliamanu). "Today is the fruition of many months of hard work and we are grateful for everyone's contributions."

LAWMAKERS, CITIZENS, POLITICAL GROUPS URGE GOVERNOR NOT TO VETO BILL THAT PREVENTS ASSETS BEING TAKEN FROM INNOCENT PEOPLE

House Bill 748 would allow asset forfeiture only after a criminal is convicted of a felony

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Lawmakers, concerned citizens and representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaiʻi and Young Progressives Demanding Action, gathered at the State Capitol today to ask Gov. David Ige to not veto House Bill 748 which prevents the seizing and selling of assets from a person arrested but not convicted of a crime.

HB748 HD2 SD2 would require a criminal conviction before law enforcement could forfeit property, and any forfeiture revenue would be directed into the state's general fund, instead of into police and prosecutor's office budgets.

Under current civil asset forfeiture laws, police can seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity, even if the owner is never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Rep. Joy A. San Buenaventura (Puna), who introduced of the bill, said an audit of the Attorney General's Forfeiture Program in 2017 showed there are no rules in place to return assets to a person not convicted of any crime.

"Assets from innocent people have been taken and sold for 35 years. It is time to change that," said Rep. San Buenaventura. "This bill will make sure that assets are only taken away from criminals, not innocent people."