State Capitol's Public Access room reopens to modified procedures in light of COVID-19 concerns

Honolulu, Hawai‘i - The Legislative Reference Bureau's Public Access Room at the Hawai‘i State Capitol is now open for phone and email assistance. Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, in-person access will not be possible at the Public Access Room or Legislative Reference Bureau library until further notice.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this change in visitation procedure may cause, but it is the responsible course of action to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Charlotte Carter-Yamauchi, Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau.

The Public Access Room was closed on March 11 out of an abundance of caution after an employee’s roommate was informed that he or she came into contact a week earlier with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19. The Legislative Reference Bureau reported that no member of the Public Access Room staff has been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the leave was imposed, and the office has been professionally cleaned and disinfected during its closure.

SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI AND SENATE PRESIDENT RONALD D. KOUCHI ANNOUNCE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO TACKLE SPREAD OF COVID-19 AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Speaker Scott K. Saiki and Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi today announced that they are taking steps to prepare the State Legislature for actions needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of the public. One such immediate measure is the suspension of the legislative session indefinitely, starting on Tuesday, March 17. 

Last week the Director-General for the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and President Trump proclaimed the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. This month Governor Ige issued an emergency proclamation that allows the state to work quickly to stop the spread of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the cancellation of all events and gatherings of 50 people or more, and social distancing of six feet or more between individuals to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"We're currently at a point in the legislative session where key legislation is being advanced and members of the public feel compelled to be here to testify on important issues," said Speaker Saiki. "We want to protect those who would otherwise feel compelled to be here."

SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI APPLAUDS SPECTRUM FOR OFFERING FREE BROADBAND TO STUDENTS

Spectrum announces efforts to help students learn remotely as a result of COVID-19 

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today recognized Spectrum for offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.

"As Chair of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, I acknowledge the efforts by Spectrum to ensure that our students in Hawaiʻi are able to learn and study remotely during this time of uncertainty," said Speaker Saiki.

"The House of Representatives created this Select Committee to recommend actions that can be taken by all sectors to secure Hawaiʻi’s economy and financial viability," Saiki said. "We all know that maintaining public confidence during a time like this is essential for Hawaiʻi’s recovery. This Select Committee demonstrates that we are all in this together and that we will be prepared."

PUBLIC BRIEFING FOR GRANT-IN-AID APPLICATIONS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS

All eligible applications may submit summary of 2020 GIA request

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Due to concerns and uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Joint Committees on Senate Ways and Means and House Finance will not be conducting a public briefing for Grant-In-Aid applications.

In order to minimize the risk to residents, the committee will be instituting a process that avoids additional travel and a large gathering of people.

In lieu of a public briefing and testimony the Joint Committee notes that:

• Applications are available to legislators and the public at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/2020GIA-Apps/,
• Applicants can submit a two-page, single sided summary of their 2020 GIA request at GIATestimony@Capitol.Hawaii.Gov,

SPEAKER SAIKI APPOINTS MEMBERS TO THE SELECT HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today announced the appointment of individuals to serve on the Select House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness adopted through House Resolution 54.

The first meeting of the Select Committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 10 a.m., in Room 329 at the State Capitol. The meeting is open to the public.

Select House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness

1. Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Co-Chair

2 Peter Ho, Co-Chair, Chairman, President & CEO, Bank of Hawaii

3. Representative Della Au Belatti

4. Representative Richard H.K. Onishi

5. Representative Kyle T. Yamashita

LAWMAKERS INVITE PUBLIC TO ATTEND 'ART AT THE CAPITOL' APRIL 3

View public art collection, meet lawmakers, tour historic building at 12^th annual event

WHO:  Various Senators and Representatives, Governor Ige and Lt. Governor Green

WHAT:          12^th annual Art at the Capitol

WHEN:          Friday, April 3

                        5-7 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Hawaii State Capitol

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The public is invited to attend the 12^th annual Art at the Capitol on Friday, April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the State Capitol.  At this festive and free event, visitors are welcome to view art works by local artists that are displayed in the offices of the Legislature.

The theme this year, “Art IN the Capitol: Up Close and Personal,” reflects on the use of portraits in the public art collection including the official portraits of prior governors now hanging in the Governor's Ceremonial Office.

HOUSE HONORS LAHAINALUNA FOOTBALL TEAM FOR DIVISION II TITLE WIN

Representatives McKelvey, Hashimoto congratulate Coach Richard, team captains for great season, recognize value of athletic participation

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Maui Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) and Troy N. Hashimoto (Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, Waiehu, Pu‘uohala, Wailuku, Waikapū) offered a Resolution honoring the accomplishments of the Lahainaluna High School Football team's 2019 Division II title win and spoke on the House floor March 5 about the team and what their accomplishment means to the entire community.

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey:

Lahainaluna High School has been a cornerstone of the Lahaina community since its founding in 1831. Over the course of 189 years Lahainaluna has continued to be a beacon of education and learning. Having the honor of educating some of Hawai‘i's foremost leaders Lahainaluna continues to excel at bringing out the very best from their students.

PEARL CITY, ‘AIEA LAWMAKERS TO HOST COMMUNITY TOWN HALL FEATURING GOVERNOR DAVID IGE

WHO:             Senator Breene Harimoto, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Representative Aaron Ling Johanson, Representative Sam Satoru Kong, Representative Gregg Takayama, Representative Roy Takumi, City Councilmember Brandon Elefante and Governor David Ige

WHAT:          Community Town Hall meeting featuring Governor David Ige

WHEN:          Wednesday, March 11

                        7 – 8:30 p.m.

  

WHERE:       Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria

98-940 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea

Throughout the year, Pearl City and ‘Aiea area legislators jointly host several town hall meetings to provide the public an opportunity to engage with local government officials to discuss issues impacting the State and their community. 

HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING, PROVIDE CHILD CARE FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Economic package, budget, mental health bills now move to Senate

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House of Representatives today passed two meaningful and substantial bills to address the  high cost of living for our working-class families who are often forced to live from paycheck to paycheck just to provide the basic needs of raising their families in Hawaiʻi.

HB2541 HD1 to help working families, and HB2543 HD1 to provide access to learning, were passed on third reading today and are part of a joint economic package introduced this session by the House and Senate, and supported by the Ige Administration to aggressively address Hawaiʻi's cost of living issues.

The joint working class economic package is designed to tackle the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored report, "ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaii."

The ALICE Report says the biggest cost drivers for the working class are taxes, housing, and child care. Nearly half of Hawaiʻi residents struggle to make ends meet.

HB2541 HD1 will provide up to $72 million in tax relief for working families by making the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refundable and permanent. The bill will also raise the minimum wage for those making the least to $11 in 2021, $12 in 2022, $12.50 in 2023, $13 in 2024.

SPEAKER SAIKI'S RESOLUTION FORMING THE SELECT HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS APPROVED

Resolution creates select committee to prepare for economic impacts of virus

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House today approved House Resolution 54 to create a Select House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness.

House Speaker Scott K. Saiki introduced the measure that will bring together representatives from local and state government, private industry, and nonprofit agencies and organizations to report back to the House on steps needed to be prepared for the financial effects of an outbreak.

According to the resolution, COVID-19 may deeply impact Hawaiʻi's economy due to the state's proximity to Asia and reliance on the tourism industry and imported goods.

Both the Honolulu Festival and the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, which bring thousands of participants to the state, have been cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has reported a 7.3 percent drop in international passengers in February and has estimated a loss of more than $23 million in visitor expenditures.