Second Crossover Bills of Interest

Tomorrow, the House will hear a long agenda of Senate bills on third reading, and the Senate will hear the House bills. The bills that pass third reading will sit for 48 hours before crossing back to the originating chamber on Thursday, April 10th, the second crossover deadline.

The House Speaker will pound the gavel tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m., and you can view the proceedings on Olelo.org or Oceanic Ch. 49. The Senate starts at 10:00 a.m., and you can watch it on Oceanic Ch. 53.

What's up on our order of the day? Here's a sampling:

SB3174 Relating to Affordable Housing. Extends the sunset date of the increased conveyance tax allocation to the Rental Housing Trust Fund. Appropriates funds for expedited thir party review of affordable projects.

SB2842 Relating to Lighting. Beginning January 1, 2010, phases out and bans the use of certain lighting products with lead and high mercury content. Establishes a statewide lighting efficiency standard for general purpose lights.

SB3255 Relating to Long Term Care. Establishes a long-term care commission to: 1)research what resources are necessary to prvoide a continuum of long-term care services to meet state long-term care public policy goals; and 2)recommend a program and funding mechanism that can provide these sservices.

SB2850 Relating to Biosecurity. Establishes and appropriates funds of the Department of Agriculture's biosecurity program.

SB2782 Relating to Metal. Includes beer kegs in laws intended to prevent theft and resale of copper by making theft of a beer keg a misdemeanor and including beer kegs in the laws regulating scrap dealers.

SB2245 Relating to Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles. Makes it a violation of the statewide traffic code to leave a child under age 9 alone or with a minor under age 12 for 5 minutes or longer in a motor vehicle.

SB6 Relating to Opihi. Prohibits selling or offering to sell opihi, except for opihi sold or offered for sale as a curio or jewelry.

SB2212 Relating to Crime. Enables prosecution of human trafficking.

SB2900 Relating to Public Lands. Permits a county to enforce traffic and highway safety laws on, as well as repair or maintain, public streets, roads, or highways whose ownership is in dispute between the State and County without a presumptionn of ownership arising from those actions.

SB651 Relating to Recycling. Establishes a statewide at-store plastic carryout bag recycling program.

SB2218 Relating to Electronic Monitoring. Allows the court, as a condition of probation, to prohibit the defendant's contact with a protected party through the establishment of court-defined geographic exclusion zones, and use of global positioning satellite tracking device if defendant violates domestic abuse temporary restraining order or protective order.

SB2828 Relating to Disaster Relief. Activates provisions of the State's disaster relief law to apply to emergencies, except for enemy attack. Clarifies the use of the Governor's emergency powers in response to a natural or manmade disaster.

SB2421 Relating to Land Acquisition. Authorizes the Governor to acquire lands owned by the Galbraith Estate in central Oahu.

SB958 Relating to Genetically Modified Organisms. Places a five-year moratorium on genetic modification of Hawaiian taro.

SB2878 Relating to Early Learning. Establishes an early learning system in the state.

SB2423 Relating to Land Acquisition. Directs the Governor to acquire lands owned by Kuilima Resort Company, commonly known as Turtle Bay Hotel and Resort.

SB3202 Proposing an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution to extend the mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges from 70 to 80 years of age.

SB966 Proposing an amendment to Article V, Section 1, of the Hawaii constitution, to change the age qualification for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the age of 30 years to the age of 25 years.

SB945 Relating to Ethics. Prohibits state officials from employing or influencing the employment of immediate family members in positions under the official's supervisory authority. Prohibits state agencies, body corporate, and public instrumentalities from entering into contracts valued at $10,000 or more per year with legislators or their businesses.

SB2342 Relating to the Auditor. Requires the auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Saguaro Correctional Facility in Eloy, Arizona, which houses Hawaii prisoners.

SB1311 Relating to Salary Payments. Prohibits the use of any appropriations for the payment of salaries of state employees who coerce, intimidate, or otherwise prevent subordinates from sharing information at legislative hearings or in response to other legislative inquiries.

SB3048 Relating to Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Extends the maximum term of commercial leases on Hawaiian Home Lands from 65 to 99 years, including extensions.

SB1934 Relating to Taxation. Adds a variety of tax credits; repeals the Ko Olina Resort and Marina and Makaha Resort tax credit.

SB2153 Relating to Income Tax Credit. Provides a $1 refundable tax credit, as is constitutionally mandated under the state constitution.

"You guys are looking at miracles"

On Saturday morning, the State Capitol was quiet, except for a small conference room where dozens of former prison inmates and ex-offenders gathered for a chance to tell their story. The Senate Committee on Public Safety and the House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held a joint information briefing entitled, "Life on the Outside", intended to draw from the personal experience of those who have been in prison and what it was like to re-enter society.

When I entered the conference room, the briefing had already been in session for over 2 hours. A news cameraman who had gotten his shots and was about to leave commented, "That was some of the most amazing testimony I've heard here." Indeed, one by one, Rep. Cindy Evans, and Senators Will Espero, Clarence Nishihara and Norman Sakamoto, listened to stories, sometimes heart-wrenching, of what it's really like, what is needed, where we succeed, where we fail, and what should be done.

And, as a man named Eddie pointed out, "You guys are looking at miracles. The fact that I am sitting here talking to you, and that these people are in this room telling their stories, is a miracle. All the people that didn't make it aren't here."

Snippets:

Franklin said, "A hardened criminal is easier to change than a dope addict. The addict will always do what he needs to do in order to feed his habit. You can change a hardened criminal."

James said, "We are dealing with a disease - drug addiction. We need more support for treatment rather than locking people up. Treatment is money well spent. We need an alternative to warehousing people."

John said, "When I was in Halawa, they diagnosed me as depressed. Yeah, I just got sent to prison, of course I'm depressed. When I got out, I wasn't depressed. Regardless of the time of the sentence, they are all going to come out at some point, and they all need treatment.

Peter said, "There is a lack of common sense and accountability in the system. I'm trying to help a man who was released from prison without his medication. He's bi-polar. How is he going to survive without his medication? That is stupid and cruel. People in the business community are willing to help, from the inside out. Help the system, not just the people."

John said, "You need to give them something to do. An idle mind is the devil's workshop."

Sam said, "I was in and out since I was 11 years old. One day a guard made a comment that I would be back in 6 months. That hurt my soul, and it made me determined to change. I now help with a mentorship program. We need to show inmates that they have potential . They have pressures - they need to find a job, they need to support their children - but how are they going to find a job with a criminal record? Some guys don't want to do religion. Some guys don't want to do AA. You have to educate yourself from the inside out. It takes time, like learning to walk again.

Marvin said, "For most of the youth, their parents were incarcerated, or on drugs, or alcoholics. The kids want to be like their parents. Or, they think, if my father doesn't care, why should I? When I was in prison, I realized that I needed to change, and that I wanted to be a re-builder, not a destroyer. We need to uplift our community.

Charles said, "I'm a volunteer at OCCC. I also run a ministry. But one of the rules is that if I'm going to be a volunteer, I can't have any contact with the inmates once they get out of prison. That's crazy. How can we help these people to re-integrate?

Lorraine said, "Sometimes, what people need is an 'enlightened witness'. You can't take away the trauma, but you can help them to help themselves and manage their overwhelm."

Gary said, "Once a con, always a con. That's how society sees prisoners. Gang involvement in Hawaii is up 20% and it's coming from inside the prisons.

Edward said, "I was living lawless. The most important thing for me when I came out was to live with a sense of order. That's more important than money."

Jackson said, "The mainland prisons don't care about the Hawaii people. Why are you giving them money? It's only about the money for them."

Ben said, "I have radio show on KAIM called Gospel Connection. We are working with WCCC to provide solar powered radios for the women inmates. They can check out the transistors from the chaplain just like a library book. There are two stations; one is for bible teaching and the other is Christian music."

Tommy said, "There are 250,000 people on probation statewide. Seven out of ten will end up being re-sentenced."

Seat belts on school buses

Photo: Honolulu Star-Bulletin. The Kahuku High School school bus turned on its side.

Rep. Marilyn Lee has been an advocate for seat belts on school buses for several years. When past legislation failed to make it through the legislature, she introduced House Resolution 62, which urges the Board of Education to only purchase or lease large school buses with seats that have seat belt assemblies, and backs that are at least 24 inches in height.

The resolution states that most school bus fatalities occur due to rollovers, and that is exactly what happened on Thursday, April 3rd, when a school bus transporting the Kahuku High School girls water polo team swerved to avoid an oncoming car on Kamehameha Highway, and rolled over on its side into Waikane Stream. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin has a story this morning here.

The Department of Education is concerned about the cost of purchasing buses with seat belts. There is ongoing debate on whether it is safer or more dangerous to have seat belts on buses. The Kahuku incident helps frame the issue on a more personal level. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or severe injuries in the accident. The 26 girls on the team were checked out and released from various hospitals that evening.

"Caregivers Recognition Day" bill signed into law

Representative John Mizuno applauded the enactment of a bill that would establish the first Saturday of November as "Caregivers Recognition Day."

"Our state is committed to supporting all caregivers by recognizing their personal sacrifices, caring hearts, and tireless work. Hawaii's caregivers' selfless devotion to our kupuna and the disabled represents the awesome spirit of aloha," said Rep. Mizuno.

The Lt. Governor today signed HB2138, HD1 into law as Act 6.

The new law will celebrate and publicly acknowledge the significant role that caregivers play in support of Hawaii's elderly and disabled persons.

"One of Hawaii's most important values is compassion for our people. We must do our very best to see that every citizen is treated with dignity and respect," said Rep. Mizuno. "Hawaii's caregivers, including professional and family caregivers, have demonstrated personal sacrifice, love, compassion, and complete dedication in caring for those who can not care for themselves."

Free Legislative Learning Workshops in Kauai

The Legislature will host free workshops, "The Informed Citizen," on Kauai, April 10-16, to help residents understand the legislative process and provide tips on how to get their community issues more attention without leaving the island.

Suzanne Marinelli, Coordinator for the Hawaii State Legislature's Public Access Room, will present the free workshops at the following locations and times:

Thursday, 4/10/08
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Kapaa Library Conference Room

Friday, 4/11/08
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Lihue Library Conference Room

Monday, 4/14/08
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm*
Kilauea Neighborhood Center

Tuesday, 4/15/08
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Koloa Library Conference Room

Wednesday, 4/16/08
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Waimea Neighborhood Center

The Public Access Room is the public's office at the State Capitol, and is a division of the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau.

Kauai residents, who are interested in politics and want to understand the legislative process and how to get involved without leaving Kauai, as well as learn how to write effective testimony that will find its way into the hands of the right person at the right time, are encouraged to attend.

Real-time survey -- from phone to net -- on controversial issues

Rep. Tom Brower recently launched an Oahu-wide survey on four controversial issues --tax rebate, death with dignity, civil unions and rail transit -- on his personal legislative website.

So, how does the survey work? An automated telephone poll will randomly contact over 50,000 registered voters over a 10-day period that began on April 1, posing the following questions:

1. If there were a $100 tax rebate, would you want the money back or would you let the state use it for construction and repairs?

2. Should terminally ill patients be allowed to die with physicians assistance?

3. Should Hawaii legally recognize civil union partnerships for same sex couples?

4. Do you support a rail transit system in Hawaii?


You can also take the survey online at here.


I gave it a test drive a few minutes ago. After clicking on the survey link, the website prompts you to type in a 7-digit telephone number. I inputted my cell phone number and started the survey. Less than a minute later, after submitting my survey, real-time results were displayed. You can also see the results of the the survey without taking it here.

The internet survey has an approximate 28.0 percent margin of error, which is a given since anyone around the world can go online and type in any number from the Oahu phonebook to take the survey. So far, only 12 people have taken the survey online.

On the other hand, the telephone surveys that get calculated automatically on the website has an average 4.2 percent margin of error.

Here are the results of the phone survey, out of 499 responses, as of 11:41 a.m.:

• 57.9 percent of respondents would want their tax rebate of $100 back.


• 66.5 percent of respondents say that physician assisted death should be legal.


• Civil union votes are split with 43.3 percent of respondents saying yes to same sex couples being recognized in a civil union, and 41.3 percent saying no.


• Support for the rail transit system is also split with 47.3 percent opposing the rail and 43.1 percent in support.

Legislature 2008 - Day 45 Second Decking

Today is the 45th day of the 2008 Legislative session, and the second decking deadline is tonight at 10:00 p.m.

This means that by 10 p.m. tonight, all House standing committee reports and amended Senate bills must be filed with the Chief Clerk's Office to be decked for the Third Reading vote.

Monday, April 7th, is a recess day. The caucuses will meet to discuss third reading bills and consider what bills may be placed on a consent calendar.

The House floor action to pass bills on Third Reading is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th, floor session to start at 9:00 a.m.

Speaker Emeritus Souki Testifies on Rate Regulation Bill

It was a scramble and a long shot, but House leaders are still looking at ways to help the interisland airline industry in Hawaii, and late yesterday resurrected a bill that proposes rate regulation. HB2250, Relating to Transportation, establishes a "statutory scheme for the state regulation of interisland air carriers, to the extent permissible under the Constitution and laws of the United States."

The bill was introduced this session by Rep. Bob Herkes. It was referred to the committees on Transportation and Finance. It passed the Transportation committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Souki, passed second reading, but did not get a hearing in Finance, until yesterday at around 3:30 p.m. The push for regulation, of course, has surfaced due to the Aloha Airlines bankruptcy, and the discussion at the informational briefing held on Wednesday. Chair Souki believes that if regulation had been in place, Aloha would still be flying.

So, at the end of the floor session, Rep. Marilyn Lee, Vice Chair of Finance, requested a waiver of the 48-hour notice requirement to hear HB2250, which was granted. There were two testifiers:

Speaker Emeritus Souki started with a laugh, "This is the first time I'm sitting here – now I know what it feels like to be facing the chair and the members – not knowing what my fate is going to be…"

He went on to explain that this bill is not new – it was first passed in 1993, but it needs enabling legislation by the Congress, and that was never acted upon.

He believes that Congress should give Hawaii the authority to regulate interisland air carriers because we are unique. We don't have sufficient highways that connect us to the other counties. As an island state, we need interisland transportation to survive.

"If we had this bill in place, maybe this (meaning Aloha) would not have happened. If we had this in place, we would have a fairer distribution of flights. Areas of the state would be serviced more equally. We need to consider passing this bill so that we won't be in this kind of predicament again, and not allow another predatory airline in the future. The consumer may benefit in the short term from deregulation because of the low fares, but not in the long term. Here in Hawaii, we need regulations."

Wayne Wakeman, a former pilot for Aloha Airlines also testified. Wakeman serves as a spokesman for all of Aloha's unions. Here are some of his comments:

"Ironically, I got the call from Rep. Caldwell's office to come testify on this bill as I was cleaning out my locker at Aloha. I started 30 years ago in customer service at United. At the time, Pan Am was the major airline. And then we had deregulation, and pretty soon we had other airlines coming into Hawaii, like Braniff. It was good for competition.

But for interisland carriers, regulation may be good. It will, believe it or not, stimulate competition. When fares are regulated, people will start to choose an airline based on service, not on price.

Mesa has other routes on the mainland where they can charge high prices. They can charge a low fare here because they have other mainland routes where they can charge high fares and make up for it.

Something needs to be done. Aloha is history. This will help Hawaiian and Mesa. Ironically, it will help Mesa.

Investors should not be afraid to lose money because of a fare war.

Aloha never indicated that they were going to shutdown. When they filed for bankruptcy, we thought that they needed to protect their assets, but they never came to us for concessions. It was a total surprise.

You have to realize that the difference between Aloha and Hawaiian is that Aloha is a privately owned company and Hawaiian is a public company. A private company can't just go to an investor and ask them for another $10 million to cover payroll. Whereas, if you're a public company, you can sell more stocks, and yes, the stock price may come down, but you can make it up."

There was some discussion based on the premise that Congress has already provided an exemption for Alaska, but the House has not been able to confirm that. The measure was passed unanimously with an amendment to strike the repeal date of 6/30/2015, and with Reps Belatti, Rhoads and Meyer voting with reservations.

Happy Birthday Rep. Nishimoto!

Yesterday was Rep. Scott Nishimoto's 34th Birthday. If you haven't already, wish him a Happy Birthday!

Agriculture Committee passes GMO Taro bill with amendments

Rep. Clift Tsuji, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, announced today the committee passed out SB958, in an amended form, to include a five-year moratorium on genetically modifying any Hawaiian taro within the state. The moratorium does not include non-Hawaiian varieties of taro.

In his opening statement to the committee, Rep. Tsuji emphasized that the bill does not prohibit or discourage the research, testing and planting of genetically modified non-Hawaiian taro. Further, the bill does not prohibit or discourage the genetic modification of any plant organism other than Hawaiian taro.

"The day-long hearing on this bill was very informative, and I think our members were appreciative of the thoughtful and well-researched points from testifiers on both sides," said Rep. Tsuji. "As a result of that day, we worked very hard to reach a fair compromise, and one that is respectful of both the Hawaiian culture and scientific research."

The measure passed the committee with a vote of seven (7) ayes, two (2) ayes with reservations, and three (3) noes. The ayes were: Brower, Chang, Herkes, Manahan, Tsuji, Yamane, Yamashita. The WR's were: Ching, Wakai. The noes were: Berg, Hanohano, Meyer.

The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2008. The bill now goes to the entire House for a floor vote. If passed by the House, the bill goes back to the Senate. If the Senate does not agree with the House amendments, the bill will head to a conference committee.

Honoring Hawaii's athletes...past and present

The Legislature congratulated the Farrington High School Boys Basketball team for their Division 2 state championship win during a special floor presentation today. (Rep. Joey Manahan and Rep. Ken Ito are pictured with the boys and coaches.)

Photo (left to right): Rep. Tokioka, Michael Sullivan (son of Frank Sullivan), Frank Sullivan, Rep. Herkes

Reps. James Tokioka, Roland Sagum, Hermina Morita and Robert Herkes, on behalf of the Legislature, honored Frank Sullivan for his induction into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Read more about Sullivan in a previous blog post here.

The Spirit of Small Business

It takes a special person to succeed as a small business owner. Today, the House recognized the hard work, dedication and perseverance of those entrepreneurs who are the 2008 U.S. Small Business Administration Award Recipients. The resolution was offered by Rep. Kyle Yamashita, the Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns.

Left to right: Thomas Park, Bill Spencer, Bev Gannon, Kyle Yamashita, Representative for David Fell, Rex Matsuno, Pam Tumpap, Johnson Choi

Small Business Person of the Year

Beverly "Bev" Gannon - Haliimaile General Store Inc. and Nene Grill, Inc. from Makawao, Maui.

Entrepreneurial Success

Rex Matsuno - Suisan Company, Ltd., from Hilo, Hawaii.

Small Business Exporter

David Fell - Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery, Inc. from Hilo, Hawaii.

Family Owned Small Business

Jonathan Ota - Tip Top Cafe & Bakery from Lihue, Kauai.

Financial Services Champion

William "Bill" A. Spencer - Hawaii Venture Capital Association from Kailua, Oahu.

Minority Small Business Champion

Johnson W.K. Choi - Hong Kong, China. Hawaii Chamber of Commerce from Honolulu.

Small Business Journalist

Pamela Tumpap - Maui Chamber of Commerce from Kahului, Maui.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Thomas P. Park - Leather Soul LLC, from Honolulu.

Women in Business Champion

Joan A. Seery - BNJ Hawaii Networking Institute and Serious Business Solutions.

Decision Making Scheduled on GMO Taro bill

WHAT: The House Committee on Agriculture will hold decision making to vote on SB958, SD1, HD1 Relating to Genetically Modified Organisms. The bill was heard on March 19th. The current draft imposes a 10-year moratorium on developing, testing, propagating, cultivating, growing and raising genetically engineered taro in the State of Hawaii. Click here to see the bill status and history.

WHEN: Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: State Capitol, Room 325

WHO: Rep. Clift Tsuji, Chair, Committee on Agriculture

Konishiki and MMA Champions to speak about underage drinking at a town hall meeting in Waianae

Rep. Karen Awana will bring together Hawaii's most successful sumo wrestling and mixed martial arts athletes to speak at a town hall meeting to discuss preventive measures of underage drinking and ways to lead our keiki in making smart decisions when confronted with alcohol.

Children as young as 13 years old have tried alcohol at least once:

• In Waianae, about 30 percent of seventh graders said they have tried alcohol, according to a 2003 state Health Department survey.
• About 25 percent of Nanakuli seventh graders consumed alcohol in the last 30 days prior to the survey, while 42 percent of them said they have used alcohol at some point.

WHO: "Konishiki" Salevaa Atisanoe, Former Sumo Wrestler; Egan Inoue, SuperBrawl Champion; Falaniko Vitale, SuperBrawl World Middle Weight Champion; Kala Hose, Icon Sports World Middleweight Champion; Rep. Karen Awana D-44th (Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili)

WHEN: Friday, April 4, 2008
5:45 – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Waianae High School Cafeteria
85-251 Farrington Hwy.Waianae, HI 96792

The town hall is a national campaign that brings community members together to brainstorm ideas and solutions to prevent underage drinking.

Lawmakers to congratulate Kauai's Sullivan on Red Sox Hall of Fame Selection

Frank Sullivan, former professional baseball player and a 44-year resident of Kauai, will be honored for his induction into the 2008 Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Thursday at the State Capitol at 12 p.m.

In a special floor presentation during the State Legislative session, House Representatives James Tokioka, Roland Sagum and long-time friend Robert Herkes will present the 6-foot-7 Sullivan with an honorary certificate congratulating him on behalf of the Legislature.

Sullivan, 78, made his major league debut at 23 years old with the Boston Red Sox in July 31, 1953, pitching 252 games from 1953 to 1960. During his career with the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins, Sullivan cumulated a 97-100 record in 351 appearances, with a 4.15 earned run average and 959 strikeouts.

In 1963, after being let go by the Twins, Sullivan packed his bags and moved to Lihue, Kauai where he began a career in the hotel and golf property industry. Now retired, Sullivan and his wife, Marilyn, still live in Kauai and will fly to Boston for the Hall of Fame ceremony on Nov. 7.

"That airline crap is brutal," said Sullivan about traveling by plane in a book titled Boston Red Sox: Where have you Gone? written by Steve Buckley. "I'd rather have a root canal than put one foot on an airplane."

Hopefully this will be the flight that Sullivan, one of baseball history's overlooked talents -- until now, will enjoy.

HPU students lobby for Uganda resolution

Hawaii Pacific University students of Invisible Children Hawaii presented testimony to the Judiciary Committee today in support of House Resolution and House Concurrent Resolution 39, which urges congress to lead the international community in efforts to protect the children of Uganda.

Excerpts from the resolution:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature also urges the Government of Uganda to abolish child soldiering in its armed forces;
and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Hawaii's Congressional Delegation is urged to support legislation allocating sufficient funds for continued humanitarian aid for the people of Uganda as well as legislation urging the LRA to engage in good faith negotiations in pursuing a political solution to this conflict; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the U.S. Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and the heads of other similar government agencies and nongovernmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations within the international community are urged to continue augmenting efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in northern Uganda and to support a peaceful resolution to this crisis by publicly and forcefully reiterating the preceding demands; and

For more than 20 years, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has engaged in an armed conflict with the Government of Uganda, resulting in 10, 000 people murdered, at least twice that number of children abducted, and over 1, 600, 000 people displaced, according to the resolution. Read more on this issue in a past blog post here.

The atrocities and violence are still going on today. It has become a dismissed and forgotten humanitarian issue that the world has left for another day.

Invisible Children Hawaii want to see that day arrive sooner than later. They hope the resolution will spark more community support and awareness in Hawaii, the mainland and around the world on the civil war in Uganda and the children who are most affected by it.

Invisible Children Hawaii set three goals this year: Education, Fundraising and Lobbying. They have thus far presented screenings of the documentary "Invisible Children" to more than 500 Hawaii students and raised over $4,000 for Atanda Secondary School in Uganda.

HR/HCR 39 HD 1 passed out of Judiciary this afternoon bringing the group one step closer to making a difference and achieving their objectives this year.

"I'm so excited," said Sara Ortiz, an HPU student from Mexico majoring in International Studies. "We've worked so hard."

The resolution is only a stepping stone to drafting a bill for the 2009 Legislative Session that would make a bigger impact on international humanitarian issues and maybe even put more money into the effort, said Ortiz.

Today, Invisible Children Hawaii are content with knowing that they have the support of the State Legislature.

Photo: Sara Ortiz, 24; Aya Sato, 19; and Duda Breseeg, 23, urge the Judicial Committee to pass HR/HCR 39 in hearing today.

House holds Natto fundraiser for Hawaii Foodbank

Today, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and Rep. Sylvia Luke held the most nutritious fundraiser of the season for the Hawaii Foodbank. The theme was "natto", the traditional fermented soybean with a distinct taste, smell and consistency, in a variety of forms.

Choice #1: Natto with Raw Egg, perfect for all the bodybuilders at the legislature.
Choice #2: Raw Natto, over a bed of rice. Breakfast of champions.
Choice #3: Natto Smoothie, which may become the next big thing at Jamba Juice.

Did you know that natto is considered a near perfect food source, rich in protein? The soybeans are mixed with a bacterium called bacillus subtilis natto, thus the name.

House members received a copy of the flyer above on their desks as they entered the floor session at noon, much to Rep. Luke's surprise.

April Fool! Rep. Luke got up at the end of session and pointed a finger at Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell for pulling the prank. She asked Speaker to give him more work to do as he obviously has too much time on his hands.

Rep. Caldwell vehemently denies that he had anything to do with the joke. But, who did? It's still a mystery.

Facing the Impacts of the Aloha Airlines Bankruptcy

House committees on Transportation (Chair: Rep. Joe Souki), Tourism & Culture (Chair: Rep. Ryan Yamane) and Labor & Public Employment (Rep. Alex Sonson) will hold a joint informational briefing on the Aloha Airlines Bankruptcy situation. The purpose of the briefing is to gather pertinent information on the bankruptcy, its impact on the state, and transitional, short-term and long-term plans to address:

Impact on inter-island travel and service to consumers
Impact on local, national and international tourism
Impact on employees, including unemployment benefits and workforce assistance

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2008
8:30 – 11:45 a.m.

WHERE: State Capitol Auditorium

WHO: The following have been invited to present information:

Transportation: Barry Fukunaga, Governor's Office; DOT Director Brennon Morioka and Deputy Director, Airports Division, Brian Sekiguchi; Blaine Miyasato, Vice President, Customer Service, Hawaiian Airlines.

Tourism: Rex Johnson, Hawaii Tourism Authority; Marsha Weinert, DBEDT Tourism Liaison; Robert Shore, Economist DBEDT, Murray Towill, Hawaii Hotel Association;

Labor: Darwin Ching, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations; Wayne Wakeman, ALPA (Airline Pilots)

State Champs - The Mighty Mules

The House chamber was awash in green and gold today. The Leilehua Varsity Football Team was honored by the House of Representatives for their 2007 State Football Championship. The resolution was offered by Rep. Marcus Oshiro, a former Mule and graduate of Leilehua High School. (As you may recall, Rep. Oshiro came to the Capitol with green hair on the day of the championship game.) It was seconded by Rep. Marilyn Lee.

The team and coaches received their certificate of appreciation and entertained House members with their football warrior chant, which may be a handy thing to learn as the Legislature heads into the Conference Committee period.

Bills of interest for Tuesday, April 1st

Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection/Committee on Judiciary, Room 312, 10:00 a.m.
Chair: Rep. Hermina Morita 586-8435
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

SB2808, SD2 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS. Exempts from environmental assessments, state or county lands that include the use of existing streets, roads, highways, or trails or bikeways for limited purposes, or a modification or disposal of highway access rights or use, occupancy, or work within a public highway right-of-way to serve private development outside the highway right-of-way, under certain conditions.

Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 2:05 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

DECISION MAKING ONLY. SB945 RELATING TO ETHICS, Proposed HD1. Requires drug testing of elected officials after certification of election, but prior to taking the oath of office, and upon reasonable suspicion thereafter. Prohibits legislators from employing spouses in office under the legislator's jurisdiction. Prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts with a legislator for goods or services valued at $10,000 or more per year.

Committee on Finance, Room 308
Chair: Rep. Marcus Oshiro 586-6200

Agenda #1, 2:00 p.m.

SB651, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO RECYCLING. Proposed HD2. Requires certain retailers in the state to implement an at-store plastic carryout bag recycling program.

Agenda #2, 2:30 p.m.

SB1934, SD1 RELATING TO TAXATION. Proposed HD1. Adds various tax credits and repeals the Ko Olina Resort and Marina and Makaha tax credit.

SB711, HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION. Proposed HD2. Authorizes DOTax to study and evaluate the economic impact of existing and proposed State tax incentives.

SB3168, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO CREATIVE MEDIA. Proposed HD2. Establishes the system-wide, statewide academy for creative media program in statute under the University of Hawaii.

Rep. Takamine Invites Public to "Lawmakers Listen" in Hilo

A few weeks prior to end of the 2008 Legislative session, Rep. Dwight Takamine (N. Kohala, S. Kohala, Hamakua, N. Hilo, S. Hilo) will bring House leaders and committee chairs together for a "Lawmakers Listen." Big Island residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and interact with lawmakers before the legislature adjourns, scheduled for May 1st.

The meeting will give community members a chance to meet one-on-one, prior to the critical conference period when final decisions are made.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 12, 2008
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Honokaa High School Cafeteria
45-527 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727

WHO:

Vice Speaker Pono Chong; Higher Education Chair Jerry Chang; Public Safety and Military Affairs Chair Cindy Evans; Consumer Protection & Commerce Chair Bob Herkes; Water, Land and Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs Chair Ken Ito; Energy & Environmental Protection Chair Hermina Morita; Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro; Education Chair Roy Takumi; Agriculture Chair Clift Tsuji; Tourism & Culture Chair Ryan Yamane; and Economic Development & Business Concerns Chair Kyle Yamashita will join Rep. Takamine at the meeting.

The Amazing Brian Kajiyama

Brian Kajiyama, the Graduate Assistant for the University of Hawaii Warrior Football team, got a standing ovation on the House Floor on Friday, March 28th. As we listened to his accomplishments, including being a key strategist for the UH Warriors, it became apparent that we were in the presence of an amazing young man who has not let his significant disabilities prevent him from living a full life.

Yes, Brian was born with cerebral palsy. He lives in Kailua, and as luck would have it, a few houses away from neighbor Jeff Rheinbold, a defensive coach for the UH Warriors. Rheinbold recognized Brian's intelligence, his gift with computers, and his big heart. He offered Brian a postion on the Warrior's staff, and the rest is history. Brian has shown that he's a winner.

Left to right: Grandpa Kajiyama, Parents Grace and Bert Kajiyama and Kailua Rep. Pono Chong, surround Brian with his certificate.

Wait, there's more. He also loves movies, books, music, and he's a blogger! Check out his blog here, called Brian's Ramblings, and you'll find that he's 31, lives in Kailua, his favorite movie is "Something About Mary", his favorite book is "Letters from a Nut", and he likes the Black Eyed Peas and Jack Johnson. On his blog, you'll also see a video on Brian and his important role with the UH Warrior team.

The resolution was offered by Rep. Gene Ward, and seconded by Rep. John Mizuno.

Aloha Airlines Bills

Here are the bills related to assisting Aloha Airlines through its bankruptcy proceedings. As Speaker of the House Calvin Say told employees at the rally on Friday, we must wait until Monday, when the case goes before Judge King in bankruptcy court, before we know where things really stand. However, the legislature is poised to help and, thus far, is looking at these two bills:

HB2860, HD2, SD3. This bill exempts the general excise and use taxes on fuel sold from a foreign-trade zone to common carriers for use in interisland air transportation. It was introduced by Rep. Joe Souki, House Transportation Chair. It has passed the House and will be up for third reading in the Senate on Monday 3/31. It will then go to conference.

HB509, Proposed SD2. Relating to Transportation. This is a loan guarantee bill. It proposes to allows the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) to guarantee up to 90% of the principal balance of a loan made by a private lending institution to a Hawaii air carrier; provided that the aggregate amount of the State's liability shall not exceed $ . Repealed on 06/30/2018.

The bill was introduced last year by Rep. Joe Souki as a short form bill.

This is what it looked like as a House Draft 1: Prohibits a towing company from charging the owner of a vehicle targeted for towing if the owner of the vehicle appears on the scene before the vehicle has been moved by the tow truck.

In its latest incarnation as a Senate Draft 1, it morphed into a bill to authorize the Department of Transporation to collect a $1 per day charge on rental cars at state airports as a customer facility charge.

The bill, as the proposed Senate Draft 2, is up for public hearing on April 1st at 10:00 a.m. in Room 211.

Bills of interest for Monday, March 31st

Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce/Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 2:00 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Bob Herkes 586-8400
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

SB3015, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO THE PATIENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT. Amends the Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Act by prohibiting certain unfair or deceptive business practices by managed are plans, such as disenrolling a person because of a medical condition.

SB2630, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO PETROLEUM INDUSTRY REPORTING. Give the PUC more discretionary authority with the reporting requirements for information reported by oil producers, refiners, marketers, oil transporters, oil storers, and oil retailers.

Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, Room 325, 2:05 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Bob Herkes 586-8400

HCR244 Proposed HD1 – New title/new description. URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ADOPT RULES CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL LAW TO PROHIBIT THE MEAT PACKING INDUSTRY AND MEAT OR MEAT PRODUCT RETAILERS FROM USING GAS OR OTHER TECHNOLOGY TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF MEAT SOLD IN THE STATE. (Herkes)

Committee on Finance, Room 308
Chair: Rep. Marcus Oshiro 586-6200

Agenda #1, 2:00 p.m.

SB2342, SD2 RELATING TO THE AUDITOR. Requires the auditor to conduct performance audits of private prisons on the mainland that house Hawaii prisoners.

SB2421, SD2 RELATING TO LAND ACQUISITION. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to acquire lands owned by the Galbraith Estate in central Oahu; appropriates funds for the acquisition of land in Wahiawa, Oahu, currently owned by the George Galbraith Estate.

SB2198. SD2, HD1 RELATING TO LAND CONSERVATION. Provides a tax credit to encourage the preservation and protection of conservation land in the state.

Agenda #2, 3:30 p.m.

SB966 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V, SECTION 1, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO CHANGE THE AGE QUALIFICATION FOR THE OFFICES OF GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FROM THE AGE OF THIRTY YEARS TO THE AGE OF TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.

SB2879, SD2 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Establishes a power of attorney for special education. Establishes the process to appoint a surrogate decision maker for an adult or emancipated minor student who lacks capacity. Clarifies the authority of a guardian or an adult or emancipated minor student.

Agenda #3, 4:30 p.m.

SB2157, SD1, HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH. Clarifies the prescribing of opiates for pain treatment. Extends the time limit in which scheduled II controlled substances prescriptions must be filled. Establishes the Hawaii Health Crops that will provide loan repayments and stipends for physicians and dentists who agree to work in health professional shortage areas and as first responders during civil defense and other emergencies. Expands the Enterprise Zone Business Tax Credit, general excise tax exemption, and other business incentives to include physicians and dentists who establish or maintain practices in areas designated as enterprise zones.

Real Life Heroes - Teachers of the Year

On Friday, March 28th, the House congratulated Pascale Pinner as the 2008 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, as well as the Hawaii State District Teachers of the Year. The Resolution was offered by House Education Chair, Rep. Roy Takumi and Seconded by Education Vice Chair, Rep. Lyla Berg.

From left to right: Rep. Lyla Berg, Pascale Pinner, Cori Lei Chong, David Arakaki, Shari Takahashi, Suzanne Commings, and Kevin Mitsunaga.

Here are their districts and schools:

• Pascale Pinner, Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, Hilo Intermediate
  
• Cori Lei Chong, Honolulu District, Kaewai Elementary


• David Arakaki, Central District, Moanalua Middle School


• Shari Takahashi, Leeward District, Nanikapono Elementary


• Suzanne Cummings, Windward District, Kailua High School


• Kevin Mitsunaga, Kauai District, Kamakahelei Middle School


• Leighton Nakamoto, Maui District, Kalama Intermediate (unable to attend)

Rep Cabanilla wants Money Transmitter bill shelved

Rep. Rida Cabanilla today issued a news release calling for SB3009 to be killed. The bill, according to Cabanilla is "supported by big American banks and money institutions who charge huge transmitting fees even for small transmissions of money."

SB3009 amends the Money Transmitters Act, Chapter 489D, Hawaii Revised Statutes. It increases the fee structure and enhances consumer protection. The Representative, however, contends that the increase is unaffordable to small businesses, and that those who would be hurt most are Filipino immigrants who have limited income. These immigrants "have relatives in the old country who are living hand to mouth and frequently send money to their families back home."

Of the $700 million remitted out of Hawaii annually overseas, about $450 million, or about 2/3rds is going to the Phillippines. Rep. Cabanilla concludes in her release that the bill is "a thinly veiled excuse to create a monopoly by big business...to jack up their fees."

The bill passed out of House Finance with amendments on 3/26 with none voting no and appears headed for conference.

National Popular Vote

Rep. Tom Brower (District 23 - Waikiki, Ala Moana) wrote an opinion piece that appeared this morning in the Honolulu Advertiser. Here's the link. Rep. Brower favors the National Popular Vote and believes that the vote should reflect the will of the people. He concludes:

"As a voter interested in encouraging and protecting democracy, I see a national popular vote as a rational, responsible means to achieve that end.

As a legislator, I am morally compelled to advocate for the best system to reflect the will of the people."

Farmers' Market takes over the Capitol

What do Madagascar hissing cockroaches, fresh Maui pineapple, and reusable grocery bags have in common? They were all part of the 2008 Ag Sustainability Day at the Capitol yesterday.

Hawaii's agriculture industries and organizations set up tables and displays for lawmakers and the public to gather information and sample local produce and products.

The Dept. of Agriculture drew crowds to a corner table with the shrill bird-like chirping of the male coqui frogs seeking mates – from a recording of course. Event-goers were able to gawk at several invasive species that were captured in Hawaii, including the coqui frog, ball python and a hedgehog.

Leslie Iseke, a plant quarantine inspector from the DOA, said the hedgehog was found walking down a sidewalk and was probably someones pet.

Invasive species were hardly the most popular exhibit. On the opposite corner of the 4th floor, the sweet, juicy chunks of Maui Gold pineapple satisfied the lunch-time cravings of lawmakers, staff members and the public. Samples of pineapple soaked in li-hing mui juice and the sweet and spicy flavors of the Maui Gold Pineapple Salsa were very popular with the crowd.

The Farmers' Market, sponsored by the Legislature, sold produce and products from local farmers and producers with exhibits at the event.

Photo: The public received a free reusable grocery bag for turning in 5 plastic bags.

Rep. Evans named to national honor roll for work on women's issues

Representative Cindy Evans has been named to the Center for Women Policy Studies' National Honor Roll of State Legislators in recognition of her commitment to women's human rights. More than 400 state legislators nationwide accepted the Center's invitation. Members of the National Honor Roll -- women and men --pledge to endorse the Center's, "Contract with Women of the USA."

"It's an honor for me to join with other legislators across the nation as we work to improve the economic status, health and well-being of women and girls in our states," Evans said. "While we have accomplished much, we must remember that many women still lack access to education, job training, health care, quality health care and work that pays a living wage."

The Contract's principles include:

Empowerment of Women; Sharing Family Responsibilities; Ending the Burden of Poverty; Affordable Heath Care; Sexual and Reproductive Rights; Workplace Rights; Educational Equity; Ending Violence Against Women; Protecting a Healthy Environment; Women as Peace Makers; Honor International Commitments and Ratify CEDAW; A Long-Term National Plan to Achieve Equality.

The Center's objective is to transform these principles into policies and laws that improve the lives of women.

Hawaii's fallen heroes honored in more ways than one

The House and Senate honored 31 military service members with Hawaii ties who were killed while on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait this past year. The families and friends of 20 servicemen accepted the Hawaii Medal of Honor at the State Capitol Tuesday. Army, Navy and Marine servicemen and women joined the standing-room-only crowd in the House Chamber to pay tribute to their heroic comrades.

Each day our fallen heroes' memories are honored by friends and family through different ways, including visiting the burial sites, flipping through photo albums and reading old letters.

As the first war during the Internet age, remembering our lost servicemen and women has changed.

On websites like Myspace, the memories of many of them will live on forever in self-made memorials with snapshots and blog posts that capture the person they wanted the world to see - the person behind the uniform.

Several of the Hawaii Medal of Honor recipients still have Myspace profiles. Friends and family post comments daily reminding the ghost behind the screen of how much they are missed.

"Hey Garrett. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you. I miss you so much man. I know you're in a better place taking care of [Army Staff] SGT [Richwell A.] Doria and [Army 1st] LT [Frank B.] Walkup for us. I'll never forget you. I'll see you again someday," wrote Army Sgt. Adam Gillespie, a friend and comrade of Sgt. Garrett I. McLead, 23, on McLead's Myspace profile comment box.

With more than three-fourths of the war dead being younger than 30 and many of them having registered for online networking websites, the number of online memorials have increased.

Fallen soldiers have left behind their last words that will live on in time.

Twenty days before his return home to Hawaii, Army Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac, 28, a Leilehua High School graduate, wrote this on his Myspace page:

"Finally!, I'll be home for good.....This is very rare that [I] write a blog. For the past 13 months I have been living in the a place that time forgot, "Iraq". Now it is finally coming to an end with a few weeks to go. I can't wait to be back home with family and friends. This has been a long time coming and it['s] gonna feel a lot longer as it comes to those last hours that I'm here. The taste of freedom is going to be sweet. To let you in on a secret, the expected date for my arrival is the 24th of September. I'll keep my fingers cross[ed]. I hope to see you all when I get back."

The Internet has been a useful tool for friends and family to remember their loved ones, but it has even compelled those who did not know the military service member personally to express their sorrow and gratitude.

"Thank you for your sacrifice for giving us the freedom that we continue to have today. Because of you and all the other men and women serving our country we thank you for all that you stand for and give. My prayers goes out to your family. Thank you, thank you, thank you....," wrote Myspace user "Mafi & Rod" in response to Sgt. Gagalac's final blog post.

Medal of Honor Recipients:

Air Force Senior Airman William N. Newman

Air Force Airman 1st Class Carl Jerome Ware Jr.
Army Sgt. Forrest D. Cauthorn
Army Pfc. Jay S. Cajimat
Army Cpl. Casey P. Zylman
Army 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Theodore U. Church
Army Sgt. Richard V. Correa
Army Spc. Farid Elazzouzi
Army Sgt. Derek T. Roberts
Army Spc. Val J. Borm
Army 1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup IV
Army Sgt. Michael J. Montpetit
Army Spc. Tyler R. Seideman
Army Spc. Jessy G. Pollard
Army Spc. Michael A. Hook
Army Cpl. Nathan C. Hubbard
Army Cpl. Joshua S. Harmon
Army Cpl. Phillip J. Brodnick
Army Cpl. Jeremy P. Bouffard
Army. Sgt. Garrett I. McLead
Army Staff Sgt. Jason L. Paton
Army Capt. Derek A. Dobogai
Army Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac
Army Pfc. Casey P. Mason
Army Spc. Jon M. Schoolcraft III
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Robert A. Lynch
Marine Corps Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Morgan C. Tulang
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Mark R. Cannon
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries

Bills of interest for Friday, March 28th

Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 2:00 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

Decision making only: SB945, Proposed HD1 RELATING TO ETHICS. Requires drug testing of elected officials after certification of election, but prior to taking the oath of office, and upon reasonable suspicion thereafter. Prohibits legislators from employing spouses in office under the legislator's jurisdiction. Prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts with a legislator for goods or services valued at $10,000 or more per year.

SB2295, SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC MEETINGS. Allow two or more board members to discuss their individual positions or attend meetings or presentations relating to board business under certain circumstances.

HCR349 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL TORT REFORM ON ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.

Committee on Finance, Room 308
Chair: Rep. Marcus Oshiro 586-6200

Agenda #1, 2:00 p.m.

SB2528, SD2 RELATING TO STATE PARKS ON KAUAI. Establishes a sub-account under the state parks special fund into which a percentage of the proceeds collected from the various fees collected at Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, less any amounts due to OHA, will be deposited and used to cover the cost of repair, maintenance, and operation.

SB2293, SD1 RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Exempts new multi-family housing condominium developments of seventy-five units or more from certain state and county affordable housing requirements.

Agenda #2, 3:15 p.m.

SB2041 RELATING TO HEALTH. Appropriates funds to match federal funding for the disproportionate share hospital allowance.

SB2768, SD2 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST THE MAUI REGION OF THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION. Authorizes issuance of $150,000,000 in revenue bonds for a heart, brain, and vascular center at the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Agenda #3, 4:30 p.m.

SB2646, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LANDS. Provides incentives and protections to establish and sustain viable agricultural operations on important agricultural lands, and provides for the designation of important agricultural lands on public lands.

SB2423, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO LAND ACQUISITION. Directs the Governor, or the Governor's designee, to acquire lands owned by Kuilima Resort Company, Oaktree Capital, LLC and their successors in interest, commonly known as Turtle Bay Hotel and Resort located in Kahuku, Oahu.

Preserving the "Gateway to the North Shore"

As Wayne Yoshioka from Hawaii Public Radio points out in his 2-part series (click here to access the MP3's) on the Galbraith land acquisition bills, much of the public attention this session has been on the proposed purchase of Turtle Bay. Yet, HB2292 and HB2293, and SB2421, all related to the purchase of Galbraith Estate trust lands, are alive and moving steadily forward. And, with a little digging, you can read all about the fascinating story of George Galbraith, his estate, his beneficiaries, and now the effort to allow the state to purchase the lands for agriculture and preservation.

Called the "Gateway to the North Shore", the Galbraith Estate trust lands are comprised of over 2,000 acres of prime agricultural land in central Oahu, including a 50% interest in Lake Wilson, and are estimated to be worth about $100 million. Bank of Hawaii is the trustee of the estate which lists over 600 beneficiaries. Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Chair of the House Finance Committee, who introduced the Galbraith bills in the House said:

"For all the different land opportunities we have right now, this is probably the best we have right now, that can actually serve multiple needs -- farming, preservation of open land, protection of Hawaiian cultural sites, and the watershed with Lake Wilson."

"This project is probably the farthest along because you have users who are interested in getting on the land and actually farming on it."

The Trust for Public Land is currently appraising the property and would serve as a partner in the acquisition. The Army wants the land to remain in agriculture as a buffer zone for Schofield Barracks, and is willing to put up monies for purchase.

HB2292 authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to purchase the agricultural lands of the Galbraith Estate and allows the corporation to lease the lands for up to 55 years. (Introduced by Rep. Marcus Oshiro who represents District 39 - Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, Poamoho.)

HB2293 has the same purpose, but also allows ADC to use the power of eminent domain to acquire the lands. This bill comes up for a hearing in the Senate on Friday, March 28th, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 211. (Also introduced by Rep. Marcus Oshiro.)

SB2421 authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to acquire the lands. (Introduced by Senator Robert Bunda, District 22 - Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Haleiwa, Mokuleia, North Shore.)

A liability concern has risen about the acquisition of the Lake Wilson Dam, which was built in the early 1900's. However, Rep. Oshiro says that the state will always have the responsibility to ensure that the dams are maintained, so that's not the issue. "The issue is the opportunity of 3 billion gallons of water, gravity flow to the North Shore, Mokuleia out to Waimea Bay, so it's an opportunity of a lifetime, and I hope we can seize this opportunity."

From a cultural standpoint, Kukaniloko, a site of Royal Birthing Stones, lies in the middle of the land area, and that has garnered the support of native hawaiian organizations to purchase and preserve the lands.

Photo: Kukaniloko, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

For some historical perspective on the Galbraith Estate, the best place to seek information is here, a site connected to Ian Lind's blog. Ian is the great grandson of Robert William Cathcart, a friend of George Galbraith, and one of the original beneficiaries of the estate. Ian reports that the trustee has been "miserly" with the release of information to the over 600 beneficiaries, and his site was formed to provide them with an efficient way to collect, receive and share pertinent information on what's happening with the estate. It's an interesting read.

On this site, you will find a great collection of documents, photos, and even a mystery story on what happened to George Galbraith's grave site.

Photo: A young George Galbraith. Credit: Pearl Featheran, Ian Lind

Who was George Galbraith? According to various sources, he was a cattle rancher. He was born in Ireland and was on his way to California to seek his fortune in the Gold Rush. He stopped in Hawaii in the mid-1800's and never left. He died in 1904. Beneficiaries of his will are scattered throughout Hawaii, the mainland, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Scotland.

What are the bills' chances? According to the Finance Chair: "Most of the members understand the importance of it for me and the Wahiawa community but they also see a larger importance now because of food security and the need to produce more of our local food on our lands. I've been working on this for about 14 years, ever since I got in, and I'm going to be driving real hard. This is our last great push, so I'm going to give it all that I got."

OIA Athletic Foundation Honors Calvin KY Say

Left to right: Larry Price, Calvin Say, Edison Miyawaki

Last night, the Oahu Interscholastic Association Athletic Foundation honored Speaker Calvin KY Say for his contributions to Hawaii student athletics. The Speaker is an avid supporter of school athletics and is credited for the placement of athletic trainer positions in every high school statewide. The theme of last night's event was Education Through Athletics, which emphasizes that athletics are an important and integral part of the education process and vital for the development of the student-athletes at the OIA member schools. This was the third annual OIA Foundation Dinner. The first recipient was Larry Price, followed in the second year by Edison Miyawaki, shown above with the Speaker.

Bills of interest for Thursday, March 27th

Committee on Legislative Management, Room 423, 2:00 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Michael Magaoay, 586-6380

HCR43, HD1/HR43, HD1 REQUESTING A MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL AUDIT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA'S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT. (Mizuno)

Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 2:25 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters, 586-9450

SB6, HD1 RELATING TO OPIHI. Prohibits the selling or offering for sale of opihi, except in certain circumstances.

Committee on Finance, Room 308, 2:00 p.m.
Agenda #1
Chair: Rep. Marcus Oshiro, 586-6200

SB2915, SD2 RELATING TO TARO. Creating the taro security and purity task force and appropriating funds for that purpose.

SB2828, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO DISASTER RELIEF. Clarifies the use of the governor's emergency powers.

SB2082, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. Appropriates funds to the Department of Public Safety to develop a plan by January 1, 2009 to provide facilities and services to returning female Hawaii prisnoners.

Agenda #2, 3:00 p.m.

SB2652, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Requires BOE to provide wage adjustments for substitute teachers comparable to the across-the-board wage adjustments negotiated for teachers in collection bargaining unit 5.

SB2842, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO LIGHTING. Phases out and bans the use of certain lighting products with lead and high mercury content.

SB2843, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING. Requires manufacturers of electronic devices to collect and recycle electronic devices.

Agenda #3, 4:00 p.m.

SB2088, SD1, HD1 RELATING TO ADVANCED FLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING. Adds businesses engaged in advanced flight simulator training for pilots, dispatchers, mechanics or air traffic controllers to the definition of "qualified business" under the State Enterprise Zones law.

In Honor of Prince Kuhio

Today, Hawaii celebrates Kuhio Day, in honor of Prince Kuhio. Rep. Roland Sagum (District 16 - Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea) prepared this speech that is scheduled to be given this morning on Kauai:

"Aloha and Good Morning! It is a great honor for me to be here today. I want to thank the Royal Order of Kamehameha for inviting me to be part of this celebration.

As a Hawaiian, born on Kauai, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole has always been an inspiration to me. When I decided to run for public office, Prince Kuhio also became an important role model.

Prince Kuhio served as our U.S. Congressman in Washington from 1903 until his death in 1922. I have often thought how difficult it must have been for him to leave these islands, especially after the overthrow of the Hawaiian government under Queen Liliuokalani, the very government under which Kuhio was an heir apparent.

Despite the overthrow, Prince Kuhio was destined to become a leader of the Hawaiian people. Even though the throne was denied to him, he did not run away. He chose public office, and he accomplished great things for Hawaii that are still relevant today.

For one thing, he instituted local government at the County level, creating the County system that we still have today.

He gave native Hawaiians an opportunity to serve in civil service positions.

And his crowning achievement, less than a year before his death, was the creation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which was signed into law by President Warren G. Harding in 1921.

Today, as we honor Kalanianaole, I want to focus on his role as a public servant.

This is my first term in public office as your state representative for District 16, which includes Koloa, Waimea, Niihau and Lehua.

Going back and forth from Kauai to Honolulu for the legislative session is not easy, so I can only imagine what it must have been like for Prince Kuhio serving in Congress in the days when the transportation choices were by boat and by train.

He must have been like a fish out of water in Washington DC in the early 1900's. Still, he persevered.

He is a very important role model for me because I see Prince Kuhio as someone who set aside his personal losses and elevated public service as the main goal of his life.

He was driven to accomplish great things, not for himself, not for royalty, but for the people of Hawaii.

In the political world, sometimes we lose sight of why we are there. Like Kuhio, we must persevere not for our own goals, but to serve the people, and to preserve Hawaii for future generations.

This is an inspiration for me as a Representative in the State Legislature, and for all of us as we celebrate Prince Kuhio on his birthday, and as we work together to honor the vision he laid out for Hawaii so many years ago.

Mahalo."

A Capitol Embraced by Culture: Highlights from the Hawaiian Caucus Day

By: Kainoa Horcajo, Office of Rep. Mele Carroll



On Wednesday, March 19, the morning sunshine dawned over the outer walls of the capitol building to illuminate a once-a-year sight of Hawaiian practitioners, non-profit organizations, agencies, and groups benefiting the Hawaiian culture circling the third and fourth floor lanais of the State Capitol.

The 3rd annual Legislative Hawaiian Caucus Day brought together lawmakers and the public to gather information from the various display tables while being serenaded by "Da Mele Trio" and "Lokomaika'i," two of the islands greatest Hawaiian music groups.

Rep. Mele Carroll (D- Paia, Haiku, Keanae, Hana, Moloka‘i, Kalaupapa, Lana'i, and Kaho‘olawe), Chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, was honored by her colleagues before the festivities for her work in making the event a success and drawing a wide array of the Hawaiian people together.

"What a beautiful day to be at the Legislature. Hawaiians were out in force, educating, playing music, and the State Legislators and public were enjoying themselves," said Rep. Carroll.

The participants included Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission; Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce; Partners in Development; Prince Kuhio Federal Credit Union; Hawaii Maoli; Molokai Community Health Center; Pacific American Foundation; Alu Like; Kamehameha Schools; Kahea; and The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance.

Demonstrations of traditional arts and practices included feather-making by Kumu Kaha'i Topolinskys, coconut-plaiting by Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Clubs, beautiful pahu drum-making by John Keoni Turadas, and poi-pounding by taro farmers.

Two floor presentations during the Legislative session recognized the work and success of a few of Hawaii's residents dedicated to preserving and advancing the Hawaiian culture. Rep. Mele Carroll honored Cliff Hashimoto, a Hana resident, who achieved the rank of Ali'i Nui and Grand Master, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of The Royal Order of Kamehameha. Hashimoto, a Kamehameha School's graduate and retired First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, is now the head of one of the oldest societies in the islands. Rep. Angus McKelvey (D-Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Maalaea, Kihei) honored the 2007 Grammy Award Winners of the Hawaiian Music category.

Lawmakers Visit Waipahu

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu hosted a "Lawmakers Listen" community meeting in his district of Waipahu Monday evening at Waipahu Intermediate. The gathering was informal, with residents and representatives forming round table groups for a more intimate conversation on what's important to this particular community.

In this group, George Yakowenko, a member of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, No. 22, asked the status of any sunshine laws affecting neighborhood boards, and the need to make it easier for the board members to discuss business. HB1512 is still alive. The bill, introduced by Rep. Joey Manahan, who once worked for the Neighborhood Board Commission, allows two or more board members, but less than a quorum, to attend meetings related to board business. Mr. Yakowendo also had a question for lawmakers on whether they supported a Consitutional Convention. Both Rep. Kirk Caldwell and Rep. Roy Takumi indicated that, so far, they have not been convinced of the need for one, and that changes to the State constitution are major and should be well-considered.

Lawmakers who joined Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu were Kirk Caldwell, Pono Chong, Ken Ito, Roy Takumi, Ryan Yamane, Kyle Yamashita, and Senator Clarence Nishihara.

The Eliot Spitzer bill?

The Case Against Legalizing Prostitution
By Representative Karl Rhoads
District 28 - Palama, Downtown, Chinatown, Sheridan
Vice Chair - Committee on Human Services & Housing

As a 12-year resident of Chinatown, I run the gauntlet of prostitutes on Kukui Street several times a week. Almost every time I walk to Pali Safeway, there are prostitutes on Kukui between Maunakea and Pali Highway. My wife encounters them early in the morning on her way to her workout at the Nuuanu YMCA. Kids walking to Central Intermediate see them on a daily basis. Female friends tell me that would-be johns assume that any woman walking on Kukui Street is a prostitute and that they have been propositioned while simply walking to Pali Longs.

It is often said that legalization is the best policy because no matter what we do we will never get rid of prostitution but that argument does not hold. Laws against assault and battery have been in existence for thousands of years, but there are still assaults and battery every day. There have been laws against tax cheats for as long as there have been taxes, but people still cheat on their taxes.

There is little argument that we should protect our keiki and ourselves from the violence and drug dealing that often accompanies prostitution, but that is where the unanimity ends. Some countries, like the Netherlands, have legalized prostitution. Prostitution is considered a job like any other. Prostitutes are employees, pay the equivalent of Social Security tax and enjoy the worker protections that everyone else has. Zones are created where outdoor prostitution is allowed and brothels can have full legal business standing. A sex purchaser can window shop like you can in the United States for a new pair of jeans.

The real question is whether prostitution is simply two consenting adults having sex or whether one of the parties is at such a disadvantage economically or socially that purchasing sex amounts to a crime. The overwhelming majority of the time, the latter is the case. Women (and men) who resort to prostitution are virtually always in desperate need of money. Whether they come from a country lacking in economic opportunity (like the majority of prostitutes in the Netherlands do) or whether they are trying to pay for a drug addiction, most prostitutes do it for the money not because when they were little girls or boys they thought to themselves, "When I grow up I want to be a prostitute."

One country, Sweden, has accepted this underlying reality. In Sweden, selling sex is legal, purchasing it is not. While this approach has not eliminated prostitution, it has cut down on street prostitution, but more importantly, it recognizes the moral reservations Swedish society has about those who blatantly take advantage of those less fortunate than themselves.

Based on the Swedish approach I have introduced legislation, HB 3002 (Senator Fukunaga introduced the companion in the Senate, SB 2264), which makes a third conviction for purchasing sex a class C felony. The current penalty (petty misdemeanor) would continue to apply to sellers of sex and for first and second purchasing offenses. A class C felony has a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a petty misdemeanor a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail.

This legislation, while not a panacea, will reduce prostitution. It will also make those who prey on the most vulnerable of society think twice about what they are doing.

Molokai Ranch

State Representative Mele Carroll (District 13 – Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana) issued the following statement today on the closure of Molokai Ranch:

"The closure of the Moloka'i Ranch came as a surprise to me, as I had to hear it from the news reporters. There was no consideration or letter notifying me of the ranch's plans to close shop.

The 120 employees who are affected by this layoff deserve better. It is disappointing and frustrating that the Moloka'i Ranch has decided to shutdown their operation. This will cause hardship and even loss to the many families who are impacted by this decision. It is nearly impossible to find work on the island of Moloka'i, and to close their doors without any preparation for the employees to recover is heartless.

These draconian measures will certainly be remembered. However, I am confident that the community will pull together and come up with a positive solution to remedy the situation. The residents of Moloka'i are survivors and will prevail to take control of their own destiny.

I have been in contact with Councilmember Danny Mateo today, and we have discussed holding a meeting on Moloka'i together with Mayor Charmaine Tavares to consult with the community, offer our kokua and assist with the situation before us.

Where there is tragedy, there is always opportunity, and I look forward to working with the people of Moloka'i to unite and discuss the island's future."

Lawmakers honor the US Army Reserve

Lawmakers honored the men and women who have enlisted in the US Army Reserve since its debut 100 years ago in a special floor presentation during the Hawaii State Legislative session. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Joe Bertram, outlines the history of the US Army Reserve, from its modest beginning as a corps aiding the medical department of the US Army to its present-day skilled military force of over one million soldiers serving in the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan and 18 other countries.

Rep. Rida Cabanilla also recognized the legacy of Filipino civilian soldiers who have chosen to protect the country that they have adopted. The US Congress recently marked the centennial of Filipino immigration to the United States.

Bills of interest for Tuesday, March 25th

Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 4:05 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

HCR49, HD1/HR49, HD1 REQUESTING THE MAUI COUNTY MAYOR AND COUNTY COUNCIL TO IMPLEMENT VARIOUS MEASURES REGARDING MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE COUNTY OF MAUI. (Say BR)

HCR69/HR60 ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW THE RETIREMENT AGE FOR STATE COURT JUSTICES AND JUDGES; THE TERMS OR AND POSSIBLE TERM LIMITS FOR STATE COURT JUSTICES AND JUDGES; THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A SENIOR JUDGE SYSTEM FOR STATE COURT JUSTICES AND JUDGES; JUDICIAL ACOUNTABILITY AND FITNESS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII. (Say BR)

HCR166/HR140 REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE CREATION OF A FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT TO BE LOCATED AT THE KAPOLEI COURT COMPLEX. (Har)

HCR231 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO STUDY THE COST OF CONVENING A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN 2010. (Caldwell)

Committee on Judiciary, Room 325, 4:10 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Tommy Waters 586-9450

DECISION MAKING ONLY:

SB2898, SD1 RELATING TO THE AGREEMENT AMONG THE STATES TO ELECT THE PRESIDENT BY NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE. Adds a new chapter to Hawaii Revised Statutes to enter Hawaii into an interstate compact to determine the winner of a presidential election by "national popular vote."

SB3146, SD1 RELATING TO CRIMES. Makes it a misdemeanor to consume a dog, cat, or horse. Clarifies definition of "pet animal."

SB2456, SD2 RELATING TO HARASSMENT. Provides that harassment includes all computer communications; adds computer communication as a form of nonconsensual contact in the offense of harassment by stalking. Makes such offenses a class C felony.

SB3182, SD1 RELATING TO EXTENDED SENTENCING. Qualifies for extended term sentencing criminal offenders who commit enumerated felonies against good samaritans.

SB945, Proposed HD1. RELATING TO ETHICS. Requires drug testing of elected officials after certification of election, but prior to taking the oath of office, and upon reasonable suspicion thereafter. Prohibits legislators from employing spouses in office under the legislator's jurisdiction. Prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts with a legislator for good or services valued at $10,000 or more per year.

Clothing Donations Needed for Disabled Waianae Girl

State Representative Maile Shimabukuro today put out the call for donations of gently used or new clothing for a disabled, low-income, 21-year-old girl from Wai'anae.

The girl is size 8X, and weighs about 500 lbs., therefore, it is very difficult for her to find clothing. In addition, she and her grandfather are unable to drive. She is in great need of all kinds of clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, pants, shirts, pareo, or any kind of loose-fitting attire.

"I hope someone out there can help this very deserving girl with something as basic as clothing," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (District 45 – Waianae, Makaha, Makua.) "Because of the size required, we are hoping that others in the community may know of family or friends that are able to fulfill this need. We would also like to see her get needed medical and financial help."

Donations can be dropped off at Rep. Shimabukuro's office in Room 406 at the State Capitol. After hours, donations can be safely left outside Rep. Shimabukuro's office door. In addition, Rep. Shimabukuro's staff can assist with pick up and delivery of donations.

To find out how to help, or for more information, call Rep. Shimabukuro at 586-8460.