House Finance Passes Proposed Budget

  

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE ADOPTS CONSERVATIVE APPROACH TO BUDGET

Restructuring and Reprioritizing of Funds Trump Full Restoration to Pre-Recession Numbers

Honolulu, Hawaii – The House Finance Committee led by Representative Sylvia Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa), today passed out the proposed state budget which is scheduled for a vote next week by the full House.

HB200 HD1 appropriates funds for operating and capital improvement costs of the Executive Branch for the current biennium fiscal years FY2013-2014 and FY2014-2015.

For FY2013-2014, the bill offers $5.9 billion in general funds and $11.6 billion in all other means of financing.  For FY2014-2015, it appropriates $6.1 billion in general funds and $11.7 billion in all additional financing means.

Finance Chair Luke acknowledged that the fiscal outlook is a little more positive than it has been in the past but she said, "because we have a fiscal climate that is looking up in terms of revenue, this is actually the time to take a conservative approach to our budget picture.  I realize that in the last four years we have had to cut funding to our programs and agencies because of the State's financial crisis, but simply restoring the cuts to pre recession numbers is not the approach we are taking."

"We need to re-evaluate what government is here for, what do we need, what can we do without.  The House is taking on the challenge to develop a budget that gives us the opportunity to provide structural stability to the State's financial plan.  We want to increase transparency, efficiency and accountability in government.  We want to reprioritize and restructure government services and create an evolving, sustainable and robust economy for future generations," said Luke.

"I believe expectations for complete funding restoration plus additional funds for more projects are high, as exhibited in the Executive's budget request to us.  However, indicators from various economic forecasts show an unsteady trend in revenue.  For example, while the Council on Revenues (COR) projected increases based on a robust tourism industry and expansion in the rest of the economy, it remained uncertain about the impact on tax collections due to the renewable energy credit and changes in the tax laws.  Meanwhile, the University of  Hawaii Research Organization (UHERO) reported last month that despite the banner year for tourism, economic growth will ease over the next two years.  We are also facing the unknown ramifications of the federal government's sequestration," concluded Luke.

Funding highlights include;

• $7.9 million in FY2013-2014 for a reasonable rollout of the State’s Information Management and Technology Transformation Plan. The Office of Information Management and Technology (OIMT) plan is to consolidate the State’s existing information-technology infrastructure, enhance security and privacy, and develop shared services functions across state departments.

• $3 million has been provided to Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) for risk management to ensure adequate insurance coverage for natural disasters.

• Restored services and positions cut by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) by funding positions that support our local food sustainability and agricultural health. This includes 19 critical specialist and inspector positions to help control the spread of invasive species, 5 engineers for irrigation systems, and additional personnel that provide specialized testing for livestock.

• Additional support for law enforcement agencies through funding for data systems such as the Juvenile Justice Information system (JJIS), Automated Fingerprint Recognition System (AFIS), and Facial Recognition System (FRS).

• $1.1 million for the State Library System to purchase additional books and e-books.

• A total of almost $2 million to support for the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to meet the State’s goal of using 70% clean energy by the year 2030.

• To address the issues that encompass the State’s growing Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) unfunded liability, $205.5 million over the next two years has been infused into Other Post Employment Benefits (OPED).

• $306,461 in additional support for the Mortgage Foreclosure Dispute Resolution Program to reflect the increase in mortgage fraud and other disputes between lenders and owners.

• $650,000 to update and address issues with the State’s tsunami warning siren system 

• Support for our local students by providing to the Department of Education (DOE) an additional $12.9 million for the Weighted Student Formula and $1 million for the development of a Common Core assessment test in the Hawaiian language to serve students enrolled at 14 Hawaiian immersion schools across the state.

• $155.75 million in general obligation bond (GO) appropriations for public school improvements that include health and safety and electrical upgrades.

• Restored public health service positions within the Department of Health (DOH) including 8 vector control workers and $443,520 of funds to increase surveillance at our airports, 8 food safety inspectors, and 7 environmental health specialists and engineers to administer programs on environmental protection regulations. $800,000 in general funds for both fiscal years for Hale Makemae and Kula Hospital.

• $10 million annual funding for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) to carry out its duties of planning and developing Hawaiian Homelands across Hawaii.

• Significant support for the State’s largest department, the Department of Human Services (DHS), with $98 million to cover increasing Medicare costs, $1.9 million for youth and juvenile services, and 10 personnel to focus on homelessness project management.

• Provides 9 additional positions to provide security and intake services for inmates returning from out of state facilities and appropriates $8.7 million in additional funding for the Department of Public Safety (PSD) to maintain essential functions.

• A total of $3.8 million in general funds and $32 million in GO funding to the Department of Taxation (DoTAX) to upgrade its current tax system with the Tax System Modernization Project, a five-year program that will result in the increased efficiency of electronically filed taxes and tax processing.

• Funding to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for various vehicles and equipment to upkeep our airports and harbors. Most importantly, approval of all special and regular maintenance requests submitted by the Department.

• Continued support of our higher education systems with $780,000 for distance learning courses, $1 million for operating costs at the West Oahu Campus and $2 million to support the community college system in each fiscal year, and $100 million in GO appropriations for repair and maintenance of our campuses.
• A Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget of $1,707,274,000 for FY2013-2014 and $912,851,000 for FY2014-2015 in all means of financing to address repair and maintenance backlogs and to develop “shovel ready” projects.

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Fabulous Freshmen Foodbank Fundraiser

Mahalo to everyone who came out to support the Fabulous Freshmen Foodbank Fundraiser on Feb. 27.  As a result of everyone working hard and pulling together, we raised a total of $2,070 for the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Foodbank and Food Basket (Big Island).

The Hawaii Foodbank forms a vital link between the food donors and our member agencies by providing services in collecting, sorting, salvaging and distributing food. The Hawaii Foodbank also supports its member agencies through financial and educational assistance.

Freshman Lawmakers Surprise Colleague

(Pictured from left to right, Reps. Takashi Ohno, Gregg Takayama, Romy Cachola, Nicole Lowen, 

Justin Woodson, Bertand Kobayashi, Kaniela Ing, and Richard Onishi)

FRESHMAN HOUSE LAWMAKERS DEMONSTRATE TEAM SPIRIT AND SOLIDARITY

And For One of Them it Meant a Brand New Bike

Hawaii Island first time legislator, Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau) was in for a big surprise last month.  The freshman legislator was doing the people's business when she was summoned to the office of House Speaker Joe Souki.  Feeling like a student heading for the principal's office, Lowen dutifully began her journey to the fourth floor of the capitol.

But it was not just Speaker Joe waiting for her.  Her fellow freshman colleagues were there to surprise her with a brand new, sparkling bike!  Lowen's bike, her sole source of transportation while in Honolulu, had been stolen from a well known Oahu shopping center earlier in the month. 

Not ones to stand idly by while a colleague was in need, the freshman class in the House of Representative (Kaniela Ing, Bertrand Kobayashi, Richard Onishi, Gregg Takayama, Romy Cachola, Takashi Ohno, and Justin Woodson) and three members of the senior class (Joe Souki, Scott Saiki and John Mizuno) chipped in to buy Lowen a new bicycle.  Moral of the story…don't mess with the Freshman Class!  And, oh yeah…the old guys, too.

Crossover

HOUSE MOVES HUNDREDS OF BILLS OVER TO SENATE

Honolulu, Hawaii - Among the measures that passed their final vote in the House are several bills that are focused on sustainability, improving the environment, revitalizing our economy and improving the quality of life for Hawaii's citizens.

 "As we hit the half way point of this legislative session the House of Representatives is committed to exploring avenues that provide for less dependence on outside sources for food and energy and provide for the protection of our environment for future generations," said House Speaker Joe Souki.

See the full list of bills crossed over to the Senate on the Capitol Website at http://1.usa.gov/Yde30X.

HB858 HD1 RELATING TO THE HI GROWTH INITIATIVE Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation for the HI Growth Initiative, an investment program to develop an ecosystem to support high-growth entrepreneurial companies in the State. Part of the Governor's New Day Plan, the bill hopes to reinvigorate state efforts to fuel an innovation economy and advance research innovation and commercialization.

HB1419 HD2 RELATING TO THE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SPACE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION SYSTEMS Appropriates funds to support the development and expansion of Hawaii’s aerospace and related industries to Hawaii. The funding will capitalize upon Hawaii Island's lunar-like terrain to build aerospace technology research and development park industries. Supplemental funding will be provided to help attract aerospace technology and corporations that will create new high paying technology-related jobs.

HB497 HD3 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY Amends the tax credit for renewable energy technologies to encourage development in solar and wind energy technologies while reducing the revenue impact to the state by ramping down the percentage of the credits over the next five years.

HB338 HD2 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST A SEAWATER AIR CONDITIONING PROJECT IN WAIKIKI Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds for Kaiuli Energy LLC for the planning, design, and construction of its seawater air conditioning district cooling system to serve Waikiki and nearby areas on the island of Oahu.

HB70 HD2 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Deletes the repeal of the High Technology Innovation Corporation that would have taken effect on June 30, 2013. The High Technology Innovation Corporation (HTIC) was created by the Hawaii State Legislature as a 501(c)(3) public not-for-profit corporate body, to facilitate the growth and development of the commercial high technology industry in Hawaii.

HB1188 HD1 RELATING TO THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE Establishes the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force to assess state policies and practices that promote economic opportunity and poverty reduction and to develop a plan to expand economic opportunities in Hawaii to reduce, by at least 50 percent by 2021, the number of Hawaii residents living in poverty.

HB96 HD2 RELATING TO FARMS Creates an income tax exemption for family farms, family farm communities, and family farm cooperatives.

HB1263 HD2 RELATING TO IRRIGATION Appropriates funds and authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds to finance improvements to various irrigation systems.

HB1264 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS Expands the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Loan Program to provide loans for infrastructure, infrastructure improvements, the implementation of new farming techniques, and biosecurity projects.

HB487 HD2 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE Expands the livestock feed subsidy to include feed for certain goats, sheep, lambs, fish and crustaceans.

HB799 HD3 RELATING TO CREATIVE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT Establishes a Workforce Development Training Program that provides wage reimbursement for on-the-job training by entities who receive a Motion Picture, Digital Media, Television, and Film Production Tax Credit. Deletes internet-only distribution exclusion for advertising; clarifies definitions of qualified production costs; and extends the sunset date of the tax credit.  Appropriates funds for the Training Program.

HB111 HD2 RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE BUILDING CODE Authorizes the use of certain land, subject to county approval and oversight, for research, development, and testing of sustainable agriculture, development, waste management, and resource management through planned community use. This Act will create a doorway through the current limitations of traditional codes to support the development of more sustainable methods of living, allowing greater implementation of county and state sustainable living policies.

HB174 HD2 RELATING TO FOOD LABELING Imposes labeling requirements and import restrictions on imported genetically engineered produce.  Authorizes labeling of non-genetically engineered food and creates a private right of action to enjoin violations.

HB486 HD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE Appropriates funds for implementation and operation of the Future Farmers of America and 4-H programs to educate and support youth in agriculture careers as administered by the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

HB505 HD2 RELATING TO GREENWAYS Appropriates funds for the Office of Planning to contract for up to two years with a consultant to develop a plan for the establishment and implementation of a statewide greenways system which includes trails, greenways, bike routes, parks, and other projects.

HB508 HD2 RELATING TO THE PROCUREMENT CODE Amends the Hawaii public procurement code to create exemptions for state agencies to procure locally produced agricultural commodities to promote food sustainability and self-sufficiency. 

HB710 HD1 RELATING TO FISHPONDS Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Health, and Office of Planning to streamline the permitting process and facilitate the restoration of Hawaiian fishponds. Also requires DLNR to submit a report of findings and recommendations.

HB734 HD1 RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF TARO LANDS Amends public lands classifications to add taro lands as a fourth class of agricultural lands to improve protections for taro lands. The bill will require the retention of supporting structures for taro fields and add growth of all traditional Hawaiian crops to agricultural planning objectives.

HB749 HD2 RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Appropriates funds to establish the Hawaii Agriculture Workforce Advisory Board to promote economically competitive activities that increase Hawaii's agricultural self-sufficiency, attractiveness, and opportunities for an agricultural workforce and livelihood.

HB856 HD2 RELATING TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Establishes a regulatory financing structure that authorizes the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide low-cost loans for green infrastructure equipment to achieve measurable cost savings and achieve Hawaii's clean energy goals.

HB1330 HD1 RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT Restores funding cuts taken over the last four years to the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources. The budget cut has reduced or eliminated non-essential services and limited work hours for officers and the restoration of funding will allow for renewed protection of the state’s natural resources.

HB1483 HD2 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORTATION Establishes a task force to study, among other things, the feasibility of allowing the operations of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation regional systems and their facilities to transition into public-private partnership status.

HB1028 HD2 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT Raises the minimum wage to $9.00 incrementally over the next years. Provides unemployment insurance relief for businesses.

HB1132 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS STATEMENTS Requires a legislator to file a disclosure of financial interests statement with the State Ethics Commission between January 1 and January 31 annually.

HB865 HD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT Establishes a framework for the Department of Education to facilitate public-private partnerships to develop or redevelop public school lands in order to generate income to improve public school facilities so that our children can learn in twenty-first century schools.

HB7 HD2 RELATING TO THE ELDERLY Creates the Hawaii Kupuna Trust Fund, comprising public and private funding, to strengthen care for the elderly and vulnerable populations by the awarding of grants.

HB276 HD2 RELATING TO THE SENIOR RESIDENCE AT PIIKOI, OAHU Authorizes the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds for the construction of the Senior Residence at Piikoi, an affordable senior rental housing project on Oahu.

HB196 HD1 RELATING TO VETERANS TREATMENT COURT Appropriates funds for positions to support a Veterans Treatment Court in the First Circuit that can better respond to the unique needs of veterans entering the criminal justice system with mental illness and substance abuse issues arising from their service to our country.

HB158 HD3 RELATING TO TUITION ASSISTANCE Broadens the scope of tuition assistance to Hawaii National Guard members working toward a degree on any campus of the University of Hawaii system with priority given under specified conditions.

HB411 HD2 RELATING TO HOSPITAL EMERGENCY COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS Adds new provisions to Hawaii law to ensure that female sexual assault victims are provided with medically and factually accurate and unbiased information about and access to emergency contraception when receiving emergency medical care at Hawaii’s hospitals.

HB245 HD1 RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Prohibits landlords from terminating the tenancy of a tenant based solely on the tenant’s status as a victim of domestic abuse with certain exceptions and provides protection for the landlord against civil claims that might arise out of the landlord's compliance with the law.

HB535 HD2 RELATING TO HOMELESS PROGRAMS Authorizes the designation of temporary nighttime parking lots in each county to provide safe overnight parking for homeless individuals who live and sleep in their motor vehicles and who would otherwise park overnight on public or private roads or property.

HB198 HD2 RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTING Requires the absentee ballot for a voter requesting permanent absentee status to be mailed to the mailing address contained on the voter’s most recently completed affidavit on application for voter registration, unless the voter submits a temporary mailing authorization in writing for the absentee ballot to be temporarily mailed to a different address.

HB321 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTIONS Provides a process for voter registration on election day at polling places to encourage greater voter participation.

HB114 HD3 RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION Requires the Administrator of the State Procurement Office, rather than the University of Hawaii President, to serve as Chief Procurement Officer for the University of Hawaii for construction contracts and professional services related to construction contracts. Establishes an Independent Audit Committee within the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

HB980 HD2 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY Creates a statute that prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle in the State and establishes penalties. Having a State law that uniformly covers all the counties also makes Hawaii eligible for Federal funding.

HB873 HD2 RELATING TO THE YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTARY FOSTER CARE ACT Supports Hawaii's youth in foster care by establishing the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program that will extend foster care services to provide care and supervision of eligible foster youth until their twenty-first birthday.

HB1298 HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION Provides a nonrefundable income tax credit at fifty per cent of qualified wages for the first six months for a taxpayer who hires a developmentally, intellectually, or physically disabled individual.

Jobie Masagatani, DHHL Chair Designate, on the next Jordan's Journal

In this episode of Jordan's Journal, Rep. Jo Jordan talks with Jobie Masagatani, Chair Designate of the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) about the issues facing the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust.  Discussion will focus on a recent Hawaii Supreme Court Ruling on State funding for the Trust.

The show will air on Channel 54 on Sunday, March 3 at 8:30 pm and be rebroadcast on March 4 and 11 at 1 pm.  You can also view the episode on Rep. Jordan’s Vimeo channel, which has been embedded below.

Episode 25 - State Dept of Hawaiian Home Lands from Jo Jordan on Vimeo.

A Little Extra Aloha at the Capitol

Earlier this week, students, teachers, and families from ‘Halau Lokahi, a Hawaiian immersion charter school, made a visit to the Capitol to celebrate the opening of the Makahiki festivities. Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu led the school in a procession where they were greeted by Rep. Faye Hanohano (Puna), who joined in their oli (chant) and hoo kupu (gift giving to the ahu).

Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu has also been working with Rep. Hanohano’s office to put on a series of Hawaiian language classes for lawmakers this session.

“As a Hawaiian and as a lawmaker, it brings me great joy to see the success of Hawaiian immersion schools like ‘Halau Lokahi,” said Rep. Hanohano. “Language is at the heart of culture; the preservation and resurrection of the Hawaiian language ensures the future of our culture.”

Pat McManaman, DHS Director, on the Next Jordan's Journal

On the next episode of Jordan’s Journal, Rep. Jordan is joined by Pat McManaman, Director of the State Department of Human Services. Director McManaman provides an overview of the Department and then delves into the background and significance of a current piece of legislation, HB868.

Last year, Rep. Jordan submitted a resolution that led to the Department conducting a study which focused on developing methods to help families reliant upon public assistance to attain financial independence. The study resulted in the introduction of HB868, which would eliminate the asset limit for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

This episode is an excellent way to learn about the Department of Human Services and serves as a prime example of the Legislature cooperating with a State Department to better serve the people of Hawaii.

The show will air on Channel 54 on Sunday, February 17^th at 8:30 p.m. and be rebroadcast on February 18^th and 25^th at 1:00 p.m. You can also view the episode on Rep. Jordan’s Vimeo channel, which has been embedded below.

Episode 24 - State Dept of Human Services from Jo Jordan on Vimeo.

Taro Task Force Briefs Lawmakers

The House Committee on Agriculture held an informational briefing to discuss issues of public concern regarding the current and future availability of taro and the protection and availability of taro producing lands. Representatives from the Taro Task Force briefed the Committee on the current state and possible future of taro in Hawaii then fielded questions.

The Task Force was established in 2008 and is composed of 18 members representing all of the major stakeholders regarding taro. Their recommendations included improving access to water in taro growing communities, increased apple snail containment and control, identifying and controlling invasive kalo varieties, and furthering the “board and stone in every home” movement.

Committee on Agriculture Chair Rep. Jessica Wooley scheduled the briefing to better inform committee members of the state of taro in Hawaii, so they will have as much information as possible when considering current legislation relating to Hawaii’s most culturally significant crop.

Mana Ai Daniel Anthony provided lawmakers with a taste of what's at stake

Decision making on HB484and HB734, both dealing with the protection of taro, will take place tomorrow at 8:00 am in Conference Room 325 of the State Capitol.

Lawmaker Takes Swift Action in Response to Near Tragedy in Kalihi

Fortunately, the two large boulders didn't cause any serious damage or injuries.

Early yesterday morning, two boulders tumbled down the side of a mountain, damaging a home on Nobrega St. in Kalihi Valley. Gerald Abella was sleeping in his bed at 4:45 a.m., when a 3 foot by 5 foot boulder crashed through his bedroom wall, coming within inches of hitting his head.
 

The mountainside where the boulders originates remains unstable.

Before the day was over, Vice Speaker John Mizuno (Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, portion of Lower Kalihi) had visited the scene, talked to the family, and drafted a letter to William Aila Jr, Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, urgently requesting a survey of any potential risks associated with the hillside in the future.
 

Raytan Vares, Rep. Mizuno's Office Manager showing the size of the boulders. 

Yesterday’s event was similar to last year when 5 boulders rolled down the mountainside over Kalihi Valley and damaged several homes at Kula Kolea Place. In the immediate aftermath of that natural disaster, Vice Speaker Mizuno personally delivered a letter to the Governor requesting State assistance in mitigating, stabilizing and/or removing unstable rocks above Kula Kolea Place. The Governor listened and the situation was addressed properly, promptly, and effectively.
 

Vice Speaker Mizuno touring the Kalihi Valley home.

“We’ve been in this position before and used that experience to take appropriate and timely action in the wake of yesterday’s near catastrophe. I’m requesting the DLNR to conduct a survey of any potential future risks associated with the hillside as well as to exercise all means of ensuring the safety and well-being of area residents,” said House Vice Speaker John Mizuno. “Our number one priority is to keep more boulders from crashing into homes on Nobrega St., but we have also begun to work with the DLNR to take a proactive approach in preventing similar occurrences throughout Kalihi Valley in the future.”

Homelessness is the topic on the next Jordan's Journal

Homelessness continues to be a major societal problem nationwide and Hawai‘i is no exception. Tackling an issue of this complexity is no easy task and there is no magic solution. Fortunately, we have an individual who welcomes the challenge and is confident we can virtually eliminate homelessness in the islands over the course of the next decade. His name is Colin Kippen, Hawaii State Coordinator on Homelessness. On the next episode of Jordan's Journal, Rep. Jordan sits down with Mr. Kippen to discuss his role as well as his organization's mission.  

Mr. Kippen has spent his professional career between Hawaii and the nation's capital working as an attorney dealing with a range of social issues, focusing on native rights law. The Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness (HICH) was created through executive order by Governor Abercrombie in July of 2011 and serves as a state level entity in cooperation with the US Interagency Council on Homeless (USICH), which was established by President Obama in 2009. The USICH's Hawaii ties do not end with the President; General Shinseki is currently heading the Council. 

Having support at the national level is important, but the war on homelessness will be won at the local level on an individual-by-individual basis. Mr. Kippen stresses that the keys to overcoming this great societal ill are community and collaboration. At the institutional level, solving homelessness requires a comprehensive effort spanning from education, healthcare (to include mental health and substance abuse programs), and education to veterans’ and Native Hawaiian affairs. Even with all of these players working together, tackling homelessness ultimately comes down to the community and the efforts of individuals like you and me. 

If you'd like to help the HICH eradicate homelessness in Hawai‘i, or just learn more about the organization and its programs, you can contact Mr. Kippen via email at ckippen@dhs.hawaii.gov or call him at 808 586-0974. 

Episode 23 - Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness from Jo Jordan on Vimeo.

The episode will air Monday, January 28th at 1:00 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54.
You can also view the episode on Rep. Jordan's Vimeo and Youtube channels.

Lawmakers Lead by Example in the Fight Against the Flu

Rep. Morikawa and Vice Speaker Mizuno at Capitol Flu Shot Day

This year's influenza virus has had a devastating impact on the continental United States and is starting to appear in Hawaii. Tourism and military traffic increase our vulnerability to the spread of infectious disease and we must do everything we can to prevent the flu epidemic from reaching full force in Hawaii.

Kaiser Permanente, HMSA, and CVS-Longs helped make the day possible

The tragic death of four-year-old Jianna Cabasag on Sunday afternoon marks the first flu related death in the state this year. Young children like Jianna and our kupuna are especially susceptible to catching and suffering severe complications from the flu. It's imperative that we be proactive to prevent any more unnecessary deaths.

Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Rep. Dee Morikawa, and Senate President Donna Mercado Kim have already taken action to curb the spread of this particularly viral and deadly strain of influenza. They coordinated with HMSA, CVS-Longs, and Kaiser Permanente to provide flu vaccinations for their working members at the State Capitol earlier today.

Vice Speaker Mizuno receiving his flu shot.

"We are urging other organizations to collaborate with their healthcare providers to follow our lead and set up a flu shot day at their workplace. Individuals should contact their providers as well and get inoculated. The flu season is in full swing and it's not too late to protect yourself and your family," said Vice Speaker Mizuno.

Kauai Volunteer Teacher Recognized at Legislature

Rep. Kawakami, Liliana Perry, Mason Gibson, Rep. Tokioka, and Marilyn 

For more than thirty years, Marilyn Pollock has volunteered her time teaching art in Hanalei School and Kilauea School on Kauai's north shore, assisting inmates at the Kauai Community Correctional Center in earning their associate's degrees, as well as holding art workshops at her home. Today she was presented with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the legislature for her three decades of community service by Kauai Representatives Derek Kawakami and James Tokioka.

Marilyn is known for using art as a medium to introduce children to history, culture, and science. Her latest project has challenged students to investigate the health of the Anini Reef as it suffers from the infestation of black algae by communicating with microbiologists, writing essays, and painting a mural of the reef in an effort to raise public awareness.

As Marilyn unfurled the beautiful mural of the reef in Senate Vice President Kouchi's office, she explained that there was an ulterior motive behind her visit. "We're here to lobby you on behalf of the reef," she told Kauai Representatives Kawakami and Tokioka. Ms. Pollock went on to explain the risk posed by the invasive algae as well as the civics and government lessons her students learned in the process of creating the mural.

The trip from Kauai to Honolulu was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor who covered the cost of airfare and accommodation for Marilyn, two students and their parents.

"There isn't a person on the island of Kauai whose life, or the life of a loved one, has not been touched by Marilyn Pollock," said Rep. Kawakami. "Her three decades of community service stand out as a prime example of how one individual can make a difference. She personifies the Aloha Spirit and is an inspiration to us all." 

Opening Day 2013

This morning, the 27th Hawaii State Legislature opened session. 2013 marks the return of Joe Souki as Speaker of the House. Representatives John Mizuno and Scott Saiki were voted in as Vice-Speaker and Majority Leader.

The new House leadership began by thanking Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say and Rep. Marcus Oshiro for their responsible leadership that kept Hawaii on the right course despite the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Speaker Souki cited improvements in tourism and construction numbers as well as a drop in unemployment as reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the state of the State. He laid out the goals of the session, including investments in infrastructure, environmental protection, and education, which will be paid for by raising revenues in ways that don't impact people with lower incomes and the middle class.

After a few years of subdued festivities in accordance with $2 billion in budget cuts resulting from the Great Recession, music and celebration returned to Opening Day. Maui's own Willy K headlined the entertainment, which also included the McKinley High School Choir. Both dedicated their performance to the late Senator and McKinley alumnus Daniel Inouye and included renditions of his favorite song, "Oh Danny Boy."

Governor Abercrombie, Lieutenant Governor Tsutsui, Senator Schatz, Chief Justice Recktenwald, former Senator Daniel Akaka, Honolulu Mayor Caldwell, and a number of other distinguished guests were in attendance for a day that was a beginning of a new session and a tribute to the late Senator Inouye.  

GMOs an Early Theme in Agriculture

World renowned food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture advocate Dr. Vandana Singh was scheduled to speak at the Capitol this morning, but her arrival on island was delayed causing her to miss the engagement. Instead, a roundtable discussion on agriculture, specifically Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) took place. The panel was composed of Reps Jessica Wooley and Lauren Cheape, national and local experts in the field, and a special guest from Molokai who has experienced, first-hand, the impact GMOs can have on surrounding communities. The standing-room-only crowd included former Governor John Waihee, several Senators, community organizations, and private citizens.

Rep. Jessica Wooley hosted the panel

Lawmakers told the public to expect a number of pieces of legislation regarding GMOs and sustainable agriculture to be introduced this session. The centerpiece of the legislative package is a bill proposing to require the labeling of GMO fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaii for consumption on the islands. The narrow focus of the bill has proponents optimistic that Hawaii may become the first state in the nation to require some form of GMO labeling.

Paul Achitoff (left) attorney for Earth Justice and  Andrew Kimbrell co-author of California's Proposition 37

2013 Legislative Timetable

2013 Legislative Timetable by

2013 Chamber Seating Chart

2013 Chamber Seating Chart by

Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program

On Thursday, January 10, 2013, the Legislative Big Island Delegation invited the Hawai'i Island Healthcare Alliance to present Hawaii Health System Corporation's (HHSC) initiative to increase the number of Primary Care Physicians and Clinicians Practicing on the Big Island. Presenting was Dr. Kristine McCoy, Program Director for Hawaii Health System Corporation. 

According to a 2012 UH Hilo study, in five years, one in three physicians currently practicing on Hawai'i Island will not be doing so. Hawaii Health System Corporation: Primary Care Training Program (HHSC PCPT) would train primary care teams. Teams can care for up to 10,000 patients with one doctor, before one doctor could only manage 2,500. Teams are more cost effective. One family physician costs $25,000 - $300,000 per year to train (residency), nearly one million dollars over the course of the residency. The HHSC PCPT trains a team equivalent to up to 4 physicians for $1.6 million.

Hawai'i State

Projected Physician Shortage

Decline by 2020 Due to Population Growth and Physician Retirement and Relocation

Source: JABOM Workforce Study 2011

Innovation is the key to solving the primary care gap. The new approach includes advanced practice nurses, pharmacist clinicians, and psychologists, as well as family physicians. Training will focus on skills for practicing in smaller communities. More than half of residents trained at rural sites practice in rural areas.

Hawai'i cannot count on the mainland to provide the needed physicians. The United States will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025. Source: Petterson et al, Annals of Fam Med Nov/Dec 2012

·               33,000 due to population growth

·              10,000 due to aging of our population

·               8,000 due to insurance expansion

HHSC feels new programs must be started in order to fill the gap. Physicians must be trained on site in rural areas. Of the 63 residents trained through the John A. Burns Medical Center:

·              50 stayed on Oahu

·              4 relocated to Maui

·              9 relocated to the Big Island

·              0 relocated to Kauai

Dr. McCoy comments on the projected physician shortage statewide.

Representative Cindy Evans speaks of the importance of innovation in healthcare.

Harold Wallace, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bay Clinic, Inc. Hilo, Hawai'i comments on the need to increase preventive care.

Richard Taaffe, Executive Director, West Hawaii Community Health Center speaks on the clinic’s commitment to provide healthcare to the uninsured.

Submitted by: Michael Moscati, Communications and Community Outreach Liaison for Rep. Evans