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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All eligible applications may submit summary of 2020 GIA request

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Select House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness

1. Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Co-Chair

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

3. Representative Della Au Belatti

4. Representative Richard H.K. Onishi

5. Representative Kyle T. Yamashita

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

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

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

WHAT:          12^th annual Art at the Capitol

WHEN:          Friday, April 3

                        5-7 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Hawaii State Capitol

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

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

HOUSE HONORS LAHAINALUNA FOOTBALL TEAM FOR DIVISION II TITLE WIN

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

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

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey:

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

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

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

WHAT:          Community Town Hall meeting featuring Governor David Ige

WHEN:          Wednesday, March 11

                        7 – 8:30 p.m.

  

WHERE:       Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria

98-940 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resolution creates select committee to prepare for economic impacts of virus

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

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

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

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

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

HOUSE PASSES MORE THAN 150 MEASURES ON THIRD READING

Highway safety, public health, government ethics bills move to Senate

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In advance of First Crossover next week, the House of Representatives today passed more than 150 measures on third reading including bills on government ethics, highway safety, and public health. These bills now move to the Senate for their consideration.

March 5 is the First Crossover deadline for bills to pass third reading in order to move (or “crossover”) to the other chamber. If successful, House bills are sent to the Senate and Senate bills are sent to the House for further consideration.

Bills passed today include:

HB2678 HD1 Relating to Government Employees

Requires forfeiture of a state or county officer's or employee's compensation and fringe benefits upon a felony conviction.

HB1676 HD1 Relating to Highway Safety

Establishes a three-year photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. Authorizes any affected county to administer the photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. Establishes a photo red light imaging detector systems pilot program account as a special account within the general fund. Requires proceeds of fines expended in the county from which they were collected for operation of the photo red light imaging detector systems pilot program. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2023.

HOUSE SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS

Public, private sector group will plan for Hawaiʻi's economic stability as coronavirus infections spread across the globe 

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today announced that he will introduce a resolution next week to form a Special Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness which will be asked to identify the potential economic and financial impact to Hawaiʻi from the coronavirus, develop short-term and long-term mitigation plans, and monitor conditions and outcomes.

"Hawaiʻi's Department of Health, Department of Defense and other agencies have been focused on health preparedness," Speaker Saiki said. "But just as importantly, we also need economic and financial preparedness."

Speaker Saiki said with the significant drop in the stock market and with the state's economic dependence on tourism and imported goods, lawmakers must quickly prepare for the growing financial impact on Hawaiʻi.

"The purpose of this committee is to prepare for any impacts that the state may experience. This committee will involve not just the government sector but the private sector, labor unions, and industries that would be impacted," Saiki said.

HOUSE PASSES KEY MEASURES ON THIRD READING

Gun violence prevention, women's rights, Hawaiʻi Promise bills move to Senate

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House of Representatives today passed more than 100 measures on third reading including important bills on gun violence prevention, family issues and education. The bills now move to the Senate for their consideration.

Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard along with more than a dozen police officers and members of Mother's Demanding Action attended today's session in support of the gun violence prevention bills. Members of the Hawaiʻi Firearms Coalition attended the session in opposition to those same bills.

Bills passed today include:

Gun Violence Prevention

HB 2709 Relating to the Uniform Probate Code

Requires a personal representative of a decedent appointed under the Uniform Probate Code to notify the police department of the appropriate county of any and all firearms in an estate. Requires the police department to certify that all firearms in an estate are properly transferred or disposed of before the estate may close.

HB 2744 Relating to Gun Violence Prevention

Establishes the gun violence and violent crimes commission. Requires reports to the Legislature. Makes it a class C felony to purchase, manufacture, or otherwise obtain firearm parts for the purpose of assembling a firearm having no serial number. Amends certain requirements relating to firearms registration.

HB 1902 HD2 Relating to Firearms

Extends the prohibition for large capacity magazines to all firearms, rather than just pistols. Provides an exception to the prohibition for law enforcement agencies and duly authorized officers. Prohibits

POLICE, FIRST RESPONDERS URGE LAWMAKERS TO PASS CRITICAL GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION BILLS

Measures could have prevented the murders of two police offices in January

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Police, first responders and State lawmakers gathered on the grounds of the State Capitol today to urge the House and Senate to pass four critical gun violence prevention bills being voted on in both chambers tomorrow.

Police Chief Susan Ballard said these bills have the full support of HPD .

"Please pass these bills for the safety of our officers and the community," Ballard said. "I can show you two good reasons to do that, the black band on our badges represent our two officers that were killed. Passing these bills is the right thing to do."

Officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama were fatally shot while responding to the scene of a reported stabbing near Diamond Head January 22 by a man with mental illness using guns that had belonged to an individual who had died. That tragedy has heightened the urgency with which lawmakers are considering measures dealing with gun violence and mental health.

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE PASSES CIP BUDGET

Projects total $4.9 billion for fiscal years 2020 and 2021

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House Finance Committee today passed HB2725 HD1, the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for 2020. Including all means of financing, CIP projects for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 total more than $4.9 billion. The measure now moves to the full House for second reading.

Supplemental Improvements Act of 2020, Executive Budget Capital Improvement Projects highlights include:

• $1,018,811,000 Fiscal Year 2020 General Obligation Bond Funds and General Obligation Reimbursement Bonds
• $805,652,000 Fiscal Year 2021 General Obligation Bond Funds and General Obligation Reimbursement Bonds
• $2,325,781,000 Fiscal Year 2020 All Means of Financing
• $2,583,292,000 Fiscal Year 2021 All Means of Financing

AGRICULTURE

• Adds a total of $2 million to the Department of Agriculture's CIP Budget
• $1 million for reservoir decommissioning in Hawaii County
• $1 million for improvements to the Waimea Irrigation System

ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES

• Adds total of $18 million to the Department of Accounting and General Service's CIP Budget
• $17 million for the modernization of the state finance system
• $1 million for repair, equipment, modernization and expansion of the Information and Communication Services Division's critical communication systems

ACCESS TO LEARNING BILL MOVES FORWARD IN THE HOUSE

Landmark measure is part of joint legislative package to support working families

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the House Finance Committee today amended and passed HB2543 HD1 to expand early learning opportunities for 3 and 4 year old children across the state. The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.

"Over the course of the last year we have been working on this bill as a cost of living measure to address the lack of available early learning centers across the state," said Representative Justin H. Woodson. "Today we are making several amendments and adjustments to this bill, and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to pass this measure because it will greatly benefit our keiki and our working families."

The bill requires the parents or guardians of public school kindergarten students to the disclose information on the child's prior child care program or prekindergarten attendance, if any, for the purpose of determining areas with the highest need for prekindergarten and child care programs. It also requires the Department of Education to assess kindergarten students, establishes the preschool open doors trust fund and requires annual reporting.  It expands Preschool Open Doors Program

HOUSE COMMITTEES SCHEDULE DECISION MAKING ON ACCESS TO LEARNING BILL

WHAT:          Decision Making on the Access to Learning Bill

WHEN:          Tuesday, February 25

                        2 p.m.

                     

WHERE:       Hawaii State Capitol

                        Room 309

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House committees on Lower & Higher Education and Finance will hold a hearing for decision making on the Access to Learning Bill at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 25 in room 309 at the State Capitol.

HB 2543 would expand early learning opportunities for 3 and 4 year old children across the state by increasing funding for early learning schools and by expanding the number of school facilities in areas they are needed the most.

HOUSE BILL TO SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES CONTINUES TO MOVE THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE

Measure includes tax benefits, minimum wage increases as part of joint legislative 
package to tackle cost of living in Hawaiʻi

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –A House bill that would benefit working families by providing tax benefits and increasing the minimum wage was passed during a joint hearing of the House Committee on Labor & Public Employment and the Committee on Finance today.

HB 2541 HD1, titled Relating to Helping Working Families, would make the state earned income tax credit refundable and permanent, and increase the refundable food/excise tax credit. In addition, the bill would increase the minimum wage rate to $11 per hour beginning on 1/1/2021, $12 per hour beginning on 1/1/2022, $12.50 per hour beginning on 1/1/2023, and $13 per hour beginning on 1/1/2024.

Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke said this bill is an important part of the joint economic package of bills introduced this session by the House and Senate and supported by the Ige Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles for working class families and individuals.

"In this package of bills which deals with affordable housing, child care and minimum wage, what we are trying to do is take care of the working families," said Representative Luke

Representative Aaron Ling Johanson, Chair of the Labor & Public Employment Committee, said this one bill is not meant to be the singular fix for all of the root causes of Hawaiʻi's high cost of living.

"This is a minimum wage increase; bottom line: under this proposed legislation, workers are going to make more income. Additionally, the less talked about, but very important feature of this particular legislation is the $70+ million in new tax relief for all working families and individuals. The