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

HOUSE BILL ON PHOTO RED LIGHT IMAGING PROJECT ADVANCES TO THIRD READING

Drivers running red lights endanger lives, face fines

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Finance today voted to approve HB1676 HD1 that would establish a photo red light imaging pilot program. The bill now moves to the full House for third reading.

HB1676 HD1 establishes a three-year photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. The bill authorizes any impacted county to administer the photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. It also establishes a pilot program account as a special account within the general fund. The bill requires proceeds of fines to be expended in the county from which they were collected for operation of the photo red light imaging system program. The pilot program would sunset on June 30, 2023.

BILL ON FORFEITURE OF STATE BENEFITS FOLLOWING FELONY CONVICTION MOVES TO THIRD READING

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – HB 2678 HD1, a bill introduced by House Speaker Scott K. Saiki, unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Finance yesterday. The bill now moves to the full House for third reading.

HB 2678 HD1, requires forfeiture of a state or county officer's or employee's compensation and fringe benefits upon a conviction for a felony committed in the course of government service.

HOUSE EDUCATION, FINANCE COMMITTEES HEAR TESTIMONY ON EXPANDING CHILDCARE AND EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Bill is key part of legislative joint economic package to support working class families

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the Committee on Finance heard testimony today from groups and individuals in a joint hearing on HB 2543 HD 1. The bill 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.

Higher & Lower Education Chair Justin H. Woodson this early education bill is part of a joint economic package introduced by the House and Senate, and supported by the Ige Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles. 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."

Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke said most of the testimony submitted on this bill is in support because families are in desperate need of more early education availability. Luke said providing expanded early education can reduce the cycle of poverty for parents that cannot work because they must stay home to care for their young children. Subsequently, those children then don't get the early learning they need to become better educated citizens.

REPRESENTATIVE DAVID TARNAS' BILL TO SUPPORT GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION PASSED BY HOUSE

Bill would increase maximum area exemptions for agricultural buildings

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – A bill supporting local farmers by expanding the permitting exemption for greenhouse construction on agricultural land passed its Third Reading in the House of Representatives today.

HB 2192 HD1, introduced by Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, South Kohala, North Kohala), proposes to increase the maximum area, from 20,000 to 60,000 square feet, for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, or greenhouse that is qualified for an exemption from building permit and building code requirements. 

"This bill supports Hawai'i’s local food production and sustainability goals by making it easier for local farmers to build modern greenhouses without having to go through a lengthy and costly permitting process," said Rep. Tarnas.

HOUSE APPROVES STATE BUDGET, MOVES BILL TO SENATE

Bill includes portions of the budget that covers basic government operations 

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House of Representatives today passed HB 2200 HD1, the state operating budget for fiscal biennium 2019-2021.

This measure, also known as the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, adjusts amounts appropriated or authorized for Executive Branch agencies and programs in the General Appropriations Act of 2019.

The budget is several million dollars less then Governor David Ige's request because several items, including homelessness, affordable housing and some education issues, will be funded through separate bills.

HB2200 HD1 appropriates:

General Fund

FY2020: 7.962 Billion

FY2021: 8.133 Billion

All MOF

FY2020: 15.564 Billion

FY2021: 15.656 Billion

COMMITTEES TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON EARLY LEARNING BILL

WHO:             The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education

                        House Finance Committee

WHAT:          Committees to discuss the Access to Learning bill

WHEN:          Tuesday, February 18

                        2 p.m.

                       

WHERE:       Hawaii State Capitol

                        Room 309

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the House Finance Committee will hold a joint hearing to discuss HB2543 relating to Access to Learning on Tuesday, February 18 at 2 p.m. in room 309 at the State Capitol.

The bill transfers the Executive Office on Early Learning from the Department of Education to the Department of Human Services. Renames the Office as the Learning to Grow Agency. Focuses the jurisdiction of the agency to children who are 3 to 4 years old or will be eligible for kindergarten within two years. Establishes the goal of providing all children who are 3 to 4 years old or will be eligible for kindergarten within two years with access to learning through an early learning program by the year 2030. Appropriates funds.

The bill is part of eight House and Senate bills introduced this session that make up the 2020 joint legislative package to provide real economic benefits for Hawaiʻi's working-class families and

BILL ON PHOTO RED LIGHT IMAGING PROJECT ADVANCES

Drivers running red lights endanger lives, face fines

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Judiciary Committee yesterday voted to approve HB1676 HD1 that would establish a photo red light imaging pilot program. The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee for further consideration.

HB1676 HD1 establishes a three-year photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. The bill authorizes any impacted county to administer the photo red light imaging detector system pilot program. It also establishes a pilot program account as a special account within the general fund. The bill requires proceeds of fines to be expended in the county from which they were collected for operation of the photo red light imaging system program. The pilot program would sunset on June 30, 2023.

The committee found that the prevalence of motorists who violate Hawaiʻi's traffic laws, particularly

REPRESENTATIVE YAMANE'S HAWAIʻI NATIONAL GUARD BILL APPROVED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE

Measure supports retirement benefits for guard members

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – An important bill supporting Hawaiʻi’s local national guard members and their families was introduced this legislative session by Representative Ryan I. Yamane (Mililani, Waipio Gentry, Waikele) and was unanimously passed today by the House Committee on Labor & Public Employment.

HB 2485 requires the State Employees Retirement System (ERS) to conduct a study and recommend state retirement benefits for Hawaiʻi National Guard Members who are activated under state active duty orders but are not state or county employees.

The bill was introduced in response to recent state active duty orders related to the 2018 Kauaʻi disaster and lava events. In 2018, Hawaiʻi’s National Guard members were activated multiple times to provide disaster response under the Governor’s emergency proclamations. These emergency proclamations and the State Active Duty Orders were extended multiple times, likewise, extending Hawaiʻi National Guard activations and disaster response for lengthy periods of time.

 “Some of these 2018 state active duty activations led Hawaiʻi National Guard members to serve as long as six months of continued disaster response services, away from their private jobs, and their families,” said Representative Yamane. “With the rise of disaster events in Hawaiʻi and anticipated increased risk due to Hawaiʻi’s changing climate, we may need to activate our Hawaiʻi National Guard members more in the future to serve as Hawaiʻi’s disaster responders. If Hawaiʻi’s National Guard is going to be our first responders in disaster events in our local communities, then they deserve Hawaiʻi state retirement benefits for their service to our communities and families.”

HAWAIIAN CAUCUS WEEK HONORS NATIVE HAWAIIAN CONTRIBUTIONS

House recognizes key players in perpetuating Hawaiian culture

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Caucus week at the State Legislature will culminate with an open exhibition of groups promoting the language, history, and education of our host culture on the fourth floor of the State Capitol from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 14.

Hawaiian Caucus Day will feature more than 60 exhibitors including Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Lā Pūkoʻa, the Council for Native Advancement, the Hawaiʻi State Archives, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and many more.

There will also be an educational briefing by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources on the State Legacy Land Conservation Program from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in room 414. The program provides grants to community organizations and government agencies that strive to purchase and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered resources.

Representative Daniel Holt (Kalihi, Pālama, Iwilei, Chinatown), co-convener of the Native Hawaiian Caucus, said it is important to publicly recognize and honor the Hawaiian community leaders working to perpetuate our host culture.

"As the Hawaiian community continues to gain political momentum and unity, it is important to recognize and honor those that have been working to teach and share Hawaiian arts, language and skills," said Representative Holt. "The Hawaiian people honor our kupuna and continue to work toward the renewal of our culture and values."

REPRESENTATIVE TARNAS' BILL ALLOWING REMOTE TESTIMONY IN LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS PASSES HOUSE AND SENATE

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Have you ever felt frustrated by having to fly all the way to Oʻahu just to have your voice heard at the State Capitol? Or have you submitted written testimony but been unable to speak or answer questions from legislators during legislative hearings? 
  

A bill addressing these challenges to legislative access passed its final hearing today in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Introduced by Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, South Kohala, North Kohala), HB1153 HD1 SD2 would improve public access to the legislative process by establishing a remote legislative access program that would allow individuals to present oral

HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE TO HEAR TRUTH IN LABELING AND FOOD SECURITY ACT BILL

WHO:            Rep. John M. Mizuno, Chair, House Health Committee

                       

WHAT:          Hearing on HB1663, HD1

WHEN:          Tuesday, February 11

                        9:30 a.m.

WHERE:       State Capitol

                        Conference Room 329

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The House Committee on Health will hold a hearing on truth in labeling and the Food Security Act at 9:30 a.m. February 11 in room 329 at the State Capitol.

Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair of the House Health Committee, said the measure is designed to safeguard our food and milk handling while supporting local sustainability.

"Because of news relating to milk shipped to Hawaiʻi failing the federal safety guidelines, one report had mainland milk having five times the amount of bacteria content allowed by federal standards, this definitely is a consumer protection and health issue we need to look into," Rep. Mizuno said. "Moreover, I think this bill represents our effort to ensure truth in labeling for our consumers and that the overall health and safety standards by the federal government are being followed by our processing facilities and distributors in Hawaiʻi. At the end of the day, we simply want to ensure we are in compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act, including handling procedures, temperature verifications, and proper refrigerated transportation of all perishable foods. I think our consumers will appreciate government regulation protecting the health and safety of all people in addition to making sure we have truth in labeling."

HOUSE WATER, LAND, & HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO HEAR RESOLUTION ON FORMING BLUE RIBBON RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

WHO:             Representative Ryan I. Yamane, Chair, House Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs

WHAT:          Hearing on resolution to convene a reconciliation commission

WHEN:          Monday, February 10

                        9 a.m.

                        

WHERE:       Hawaii State Capitol

                        Auditorium

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs will hold a hearing on HCR 37 at 9 a.m. February 10 in the State Capitol Auditorium.

The State House of Representatives recognizes the need for inclusion and collaboration. The resolution requests that the Governor convene a Blue Ribbon Reconciliation Commission to examine and formulate a reconciliation process relating to issues of past, present, and future importance to the Native Hawaiian people and the State of Hawaiʻi.

Persons wishing to offer comments should submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.  Testimony should indicate:

·    Testifier's name with position/title and organization;

·    The Committee(s) to which the comments are directed;

·    The date and time of the hearing; and

·    Measure number. 

STATE CIP FUNDS RELEASED FOR KOHALA MIDDLE SCHOOL COVERED PLAYCOURT

$3.6 million to be used to finance design and construction 

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – State Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds totaling $3.6 million were released by Governor David Ige today to finance design and construction for a covered play court at Kohala Middle School.
 

Representative David A. Tarnas, who represents District 7, where Kohala Middle School is located, said this project is a priority for the school community, and that he is working with the State Department of Education (DOE) to continue moving the project forward.

"A covered play court will provide many benefits to the Kohala Middle School community," said Rep. Tarnas (North Kona, South Kohala, North Kohala). "This facility will allow the Middle School students to play outside in all weather, especially Kohala's rainy days. It will also provide the school with a flexible space for creative projects, school gatherings, and celebrations. Because Kohala Middle School currently has no on-campus space that can hold all its students at once, this project has been a top priority for the school. I am working with the State Department of Education to continue to move this project forward and meet the deadlines to use this funding, including finalizing the play court design, obtaining the necessary building permits, and receiving bids for the construction work."