Monday, December 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
State Capitol - Room 329
Committee on Human Services will hold an informational briefing to review the possible reduction of preschool care and licensed family care services.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
State Capitol - Room 423
Legislative Federal Economic Stimulus Program Oversight Commission will meet on the overview of stimulus funds for the Department of the Attorney General and the Office of the Governor.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
State Capitol - Room 325
Senate Committee on Ways and Means and House Committee on Finance will hold an informational briefing for the Department of Budget and Finance. The following will be discussed:
*State investments in Auction Rate Securities
*General Obligation Bond sales and debt refinancing
*Collective Bargaining agreements and anticipated savings
*Reduction in Force (RIF) process and anticipated savings
*Status of exempt positions subject to RIF and furlough
*Departmental budget restriction amounts
*Monthly Vacancy reports
Showing posts with label Legislature 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Legislature 2009. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ring in the New Year - New Laws on January 1, 2010
Most bills passed during the 2009 legislative session went into effect upon approval or on July 1, 2009. A few, though, are slated to go into effect on January 1, 2010, such as:
HB981 Ignition Interlock. Makes amendments to Hawaii Revised Statutes and Act 171, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, reflecting recommendations of ignition interlock implementation task force. (HB981 CD1)
HB1512 Pet Protection. Authorizes family court to authorize the issuance of a temporary restraining order in certain circumstances involving an animal identified to the court as belonging to a household. Effective 1/1/10. (HB1512 CD1)
This is not an exhaustive list. Let us know if you're aware of others.
HB981 Ignition Interlock. Makes amendments to Hawaii Revised Statutes and Act 171, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, reflecting recommendations of ignition interlock implementation task force. (HB981 CD1)
HB1512 Pet Protection. Authorizes family court to authorize the issuance of a temporary restraining order in certain circumstances involving an animal identified to the court as belonging to a household. Effective 1/1/10. (HB1512 CD1)
This is not an exhaustive list. Let us know if you're aware of others.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Effective July 1
Many bills passed and enacted into law in 2009 have an effective date of July 1, 2009. Here's a list provided by the Legislative Reference Bureau of new laws that will go into effect on that date. Note that it does not include bills that have not yet been signed into law as of 6/22/09.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bills Signed Into Law
Governor Lingle signed the following bills into law yesterday and today:
ACT 109 (09) HB1678 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS Authorizes the issuance of $80 million in special purpose revenue bonds to LifeGrid Solutions, LLC for the design and construction of a biofuel refinery and research facility on O‘ahu.
ACT 110 (09) HB1628 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST BIOENERGY HAWAI‘I, LLC Authorizes the issuance of $100 million in special purpose revenue bonds to BioEnergy Hawai‘i, LLC for the establishment of a cogeneration and energy production facility.
ACT 111 (09) HB427 HD1 SD1 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST ONE PLANET PACIFIC ENERGY, LLC, A PROCESSING ENTERPRISE Authorizes the issuance of $40 million in special purpose revenue bonds to One Planet Pacific Energy, LLC for the design and construction of a gasification facility in Nānākuli to convert waste into renewable energy.
ACT 112 (09) HB1627 HD2 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS Authorizes the issuance of $40 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Carbon Diversion Inc. for the development of non-fossil fuel energy production facilities.
ACT 113 (09) HB426 HD1 SD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST SEAWATER AIR CONDITIONING PROJECTS ON O‘AHU Authorizes the issuance of $77 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning, LLC for the design and construction of a seawater air conditioning system in downtown Honolulu.
ACT 114 (09) HB1483 HD1 SD1 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR BETTER PLACE HAWAI‘I, INC. Authorizes the issuance of $45 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Better Place Hawai‘i, Inc. for the planning, design, and construction of transportation infrastructure and equipment to support electric vehicles in Hawai‘i.
ACT 115 (09) SB851 SD1 HD3 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Requires electronic processing of child support payments, eliminates use of the full social security number on child support payment transactions, and strengthens enforcement of child support liens.
ACT 116 (09) SB932 SD2 HD2 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING Aligns Hawai‘i law with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control on the diagnosis and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
ACT 117 (09) SB967 SD2 HD3 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Updates Hawai‘i’s controlled substance list to conform to federal law, clarifies the requirement for a pharmacy to verify the identity of the individual picking up the controlled substance, and permits electronic record-keeping procedures for these substances.
ACT 118 (09) HB28 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO DEAD HUMAN BODIES Prohibits the selling and commercial display of dead human bodies, subject to certain exceptions.
ACT 119 (09) SB292 SD1 HD1 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO FUNDS Deposits 25.5 percent of Tobacco Settlement Special Fund moneys into the State general fund for six years, from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2015.
ACT 109 (09) HB1678 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS Authorizes the issuance of $80 million in special purpose revenue bonds to LifeGrid Solutions, LLC for the design and construction of a biofuel refinery and research facility on O‘ahu.
ACT 110 (09) HB1628 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST BIOENERGY HAWAI‘I, LLC Authorizes the issuance of $100 million in special purpose revenue bonds to BioEnergy Hawai‘i, LLC for the establishment of a cogeneration and energy production facility.
ACT 111 (09) HB427 HD1 SD1 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST ONE PLANET PACIFIC ENERGY, LLC, A PROCESSING ENTERPRISE Authorizes the issuance of $40 million in special purpose revenue bonds to One Planet Pacific Energy, LLC for the design and construction of a gasification facility in Nānākuli to convert waste into renewable energy.
ACT 112 (09) HB1627 HD2 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS Authorizes the issuance of $40 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Carbon Diversion Inc. for the development of non-fossil fuel energy production facilities.
ACT 113 (09) HB426 HD1 SD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST SEAWATER AIR CONDITIONING PROJECTS ON O‘AHU Authorizes the issuance of $77 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning, LLC for the design and construction of a seawater air conditioning system in downtown Honolulu.
ACT 114 (09) HB1483 HD1 SD1 CD1 Signed: June 11, 2009 RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR BETTER PLACE HAWAI‘I, INC. Authorizes the issuance of $45 million in special purpose revenue bonds to Better Place Hawai‘i, Inc. for the planning, design, and construction of transportation infrastructure and equipment to support electric vehicles in Hawai‘i.
ACT 115 (09) SB851 SD1 HD3 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Requires electronic processing of child support payments, eliminates use of the full social security number on child support payment transactions, and strengthens enforcement of child support liens.
ACT 116 (09) SB932 SD2 HD2 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING Aligns Hawai‘i law with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control on the diagnosis and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
ACT 117 (09) SB967 SD2 HD3 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Updates Hawai‘i’s controlled substance list to conform to federal law, clarifies the requirement for a pharmacy to verify the identity of the individual picking up the controlled substance, and permits electronic record-keeping procedures for these substances.
ACT 118 (09) HB28 HD1 SD2 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO DEAD HUMAN BODIES Prohibits the selling and commercial display of dead human bodies, subject to certain exceptions.
ACT 119 (09) SB292 SD1 HD1 CD1 Signed: June 12, 2009 RELATING TO FUNDS Deposits 25.5 percent of Tobacco Settlement Special Fund moneys into the State general fund for six years, from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2015.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
How the budget was balanced
Rep. Blake Oshiro's op-ed on the 2009 legislative session focused on balancing the state budget, without question, the highest priority of the session. This appeared in The Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, May 17, 2009. Here is a pie chart that reflects the percentages below.
Modest increases a small part of balancing budget
By Rep. Blake Oshiro
If there is one message that I would like Hawai'i residents to remember about the 2009 legislative session, it is this: The Legislature balanced the budget, as required by law, mostly through budget cuts, not tax increases. The tax increases that were passed were modest, and will not affect most people in the state.
While the Legislature faced many critical issues this year, balancing the state budget was our first priority.
The budget bill covers state expenditures and revenues over the next biennium, fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Given the Council on Revenues' latest projections, the House and Senate faced a potential shortfall of $2.1 billion by the end of 2011. Our task, therefore, was to find a way to cover that loss through a combination of cutting expenses and raising revenues.
Knowing that tax increases are the last thing politicians want to do, we looked at every option available to us. We considered public employee benefit reductions, eliminating tax credits and tax exemptions, transfers from special funds to the general fund. We turned over every rock, no matter how small, to add to a list of budget solutions.
In the end, here is how we balanced the budget:
Budget cuts and lapses to the general fund accounted for about 50 percent of the solution. The cuts were taken from all departments, but because of the sheer size of some departments, the major cuts came from the agencies with the largest budgets — Education, Human Services and Health.
Applying a carryover balance from fiscal year 2008, and finding various revenues through credit adjustments, non-general funds, penalties and enforcement added another 35 percent to the solution.
Most of the publicity centered on a package of tax increases, which will ultimately account for about 10 percent of the solution to cover the budget shortfall. A tax increase of any kind is difficult to propose. We are well aware that any tax increase, no matter how modest, is going to negatively impact a segment of the population. However, we tried to target the increases on a very small percentage of Hawai'i taxpayers, including high-income earners who make up about 2.4 percent of the population; the hotel room tax; those who are selling property over $2 million and second homes and investment properties of any price; and cigarette and tobacco users.
The federal stimulus money, about $115 million, accounted for about 5 percent of the solution. This was a critical component to our ability to balance the budget, but we also needed to keep in mind that the stimulus is a one-shot injection. Hawai'i cannot expect to receive more federal stimulus money going forward.
In most years, the Legislature passes a budget bill, but also appropriates money through other bills outside the budget. It's significant that this year the Legislature passed only three appropriations from the general fund, the largest of which was $12.3 million for Hawai'i hospitals to treat low-income patients and enable them to receive $12.5 million in matching federal funds for Medicaid reimbursements.
I think it's worth looking at what this budget does not include, for that is an important part of the 2009 legislative story.
We tried hard to ensure that there was minimal impact to the poor and the middle class. The budget does not include a major reduction in services so that our public safety net is dismantled. It does not include mass layoffs, which would only result in skyrocketing unemployment and a serious reduction in consumer spending.
Most importantly, it does not include a rise in the general excise tax, the most regressive tax in terms of impacting those who can least afford it.
Finally, the governor has continuously linked our work in balancing the budget to her ability to negotiate contracts with the public employee unions. She gives the false and irresponsible impression that if the Legislature balances the budget through other means, then it gives the unions little incentive to negotiate a fair contract. The truth is that the Legislature has never used collective bargaining figures to balance the state budget, in good years or bad. It is not our role to get involved or to influence labor union negotiations.
The state budget and the selected tax increase bills have nothing to do with the governor being able to negotiate a fair contract with the unions in the best interests of the state. She should be able to do so without blaming the Legislature and by basing negotiations on the state of the economy and the projections of the Council on Revenues.
In closing, I want to thank the people of Hawai'i for helping us through this very difficult session. Most seem to understand that we had to make tough decisions, but we tried our best to protect the most vulnerable.
Modest increases a small part of balancing budget
By Rep. Blake Oshiro
If there is one message that I would like Hawai'i residents to remember about the 2009 legislative session, it is this: The Legislature balanced the budget, as required by law, mostly through budget cuts, not tax increases. The tax increases that were passed were modest, and will not affect most people in the state.
While the Legislature faced many critical issues this year, balancing the state budget was our first priority.
The budget bill covers state expenditures and revenues over the next biennium, fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Given the Council on Revenues' latest projections, the House and Senate faced a potential shortfall of $2.1 billion by the end of 2011. Our task, therefore, was to find a way to cover that loss through a combination of cutting expenses and raising revenues.
Knowing that tax increases are the last thing politicians want to do, we looked at every option available to us. We considered public employee benefit reductions, eliminating tax credits and tax exemptions, transfers from special funds to the general fund. We turned over every rock, no matter how small, to add to a list of budget solutions.
In the end, here is how we balanced the budget:
Budget cuts and lapses to the general fund accounted for about 50 percent of the solution. The cuts were taken from all departments, but because of the sheer size of some departments, the major cuts came from the agencies with the largest budgets — Education, Human Services and Health.
Applying a carryover balance from fiscal year 2008, and finding various revenues through credit adjustments, non-general funds, penalties and enforcement added another 35 percent to the solution.
Most of the publicity centered on a package of tax increases, which will ultimately account for about 10 percent of the solution to cover the budget shortfall. A tax increase of any kind is difficult to propose. We are well aware that any tax increase, no matter how modest, is going to negatively impact a segment of the population. However, we tried to target the increases on a very small percentage of Hawai'i taxpayers, including high-income earners who make up about 2.4 percent of the population; the hotel room tax; those who are selling property over $2 million and second homes and investment properties of any price; and cigarette and tobacco users.
The federal stimulus money, about $115 million, accounted for about 5 percent of the solution. This was a critical component to our ability to balance the budget, but we also needed to keep in mind that the stimulus is a one-shot injection. Hawai'i cannot expect to receive more federal stimulus money going forward.
In most years, the Legislature passes a budget bill, but also appropriates money through other bills outside the budget. It's significant that this year the Legislature passed only three appropriations from the general fund, the largest of which was $12.3 million for Hawai'i hospitals to treat low-income patients and enable them to receive $12.5 million in matching federal funds for Medicaid reimbursements.
I think it's worth looking at what this budget does not include, for that is an important part of the 2009 legislative story.
We tried hard to ensure that there was minimal impact to the poor and the middle class. The budget does not include a major reduction in services so that our public safety net is dismantled. It does not include mass layoffs, which would only result in skyrocketing unemployment and a serious reduction in consumer spending.
Most importantly, it does not include a rise in the general excise tax, the most regressive tax in terms of impacting those who can least afford it.
Finally, the governor has continuously linked our work in balancing the budget to her ability to negotiate contracts with the public employee unions. She gives the false and irresponsible impression that if the Legislature balances the budget through other means, then it gives the unions little incentive to negotiate a fair contract. The truth is that the Legislature has never used collective bargaining figures to balance the state budget, in good years or bad. It is not our role to get involved or to influence labor union negotiations.
The state budget and the selected tax increase bills have nothing to do with the governor being able to negotiate a fair contract with the unions in the best interests of the state. She should be able to do so without blaming the Legislature and by basing negotiations on the state of the economy and the projections of the Council on Revenues.
In closing, I want to thank the people of Hawai'i for helping us through this very difficult session. Most seem to understand that we had to make tough decisions, but we tried our best to protect the most vulnerable.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Freshmen look back on their first session
Hawaii Public Radio's political reporter, Wayne Yoshioka, interviewed some of the House freshmen earlier this week. Here's a link to his report. Speaker Calvin Say shares his thoughts on this year's class, and on remembering his own freshman year in the 1977 session.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Revisor of Statutes
What happens when the legislature passes two different bills that may contradict each other? With the hundreds of bills passed each year, and countless versions of those bills in play throughout the session, it's bound to happen.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports on technical problems with two tobacco-related bills, HB895, a bill to increase the tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes, and HB1175, a bill to increase the tax on cigarettes. Story here.
Lingle said the new law on so-called "little cigars and existing tobacco law are
in conflict, resulting in the state tobacco tax on cigarettes being raised to 14
cents per cigarette now and then dropped to 12 cents on Sept. 30."
Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Finance Committee chairman, said the mistaken tax holiday cannot be corrected, but the cigarette tax switch can be handled by the legislative
revisor of statues.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports on technical problems with two tobacco-related bills, HB895, a bill to increase the tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes, and HB1175, a bill to increase the tax on cigarettes. Story here.
Lingle said the new law on so-called "little cigars and existing tobacco law are
in conflict, resulting in the state tobacco tax on cigarettes being raised to 14
cents per cigarette now and then dropped to 12 cents on Sept. 30."
Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Finance Committee chairman, said the mistaken tax holiday cannot be corrected, but the cigarette tax switch can be handled by the legislative
revisor of statues.
The revisor, who is employed by the Legislative Reference Bureau, will be
able to blend the two bills together to preserve the Legislature's intent to
raise the tax on all tobacco products, said Oshiro (D, Wahiawa-Poamoho).
The tax increase is an important part of the Legislature's plan to
balance the state budget and is estimated to bring in an extra $22 million a
year. Oshiro warned that the Tax Department is expected to "enforce the law of
the land."
But Linda Smith, Lingle's senior policy adviser, said they
are asking the attorney general for guidance because they think the law is
flawed.
"The way we read it, you have to raise the tax and then lower
it," Smith said yesterday in an interview.
Lowell Kalapa, executive director of the independent Tax Foundation of Hawaii, said he doubts that the revisor of statues has the power to put the bills together. Kalapa says that HB 895, the last bill passed, is the one that governs and leaves the cigarette tax at the old rate.
To the rescue is the Revisor of Statutes, a function of the Office of the Legislative Reference Bureau. The Revisor of Statutes is responsible for statute revision and publication of session laws, supplements and replacement volumes.
According to Section 23G-15 (9) HRS, the Revisor of Statutes may:
"Make such other changes in any act incorporated in the suppelments and replacement volumes as shall be necessary to conform the style thereof as near as may be with that of the last revision of the laws of Hawaii; provided that in making the revision, the revisor shall not alter the sense, meaning, or effect of any act."
Saturday, May 9, 2009
OVERRIDE
Speaker Calvin Say, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and Sen. President Colleen Hanabusa at news conference on veto overrides.Here are some facts on the bills that the legislature overrode on the last day of session:
HB 895 –Tax increase on tobacco products other than cigarettes:
*Expected to generate $3.2 million through FY10.
*Helps to deter people from using tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, little cigars, and pipe tobacco) and raises much need revenue for our state.
*Taxing tobacco products other than cigarettes addresses the growing use of smokeless tobacco by Hawaii's youth.
HB 1741 – Conveyance tax increase:
* Raises conveyance tax for sales over $2 million and second or investment house purchases.
*Expected to generate $8 million through FY10 from conveyance tax increase on only the highest priced real estate.
*Breakdown per amount of real estate transaction:
o Between $2 million and $4 million, you will pay 20 cents more per $100 of value – at $2 million you will pay $4,000 more (1 fifth of 1% more)
o Between $4 million and $6 million, you will pay 40 cents more per $100 of value – at $4 million you will pay $16,000 more (2 fifths of 1% more)
o Between $6 million and $10 million, you will pay 60 cents more per $100 of value – at $6 million you will pay $36,000 more (3 fifths of 1% more)
o Greater than $10 million, you will pay 70 cents more per $100 of value – at $10 million you will pay $70,000 more (7 tenths of 1% more)
*Expected to generate $6 million through FY10 from redistribution of funds going to Rental House Trust Fund and the Natural Areas Trust Fund.
HB 1747 – Income tax increase:
*Expected to generate $48.3 million from an income tax increase on the highest 2% of earners in Hawaii.
*There will be no tax change for:
o Individuals with taxable income less than $150,000
o Head of households with taxable income less than $225,000
o Joint filers with taxable income less than $300,000
o No impact upon MOST tax Payers; only about 3 out of 100 tax payers.
*Based on Hawaii's 2006 income tax data:
o Total of 471,792 tax filers in 2006
o 11,472 tax filers earned more than $200,000
o Only 2.4% of resident tax filers earned more than $200,000 in 2006
*Less known about this bill – it will increase all standard deductions and the personal exemption by 10% in 2011:
o This will save lower income taxpayers about $11.0 million per year
o We would like to have provided this fiscal relief to the lower income tax filers earlier, but nothing prevents us from accelerating these provisions if things get better next year.
*This bill will generate about $48 million from the highest income taxpayers in the state.
SB 1111 – Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) increase:
*This bill increases the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point (from 7.25 to 8.25%) beginning on July 1, 2009 and another percentage point (to 9.25%) beginning on July 1, 2010 and requires the additional revenues to be deposited into the general fund.
* We expect to generate about $28 million next year and $60 million in 2010 for the general fund.
*1% point increase on a $200/night room for five nights equals $10 - People will not be deterred from vacationing in Hawaii by a $10 increase.
*The increases in this bill are set to sunset in 2015.
*The TAT was also raised in 1987, 1994, and 1999.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Legislature in the News: From Barrel tax to Budget to Karen's Law
HB1552 - Kahana Valley Bill
Bill to allow Kahana leases could win Legislature's OK - Honolulu Advertiser
HB1713 - Hazard Mitigation Bill
Negligent property owners targeted - Honolulu Advertiser
HB200 - State Budget
Lawmakers hope to balance the budget as the end of session nears – KHON2
Lawmakers will work overtime for budget – Star Bulletin
No deal for state, OHA on lands - Honolulu Advertiser
Hawaii lawmakers agree on budget – Honolulu Advertiser
Legislature's Budget Includes $800 Million In Cuts – KITV4
Budget showdown ramps up over tax hikes – KHON2
Battle over Balancing the State Budget – KGMB9
State lawmakers turn in costly bills – KITV4
State Lawmakers Reject Gas Tax, Fee Hike – KITV4
HB1271 - Barrel Tax
Barrel Tax Bill Could Net State $31 Million – KGMB9
New Hawaii petroleum tax hike likely to raise gas prices: Increase could generate $31M annually for clean energy, food programs - Honolulu Advertiser
HB1744 - County Hotel Room Tax
Counties will continue to get TAT funds – Maui News
SB1673 - Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
CEO Lo: It’s new day for hospital – Maui News
HB819 - Karen's Law
Karen's Law fails for 2nd straight year – Honolulu Advertiser
'Karen's Law' Doesn't Pass; Pine Blames Oshiro – KGMB9
Karen's Law Killed – KFVE
Legislature
Lawmakers Extend Legislative Session – KITV4
Bill to allow Kahana leases could win Legislature's OK - Honolulu Advertiser
HB1713 - Hazard Mitigation Bill
Negligent property owners targeted - Honolulu Advertiser
HB200 - State Budget
Lawmakers hope to balance the budget as the end of session nears – KHON2
Lawmakers will work overtime for budget – Star Bulletin
No deal for state, OHA on lands - Honolulu Advertiser
Hawaii lawmakers agree on budget – Honolulu Advertiser
Legislature's Budget Includes $800 Million In Cuts – KITV4
Budget showdown ramps up over tax hikes – KHON2
Battle over Balancing the State Budget – KGMB9
State lawmakers turn in costly bills – KITV4
State Lawmakers Reject Gas Tax, Fee Hike – KITV4
HB1271 - Barrel Tax
Barrel Tax Bill Could Net State $31 Million – KGMB9
New Hawaii petroleum tax hike likely to raise gas prices: Increase could generate $31M annually for clean energy, food programs - Honolulu Advertiser
HB1744 - County Hotel Room Tax
Counties will continue to get TAT funds – Maui News
SB1673 - Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
CEO Lo: It’s new day for hospital – Maui News
HB819 - Karen's Law
Karen's Law fails for 2nd straight year – Honolulu Advertiser
'Karen's Law' Doesn't Pass; Pine Blames Oshiro – KGMB9
Karen's Law Killed – KFVE
Legislature
Lawmakers Extend Legislative Session – KITV4
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Session Extended
The session will be extended by two days. Wednesday, May 6th, which was originally a recess day, will now be counted as a session day. Friday, May 8th has been added as another session day. The 2009 legislative session will now be 62 days long instead of 60. Adjournment sine die is now on Friday, May 8th.
The purpose for the extension is to consider any vetoes by the Governor for override. In focus are the tax revenue bills that are essential to balancing the state budget bill. Six of those bills were passed out of conference two weeks ago today, and voted on final reading on Wednesday, April 22nd. Had the legislature adjourned on May 7th, there would not be 10 session days remaining. With the extension, the Governor must veto the bills within the 10 day review period, sign them, or allow them to pass into law.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Bills passing conference Wednesday 4/29
This is a running list of some of the bills that have passed out of conference today. (It's not exhaustive - just what I've been able to follow and update throughout the day.)
EDUCATION
HB179 RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES. The House agreed to the Senate Draft 2.
Repeals two subsections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding the cost of electricity and maintenance for air conditioners not installed by the department of accounting and general services and repair and maintenance for donated fixtures and equipment. (SD2)
HB541 RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE PERSONNEL. The House and Senate voted to agree to a new Conference Draft 1.
PUBLIC SAFETY
HB1152 RELATING TO COMMITTED PERSONS' ACCOUNTS. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HB1776 RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HEALTH
HB1379 RELATING TO PHYSICIAN ORDERS FOR LIFE SUSTAINING TREATMENT. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
SB427 RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAXATION. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
SB1073 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
JUDICIARY
SB1058 RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HB1713 RELATING TO HAZARDS. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
TOURISM, CULTURE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
HB381 RELATING TO THE STATE OF HAWAII ENDOWMENT FUND. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
EDUCATION
HB179 RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES. The House agreed to the Senate Draft 2.
Repeals two subsections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding the cost of electricity and maintenance for air conditioners not installed by the department of accounting and general services and repair and maintenance for donated fixtures and equipment. (SD2)
HB541 RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE PERSONNEL. The House and Senate voted to agree to a new Conference Draft 1.
PUBLIC SAFETY
HB1152 RELATING TO COMMITTED PERSONS' ACCOUNTS. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HB1776 RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HEALTH
HB1379 RELATING TO PHYSICIAN ORDERS FOR LIFE SUSTAINING TREATMENT. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
SB427 RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAXATION. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
SB1073 RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
JUDICIARY
SB1058 RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
HB1713 RELATING TO HAZARDS. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
TOURISM, CULTURE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
HB381 RELATING TO THE STATE OF HAWAII ENDOWMENT FUND. The House and Senate voted to agree on a new Conference Draft 1.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Some facts about the Personal Income Tax Proposal
HB1747, CD1 proposes to raise personal income tax on higher-income wage earners as one of the ways to raise revenues for the state. The House Finance Committee provided the following facts about this proposal:
The increase would apply to the following taxpayers:
1. Individuals with taxable income OVER $150,000/yr.
2. Head of households with taxable income OVER $225,000/yr.
3. Joint filers with taxable income OVER $300,000/yr.
For example:
1. An individual who makes $200,000 would pay $625 more in income taxes.
2. A head of household who makes $300,000 would pay $938 more in taxes.
3. Joint taxpayers who make $400,000 would pay $1,250 more in taxes.
Based on 2006 income tax collection data:
1. There were 11,472 tax filers who earned more than $200,000
2. There were a total of 471,792 tax filers in 2006.
3. This means that only 2.4% of resident tax filers earned more than $200,000 in 2006.
4. In 2006, the adjusted gross income for this high-income group was $6 billion.
5. In 2006, the adjusted gross income for all filers totaled $26 billion
6. Therefore, the top 2.4% of income tax filers had 23% of the total adjusted gross income.
The increase would apply to the following taxpayers:
1. Individuals with taxable income OVER $150,000/yr.
2. Head of households with taxable income OVER $225,000/yr.
3. Joint filers with taxable income OVER $300,000/yr.
For example:
1. An individual who makes $200,000 would pay $625 more in income taxes.
2. A head of household who makes $300,000 would pay $938 more in taxes.
3. Joint taxpayers who make $400,000 would pay $1,250 more in taxes.
Based on 2006 income tax collection data:
1. There were 11,472 tax filers who earned more than $200,000
2. There were a total of 471,792 tax filers in 2006.
3. This means that only 2.4% of resident tax filers earned more than $200,000 in 2006.
4. In 2006, the adjusted gross income for this high-income group was $6 billion.
5. In 2006, the adjusted gross income for all filers totaled $26 billion
6. Therefore, the top 2.4% of income tax filers had 23% of the total adjusted gross income.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Governor's Review Period
The House Clerk sent out information today on the subject of Bill Passage and how long the Governor is allowed to review the bill before it automatically becomes law. This is of particular interest for lawmakers as it relates to the ability to override a veto of any bill while the legislature is still in regular session.
According to Article III, Section 16 of the Hawaii State Constitution, if the Governor receives a bill ten days or more prior to adjournment, she has ten days to review a bill, sign it, veto it, or let it pass into law without her signature. The tenth day prior to adjournment is Tuesday, April 21, 2009.
After adjournment, the Governor has 45 days to consider bills. The 45th day after May 7, 2009 (the currently scheduled date for adjournment sine die) is Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The Governor's ten day notification of her intent to veto is Monday, June 29, 2009. The 45 day period excludes weekend and holidays.
According to Article III, Section 16 of the Hawaii State Constitution, if the Governor receives a bill ten days or more prior to adjournment, she has ten days to review a bill, sign it, veto it, or let it pass into law without her signature. The tenth day prior to adjournment is Tuesday, April 21, 2009.
After adjournment, the Governor has 45 days to consider bills. The 45th day after May 7, 2009 (the currently scheduled date for adjournment sine die) is Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The Governor's ten day notification of her intent to veto is Monday, June 29, 2009. The 45 day period excludes weekend and holidays.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Days, Weeks, Months, Years
Going through the House Resolutions and Concurrent Resolutions, there are always a few naming a day, week, month or year after a special person or issue. Here's the group for 2009:
HR42 declares Feb. 6 as Ronald Reagan Day. Introduced by Rep. Gene Ward.
HR56 recognized Jan. 20 as Barack Obama II Ohana Day. Introduced by Rep. Della Au Belatti.
HR69 recognizes August 2009 as Jan Ken Po month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HR71 proclaims 2009 as the Year of the Army Non-commissioned officer corps of the United States Army. Introduced by Rep. Cindy Evans.
HR79 proclaiming November 21, 2009 as Islam Day. Introduced by Rep. Lyla Berg.
HR109/HCR38, HD1, SD1 recognizing the month of October as Women's Health Month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HR210 declaring October 11 as a state holiday in honor of Blessed Damien. Introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll.
HR256 recognizing Earth Hour in Hawaii, March 28, 2009, 8:30 -9:30 p.m. HST. Introduced by Rep. Angus McKelvey.
HR259 requesting LRB to study the effects of adopting the observation of Daylight Savings Time in Hawaii. Introduced by Rep. Hermina Morita.
HR260 recognizing the third Saturday of April to be known as Hawaiian Monk Seal Day. Introduced by Rep. Hermina Morita.
HCR39 recognizes the month of May as Foster Care Awareness month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HCR44 recognizes the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HR42 declares Feb. 6 as Ronald Reagan Day. Introduced by Rep. Gene Ward.
HR56 recognized Jan. 20 as Barack Obama II Ohana Day. Introduced by Rep. Della Au Belatti.
HR69 recognizes August 2009 as Jan Ken Po month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HR71 proclaims 2009 as the Year of the Army Non-commissioned officer corps of the United States Army. Introduced by Rep. Cindy Evans.
HR79 proclaiming November 21, 2009 as Islam Day. Introduced by Rep. Lyla Berg.
HR109/HCR38, HD1, SD1 recognizing the month of October as Women's Health Month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HR210 declaring October 11 as a state holiday in honor of Blessed Damien. Introduced by Rep. Mele Carroll.
HR256 recognizing Earth Hour in Hawaii, March 28, 2009, 8:30 -9:30 p.m. HST. Introduced by Rep. Angus McKelvey.
HR259 requesting LRB to study the effects of adopting the observation of Daylight Savings Time in Hawaii. Introduced by Rep. Hermina Morita.
HR260 recognizing the third Saturday of April to be known as Hawaiian Monk Seal Day. Introduced by Rep. Hermina Morita.
HCR39 recognizes the month of May as Foster Care Awareness month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
HCR44 recognizes the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Introduced by Rep. John Mizuno.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New way to submit testimony online
Submitting testimony to the Hawaii State Legislature is now as simple as a click of a mouse. If you go to the capitol website, you will be able to choose your bill number, select the committee hearing and date, upload your testimony, and click to submit. Just go to the Bill Status & Documents page, scroll down to the hearing notices, and click on Submit testimony online. Here is a video (4:42) showing how easy it is, produced by Professor Susan Jaworowski, an attorney and former legislative staffer, for her law class on government. Susan's new videoblog is called Government101.net.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Who's in charge?
Six House committees met jointly this morning to hear VOG related bills in order to make it easier for testifiers from the various state/county agencies and the public. Rep. Robert Herkes coordinated the hearing, as chair of the House Special Committee on VOG Effects. The special committee met four times over the interim to gather information on the impact of VOG on public health and safety, agriculture, business and the economy, and overall impacts to the state. Many of the bills are a result of and in response to the information from the special committee report.
At the end of the hearing, Rep. Herkes summed it up by saying that Rep. Souki hit the nail on the head when he concluded that "This is a natural disaster, and no one's in charge." Rep. Herkes has and continues to be frustrated by a lack of response from certain state agencies in addressing the immediate problems faced by the people on the Big Island. He has repeatedly stated that there needs to be someone in charge to spearhead the state's response on VOG.
Although the state administration has established an Interagency Task Force on Vog, Rep. Herkes exclaimed that the task force has no chair and has only met twice. Rep. Souki added, "Meanwhile, the whole island is going to pot."
The VOG package includes:
HB313 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. This bill requires the Department of Transportation to conduct more reviews of the highway guardrails on the Big Island, as they are deteriorating from exposure to acid rain caused by VOG.
HB318 RELATING TO VOG. This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to work with the University of Hawaii to determine the best methods of VOG treatment and to research VOG-resistant varieties of plants.
HB316 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. This bill establishes a temporary reimbursement program for tenants of state agricultural lands in VOG-impacted areas in order to reimburse tenants for costs of reapir and maintenance of fencing and other infrastructure.
HB312 RELATING TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. This bill directs the Department of Defense to develop and implement a program to ensure that an adequate number of monitors are in place throughout the state where high VOG and sulfur dioxide incidences are known to occur.
HB317 RELATING TO MOBILE MEDICAL CARE. This bill authorizes the use of the federal Homeland Security Grant Program funds for mobile emergency and clinical medical care for the people in the southern sections of the Big Island.
HB314 RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION. This bill requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to develop rules for workers' compensation claims involving VOG-related medical conditions.
HB315 RELATING TO VOLCANIC EMISSIONS. This bill requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish standards to promote worker safety during high incidences of VOG or sulfur dioxide.
As the Labor Committee had a quorum, they passed HB314 as is, and passed HB315 with amendments. The other bills were deferred for decision making next week.
At the end of the hearing, Rep. Herkes summed it up by saying that Rep. Souki hit the nail on the head when he concluded that "This is a natural disaster, and no one's in charge." Rep. Herkes has and continues to be frustrated by a lack of response from certain state agencies in addressing the immediate problems faced by the people on the Big Island. He has repeatedly stated that there needs to be someone in charge to spearhead the state's response on VOG.
Although the state administration has established an Interagency Task Force on Vog, Rep. Herkes exclaimed that the task force has no chair and has only met twice. Rep. Souki added, "Meanwhile, the whole island is going to pot."
The VOG package includes:
HB313 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS. This bill requires the Department of Transportation to conduct more reviews of the highway guardrails on the Big Island, as they are deteriorating from exposure to acid rain caused by VOG.
HB318 RELATING TO VOG. This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to work with the University of Hawaii to determine the best methods of VOG treatment and to research VOG-resistant varieties of plants.
HB316 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. This bill establishes a temporary reimbursement program for tenants of state agricultural lands in VOG-impacted areas in order to reimburse tenants for costs of reapir and maintenance of fencing and other infrastructure.
HB312 RELATING TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. This bill directs the Department of Defense to develop and implement a program to ensure that an adequate number of monitors are in place throughout the state where high VOG and sulfur dioxide incidences are known to occur.
HB317 RELATING TO MOBILE MEDICAL CARE. This bill authorizes the use of the federal Homeland Security Grant Program funds for mobile emergency and clinical medical care for the people in the southern sections of the Big Island.
HB314 RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION. This bill requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to develop rules for workers' compensation claims involving VOG-related medical conditions.
HB315 RELATING TO VOLCANIC EMISSIONS. This bill requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish standards to promote worker safety during high incidences of VOG or sulfur dioxide.
As the Labor Committee had a quorum, they passed HB314 as is, and passed HB315 with amendments. The other bills were deferred for decision making next week.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
House Majority Package 2009
The House Majority today announced their 2009 priorities through a package of bills related to the Economy, Education, and Health and Safety issues. Given the state’s current budget shortfall, the House’s mandate and main objective is to pass a balanced budget. When selecting bills for the majority package, House members were asked to submit legislation for consideration which has statewide relevance, and will help the state’s future growth and stability.
“Although we face a challenging economic crisis that will severely impact our ability to appropriate funding for programs, we clearly see the importance of ensuring quality education for our children, public health and safety, and preparing the state to succeed in the long-term,” said House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro. “The legislature considers thousands of bills each year; the Majority Package reflects our priorities.”
Here are the bills organized by topic:
ECONOMY
HB980 RELATING TO RECREATIONAL RENAISSANCE. Introducer: Rep. Ken Ito. Contact: 586-8470.
This bill fortifies the recreational renaissance program of the department of land and natural resources through various amendments to state law.
HB984 RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY. Introducer: Rep. Marcus Oshiro. Contact: 586-6200. Rep. Kyle Yamashita. Contact: 586-6330.
This bill Implements key recommendations of the Hawaii Broadband Task Force by establishing the Hawaii Communications Commissioner (HCC) in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). It transfers functions relating to telecommunications from the Public Utilities Commission to the HCC and functions relating to cable services from DCCA to the HCC. It also establishes a work group to develop procedures to streamline state and county broadband regulation, franchising, and permitting, and to report back to the Legislature.
HB987 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT. Introducer: Rep. Denny Coffman. Contact: 586-9605.
This bill creates the State Comprehensive Employment Training Program providing subsidized employment for work with a public purpose. It appropriates funds.
HB988 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. Introducer: Rep. Blake Oshiro. Contact: 586-6340.
This bill allows for persons desiring a Hawaii product preference, when submitting bids, to self-certify as an alternative to registration on the Hawaii products list. It amends the definition of a Hawaii product by revising the product classes. It also revises administrative rules relating to exemptions from procurement.
HB993 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF PROJECTED EXCESS REVENUES. Introducer: Rep. Karl Rhoads. Contact: 586-6180.
This bill routes a portion of projected increases in general fund revenues to an emergency and budget reserve fund established by law. It sets 7% as the percentage that triggers the disposition.
EDUCATION
HB985 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Introducer: Rep. Mark Nakashima. Contact: 586-6680.
This bill returns the Department of Education to a system divided by districts in lieu of the current complex area structure. It requires the Board of Education to appoint the district superintendents. It also establishes duties of the district superintendent.
HB986 RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES. Introducer: Rep. Hermina Morita. Contact: 586-8435.
This bill requires the construction and renovation of public school facilities to meet the Collaborative for High Performance Schools standards. It requires replacement of old portable buildings with high performance classrooms. It also requires prioritization of public school facilities projects in accordance with certain criteria.
HB992 RELATING TO NUTRITION. Introducer: Rep. Joe Bertram. Contact: 586-8525.
This bill establishes a farm-to-work nutrition program in the public schools.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HB981 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY. Introducer: Rep. Sharon Har. Contact: 586-8500.
This bill makes amendments to Act 171, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, reflecting recommendations of the Ignition Interlock Implementation Task Force.
HB982 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE. Introducer: Rep. Marilyn Lee. Contact: 586-9460.
This bill establishes a new data collection system for family leave. It extends applicability of the family leave law to employers with 50 or more employees and to certain emergency and casual hires of the State and counties.
HB983 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Introducer: Rep. Marilyn Lee. Contact: 586-9460.
This bill requires the Director of Transportation to conduct a statewide pupil travel evaluation to study how students get to school, and to use that information to award federal grants for school-based workshops and community planning that will reduce traffic congestion, encourage walking and bicycling, and increase health and safety. It requires the Director of Transportation to streamline the grant application process. It also requires annual reports.
HB989 RELATING TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE. Introducer: Rep. Ryan Yamane. Contact: 586-6150.
This bill amends Act 236, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, which established the Hawaii children's health care program, to extend the program for three more years and require that participants receive primary health care services at federally qualified health centers.
HB990 RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. Introducer: Rep. Robert Herkes. Contact: 586-8400.
This bill establishes the Office of the Director of Disaster Preparedness and a Disaster Preparedness Commission to develop a disaster preparedness plan for Hawaii that includes the identification of hazards and hazard impact zones, disaster mitigation policies, requirements, and incentives, and best responses. It appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/09.
HB991 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. Introducer: Rep. Ryan Yamane. Contact: 586-6150.
This bill establishes loan repayment program for University of Hawaii medical school graduates working in rural areas of the State.
“Although we face a challenging economic crisis that will severely impact our ability to appropriate funding for programs, we clearly see the importance of ensuring quality education for our children, public health and safety, and preparing the state to succeed in the long-term,” said House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro. “The legislature considers thousands of bills each year; the Majority Package reflects our priorities.”
Here are the bills organized by topic:
ECONOMY
HB980 RELATING TO RECREATIONAL RENAISSANCE. Introducer: Rep. Ken Ito. Contact: 586-8470.
This bill fortifies the recreational renaissance program of the department of land and natural resources through various amendments to state law.
HB984 RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY. Introducer: Rep. Marcus Oshiro. Contact: 586-6200. Rep. Kyle Yamashita. Contact: 586-6330.
This bill Implements key recommendations of the Hawaii Broadband Task Force by establishing the Hawaii Communications Commissioner (HCC) in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). It transfers functions relating to telecommunications from the Public Utilities Commission to the HCC and functions relating to cable services from DCCA to the HCC. It also establishes a work group to develop procedures to streamline state and county broadband regulation, franchising, and permitting, and to report back to the Legislature.
HB987 RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT. Introducer: Rep. Denny Coffman. Contact: 586-9605.
This bill creates the State Comprehensive Employment Training Program providing subsidized employment for work with a public purpose. It appropriates funds.
HB988 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. Introducer: Rep. Blake Oshiro. Contact: 586-6340.
This bill allows for persons desiring a Hawaii product preference, when submitting bids, to self-certify as an alternative to registration on the Hawaii products list. It amends the definition of a Hawaii product by revising the product classes. It also revises administrative rules relating to exemptions from procurement.
HB993 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF PROJECTED EXCESS REVENUES. Introducer: Rep. Karl Rhoads. Contact: 586-6180.
This bill routes a portion of projected increases in general fund revenues to an emergency and budget reserve fund established by law. It sets 7% as the percentage that triggers the disposition.
EDUCATION
HB985 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Introducer: Rep. Mark Nakashima. Contact: 586-6680.
This bill returns the Department of Education to a system divided by districts in lieu of the current complex area structure. It requires the Board of Education to appoint the district superintendents. It also establishes duties of the district superintendent.
HB986 RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES. Introducer: Rep. Hermina Morita. Contact: 586-8435.
This bill requires the construction and renovation of public school facilities to meet the Collaborative for High Performance Schools standards. It requires replacement of old portable buildings with high performance classrooms. It also requires prioritization of public school facilities projects in accordance with certain criteria.
HB992 RELATING TO NUTRITION. Introducer: Rep. Joe Bertram. Contact: 586-8525.
This bill establishes a farm-to-work nutrition program in the public schools.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HB981 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY. Introducer: Rep. Sharon Har. Contact: 586-8500.
This bill makes amendments to Act 171, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008, reflecting recommendations of the Ignition Interlock Implementation Task Force.
HB982 RELATING TO FAMILY LEAVE. Introducer: Rep. Marilyn Lee. Contact: 586-9460.
This bill establishes a new data collection system for family leave. It extends applicability of the family leave law to employers with 50 or more employees and to certain emergency and casual hires of the State and counties.
HB983 RELATING TO EDUCATION. Introducer: Rep. Marilyn Lee. Contact: 586-9460.
This bill requires the Director of Transportation to conduct a statewide pupil travel evaluation to study how students get to school, and to use that information to award federal grants for school-based workshops and community planning that will reduce traffic congestion, encourage walking and bicycling, and increase health and safety. It requires the Director of Transportation to streamline the grant application process. It also requires annual reports.
HB989 RELATING TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE. Introducer: Rep. Ryan Yamane. Contact: 586-6150.
This bill amends Act 236, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, which established the Hawaii children's health care program, to extend the program for three more years and require that participants receive primary health care services at federally qualified health centers.
HB990 RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. Introducer: Rep. Robert Herkes. Contact: 586-8400.
This bill establishes the Office of the Director of Disaster Preparedness and a Disaster Preparedness Commission to develop a disaster preparedness plan for Hawaii that includes the identification of hazards and hazard impact zones, disaster mitigation policies, requirements, and incentives, and best responses. It appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/09.
HB991 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. Introducer: Rep. Ryan Yamane. Contact: 586-6150.
This bill establishes loan repayment program for University of Hawaii medical school graduates working in rural areas of the State.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
How many bills?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 6:00 p.m., is the cutoff deadline for the introduction of bills. Last I checked, the House total was at 1339 and the Senate total was at 1136. Those numbers should rise dramatically by the end of the day tomorrow.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ready to Transact Business
Amidst the pomp and circumstance, the food and entertainment, and the opening day remarks, there were actually five House Resolutions offered and adopted yesterday. They were:
House Resolution 1: ELECTING THE TEMPORARY CHAIR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 2: ELECTING THE SPEAKER AND VICE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 3: ELECTING THE OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 4: ACKNOWLEDGING AND RECOGNIZING THE CAUCUS LEADERS AND NAMING THE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 5: SENDING MESSAGES THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE HAS ASSEMBLED AND IS READY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS.
House Resolution 1: ELECTING THE TEMPORARY CHAIR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 2: ELECTING THE SPEAKER AND VICE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 3: ELECTING THE OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 4: ACKNOWLEDGING AND RECOGNIZING THE CAUCUS LEADERS AND NAMING THE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE.
House Resolution 5: SENDING MESSAGES THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE HAS ASSEMBLED AND IS READY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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