Conference 2008 - 17 down, hundreds to go

Here's a list of the bills that have passed out of the conference committees over the past week:

Tuesday, April 15

SB2170 was passed with amendments. The bill is part of the Hawaii State Association of Counties package. It protects counties from liability as a result of natural conditions on or near a public beach park by including public beach parks in the definition of "improved public lands."

Wednesday, April 16

HB2460 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill allows condominium associations to invest funds in certificates of deposit through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service network.

HB2894 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill allows for the restatement of planned community association documents.

Thursday, April 17

HB2589 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill requires scrap dealers and recyclers to pay for copper purchases by check.

HB3331 was passed with amendments. This bill specifies dispute resolution parameters related to the interpretation or enforcement of a condominium association's bylaws, house rules, or certain other matters. Allows parties whose dispute is not resolved by mediation to file for arbitration no sooner than 30 days from the termination date of mediation. Makes more widely available the option for an administrative hearing.

SB2245 was passed with amendments. This bill makes it a violation of the statewide traffic code to leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle. Requires the examiner of drivers to test driver's license applicants for knowledge of this offense. Requires notice of law in rental cars.

SB2454 was passed with amendments. This bill amends the mortgage foreclosures law to ensure that consumers and others receive important information regarding a foreclosure in a timely manner.

SB2584 was passed with the Senate agreeing to the House amendments. This bill recognizes honey as an agricultural commodity.

Friday, April 18

HB2085 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill requires members of the board of the agribusiness development corporation to have knowledge, experience, and expertise within certain secondary industries related to agriculture. Requires the agribusiness development corporation to develop a five year strategic plan to be presented to the legislature prior to the 2009 Regular Session.

HB2238 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill requires public housing projects and affordable housing funded by county or state funds to remain affordable in perpetuity.

HB2511 was passed with amendments. This bill is part of the Joint House/Senate Majority package. It provides qualified rental assistance applicants up to six months to find a qualified rental dwelling.

HB2698 was passed with the House agreeing to the Senate amendments. This bill clarifies compensation rates for court-appointed attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem.

HB2810 was passed with amendments. This bill authorizes the public utilities commission to establish preferential potable water rates for agricultural activities in a public utility's service area. Requires public utilities, upon application and proof of qualification, to provide preferential rates for potable water used only for agricultural activities.

SB2196 was passed with amendments. This bill adds regulatory function over commercially permitted use of government and private boating facilities and commercial activities in private marinas.

SB2464 was passed with amendments. This bill designates the Hawaiian monk seal as the state mammal.

SB3019 was passed with the Senate agreeing to the House amendments. This bill amends current provisions of the insurance investment statutes allowing insurers more investment flexibility without significantly lessening protection to insurance policyholders and to reflect more current regulatory standards.

SB3030 was passed with amendments. This bill establishes a revised fee structure to fund mixed martial arts regulation.

Chronic Kidney Disease Rally Monday

A "Rally for Life" will be held at the State Capitol in support of measures funding Chronic Kidney Disease care in Hawaii. The House Filipino Caucus, chaired by Rep. Michael Magaoay, will host the rally.

U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie will give the keynote speech asking the state to support measures to address Chronic Kidney Disease immediately. State Lawmakers, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, and the Organ Donor Center of Hawaii cosponsored the rally.

WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2008
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda

HB2913 would award Saint Francis Healthcare System with a grant, requiring $1,000,000 in matching funds, to build the infrastructure needed for a stable facility that provides care for acute dialysis patients.

Consider the following statistics on the CKD epidemic in Hawaii:

• About 20 percent of Hawaii’s population is affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• Over 156,000 already have it with another 100,000 predisposed to contract it.
• Hawaii has the highest rate of CKD in the nation per capita (1 person in 7 versus 1 in 9 across the country).
• About 2,500 Hawaii patients are in Stage 4 or 5, undergoing dialysis treatments three to four times per week for the rest of their lives or waiting for a kidney transplant. Of the five stages, Stage 1 concerns minor abnormalities, while stage 5 concerns severe kidney failure.

Constitutional Amendments

Today is the deadline for final form of constitutional amendments. One was already sent up to the Governor on 4/9. That is SB966, proposing to amend the constitution to change the age qualifications in order to run for Governor or Lt. Governor from 30 years to 25 years.

The other, SB3202, appears to be dead as it has not been scheduled for a conference committee. That bill proposes to amend the constitution to extend the retirement age of state justices and judges from 70 years to 80 years. It would have applied to appointments after Nov. 4, 2008 as a means of taking the politics out of the amendment. The Advertiser has a story here.

Rep. Marilyn Lee's take: "Eighty is the new sixty!"

Show me the money

Rep. Blake Oshiro has a long list of priorities this year. One of them is to secure capital improvement project (CIP) funds for several schools and community projects in his district (33-Aiea, Halawa Valley, Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights).

Oshiro will urge his House colleagues to support HB 2995, a bill that includes the following projects:

• $10 million for plans and construction to relocate Aiea Library
• $2.4 million for design and construction improvements at Aiea High School
• $1.7 million to construct and expand Aiea Intermediate School's cafeteria stage

The bill also identifies Aiea Intermediate School, Aiea High School, Gus Webling Elementary School, Pearl Ridge Elementary School, and Waimalu Elementary School as recipients of funding for various projects from electrical and air conditioning upgrades to building improvements and expansion.

Funds were allocated to purchase land for a new library in 2003, and this year Oshiro hopes that the planning and construction of the Aiea Library will be realized with the state's approval.

Do you want to see these projects manifest? Call Rep. Blake Oshiro at 586-6341 or email at repboshiro@capitol.hawaii.gov for more information on submitting written testimony in support.

Relief.

Residents and businesses in downtown Honolulu may be relieved to know that HB1978, HD1, SD1 also came out of conference today, with the House conferees agreeing to the Senate draft. This is a bill introduced by Rep. Karl Rhoads. It extends the sunset date from Dec. 31, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2012 of the prohibition against urinating or defecating in public within the boundaries of downtown Honolulu. (Not sure if this means it's okay outside the boundaries of downtown Honolulu?)

Sweet.

It is still relatively early in the conference period, therefore, only a few bills are being voted upon. One that came out is SB2584, SD2, HD1 Relating to Honey. The Senate conferees voted to agree to the House draft today.

The bill recognizes honey as an agricultural commodity under HRS Chapter 147. What this means is that honey would be supported as an industry under the Hawaii Grades and Standards law. Hawaii beekeepers, in their testimony, claim that the market is filled with "unnaturally cheap, adulterated, contaminated and mislabeled honey." This bill will allow the industry to develop a standard of identity for honey and to establish rules enforceable at the state level.

"All we are saying...is give bees a chance," the beekeepers said. Today, lawmakers obliged.

Earth Day at Waikalua Loko Fishpond

Need something to do during "Earth Day" weekend? Couldn't get your hands on Kokua Fest tickets? Well, don't worry about that because I've got the thing for you.

Join Reps. Pono Chong, Ken Ito and Sen. Jill Tokuda in Kaneohe for "La Hana Loko I'a," a Work Day at Waikalua Fishpond. The event will include cultural learning tours, activities for children, clean-up of the fishpond and surrounding area, and more. A light lunch will be provided for all who attend.

Where: Waikalua Loko Fishpond. Located at the end of Kulauli St., makai of Puohala Elementary School.

When: Saturday April 19, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society, an organization whose mission is to preserve the beauty and stability of the pond, and Windward lawmakers are cosponsoring the "Earth Day" celebration.

Contact Ka'ohua Lucas to pre-register your group.

Email: kaohua@hawaii.rr.com

Phone: 808-843-1217

Aloha found online at sharealohahawaii.org

State Representative Ryan Yamane, Chair of the House Tourism and Culture Committee, thanked and congratulated Valerie Sugawa, a veteran of Aloha Airlines, for taking the initiative to create a website that collects donations and offers encouragement for the employees of Aloha Airlines who lost their jobs.

"I like Aloha helping Aloha." said Rep. Yamane. "Seeing former employees take the initiative to give back to their friends and colleagues really shows me the true spirit of Hawaii. They are using their own time to help those impacted and that alone proves the real meaning of Aloha."

Photo: Valerie Sugawa gives free haircuts to former Aloha Airlines' employees at Wellspring Covenant Church in Halawa.

Sugawa, 38 of Moanalua Valley, left the airlines last year to take care of her two children, but she still considers herself part of the Aloha ohana. Eager to do something to help the employees recently laid off after the swift shut-down of Aloha Airlines passenger service, Sugawa and her husband decided to build ShareAloha, a website where people can make donations, and former Aloha employees can make specific requests for items like diapers, formula, new or gently used business attire, canned goods, non-perishable foods, gift cards for gas, or groceries.

A mother of two, ages five and three, with another due in less than a month, recently asked for baby diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, baby ointment and lotion. Once a request comes in via email, Sugawa posts it on the website for island residents to see what is needed.

So far, the website has helped 14 employees with specific requests as of April 2, two days after the official shut down of the passenger service. Sugawa hopes to increase the number of people the website can assist once more employees hear about this alternative avenue for aid.

"With the word spreading, we are having more people writing in for aid," said Sugawa. "The need is great because they are getting turned away from different organizations."

The website also has a message board for concerned citizens wanting to help or offer support by leaving messages, miscellaneous information, or job opportunities for the Aloha community to view.

Donations and support from everyone has been incredible, says Sugawa. Each time they receive a new item, whether it be a gift card, canned goods or monetary donations, she and her husband are overwhelmed with joy at the kindness of Hawaii's people.

The website is co-sponsored by the Wellspring Covenant Church in Halawa, and every Tuesday workers of Aloha Airlines are invited to "Haircut Tuesday" at the church to get free haircuts, enjoy coffee, pastries, or lunch, and receive assistance with resume writing.

If you would like to help or need assistance and don't have access to a computer or internet, please call the Wellspring Covenant Church at 484-8880.

Hawaii Superferry Audit

Here's a link to the Hawaii Superferry Audit report released yesterday. The Advertiser story is here. The AP story is here. No word yet on followup action, if any. The audit was conducted in accordance with Act 2, passed in the 2nd Special Session of 2007.

The performance audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor is only Phase I. Phase I focuses on the administration's action to exempt the Department of Transportation from the requirements of the state's environmental impact statement law related to harbor improvements in order to accommodate the Hawaii Superferry. Phase II will focus on the whether this decision "will cost the state more than its environmental policy."

Coming up on Rep. Lee's "Kukui Connection"

Rep. Marilyn Lee continues her informative series "Kukui Connection" on Oceanic, Ch. 54, aired Sundays at 4:00 p.m. This month, Rep. Lee talks to her colleague, Rep. Mark Takai, on the Hawaii Medal of Honor. That show airs Sunday, April 27th.

Rep. Lee also talks to Dr. Michael Kliks, a spokesman for the Hawaii Beekeepers Association. Learn the latest on how Hawaii's bee community and honey production have been negatively impacted by infestation by the varroa mite. That show airs this Sunday, April 20th.

Photo: Beekeeper Michael Kliks, Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

House Finance Passes Aloha Airlines Keiki Care Bill

The House Finance Committee passed SB69, proposed HD3 with technical amendments. This bill expands the Keiki Care program to include children of former Aloha Airlines employees, as noted in the post below. The Advertiser story is here. The SB story is here. The bill now goes to the House floor for a final reading.

Expanding Keiki Care for Aloha Airlines

House and Senate members held a press conference today to announce a proposal that would expand the Keiki Care health insurance pilot program for the children of former Aloha Airlines employees. Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (at podium) estimated that around 800 children would participate in the program, at a cost of about $23,000 per month.

The bill is SB69, SD2, HD3 (proposed). It comes up for hearing tomorrow in the Finance committee. The bill would allow the children of former Aloha Airlines employees, from the age of 31-days to 18 years, to receive health insurance coverage at no cost. The cost would be shared by the Department of Human Services and HMSA. The free coverage would be in effect from the date of approval to December 31, 2008, or until the parent gets a new job and is covered under a pre-paid health plan.

Capitol says Mahalo Aloha

Halau Lokahi performed native chants, songs and dance for the former employees of Aloha Airlines.
Aloha Airlines employees and family members line up for kalua pig, rice, cake and ice cream.

Pilioha serenaded the guests while they ate dinner, talked with lawmakers and former colleagues.

Reps. Joe Bertram, Karen Awana and John Mizuno organized the event to show the State's appreciation for the 61 years of service Aloha Airlines has provide Hawaii's people.

Charter Schools funding

Rep. Joe Bertram (D11 - Makena, Wailea, Kihei) and charter school children

Charter school children visited the State Capitol today for a rally to advocate for increased funding from the Legislature. While no one disputes the value of charter schools in our community, lawmakers responded that money is tight. Most state agencies will see a reduction in their general fund budgets. In fact, the charter schools are one of the few entities that may get more money this fiscal year than they did last year.

In FY08, charter schools received $51,635,990. The House and Senate have both budgeted an increase to $56,150,695.

Charter schools project an enrollment increase and estimate that they will require an increase of around $19 million, as opposed to the Legislature's increase of $4,514,000. It should be noted that regular schools will be taking a reduction in funds of $8,455,255 in the House draft and $7,328,346 in the Senate draft.

Lawmakers to honor Aloha employees

Aloha Airlines and its employees will be honored tomorrow during a special reception in the Capitol Rotunda at 4 p.m. Lawmakers will recognize the airline's 61 years of service to the islands.

"I think the people of Hawaii want a chance to show their appreciation and fondest farewell to the workers of Aloha Airlines," added Rep. Joe Bertram. "I don't think a letter to the newspaper editor can truly express our gratitude to Aloha Airlines for the 61 years of service they provided the people of Hawaii."

Aloha was the tenth largest employer statewide and in the wake of one of the worst mass layoffs in Hawaii, over 1,900 employees lost their jobs.

State Representatives Karen Awana, Joe Bertram and John Mizuno joined together to bring employees and family members together to show Hawaii's deepest appreciation and fondest aloha for their dedication to excellent service. Guests will be provided with ono refreshments and enjoyable entertainment.

"I think the Capitol provides us with a venue for the people of Hawaii to truly express their 'mahalo and aloha' to a part of our 'ohana, to a part of history, and to a beloved company," said Rep. John Mizuno.

Public invited to Waianae Coast beach clean-up

Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (D45-Wai'anae, Makaha, Makua) will host a beach clean-up on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as the first step towards creating a "People's Path" along the beach from Maili Point to Nanakuli McDonald's.

The event is part of Nani O Wai'anae's "Keep Hawaii Beautiful Day" and will start at Maili Point, located across from the Union 76 Station on Farrington Hwy. and Hookele St., and end at Hakimo Road.

The "People's Path" is a dream and personal project of Shimabukuro's mother, Karen Young, who hopes that this walking path on the beach will connect to the State's planned bicycle path, and someday extend along the entire Wai'anae Coast. Shimabukuro will be working with the City and County to make this dream possible.

Volunteers are needed to join Shimabukuro and family to pick up trash and debris along the beach, as well as participate in the planting of beautiful native plants and trees. In a YouTube video on Shimabukuro's blog, Young and Shimabukuro documented preliminary planning of the beach clean-up and surveyed what needs to be done.

"There's is a lot of potential for this area," said Shimabukuro. "It could be similar to walking Kaena Point. This is a gorgeous coastline with beautiful views and it's pretty far off the road that it could potentially be a beautiful two-mile walk. We need a lot of volunteers to come out and help make this possible."

Individuals and groups interested in participating in the beach clean-up should call the Office of Rep. Maile Shimabukuro at 586-8460 or 696-4677 for more information. Gloves and trash bags will be provided for the volunteers, and it is optional to bring swimwear, native plants and planting tools.

Nani O Wai'anae, which was the first official "Keep America Beautiful" participant in the state, organizes beach clean-ups throughout O'ahu on April 26. The Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club is also participating and will meet at the Makaha Marketplace for a clean-up on the same day. More volunteers are needed to host and help with other clean-ups. For more information, call Katy Kok or Lori at 696-1920 or 484-1000.

Thoughts for the last weeks of the session

Members of the House are invited to give an invocation prior to the start of each floor session. The following was provided by Rep. Jerry Chang on April 8th, to reflect on what has transpired since Opening Day, and to shore up as the Legislature heads into its final weeks of the 2008 legislative session and all that that entails.

A Prayer for the Session
By Representative Jerry Chang
District 2 - South Hilo, Waiakea Kai, Kaumana, Keaukaha

On Opening Day we vowed to do the very best for the people of Hawaii; to set aside petty politics and always do what is right for those we represent.

We introduced bills and resolutions that we believed in--and pushed for their passage during the process.

We honored members of our community that we are proud of and learned that there are so many extraordinary people amongst us.

We experienced illness and loss of friends and family members, bringing us to a deep realization that life is short and too precious to waste.

That our relationships in this chamber reflect our relationships in life, and that we should foster our friendships based on honor and respect.

As we enter into the last quarter of the 2008 Legislative Session, let us continue the process that will result in good legislation to benefit all the people of our beautiful state of Hawaii, from support for our families to improving our quality of life and economy.

And as we end the Session and go back to our communities, let us be thankful and humbled by the honor bestowed upon us to represent our constituents in this honorable institution.

VOG Alerts demonstrate need for Medical Van

When the volcano erupts on the Big Island, the level of sulfur dioxide emitted creates an emergency condition for residents (birds and animals) in the area, especially those with asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Rep. Bob Herkes sent out a memo yesterday to the Speaker and Senate President re-emphasizing the critical need for a Medical Van on the Big Island as evidenced by the recent VOG levels that forced closure of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the set up of emergency shelters for those who chose to evacuate. The problem is compounded by the sheer size of the island, with communities scattered throughout isolated and remote rural areas.

"The Med Van could have been dispatched to provide immediate help to people suffering respiratory distress caused by noxious gases and ash. A critical health and safety issue could have been addressed immediately if we could just get an emerency response system available to isolated areas of the island," said Rep. Herkes.

There is $500,000 allocated in the budget for Kona hospital to acquire and administer the Emergency Medical Van. The emergency and basic medical clinical services would be provided to the South Kona, Ka'u, and upper Puna areas. The budget bill, HB2500, HD1, SD1 is headed for conference committee next week.

Coming Up - Monday, April 14th

Conference committees start on Monday, but there are still a few regular committee hearings scheduled on resolutions. Here's what caught my eye for Monday:

Committee on Labor & Public Employment, Room 325, 11:00 a.m.
Chair: Rep. Alex Sonson

SCR222 Requesting State Departments to convert exempt employees to civil service in accordance with Act 253, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, and Act 300, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006.

Committee on Labor & Public Employment/Committee on Education, Room 329, 2:00 p.m.
Chair: Rep. Alex Sonson/Chair: Rep. Roy Takumi

SCR72, SD1 Requesting that the Department of Education conduct a feasibility study to examine various impacts of a longer school day and increasing the number of days in the school year on Kindergarten through Grade Twelve students.

Committee on Education only

SCR84, SD1 Requesting the Department of Education and the Hawaii public school food service to develop nutritionally sound public school menu plans that include vegetarian and vegan meals.

Cold medicine purchases may be tracked electronically

A Senate bill going to conference next week will make it easier for the Narcotics Enforment Division to track the sale of pseudoephedrine, a chemical in many cold and allergy medicines that is often used to make crystal meth.

SB2373 HD2 would amend an existing law by requiring pharmacies and retailers to maintain an electronic log of sales - instead of a written log - of pseudoephedrine and related products to be transmitted to the Department of Public Safety Narcotics Enforcement Division on a monthly basis.

Common products containing the chemical include Sudafed, Tylenol Cold, Advil Cold, Drixoval, Benadryl Allergy and Cold tablets, Robitussin Cold Sinus, and generic brands.

The current law under Act 171 enacted in 2006 requires purchasers to produce identification and sign a log when buying these types of products to ensure that no more than 3.6 grams is purchased per day and no more than 9 grams is purchased within 30 days.

In spite of the introduced regulations, large amounts of pseudoephedrine products can be obtained through "smurfing," a common form of diversion which involves the retail purchase of sub-threshold amounts by organized groups of individuals that either send in multiple purchasers into the same location or visit a large number of different locations.

Arguing in opposition, the American Civil Unions Society of Hawaii submitted testimony claiming the bill "violates purchasers' rights to privacy and due process because it forces purchasers to give out their private information and place themselves on a list of what essentially constitutes a list of criminal suspects in order to purchase these legal medications."

In current state and federal laws, purchasers are already required to provide such information when purchasing products.

The new law would make the process more efficient by closing the gap of reporting. Tracking and identifying repeat purchasers smurfing excessive amounts of methamphetamine precursors.

Bizarre Bazaar Raises $2K in 2 Hours

Nothing bizarre about the fact that Hawaii State Capitol folks are generous with their time and money for a good cause. The offices of Reps Pono Chong, Clift Tsuji and Kyle Yamashita put on a successful bazaar on Wednesday, with food, produce, books, CD's and tapes, and miscellaneous items, and the tables were nearly cleared in two hours. They raised $2,000 for the Hawaii Foodbank.

Penny War Prizes Inspired by Sumo

Today, at the end of the floor session, Rep. Blake Oshiro congratulated House members for collecting over $1600 in pennies to help feed Hawaii's hungry. The competition was stiff and the drama was high, therefore, no ordinary awards would do. Rep. Oshiro took his inspiration from the world of Sumo, and named the top three places using Sansho, literally "three prizes".

First Place: Shukun-sho - Outstanding Performance

Winner: Office of Rep. Colleen Meyer

Description: The Shukun-sho is typically awarded to the wrestler who displays outstanding performance relative to his rank.

Second Place: Gino-sho - Technique Prize

Winner: Sergeant-at-Arms

Description: The Gino-sho goes to the wrestler who displays the most skillful technique.

Third Place: Kanto-sho - Fighting Spirit Prize

Winner: Office of Rep. Pono Chong

Description: The Kanto-sho is given to the wrestler who has fought tenaciously to the best of his abilities.

And, while it's not part of Sumo culture, Rep. Oshiro gave out a Consolation Prize, the Zannen-sho, literally translated as "unfortunately, you didn't win, but here you go." That award went to the Office of Rep. Scott Nishimoto, for the stress and trauma of being victims of theft among other theatrics.

Veterans invited to share concerns with lawmakers

Lawmakers will hold a series of "Talk Story" community meetings with Hawaii veterans across the state. Rep. Cindy Evans, Public Safety and Military Committee Chair , and other legislators will kick off the series of meetings in Maui.

Rep. Evans organized the meetings to allow veterans to share their concerns and problems with state lawmakers, who will get a better idea of veteran needs and apply the information to next year's legislative session.

“Our veterans have served our country and deserve the very best we can provide in services and support," Evans said. “These meetings will help us understand the needs of today's veterans better so we can educate the legislature for next year's budgets and legislative agenda."

The meetings will focus on issues such as the efficiency of the Hawai'i Office of Veterans Affairs and whether or not veterans could be better served in another state agency, as well as homelessness, unemployment and access to health care.

Maui
May 5
9-11 a.m.
J.W. Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St.

Hilo
May 6
9-11 a.m.
UH at Hilo Room UCB-1

Moloka'i
May 7
5:30 p.m -7:30 p.m.
Molokai Veterans Compound

Kauai
May 8
5-7 p.m.
Kauai Veterans Center, 3-3367 Kuhio Hwy, #101

Kona
May 13
9-11 a.m.
Kona Veterans Cemetery

Leeward Oahu
May 17
9-11 a.m.
Kapolei High School, 91-5007 Kapolei Pkwy.

Windward Oahu
May 17
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ko’olau Golf Club

Bringing the hammer down on affordable housing

Photo (L-R): Max Kopper, a bills researcher in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and Tom McAuliffe, a community affairs specialist in Rep. Cindy Evans' office, fought tooth and nail for the title of fastest nail driver at a Habitat for Humanity awareness event at the Hawaii State Capitol today.

In an effort to hammer in the importance of addressing the state's affordable housing issue, Hawaii Habitat for Humanity held an awareness event in the Capitol Rotunda this afternoon.

Lawmakers and staff members were invited to participate in a contest to see who could pound in the most nails in 30 seconds.

The non-profit organization that builds homes for impoverished and home-less families recently requested an amendment to SB3174, a bill that would:

(1) Extend the sunset date of the 50 percent conveyance tax allocation to the Rental Housing Trust Fund (RHTF) from June 30, 2008, to June 30, 2013;

(2) Appropriate funds for third-party review and certification of building permits for affordable housing projects;

(3) Establish and appropriating funds to the Self-help Housing Fund to assist with technical assistance expenditures up to $20,000 per self-help housing unit; and

(4) Change the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation's (HHFDC) revenue bond ceiling from $400,000,000 to an unspecified amount.

During a Committee on Finance hearing, Hawaii Habitat for Humanity asked committee members to allow the Self-Help Housing Fund to also be used for land acquisition, infrastructure and construction.

The Finance committee did not amend the bill, instead opting to extend the effective date to July 1, 2020 to encourage further discussion and deliberation on the organization's request during committee conference with Senate members next week.

Refueling in Mid-Air

And they thought politics was a delicate dance? Yesterday, members of the legislature were treated to a special tour of F-15 fighter jets and a demonstration of refueling in mid-air. The visit was hosted by the Hawaii Air National Guard and took place 105 miles off the coast of Honolulu.

Legislators who took the tour were Rep. Ryan Yamane, Sen. Norman Sakamoto, Rep. Barbara Marumoto, Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. Mark Takai, Rep. Kymberly Pine, Rep. Karen Awana and Rep. John Mizuno, accompanied by Adjutant General Robert Lee, National Guard members and legislative staff members. Photos provided by Rep. Tom Brower.

Surfer Girls Catch a Political Wave

According to Betty DePolito, aka Banzai Betty, women's surfing advocate and legendary surfer based on Oahu's North Shore, women's surfing is on the rise. In fact, she figures that the split between the genders within the sport of surfing is 60% women/40% men, yet the men's events continue to dominate the industry, and it's difficult for the women to get permits for "women only" surf events held in Hawaii.

Rep. Mike Magaoay, who represents the North Shore, paddled out to help. Even though the permitting for surf and shore water events is a City and County issue, Rep. Magaoay introduced HCR278 to help the women bring their concerns before the legislature, if only to create greater awareness and get a dialog going with City officials. The resolution was before the House Tourism and Culture committee this morning.

The City has a tough job. They must balance the needs of the surfing events, the recreational surfers, and the impacted community. They are forthright in explaining that City rules and regs allow for a maximum of 16 shore water events on each site of the North Shore per year. There is a holding period not to exceed 15 days, and a cooling off period of at least 10 days between meets. In addition, the evaluation of the permit requests includes the consideration of opportunities for women, a variety of ages, and a range of skill levels. Needless to say, about 50% of the requests for events cannot be accommodated.

After questioning, it appears that the problem has nothing to do with any discrimination within the city's permit process. The problem is more that event promoters often say they are including a women's component within the tournament and then fail to do so. Plus, there are only so many permits granted per year. The bottom line is that there were no professional women's surfing events on the North Shore this year, including the Women's Pipeline.

Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who inspired all of Hawaii after surviving a shark attack, losing her left arm, and having the courage to get back in the water to compete, offered the following testimony:

To whom it may concern:

I really hope to be able to compete at Pipeline again - just the girls. It's one of the best waves and all of us girls have been honored to have the spot to ourselves for those few years that the contest was on...something that pretty much every surfer dreams of. I can speak for the other girls too in saying that we love surfing and competing at Pipe!

Aloha,

Bethany Hamilton, #2 on Girls ASP Tour at Present, World Tour.

Tourism and Culture Vice Chair, Rep. Joey Manahan, and Chair Ryan Yamane, deferred the measure because it is a City and County issue, and it appears through the discussion that the City Parks and Recreation and the surfing community have a good working relationship. Greater consideration must be taken for women's only events, and a greater understanding is needed on how the women's components are built into the men's events; those two points were made and the parties will continue to work on a schedule sensitive to gender equality.

Chair Yamane thanks his committee

Prior to decision making, Chair Yamane took the time to thank his committee for their hard work and support during the past two years. As a first time chair, he appreciated the opportunity to chair Tourism and Culture, and was grateful for having former Chair, Rep. Jerry Chang, on the committee for institutional knowledge and guidance. He also thanked the two Republican members of the committee for their cooperation. It was the last time the committee would meet during this session, as next week is the start of the Conference period.

Kilt me a resolution, lad

In the Legislature this year, there is a House resolution that would support Tartan Day in Hawaii on April 6 of every year.

Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. It's the fabric the Scots and Irish use to make kilts, and what we in America call plaid and use to dress up catholic school girls.

The resolution names a few notable persons of Scottish heritage who have contributed to the development of Hawaii, including Captain Alexander Adams, a confidant of King Kamehameha the Great and James Campbell, the founder of the underground fresh water table that irrigated the dry Ewa plain to grow sugarcane.

Photo (L-R): Rep. Manahan with Lillian Cunningham, Douglas Herring and Heather MacGregor, supporters of the "Tartan Resolution."

Did you know that our state has its own tartan that honors the ali'i with red and yellow bands? This is what it looks like:

Douglas Herring, vice-chieftan of the Caledonian Society of Hawaii, created the tartan with Hawaii's unique history in mind. He combined blue squares to represent Hawaii's oceans and skies, green squares to symbolize Hawaii's landscapes, and finally brown stripes that connect all the colors to represent the people of Hawaii.

Tartans were originally regional symbols that represented different areas of Scotland, Ireland and other Celtic countries. Today several states, military organizations and sports teams have adopted their own tartan creation, and many of them are registered with The Scottish Tartan Authority, including Hawaii's Tartan.

Several representatives stood in support of the resolution at today's House session, siting Scottish ancestry and revealing the contributions relatives have made to the state. Rep. Robert Herkes, for example, was born in Scotland and his Scottish grandfather built the first concrete building on the Big Island.

Rep. McKelvey added in a surprisingly convincing Scottish accent, "Thank you very much lad." Seeing this resolution pass through the legislature is like having "fine haggis on a dew scot morning."

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from lung, liver and heart of a sheep and mixed with oatmeal and spices than stuffed into the sheep's stomach. Yummy!! You can serve them with tatties and neeps as well. (That's potatoes and turnips to ye.)

Penny for your thought

Photo (L-R): Jesse Alvarado, Lon Paresa and Mark Villamor with the many boxes of wrapped pennies from the "Penny Wars."

The battle of the pennies has finally come to an end at the State Capitol. The "Penny Wars" fundraiser to benefit the Hawaii FoodBank accumulated 160,000 pennies.

Who were the lucky few to load, count and pack these shiny, copper pebbles? Thanks to Rep. Blake Oshiro's office staff and a few musclemen (see photo above) from Sergeant at Arms, the Hawaii FoodBank will receive $1600 in donations.

Opihi lovers have luck of the Irish

Photo: Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Island Opihi Co.

If SB6 is passed into law, sales of Hawaiian opihi will be banned in the state come January 1, 2010. Unless you're willing to brave crashing waves along rocky coastlines to gather your own opihi for the New Year, what's an opihi lover to do?

As luck would have it, Hawaiians have started importing opihi from Ireland. Okay, they're actually called limpets over on the Emerald Isle, but they are close enough to pass the taste test of Noelani Josselin, former part owner of A Pacific Cafe on Kauai, who imports Irish opihi through her Island Opihi Co. The Irish cousin (Patella vulgata) is closest in resemblance to the Yellowfoot opihi. Apparently, the Irish used to eat what they called "barnacs" in times of famine, but not any more, so the Irish opihi are plentiful.

There are four types of edible Hawaiian opihi:

Blackfoot (cellana exarata) found in the upper wash of the waves, Yellowfoot (cellana sanwicensis) found in the wash of waves and most preferred for eating, Koele (cellana talcosa) also known as known as "kneecap", and a variety found on Kauai and Niihau (cellana melanostoma.)

The ban does not include the selling of opihi shells of more than one and one quarter inch in diameter. The ban may be lifted if the Department of Land and Natural Resources adopts rules regulating opihi taking prior to January 1, 2010.

Tattoo You

Photo: The Honolulu Advertiser

Rep. John Mizuno wants to make it clear that the bill to deregulate tattoo artists, HB2283 was not the original intention of the bill that he introduced, and even he had grave concerns over the way the Senate version inserted the deregulation language. In a statement yesterday, Mizuno said:

"I had concerns with the changes to the bill that were recommended by the Department of Health, specifically repealing the tattoo licensure procedures and requirements, and allowing someone from out of state to simply register as a tattoo artist in Hawaii without oversight."

The original intent was to allow tattoo artists to participate in and practice at state trade shows. It was not meant to deregulate the industry which, in Rep. Mizuno's mind, has serious health and safety issues. Back in March, when the bill morphed into a repeal of license requirements, Mizuno told media: "You don't have as much oversight with just registration, and there's an unintended consequence that there may be unqualified artists practicing. So, where's the oversight?"

The Senate recommitted the bill back to the Ways and Means committee, essentially killing it for this year. Rep. Mizuno wants the Department of Health to work with him and the tattoo artists on another bill for 2009.

Books, bebop, bites and bazaar

Representatives Pono Chong, Clift Tsuji and Kyle Yamashita have collected a ton of books, CDs, and DVDs for their "Bizarre Bazaar" tomorrow in room 325. The fundraiser benefits the Hawaii FoodBank.

Come and get lunch and browse through the donated items, including a dozen Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum hardcover novels. The genres range from romance to science fiction to self-help books.

If you're looking to add to your VHS collection, be the first one there to rummage through over 60 films.

I have my eye on Britney Spears' debut CD Baby one more time. Hands off!

Pirates of the Somalian Coast

It seems like a story from another a time or a feature film. Over the weekend, The Ponant, a French luxury yacht was hijacked by pirates while returning from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. The pirates lead the yacht down the Somalian coast where the government has struggled to assert control after nearly a decade of violence and anarchy. Their militia is poorly paid and the country does not have a navy for maritime protection and control.

Thirty crew members are being held hostage by at least 10 suspected pirates who stormed the vessel. News articles report that 22 crew members are French and the rest are Ukranian or Korean, including 6 woman.

In an act of international community support, Rep. Rida Cabanilla sent a letter to the President of the United Nations General Assembly petitioning the assembly to issue a resolution that condemns the pirate attack on The Ponant and demands the release of the hostages. The petition was signed by 13 other lawmakers.

Rep. Cabanilla addressed the pirates in a press realease announcing the petition. "The whole world is watching; you can run, but you can't hide," she said.

The French government made contact with the pirates yesterday but have not revealed whether they have considered paying a ransom. In August, Denmark's government paid a ransom two months after the hijacking of a Danish cargo ship by Somili pirates. Piracy has risen 10 percent in 2007, according to the International Maritime Bureau. More than a dozen ships were captured last year along the Somalian coast.

"Piracy represent a clear and present danger to both our national and international security interest, as well as a barbaric plague that persists upon our twenty-first century world," said Rep. Cabanilla.

Second Crossover Bills of Interest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SB2212 Relating to Crime. Enables prosecution of human trafficking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You guys are looking at miracles"

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

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

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

Snippets:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seat belts on school buses

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

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

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

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

"Caregivers Recognition Day" bill signed into law

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

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

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

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

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

Free Legislative Learning Workshops in Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


You can also take the survey online at here.


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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

Legislature 2008 - Day 45 Second Decking

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

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

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

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

Speaker Emeritus Souki Testifies on Rate Regulation Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Rep. Nishimoto!

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

Agriculture Committee passes GMO Taro bill with amendments

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

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

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

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

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

Honoring Hawaii's athletes...past and present

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

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

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

The Spirit of Small Business

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

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

Small Business Person of the Year

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

Entrepreneurial Success

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

Small Business Exporter

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

Family Owned Small Business

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

Financial Services Champion

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

Minority Small Business Champion

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

Small Business Journalist

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

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

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

Women in Business Champion

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

Decision Making Scheduled on GMO Taro bill

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

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

WHERE: State Capitol, Room 325

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HPU students lobby for Uganda resolution

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

Excerpts from the resolution:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House holds Natto fundraiser for Hawaii Foodbank

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facing the Impacts of the Aloha Airlines Bankruptcy

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

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

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

WHERE: State Capitol Auditorium

WHO: The following have been invited to present information:

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

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

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