Bills of interest for Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #1
10:00 A.M. – ROOM 308

HB2598 RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX
Suspends for three years, from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013, the distribution of transient accommodations tax revenues to the counties. (SAY BR)

HB2542 RELATING TO NON-GENERAL FUNDS
Addresses the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget shortfall by transferring to the general fund a total of $10,000,000 in excess balances from certain special funds. (SAY BR)

HB2737 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF PUBLIC LANDS
Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to fund the general fund by disposing of public lands. Also directs the Department to dispose of public lands leased to not-for-profit organizations meeting certain criteria. (SAY, ITO)

HB2887 RELATING TO TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEYS
Transfers temporarily to the general fund the portion of moneys from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund designated for the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund. Requires interest and earnings of the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund to be deposited into the general fund. Reduces the portion of moneys from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund to be transferred to the tobacco enforcement special fund. Encourages the nonprofit entity responsible for the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund to increase its annual expenditures to assist in revitalizing the economy. Takes effect on 07/01/2010, and sunsets on 06/30/2015. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
10:30 A.M. – ROOM 329

INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIN HOME LANDS
Issues: Plan for generating revenues, plan for putting more native Hawaiians on their lands, plan for decreasing the wait-list, plan to help native Hawaiians obtain access to commercial leases, strategic planning to address $600 million settlement (1995 Act 14), operating costs vs. generating revenues, etc.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
1:30 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB2850 RELATING TO THE LIQUOR TAX
Temporarily increases the liquor tax rates during the period of 7/1/10 to 6/30/15. (SAY)

HB2852 RELATING TO THE INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX
Temporarily makes the insurance premium tax applicable to mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations. Establishes a medical and health promotion tax credit. Authorizes the insurance commissioner to adjust any inadequate rates for the managed care plans of mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
3:00 P.M. - Room 308

HB2867 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals various income tax credits and deductions. Takes effect upon approval and sunsets on 12/31/2015. (SAY)

HB2866 RELATING TO TAXATION
Adjusts income tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009 and ending before January 1, 2016. (SAY)

HB2991 RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE
Creates higher income tax brackets and rates for high-income individual taxpayers. Eliminates certain corporate tax exemptions. Provides for taxation of capital gains as ordinary income. Creates commission to provide a more equitable and progressive tax system. Also provides a means to fund public education and other high priority programs. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
4:30 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB2878 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals certain exemptions under the general excise, use, and public service company taxes. The Act takes effect on July 1, 2010 and sunsets on June 30, 2015. (SAY)

HB2877 RELATING TO TAXATION (PROPOSED HD1)
Temporarily suspends the exemption for certain amounts of gross income or proceeds from the general excise tax and requires the payment of the tax at a one-half per cent rate. Takes effect on 7/01/2010 and is repealed on 6/30/2015. (SAY)

HB2876 RELATING TO TAXATION
Temporarily increases the general excise and use tax rates from 4% to 5%, the capital goods excise tax credit rate from 4% to 5%, and the refundable food/excise tax credit by $10 per exemption. Takes effect on 07/01/2010 and is repealed on 06/30/2015. (SAY)

HB2880 RELATING TO TAXATION
Increases the "wholesale" rates under the general excise, use, and public service company taxes to one per cent from one-half per cent. Effective 7/1/10; repealed 6/30/15. (SAY)

Bills of interest for Tuesday, February 16, 2010

COMMITTEE ON LABOR & PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
11:00 A.M. - ROOM 309

HB1868 RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE
Prohibits civil service employees who accept an appointed position from returning to their civil service positions more than one year later. (RHOADS)

HCR88 REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND (SAGUM)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2129 RELATING TO GRAFFITI
Requires a person convicted of criminal property damage involving graffiti to remove the graffiti within 30 days of sentencing, to perform community service for 2 years removing graffiti from within 100 yards of the site of the offense, and to reimburse property owners for two years for costs incurred in removing graffiti within 100 yards of the site of the offense. (AQUINO)

HB1756 RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Allows for expungement of convictions for non-violent offenses that are over 5 years old. (SAY BR)

Gambling - Open for discussion in 2010

The following op-ed appeared in The Honolulu Advertiser on Sunday, February 14, 2010.

Well-run operation will enhance state's image as visitor destination
By Rep. Joe Souki

When I talk about gambling for Hawai'i, I don't mean Las Vegas, which is a gambling destination. I don't mean a state lottery, which creates few jobs and does not bring new money into the state. I don't mean a quick fix just because our economy is in poor shape right now. For all of those reasons, gambling would be a mistake.

What I do mean is a single, stand-alone casino, separate and apart from established hotels, restaurants and other facilities in Waikīkī, where visitors and residents can go for entertainment.
Hawai'i used to be a premier resort destination, but our star has become dull. If we want to recapture our first-class standing with Mainland and international visitors, we need to offer new activity as part of a long-range plan to refresh tourism development. Carefully planned, the right kind of gambling will complement our natural beauty, support the significant infrastructure already in place, and benefit Hawai'i for the future.

Here's why:

• New jobs will be created.

An economic impact analysis prepared in 2000 identified increases in construction jobs to build the casino as well as permanent jobs at the casino. The casino activity will attract more visitors to Waikīkī, and that will create more jobs at the hotels, restaurants and other businesses that support tourism. In addition, the casino will be a purchaser of goods and services, also supporting job creation. The report was based on building two casinos, creating 19,575 new jobs. Therefore, one casino may net 9,000 to 10,000 new jobs.

• A casino will generate new revenue for the state.

The same report concludes that significant revenue will come from the casino, which will pay some form of gaming tax based upon total gaming revenues, state income taxes from the jobs created and sales/excise taxes on non-gaming spending such as food, beverage and lodging. For one casino built, the report estimates that total governmental revenues generated could exceed $50 million annually.

The fear and loathing of gambling by opponents must be addressed head-on. No one wants to go forward with an activity that will be detrimental to the public.

Will there be an increase in crime? The federal government's National Gambling Impact Study cited a report which studied 10 districts with casinos and found "little documentation of a causal relationship" between casinos and crime, and that "taken as a whole, the literature shows that communities with casinos are just as safe as communities that do not have casinos."

A casino in Waikīkī should not add to crime. People turn to crime when they need money for drugs or are unemployed. By creating jobs and increasing revenue, a casino may help those who would otherwise turn to crime, and the money generated could be used for much needed social programs.

Will a casino lead to an increase in addicted gamblers? The sad reality is that those with an addiction are already finding ways to feed their gambling addiction, through frequent trips to Las Vegas or at illegal places in Hawai'i.

There is no state program that currently addresses this problem, and there should be. If the state goes forward with a casino, legislation should include a provision to fund assistance programs for gambling addiction.

Will Hawai'i's image be tarnished? The opposite is true. Done the right way, a well-run casino will help Hawai'i's image as a visitor destination. We don't aim to be a gambling destination. People come to Hawai'i for the tropical beauty and that will never change. However, repeat visitors will look for new activities and entertainment, especially in the evenings.

While Hawai'i faces a severe economic downturn, this may be the opportune time when people will be more open to the concept of allowing gambling in our state. Let me be clear that this is not a quick fix for our current budget woes.

It will take several years to plan, design and build a single casino. No one can deny that without tourism our economy will die, and our state leaders must plan now to keep Hawai'i competitive as a world-class visitor destination. A casino should be part of an overall vision for Hawai'i's future.

Rep. Joe Souki, D-8th (Wailuku, Waihe'e, Waiehu), is speaker emeritus of the House of Representatives. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.

Animal Lovers Meet at the Capitol

Rep. John Mizuno, Inga Gibson of the Humane Society of the United States, Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. Gene Ward, Arianne Cameros from Rep. Mizuno's office.

Rep. John Mizuno was honored today with a "Humane State Legislator" Award by the Humane Society of the United States for supporting animal-friendly legislation in Hawaii.

Mizuno took the opportunity to highlight HB730 which was stalled in conference committee last year. The bill strengthens Hawaii's dog-fighting laws by making it a crime to knowingly pay to attend or wager on a dog fighting event, or to use devices to train a dog for fighting purposes. Mizuno hopes the bill will be revived this year.

Helping homeless has many obstacles

Photo: Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Rep. Rida Cabanilla's op-ed in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

Helping the homeless is not an easy matter
By Rida Cabanilla

As chairwoman of the Housing Committee in the state House of Representatives, I am responsible for seeking solutions for homeless people living in our public places.

This issue is complicated by the fact that even if government provides adequate shelter, a significant percentage of the homeless refuse to go to the shelters for various reasons. Due to the established rights of people in this country, government's hands are sometimes tied.

For example: The Disability Rights Center is a state agency that advocates for the mentally ill and disabled. A percentage of mentally ill people are also drug addicted. This agency does not provide funding for food or shelter for the homeless but protects their civil rights. It is not a simple matter of picking up the homeless and taking them to a shelter. They cannot be forced to live where society feels it is right for them to live.

In addition, homeless people can be arrested if they violate the law by littering, panhandling, urinating in public places, etc., but they also enjoy due process. Who is willing to testify that a particular individual is urinating on the corner of Hotel and River streets?

We also are faced with the NIMBY factor — "not in my backyard." The most logical places to put shelters are where the homeless gather, like Waikiki, Ala Moana or Chinatown. Unfortunately, the mayor's Riverside Project in Chinatown for the mentally ill and drug addicted homeless was killed by public opposition.

Government also must deal with liability for the homeless. Shelters are operated by nonprofit organizations. Emergency shelters charge the state an average of $42 a night per person. Only a couple of these shelters accept those with drug addiction problems. The rest do not, citing the liability issue and the safety of others. Some shelters require drug testing for their clients; understandably, homeless who are actively doing drugs shy away from these shelters.

What can government do? In 2006, Gov. Linda Lingle asked the Legislature to appropriate millions of dollars for construction of emergency and transitional shelters. Community organizations and thousands of individuals mobilized to help with housing, job placement, education, training and counseling for the homeless.

Most of the proposals before us now involve funding that we do not have. We are starting with a $725 million state deficit this legislative session; an amount that will rise to $1.18 billion dollars in 2011.

People who are temporarily homeless due to loss of employment are being helped and are the easiest to help. The chronic homeless are those who cannot be helped or do not want to be helped.

The challenge before us is to determine whether we should shift resources from other worthwhile programs or cut government services. The pie is finite, unless we raise revenue. To increase services for the chronic homeless means raising taxes or reducing services in other departments.

I know that many are unhappy to see the growing number of homeless people on our streets, but the public must be made aware of the basic choice before us.

I urge residents to consider these options and to share their opinions with their legislators.
———
State Rep. Rida Cabanilla is a Democrat representing District 42 (Waipahu, West Loch and Ewa).

Puppet master

Representative Marilyn Lee has one talented son. Tom. The puppet master. Tom Lee, raised in Mililani, is the director of a New York puppet production that is finally coming to Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island in March. The play is based on the legendary and tragic story of Kaluaiko'olau.

Haven't heard of this story? Here's a synopsis from the show's website:

"Kaluaiko’olau (hereafter Ko’olau) was a native Hawaiian from Waimea, Kaua’i. A well-respected paniolo (cowboy), Ko'olau learned that he contracted Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) in 1892, a diagnosis which meant exile to Kalaupapa, the leper colony on Moloka'i. Vowing never to be separated from his wife and child, Ko’olau took the family to the isolated valley of Kalalau on Kaua'i's rugged Na Pali coast. Here they lived until a deputy sheriff from Waimea, Louis Stoltz, attempted to arrest him. Ko’olau shot the man and two soldiers of the Provisional Government army sent to capture him, eluding fierce bombardment by the government forces. The family lived in secret in Kalalau for years until first Kaleimanu, and then Ko’olau died of their disease. Pi’ilani buried both of them in secret and returned to her home in Kekaha. In 1906, Pi’ilani recorded her story in the Hawaiian language with Kahikina Kelekona (John Sheldon). The volume was entitled "Ka Moolelo Oiaio O Kaluaikoolau" (The True Story of Kaluaiko'olau)."

Visit www.koolaupuppetplay.com for more information about Tom, the play and show dates. And be sure to say hello to Rep. Marilyn Lee if you see her at a showing. She'll probably tell you how proud she is of her son and his artistic skills. And we're sure that he gets it from his mama.

Bills of interest for Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010

TODAY IS FIRST LATERAL FILING DEADLINE – LAST DAY TO MOVE BILLS TO A FINAL COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
11:20 A.M. – ROOM 309

HB2790 RELATING TO FIREWORKS
Enhances the penalties for fireworks violations and broadens the authority of officers to enforce the fireworks law. Also prohibits fireworks sales from tents and other temporary structures. (HAR)


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2804, HD1 RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
Authorizes the child support enforcement agency to receive and investigate complaints of the misuse of child support. Provides that complaints may be filed by the child for whom child support is ordered or by a guardian ad litem. (HB2804 HD1) (YAMANE)

HB2020, HD1 RELATING TO COUNTIES
Expands county enforcement of traffic regulations on public streets, roads, or highways whose ownership is in dispute between the State and the county, and on private streets, highways, or thoroughfares, to include laws relating to county vehicular taxes, motor vehicle safety responsibility, traffic violations, use of intoxicants while operating a vehicle, motor vehicle insurance, motorcycle and motor scooter insurance, and odometers. (HB2020 HD1) (SAY BR)

Bills of interest for Wednesday, February 10, 2010

COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2280 RELATING TO THE HOMELESS
Assists the homeless in reuniting with their families. Creates the parks for homeless special fund. ($) (CABANILLA)

HB2318 RELATING TO THE HOMELESS
Establishes a 5-year housing first pilot program to be developed by the Hawaii public housing authority and the department of human services for homeless individuals who are chronically addicted or mentally ill. ($) (CABANILLA)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
3:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB1948 RELATING TO TAXATION
Requires the department of taxation to provide refunds to taxpayers within 90 days or the due date of the tax, whichever occurred first. (CHONG)

HB2313 RELATING TO TAXATION
Repeals the income tax provision that requires the reporting of gambling winnings but not losses. (CHONG)

HB2868 RELATING TO TAXATION
Places a cap on itemized deductions claimed on state income tax returns. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/09 and sunsets on 12/31/15. (SAY)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #3
4:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB2874 RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODTIONS TAX
Temporarily increases from 7/1/2010 to 6/30/2015 the transient accommodations tax rate on time share units. (SAY)

HB2699 RELATING TO TAXATION
Provides that the transient accommodation tax shall be assessed and collected at a minimum rate of $8 per day. Effective 7/1/10. (YAMASHITA)

HB2882 RELATING TO TAXATION
Imposes the general excise tax at a 4% rate on the gross income from the sale of securities. Repeals the general excise tax exemption for stock or future exchanges. Takes effect on 10/01/10 and sunsets on 06/30/15, except that the repeal of the exchange exemption shall be permanent. (SAY)

HB2884 RELATING TO TAXATION
Imposes the general excise tax at the rate of 4% on the death benefits and other gross income derived by a provider of a life settlement contract. Takes effect on 07/01/10 and sunsets on 06/30/15. (SAY)

Wok Out!

From Left: Rep. Clift Tsuji, Char Shigemura, Mayor Kenoi, Rep. Jerry Chang cooking up some Chicken Hekka. (Photo: Denna Macanas)

Last Saturday, Big Island Representatives Clift Tsuji and Jerry Chang participated in a "Chicken Wok Out" - a cooking contest for a good cause - The Food Resilience Project. There were five teams competing for the tastiest chicken dish.

Team 1 - David Fuentes and Mayor Billy Kenoi

Team 2 - Senators Russell Kokubun and Dwight Takamine

Team 3 - Representatives Clift Tsuji and Jerry Chang

Team 4 - Councilmembers Dennis Onishi and David Shiigi

Team 5 - Chef Alan Awana (Gov. Lingle's Chef) and Kaleo Iwasaki

The House team cooked up "Chicken Hekka". The Senate team made "Korean Chicken". I guess each dish was equally delicious as everyone got a blue ribbon.

Bills of interest for Tuesday, February 9, 2010

COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
9:30 A.M. – ROOM 329

HB2394 RELATING TO TAXATION
Provides a refundable tax credit for purchase of respiratory equipment to protect against the effects of vog to persons whose primary care physician recommends that they create a "safe room" in their homes with the assistance of that respiratory equipment. Amends provisions of the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund. (EVANS)

HB2917 RELATING TO NUISANCES
Requires Department of Health to order suspension of operation causing foul or noxious odor, gas, or vapor until examination determines not dangerous or injurious to health. (MANAHAN)

HB1813 RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST HAWAII MEDICAL CENTER
Amends part II of chapter 39A, HRS, to allow the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to all corporations that provide health care facilities to the general public. Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist Hawaii Medical Center. ($) (CABANILLA)

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION, BUSINESS & MILITARY AFFAIRS
11:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB1975 RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM
Amends the definition of "deposit beverage" to include wine and hard spirits. (MAGAOAY)

COMMITTEE ONFINANCE – DECISION MAKING ONLY
1:30 P.M. – ROOM 309

HB1901 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT OF VOTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
Establishes an alternative public procurement process for the procurement of voting system equipment. Effective upon approval and repealed on December 31, 2010. (HB1901 HD1) (SAY)

HB2169 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY (UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BILL)
Sets, for calendar year 2010, the employer contribution rate at schedule D and the wage base at 90% of the average annual wage. Sets, for calendar year 2011, the employer contribution rate at schedule G. Retains the maximum weekly benefit rate beginning 01/01/2011 at 75% of the average weekly wage. Authorizes special assessments upon employers to pay the interest costs on loans received from the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Requires the department of labor and industrial relations to conduct rate assessments every six months beginning in 2012. Establishes for recalculation of the adequate reserve fund beginning in 2011. (HB2169 HD1) (RHOADS)

COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMMERCE/COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2691 RELATING TO SMOKING
Allows smoking in properly permitted liquor establishments not to include restaurants. Requires collection of smoking establishment permit fee with proceeds to go towards organ donation education. (KARAMATSU)

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:30 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2588 PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Establishes the Secretary of State, an elected position, to serve as the nonpartisan administrator of elections. (SAY BR)

HB146 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO PERMIT GAMBLING IN THE STATE
Proposes to add a new section to article XVI of the state constitution to permit gambling in the State, in accordance with law. (ConAm) (SOUKI)

HB2250 RELATING TO THE UNIFORM CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT
Establishes comprehensive child abduction prevention law. Lists factors to determine risk of abduction, and establishes measures courts may include in order to prevent abduction both before and after issuance of child custody decrees. Effective 01/01/2050 (HD1) (KARAMATSU)

Education Chair to appear at Shiro Amioka Lecture series

WHAT: Representative Roy Takumi, Chairman of the House Education Committee, will appear on a panel on Hawaii's public school system, sponsored by the UH College of Education's annual Shiro Amioka lecture series.

Specifically, law professor Randall Roth will start with a presentation critiquing the Hawaii school system. Chair Takumi will then join Joan Husted and Gail Awakuni to respond to his remarks. Husted served as Exec. Director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association for many years, and Awakuni is principal at Campbell High School.

WHEN: February 23, 2010 (Tuesday) at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: University of Hawaii Law School Moot Courtroom

INFO: Call Clifton Tanabe at 956-7901. The event is free and open to the public.

The Amioka Lecture features prominent leaders in the field of education and school reform. The late Shiro Amioka served as the Superintendent of the Department of Education. He was also a UHM professor of education, chancellor of the UH Community Colleges, and associate dean of UHM Summer Session.

Bills of Interest for Monday, Feb. 8, 2010

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 309

HB2215 RELATING TO PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
Prohibits vending on any scenic lookout, pull-off, or turnaround area of a public highway. (McKelvey)

HB2296 RELATING TO CRIME
Amends drivers license revocation provision to require a lifetime revocation when a driver is convicted of manslaughter involving the operation of a vehicle. Requires license revocation of five to ten years when a driver is convicted for negligent homicide in the first degree. Allows for up to two years of imprisonment when a convicted defendant is sentenced to probation for manslaughter. (Souki)

HB2667 RELATING TO FERRIES
Establishes the Hawaii state ferry system and the Hawaii state ferry system special fund for the operation of a ferry system between the islands. ($) (Souki)


COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 309

HB2486 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Establishes a minimum number of instructional hours per school year for each grade. (Berg)


COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
2:05 P.M. – ROOM 309

HB2314 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Requires the department of education to increase fees charged for services provided by the office of school facilities and support services to cover at least 50% of the cost of those services. Exempts the school meals program from the increase in fees. (Chong)

Paws off my foie gras

A Senate bill that proposes to ban the sale of foie gras produced using inhumane methods ticked off some people yesterday stirring up angry comments from foodies after the news of SB2170 hit the popular micro-blogging website Twitter.

Some of the comments/tweets included:

@NctrnlBst: Call your Hawaii state senator and tell the Food Nazis to stop wasting time on frivolous bills! http://ow.ly/16uQND

@hollyhadsell: Say it isn't so!! RT @NctrnlBst: Call your Hawaii state senator and tell them stop wasting time! http://ow.ly/16uQND

@LKozawa: Thats my point. Government encroachment as to what you're allowed to eat is never a good thing. Look up codex alimentarius

The ban is being proposed because of animal cruelty issues. Foie gras is a French delicacy and typically made by force-feeding ducks or geese to fatten the liver, although outside of France some producers use more humane methods.

However, the reasoning behind the bill is beside the point to those incensed by the bill. That doesn't mean they think sticking a tube in a duck is okay. The fact is that many of the food connoisseurs angered by the bill just plain don't appreciate government trying to dictate what they can and cannot eat.

Ed Morita (aka @nctrnlbst), a former pastry chef turned food writer and freelance photographer from the blog www.bakershours.com, was compelled to write an opinion piece last night on the the foie gras ban bill. He explains the way foie gras is made, makes some points that the bill has neglected to account for, and discusses a law in California that will ban force feeding in 2012.

To be fair, those in support of this bill do make some good points as well. From their perspective, animals being raised for food still deserve humane treatment and our state should not condone inhumane methods by allowing these products into our state. Visit the national ban foie gras website to learn more about their views and other proposed legislation.

The bill passed out of its first Senate committee yesterday. It will go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further discussion.

Bills of Interest for Friday, February 5, 2010

COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2019 RELATING TO PARKS
Allows the governor to transfer the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach state recreational areas from the State to the county of Hawaii. (SAY BR)

HB2582 RELATING TO VESSELS AT ALA WAI AND KEEHI BOAT HARBORS
Authorizes moorage for commercial vessels and commercial vessel activities in the Ala Wai and Keehi Boat Harbors and adjusts fees for permittees of vessels that are used for a place of principal habitation in state small boat harbors. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
9:30 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2652 RELATING TO MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Requires that patients be informed of the amount of radiation exposure to the patient prior to obtaining consent to an x-ray or computed tomography scan. (BELATTI BR)

HB2661 RELATING TO ANATOMICAL GIFTS
Requires organ procurement organizations and transplant hospitals to procure and transplant medically suitable organs. Imposes administrative fines and loss of accreditation for failure to comply. (YAMANE)

HB2576 RELATING TO IMMUNIZATION
Authorizes the Department of Health to establish and maintain a single repository of immunization records to be designated as the "Hawaii Immunization Registry" in order to aid, coordinate, and help promote efficient and cost-effective screening, prevention, and control of vaccine preventable diseases, including pandemic influenza. (SAY BR)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
1:30 P.M. – ROOM 308

HB1901, HD1 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT OF VOTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
Establishes an alternative public procurement process for the procurement of voting system equipment. Effective upon approval and repealed on December 31, 2010. (HB1901 HD1) (SAY)

HB2169, HD1 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
Sets, for calendar year 2010, the employer contribution rate at schedule D and the wage base at 90% of the average annual wage. Sets, for calendar year 2011, the employer contribution rate at schedule G. Retains the maximum weekly benefit rate beginning 01/01/2011 at 75% of the average weekly wage. Authorizes special assessments upon employers to pay the interest costs on loans received from the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Requires the department of labor and industrial relations to conduct rate assessments every six months beginning in 2012. Establishes for recalculation of the adequate reserve fund beginning in 2011. (HB2169 HD1) (RHOADS)

House Bills introduced by Biennium

Source: House Office of the Chief Clerk

2010 - 1151
2009 - 1843

2008 - 1484
2007 - 1967

2006 - 1475
2005 - 1786

2004 - 1296
2003 - 1691

2002 - 1163
2001 - 1691

2000 - 1270
1999 - 1755

1998 - 1296 *First session that bill limit guidelines were implemented.
1997 - 2329

1996 - 1793
1995 - 2354

Senate Paperless Initiative Video

Hat tip to the Hawaii State Senate for the Paperless Initiative and to Searider Productions (Waianae High School students) for the excellent video on the project. If you haven't seen it, check it out here:

House bills support veterans and military servicemen and women

Photo Attached: From Left to Right, Rep. Cindy Evans, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Rep. K. Mark Takai, Dennis Egge, Rep. Barbara Marumoto

House lawmakers today presented a package of military appreciation bills that have been introduced this 2010 legislative session in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Angus McKelvey, chairman of the House Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business and Military Affairs (EBM), was joined by committee member Rep. Cindy Evans and Dennis Egge, chairman of the Oahu Veterans Council's Legislative Committee.

The package includes 14 bills and one resolution that propose to help as well as recognize veterans and military men and women currently serving their country. One bill would prevent courts from using a parent's extended absence due to military service or other public duties to alter or affect awards of child custody and visitation. Another would require that the National League of Families' prisoner of war/missing in action flag to be flown with the United States and Hawaiian flags to honor American prisoners of war and military personnel who are missing in action.

"These bills will help to strengthen the relationship that the state of Hawaii has with the military and help to stimulate more federal investment to Hawaii through the defense spending the military has committed to Hawaii," Rep. McKelvey said, noting that President Obama's proposed budget being sent to Congress has about $708 billion marked for defense spending, which will have important implications for Hawaii.

"These bills introduced on the House side bring attention to issues affecting our military, which are servicemen and their families, "said Rep. Cindy Evans. “With over 55,000 troops in Hawaii, we embrace the military as part of our ‘ohana.”

"All the bills that we are supporting benefit veterans and military personnel who live and work in our great state, and the Oahu Veterans Council sincerely thanks the legislature for offering them," said Dennis Egge.

"The spectrum of benefits from supporting the bills runs from the flying of the POW flag to the proper burial of indigent veterans,” added Egge. “One bill that I feel very strongly about is the bill that will assure voting rights for our veterans and deployed service personnel."

HB437, Relating to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund
Extends the maximum age for EUTF health benefits coverage for dependent beneficiaries who are unmarried full-time students and are called to active duty in federal service with the National Guard or military reserves.

HB1899, Relating to Military and Overseas Civilian Absentee Voters
Implements voting provisions for uniformed services and overseas absentee voters, as recommended by Federal Voting Assistance Program.

HB1900, Relating to Military Personnel
Recognizes the designations of prisoner of war and missing in action as valid descriptions of casualty status and category classification for military personnel.

HB1942, Relating to Veterans Court
Establishes a temporary Hawaii Veterans Court within the Judiciary to help address prison overcrowding.

HB1943, Relating to Veterans
Requires the director of the office of veterans' services to act on behalf of deceased veterans found to be indigent at the time of death and without surviving immediate family members to ensure the burial of the veteran's remains in a state veterans cemetery.

HB1945, Relating to License Plates
Requires applicants for special member plates for military service to submit proof of honorable discharge from the military.

HB2061, Relating to Children
Provides that in child custody proceedings, courts shall not give undue weight to a parent's absence away from the child, when such absence is due to service in the military. Requires courts to make a reasonable effort to expedite proceedings or use electronic communication systems to facilitate a parent's participation in a proceeding when an affected parent is a substantial distance away from the court.

HB2273, Relating to Civil Service
Specifies which veterans qualify for civil service hiring preference.

HB2348, Relating to a Veterans' Memorial
Provides for the development of veterans' memorials to honor the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan-Iraq War, as well as for women veterans of World War II.

HB2351, Relating to Veterans
Requires an applicant for a veteran's license plate to include a copy of the applicant's most recent discharge paper or separation document that indicates an honorable discharge or general (under honorable conditions) discharge from active duty.

HB2383, Relating to Flags
Recognizes and requires the prisoner of war/missing in action flag to be flown with the U.S. and Hawaiian flags.

HB2662, Relating to Commercial Driver's License
Extends the exemption from requirement to obtain a commercial driver's license to certain former military personnel no longer on active duty who previously operated commercial motor vehicles for military purposes, provided that they met relevant minimum federal requirements that meet or exceed state requirements to operate those vehicles.

HB2930, Relating to Special Number Plates
Provides that veterans of operation enduring freedom or operation Iraqi freedom may apply for special number plates.

HB2931, Relating to Special Number Plates
Provides that applicants for special number plates for military service may pay an optional fundraising fee for a military service veterans group. Makes appropriation to counties as State's share of cost of mandated program.

HCR3, Awarding the Hawaii Medal of Honor to United States Military Service Members, with Hawaii Connections, Killed in Action While Serving in Dangerous, Volatile, and Unstable Areas of the World, Including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bills of Interest for Thursday, February 4, 2010

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY/COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
8:30 A.M. – ROOM 309

HB2068 RELATING TO FIREWORKS
Allows the counties to enact or adopt more restrictive fireworks ordinances or rules than the state law under fireworks law. (TAKAI)

HB2114 RELATING TO FIREWORKS
Temporarily allows counties to enact ordinances or adopt rules regulating fireworks that are more restrictive than state law. Repeal and reenactment on 6/30/12. (TAKUMI)

HB2909 RELATING TO DANGEROUS WEAPONS
Prohibits any person from setting off, igniting, discharging, or otherwise causing to explode any homemade explosive device. Establishes a violation as a Class C felony. (TAKAI)


COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2922 RELATING TO SOLID WASTE
Prohibits the incineration or disposal of fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs in landfills and waste-to-energy facilities in the State. (ITO)


COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE/COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
10:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2324 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
Requires that by 2015 a minimum of two per cent of each utility's renewable portfolio standard be from biofuel or from agricultural producers. (MORITA)

HB2421 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT
Makes various amendments, establishes various initiatives, and appropriates funds to promote economic development for local food and energy businesses, ensure Hawaii is energy and food self-sufficient and sustainable to the maximum extent feasible, and help Hawaii's natural resources and humankind adapt and be resilient to the inevitable challenges brought on by climate change. Provides a fuel tax exemption for commercial air transportation providers. ($) (COFFMAN)

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
11:00 A.M. – ROOM 309

HB2778 RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT
Increases fireworks-related fees and penalties and allocates the fees to county fire and police departments to fund enforcement fireworks laws in the State. (CHONG)

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY/COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION & COMMERCE
2:15 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2251 RELATING TO GAMING
Establishes a gaming commission to oversee casino gaming. Allows the gaming commission to issue one 5-year license to a casino gaming operation in a county with a population of more than 500,000. Limits casino gaming to persons over 21 who are either nonresidents or have round-trip tickets with a final destination outside of Hawaii. Creates a wagering tax on casino gaming. (KARAMATSU)

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:30 P.M. – ROOM 325

HB2397 RELATING TO PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Moves the date of the primary election to the second Saturday of August. Requires nomination papers to be filed not later than 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in June. (SAY BR)

Pay up

When budgets are sliced and money is sparse, discussions on ways to generate more funds become ubiquitous. In an economic slump, the same services that people enjoyed in past booming economies cannot continue the same way unless new funding sources are tapped.

One House committe chairperson, Rep. Rida Cabanilla, has an idea to ease the financial burden the state has endured since the establishment of the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (COFA). COFA allows members of the Federated State of Micronesia to travel and legally reside in the United States.

She is proposing to allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to bill the Federated State of Micronesia for any homeless services rendered to Micronesians living in Hawaii under the COFA.

According to House Bill 2357, Micronesians make up a large part of the homeless population. Hawaii is the entry point for residents of the Federated State of Micronesia to the United States, but once here, many have difficulties adjusting to the high cost of living and many seek state services and assistance.

The federal government only reimburses the state ten cents for every dollar spent. With the economy in a slump, the state has had to make cuts to some COFA services, including the reduction of health insurance benefits for COFA residents. Lawmakers are looking to alternative sources of funding in order to continue to assist Micronesians in Hawaii

What do you think about House Bill 2357?

There are several questions that immediately come to mind. Is this proposal feasible? Is it legal? What are the costs in implementing the bill? We'll most likely get some of these questions answered in a hearing Wednesday, 9 a.m in conference room 325.

Bills of Interest for Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
8:30 A.M. – ROOM 312

HB2083 RELATING TO MILK LABELING
Requires milk and soy milk beverages to be labeled with the date of pasteurization or the date of packaging. (YAMANE)


COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 325

HB2357 RELATING TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Allows the Hawaii public housing authority to bill the home nations of individuals covered under the Compact of Free Association for homeless services and assistance. (CABANILLA)


COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 309

HB2898 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles and motor scooters to wear safety helmets. (MAGAOAY)

HB2370 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Raises rental motor vehicle customer facility charge from $1/day to $4.50/day. Appropriates funds out of the rental motor vehicle customer facility charge special fund for multiple purposes. ($) (SOUKI)

HB2602 RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Create a new law for distracted driving for drivers who operate any mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle on the highways within the State of Hawaii to further define the penalties for reckless drivers will be a deterrent and result in safer roadways. (SAY BR)

HB2693 RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINTS
Amends law to prohibit the transport of a child under 8 years of age in a motor vehicle on a public highway in the State, when a parent or legal guardian is present in the motor vehicle, except under certain circumstances. Allows children under the age of 8 and under 4 feet and 9 inches in height to ride in the front seat of a motor vehicle, under certain circumstances.


COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS/COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
9:00 A.M. – ROOM 329

HB2672 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
Resolves claims and disputes relating to the portion of income and proceeds from the lands of the public land trust for use by the office of Hawaiian affairs between 11/7/1978, and 7/1/2008; requires payment of cash to the office of Hawaiian affairs. (CARROLL)

HB2241 RELATING TO PUBLIC TRUST LANDS
Provides for transfer of management, control, and title of public trust land to sovereign Hawaiian entity upon recognition by the United States and State of Hawaii. (CARROLL)


COMMITTEE ON HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
10:30 A.M. – ROOM 329

HB2759 RELATING TO GAMING
Authorize the Hawaiian homes commission to allow gaming on Hawaiian home lands and to designate specific Hawaiian home lands for the purposes of establishing gaming operations. Creates a gaming commission to regulate all gaming on Hawaiian home lands. Imposes a wagering tax on gross receipts of casino gaming operations and provides for distribution to the general fund and Hawaiian home lands trust fund. (CARROLL)


COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 309

HB2127 RELATING TO EDUCATION
Requires the department of education to provide a minimum of 190 instructional days in each school year. (NAKASHIMA)