Responsible Leadership

Speaker Say's letter to the editor was published yesterday in the Honolulu Advertiser:

GOVERNOR WANTS TO DELAY RESPONSIBILITY

"Responsible leadership" has been raised in a letter from the governor's office ("Criticism of Lingle plan is unjustified," April 2).

The House of Representatives has been very responsible in formulating its financial plan, which maintains a delicate balance between funding essential services and minimizing negative impacts on ordinary taxpayers and businesses.

Contrary to the governor's letter, the House has not passed a general excise tax rate increase. Why has she suggested otherwise?

Rather, the House has proposed a variety of revenue measures that are targeted and intended to minimize the negative impact on the general public and economic recovery. The measures include a temporary suspension of certain general excise tax exemptions which currently benefit relatively few businesses and persons, and the curtailment of the high technology tax credits which currently benefit relatively few high-income taxpayers. In general, the House package is "anti-special interest."

The governor's financial plan defers a substantial amount of state liabilities until after she leaves office. She proposes to defer $275 million in tax refunds that are due in this current fiscal year. She also proposes to continue delaying two months of Medicaid payments to health care providers, despite her emergency appropriation request for $40 million. Is this responsible leadership?

Rep. Calvin Say
Speaker, House of Representatives

Race to the Top good for education reform, says Takumi

Representative Roy Takumi, chairman of the House Committee on Education, comments on how Race to the Top has energized state education reform agendas in an article by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The article discusses the position of state leaders across the nation on the federal competition and its ground rules. Some believe that the application process will help create effective school reform, while others believe many states will be disappointed in the end after investing so much time and resources to apply for the funds and not receiving a penny.


This is what Takumi had to say:

"Race to the Top has forced states to be a bit more introspective, and that's a good thing. It was helpful for Hawaii to go through this process in a thoughtful way, and it seems to have changed thinking on some issues--like how to go about reconstituting low-performing schools..."

"The way we looked at it is that we want to use our application as a blueprint for reform in our state. The money definitely has the potential to accelerate what we want to accomplish. But if we don't get, we still have our blueprint and then we'll have to focus on to what degree we can implement it."

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Delaware ($100 million) and Tennessee ($500 million)on March 29, first round of Race to the Top. Applications for the second round are due June 1, 2010.

Read full article at the NCSL website.

Easter Basket Drive 2010

In Photo: Rep. Marilyn Lee passes Rep. Cynthia Thielen a creative "basket" for the Institute of Human Services (IHS).

Members of the Women's Legislative Caucus helped to load a truck full of ~160 Easter baskets filled with essential items for needy families at the chamber level turnaround of the Hawaii State Capitol on Thursday, April 1, 2010.

Each year, the caucus holds an Easter Basket Project and puts out a call for Easter baskets or plastic storage containers filled with personal hygiene items, toiletries and non-perishable snacks to benefit clients of Institute of Human Services (IHS). This year IHS also requested supplies for their new keiki garden.

The caucus collected 210 baskets last year and 223 baskets in 2008.

IHS is Hawaii’s largest emergency shelter for people who are homeless, serving up to 200 men, 100 individual women and 23-27 families (with up to 60 keiki) every night. Through community support, IHS provides guests with toiletries, three hot nutritious meals a day, safe shelter, housing, employment, and supportive services.

Brower honors Miss Hawaii

On Friday, April 2, 2010, Pacific Home furniture store on Ward Avenue in Kakaako held a fashion show and silent auction to help the newly-crowned Miss Hawaii Renee Nobriga to raise money to compete in the Miss USA pageant coming up in Vegas.

Representative Tom Brower (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako), on behalf of the Legislature, presented certificates of appreciation to Renee Nobriga and the owners of Pacific Home.

Renee Nobriga

Winning the crown has enabled RENEE MOKIHANA NOBRIGA to become an active member in her community through such organizations as the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, Adult Friends for Youth, The Ronald McDonald House, Helemano Plantation Wellness Center, Kamehameha Schools, Word of Life Christian Fellowship and the Hawaii Food Bank. Her future goal is to get involved in the “Read Across America” program, where she can visit schools and promote youth literacy, a key to self-sufficiency.

Just like Rep. Tom Brower, Renee won on her 3rd try and sets a positive example of perseverance. We are very proud of her accomplishments!

Pacific Home

Rep. Tom Brower also presented Pacific Home with a certificate. It is important to honor locally-owned businesses whose products spread the spirit of aloha.

PACIFIC HOME was founded in 2004 by Aubrey Morgan-Yee and Jennifer Johnson— women with strong local ties to the Island— who brought a unique combination of talent and expertise to allow the store the success it has today. Designer Jamie Smith Jackson joined PACIFIC HOME as a partner in 2006.

In Photo: Rep. Tom Brower with Miss Hawaii Renee Nobriga, owners of Pacific Home, and KHON reporter Brianne Randle.

Teacher Furloughs = March Madness

Following is Rep. Roy Takumi's op-ed which appeared in the Honolulu Advertiser today:

"Call it the political equivalent of March Madness. How else can we explain our inability to come up with a solution that ends furlough Fridays and gets our children back to school?

It's baffling why the Board of Education, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association on one hand and the governor on the other believes that it is better to talk at each other through press conferences rather than talking with each other face-to-face.

I was told by the governor's senior policy adviser, and since confirmed by the governor, that there would be no resolution to furloughs unless, and only if, the Legislature passes out the administration's bill calling for the abolishment of the BOE and putting the school superintendent in the governor's cabinet.

Think for a moment of how silly this appears. Forget about the fact that no governor has ever tied a collective bargaining agreement to the passage of an unrelated bill.

Indeed, not even Gov. Lingle has ever done this in her previous seven years. In essence, what the governor is saying is that even if all the parties to the contract were to agree to her proposal to end furloughs, she still wouldn't sign off unless the Legislature passes out her bill. Oh, my.
On the other hand, the proposal by the BOE, DOE and HSTA is puzzling as well.

The assertion that there will be dire consequences in the classroom unless every single DOE employee returns to work seems more about protecting jobs than it is about the welfare of our students.

Surely there is a way to decide whether every clerk-typist, administration services assistant, resource teacher, school renewal specialist, or personnel management specialist is critical to the daily operation of our schools.

But there is hope.

Although it's taken far longer than it should, the governor has moved from her original proposal of 36 furlough days to being willing to tap $62 million from special funds to pay for school-based employees. The union has agreed to exchange six planning days for classroom days.
The Legislature has also tried to do its part.

We cannot intervene in the collective bargaining process and our role is limited to funding whatever proposal is agreed upon.

But we have taken the unprecedented step of earmarking funds ranging from $50 million (HB 2200) to $62 million (SB 2124) prior to an agreement by the relevant parties.

Officials from the teachers union have indicated that the negotiations are over.

They put forth a good faith effort and this is their final and best offer.

I can understand the frustration. I do appreciate the time and energy it took to come this far.
But I would remind the union, and all of us, that one of the key lessons we teach our children is a timeless one. And that is that they should never give up no matter the odds, that reaching your goals only comes about through perseverance , dedication and commitment.

If we keep this lesson in mind, I'm confident this ongoing madness will end.

If we don't, we have only ourselves to blame."

Big Island poised to receive new Mobile Medical Van

Plans for a new mobile medical van to service the Big Island of Hawaii are advancing, with the encumbrance of $350,000 in state funds and a partnership established between Kona Community Hospital and the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA).

"Kona Community Hospital is excited to move forward with this project,” said Earl Greenia, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Kona Community Hospital. “Rep Herkes’ passion for healthcare outreach is commendable! We are grateful to HMSA for providing the money to fund operations for the next two years."

Championed at the State Legislature by Rep. Robert Herkes (District 5 – Puna, Kau, South Kona, North Kona), the funding to purchase a commercial grade, mobile medical unit was approved by the 2009 Legislature. The legislation stipulated that Kona Community Hospital must operate and staff the van, find a public or private partner to fund operations for two years, that the program cover the areas of South Kona, Ka‘u and upper Puna, and work with the Department of Education to service public schools in those areas. Kona Community Hospital will manage the program and HMSA will fund operations for two years.

“The mobile medical van will greatly improve access to medical care for the people in rural areas of the Big Island,” said Rep. Herkes. “Time and mobility are critical components when you are dealing with an emergency medical situation or in a natural disaster. When needed, the mobile medical van will be able to reach people in remote areas, provide care, and indeed, save lives.”

The objectives of the mobile medical van program will be to:

· Improve child health outcomes
· Improve access to primary care services
· Create a Big Island disaster relief resource

In addition, the initiative will provide three primary services:

· Education and vaccinations to children at designated schools
· Primary health care services to geographically challenged regions of the island
· A mobile disaster relief unit

"This mobile unit can bring another dimension of care to the residents of the Big Island,” said Kathryn Harter, Chief Nurse Executive at Kona Community Hospital. “From elementary school children wellness to medical access at community events, this initiative can support many people in positive ways. We are very optimistic about the value we can offer through these expanded services.”

HMSA’s On-line Care will be a critical component of the mobile medical van. It will allow face-to-face interaction with nurses and physicians, and patients will be able to establish on-going care with a primary care physician at the local community clinic or elsewhere.

“We know that access to care is a tremendous challenge on the big island, so HMSA is very excited to partner in this effort to bring quality medical care to the communities that need care the most,” said Jennifer Diesman, Vice President of Government Relations for HMSA. “We’re especially grateful to Representative Herkes for his tireless efforts to make the medical van a reality and to the Kona Community Hospital for serving as the primary care coordinator.”

For the long-term, Kona Community Hospital is looking at other potential partnerships and opportunities that will expand coverage and keep the mobile van viable and sustainable beyond the two-year commitment.

Finance Chair Mid-Session Forum on 'Olelo

Rep. Marcus Oshiro, chair of the House Finance Committee, held a mid-session legislative forum in Wahiawa on March 16, 2010. About 60 people attended the meeting to hear an update about legislation that lawmakers are considering this legislative session, to ask questions and to share their.

If you're interested in what Rep. Oshiro had to say and the discussion that followed, you will be able to watch it on 'Olelo. See schedule below.

3/31/10 - 9:00 a.m., Wednesday on CH. 49
4/2/10 - 10:00 a.m., Friday on CH. 54
4/14/10 - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday on CH. 49
4/21/10 - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday on CH. 49

More bills of interest for Monday, March 29, 2010

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #5
6:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

SB2570, SD1,HD1 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 2, OF THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION, TO CHANGE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FROM AN ELECTED BOARD TO AN APPOINTED BOARD.
Amends the Hawaii Constitution to provide for a Board of Education whose members are to be appointed by the Governor, as provided by law, and to remove the nonvoting student member. Effective July 1, 2020. (SB2570 HD1) (ConAm)


SB2571, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Requires the members of the Board of Education to be nominated and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed by the Governor from lists of qualified candidates presented to the Governor by the Board of Education Selection Advisory Council. Effective July 1, 2020. (SB2571 HD1)


SB2559, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Requires businesses in the State to collect a 5 cent offset fee for each plastic or paper disposable checkout bag provided to a customer. Allocates the offset fee: 2 cents to the business and 3 cents to the general fund. Effective 7/1/2010.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #6
7:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

SB2626, SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVICE
PROPOSED HD1: Creates a temporary freeze on the hiring of individuals who perform work which has traditionally been done by State civil service employees by prohibiting the permanent filling, directly or indirectly, any and all positions insulated from partiality from the effective date of this Act through January 2, 2011, which positions insulated from partiality being defined as civil service positions within the State employment system which are compensated at the E.M. pay scale, and all positions in the employment system of a non-governmental employer that require the position holder to perform work that has traditionally been done by State civil service employees. Requires every state agency to report to the legislature all non-civil service, temporary employees employed by the agency for each quarterly period of the fiscal year. Establishes a definition for initial probation period, amends section 76-27(a)(1), HRS, to provide that the initial probation period for a person transferring between a position exempt under section 76-16, HRS, to a civil service position from the effective date of the act until the commencement of the 2011 legislative session.

SB2695, SD1 RELATING TO NON-GENERAL FUNDS
PROPOSED HD1: Addresses the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget shortfall transferring a total of $95,950,000 in excess balances from various non-general funds.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #7
8:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

DECISION MAKING ONLY

SB2493, SD2 RELATING TO USE OF TOBACCO SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Extends sunset date in Act 264, relating to tobacco fund settlement, for continued use by John A. Burns School of Medicine. Requires annual reporting by the University of Hawaii. Reallocates moneys in the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund. (SD2) ($)

SB2001, SD1 RELATING TO TAXATION
Establishes a waiver program to exempt a taxpayer's wagering winnings legally acquired outside of the State during a consecutive 5-day period.

SB2405, SD2 RELATING TO TAXATION
Adopts amendments to Hawaii tax laws to implement the streamlined sales and use tax agreement. Effective 1/1/2099.

SB2543, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY
Creates the Hawaii broadband commission and the Hawaii broadband commissioner to promote and maximize the availability of broadband services in the state. Appropriates funds. Effective July 1, 2112. (SB2543 HD1) ($)

SB2159 RELATING TO TRAFFIC ABSTRACT FEE
Increases the fee for a traffic abstract from $7 to $10 and increases the amount of the fee deposited into the general fund from $5 to $8

Bills of interest for Monday, March 29, 2010

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
9:30 AM – ROOM 312

HCR277/HR199 SUPPORTING THE RECOGNITION OF COCKFIGHTING AS A CULTURAL ACTIVITY


COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
10:00 AM – ROOM 309

HCR141/HR81 SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION OF HAWAIIAN AIRLINES TO PROVIDE AIRLINE SERVICE TO HANEDA AIRPORT IN TOKYO, JAPAN


COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND & OCEAN RESOURCES
10:45 AM – ROOM 325

SB2646 RELATING TO HAWAII SURFING RESERVES
Designates three Hawaii Surfing Reserves, comprising surf breaks off of Waikiki to Kewalo Basin, the north shore of Oahu from Ali'i Beach in Haleiwa to Sunset Beach, and Honolua Bay on the island of Maui. Effective July 1, 2040. (SB2646 HD1)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AGENDA #2
2:30 PM - ROOM 308

SB2469, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO THE EMERGENCY AND BUDGET RESERVE FUND
Appropriates moneys from the emergency and budget reserve fund to maintain levels of programs for education, human services, and health. Effective July 1, 2050. (SB2469 HD1) ($)

Bills of interest for Thursday, March 25th

COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES – HOUSE & SENATE
INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING
10:00 A.M.
FARRINGTON HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

The purpose of the briefing is to discuss the growing crisis of gangs and gang-related violence involving the youth in Hawaii.


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

SB2543, SD2, HD1 RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY
Creates the Hawaii broadband commission and the Hawaii broadband commissioner to promote and maximize the availability of broadband services in the state. Appropriates funds. Effective July 1, 2112. (SB2543 HD1) ($)


SB2563, SD1,HD1 RELATING TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Sets the goal of using alternative fuels to meet 30 percent of highway fuel demand by 2030. Requires the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to impose and collect fees for the administration of the solar water heater system for new residences program. (SB2563 HD1)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #2
11:00 A.M. – ROOM 308

SB950, SD2, HD2 RELATING TO ELECTRIC GUNS
Authorizes law enforcement officers of the Department of Public Safety and conservation and resources enforcement officers of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to use electric guns and related equipment while performing their duties. Effective July 1, 2050. (SB950 HD2)

SB2919, SD1, HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL
Requires the department of public safety to provide security at Hawaii state hospital. Requires a report from department of health, in collaboration with department of public safety, to the legislature on the plan for the provision of short- and long-term security for the needs of the forensic population of the Hawaii state hospital. Effective July 1, 2025. (SB2919 HD1)

SB2494, SD2,HD2 RELATING TO INSURANCE
Requires EUTF health benefits plans to allow enrollees to continue the same prescription drug coverage for current enrollees, and applies this provision retroactively to the 2009 EUTF open enrollment period. Prohibits the Department of Human Services from requiring its approval for a Medicaid or QUEST health plan to deliver services through telehealth, and from requiring in-person health care visits to qualify telehealth services for coverage under these health plans.


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #4
2:00 P.M. – ROOM 308

SB2256, SD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorizes the DOE to adopt rules governing traffic and parking conditions on roadways and areas under the jurisdiction of the DOE, including rules for the assessment of parking fees. Provides that parking fees collected shall be deposited into the same fund into which fees and charges collected for the use of school facilities are deposited; provided that parking fees collected by a school shall be deposited to the credit of that school's nonappropriated local school fund account. (SD1) ($)


COMMITTEE ON FINANCE – AGENDA #5
3:30 P.M. - ROOM 308

SB2124, SD2 RELATING TO THE HURRICANE RELEF FUND
Makes an appropriation from the Hawaii hurricane relief fund to restore the remaining public school instructional days for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years; provided that the moneys shall only be released upon completion of negotiations of parties necessary to execute the restoration of instructional days. Allocates a proportionate amount of the appropriation to charter schools. Requires unexpended funds from each school year to lapse to the Hawaii hurricane relief fund. (SD2) ($)

2010 Hawaii Medal of Honor

At the end of the 2010 Medal of Honor Ceremony, lawmakers and guests stand and await the 21-Gun Salute by the Hickam Air Force Base Honor Guard in the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda.

The Hawaii State House of Representatives and the Hawaii Senate today convened a special joint session to honor military service men and women who were killed in action while serving our country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The families of 20 of the 28 service members honored today accepted the Hawaii Medal of Honor on behalf of their loved ones.

2010 HAWAII MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS

United States Army Specialist Christopher P. Sweet
United States Army Specialist Cwislyn K. Walter
United States Army First Lieutenant Daniel B. Hyde
United States Army Sergeant Raphael A. Futrell
United States Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Francis L. Toner IV
United States Army Sergeant Devin C. Poche
United States Army Corporal Michael J. Anaya
United States Army Command Sergeant Major Benjamin Moore Jr.
United States Army Staff Sergeant Randy S. Agno
United States Air Force First Lieutenant Roslyn L. Schulte
United States Army Sergeant Jasper K. Obakrairur
United States Army Major Rocco M. Barnes
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joshua R. Whittle
United States Army Corporal Casey L. Hills
United States Marine Corps Corporal Matthew R. Lembke
United States Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class (Hospital Corpsman) Anthony C. Garcia
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal James D. Argentine
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Travis T. Babine
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Jay M. Hoskins
United States Marine Corps Corporal Christian A. Guzman Rivera
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal John J. Malone
United States Marine Corps Private First Class Zachary D. TenBrook
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Alfonso Ochoa Jr.
United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Earl R. Scott III
United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mathew C. Heffelfinger
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Mark David Juarez
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jacob A. Meinert

Surfing over 60?

You can do it! This week on The Kukui Connection, Rep. Marilyn Lee speaks to Ann Frost, president of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (HAPTA). The show airs on Sunday, March 21 (repeat April 4) on Oceanic, Olelo Channel 54 at 4 p.m.

Frost works at Queens Medical Center as a director of the physical therapy program at the Women's Health Center. On this episode, she discusses:

*How women and men may have different physical therapy needs based on the types of health issues. For example, women are more prone to osteoporosis, hormone-related conditions, and certain types of cancer.

*How physical therapy is not just for the recuperation from injury. It can help enable you to do activity that will improve the quality of life.

*How physical therapy differs from occupational therapy and massage therapy, although there are overlaps.

*How physical therapy will help you in movement, balance, and exercise - all important elements of good health.

Patsy Mink documentary nominated for EPIC Emerging Artist Award

Kimberlee Bassford, Filmmaker

Hawaii filmmaker Kimberlee Bassford's documentary, "Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority" has been nominated to compete for The White House Project's EPIC Emerging Artist Award.

Bassford is one of 12 nominees selected to compete for the award, which will be determined by an online vote. Voting is open now through March 31 at The White House Project’s website. Here is the link to vote.

The top three vote getters will be invited to the EPIC 2010 gala on April 7 in New York, and the winner revealed at The Secrets of Powerful Women EPIC 2010 After-Party sponsored by Lifetime Television. Special guests include actors Meryl Streep and Geena Davis and journalist Sheryl Wu Dunn.

The White House Project is a national, nonpartisan, non-profit organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, up to the U.S. presidency. Each year, it presents the EPIC Awards to celebrate those in the visual arts and media who have created powerful representations of women in their work.

This year, it created the first-ever EPIC Emerging Artist Award to recognize artists who may not yet have great exposure and are emerging on the national and international scene.

"Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority" is Bassford’s first feature documentary and the first film to explore the life and times of Congresswoman Mink. Mink was the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress and the co-author of Title IX, later renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, the legislation that opened up higher education and athletics for women.

“Patsy’s story captures the spirit of a generation of trailblazing women and shows that one person—armed with vision, drive, and perseverance—can make a difference,” said Bassford.

Patsy Mink was a member of the Territorial House, State Senate, Honolulu City Council and US Congress. In addition, the State of Hawaii was one of the film's funders.

In 2006, the Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus honored Patsy Mink for her lifetime political achievements. Bassford and her film were recognized at the unveiling of the caucus' legislative package.

The documentary premiered at the 2008 Hawaii International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Favorite Documentary. It aired nationally on PBS in May 2009 and has distribution through Women Make Movies.

Click here to view clips from the nominated works and to vote. Here's more information on "Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority."

Principals of the Year

Rep. Roy Takumi (far left), Rep. Lyla Berg (far right) and other House members congratulated Francine Honda as the 2009 Hawaii High School Principal of the Year, Tom Kurashige as the 2009 Hawaii Middle/ Elementary School Principal of the Year, and Ewa Beach Elementary School, Momilani Elementary School, and Royal Elementary School as the 2010 Hawaii Blue Ribbon Schools.

20th Anniversary of the Public Access Room

Representative Denny Coffman today congratulates Suzanne Marinelli (left) and Virginia Beck (right) of the Legislative Reference Bureau's Public Access Room (PAR) on its 20th Anniversary.

PAR serves the citizens of Hawai`i by providing facilities, services and equipment to enhance their ability to participate in the legislative process. You are welcome here to track and affect legislation pending before the Hawai`i State Legislature.

St. Louis 6th graders visit the Capitol

Speaker Calvin Say and George Okuda from Rep. Ken Ito's office talk with 6th graders from St. Louis School early this morning.

UH Sustainable Saunders

Rep. Chris Lee (left) and Rep. K. Mark Takai (right) welcomed the University of Hawaii students spearheading the award winning "Sustainable Saunders" clean energy project. The House of Representatives presented the group with a certificate of appreciation on March 15th.

Youth Speaks Hawaii

Rep. Della Au Belatti welcomes Youth Speaks Hawaii, an award winning poetry slam group, to the House of Representatives. The group was presented with a certificate of appreciation on Monday, March 15th.

Bills of Interst for Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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

SB2188 RELATING TO DENTISTRY
Redefines the practice of dentistry to include teeth whitening.

SB2491 RELATING TO TELEMEDICINE
Clarifies telehealth as a practice of medicine. Amends liability insurance provisions to allow for telehealth coverage under medical malpractice insurance. Effective 7/1/50. (SD2)

SB2811 RELATING TO PHARMACIES
Requires all pharmacies and remote dispensing pharmacies to have the capacity to accommodate electronic prescriptions. Requires all pharmacies and dispensing pharmacies to maintain prescription records electronically. Effective 7/1/50. (SD2)


COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION, BUSINESS & MILITARY AFFAIRS
10:30 A.M. – ROOM 325

SB2559, SD2 PROPOSED HD1 – DECISION MAKING ONLY
Requires businesses in the State to charge and collect a 5-cent offset fee for each disposable checkout bag provided to a customer. Allocated the offset fee: 2 cents to the business and 3 cents to the general fund. Effective 7/1/2010


COMMITTEE ON HEALTH/COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
11:15 A.M. – ROOM 329

SB2099, SD2 PROPOSED HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH
Sets requirements for obtaining a certificate of need for a proposed renal dialysis facility and the amount of health care services that must be provided by new and existing renal dialysis facilities to continue to qualify under the certificate of need process.


COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
2:15 A.M. – ROOM 325

SB2937 RELATING TO INFORMATION PRACTICES
Enacts an abuse of process law for vexatious requesters of public records. Effective January 1, 2050. (SD1)

SB2772 RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE
Permits the board of veterinary medicine to revoke or suspend a license or fine a licensee for conduct or practice that violates recognized principles of veterinary medical ethics. (SD2)

SB950 RELATING TO ELECTRIC GUNS
Authorizes law enforcement officers of the department of public safety and conservation and resources enforcement officers of the department of land and natural resources to use electric guns and related equipment while performing their duties. Effective July 1, 2050. (HB950 HD1)

SB2081 RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL
Increases the fine for littering. Requires moneys to be deposited into the county general fund for the county that imposed the fine or if the fine is imposed by the state, into the Environmental Management Special Fund (Special Fund). Authorizes moneys in the Special Fund to be used for enforcing the litter control law and criminal littering law. (SB2081 HD1)

SB2045 RELATING TO CRIME
Establishes class A and B felony sexual human trafficking offenses, and provisions related to prosecution of the offenses. Effective July 1, 2050. (SD1)

Keith Amemiya on "Kukui Connection"

Keith Amemiya. Photo: Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Keith Amemiya, former executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, and now executive administrator for the UH Board of Regents, will be the special guest on The Kukui Connection, hosted by Rep. Marilyn Lee. The show will air on March 14th, 4:00 p.m., on Olelo channel 54. It repeats on March 28th. Amemiya is an attorney by trade and was highly regarded for improving high school athletics in the state during his 10-year tenure at HHSAA.