Senate Majority Caucus

Bill’s Introducer Senator Gary L. Hooser Considers Groundbreaking Action “Vital”

Hawaii has become the first state in the nation to pass into law a requirement that all new homes built after January 1, 2010, be equipped with solar or other energy efficient hot water systems. Signed into law by Hawaii’s governor on June 26, the bill’s introducer, Senate Majority Leader Gary L. Hooser (D-Kaua’i, Ni’ihau) said, “Hawaii is almost totally dependent on imported oil for its energy needs and estimates show that, with this law, our oil consumption will be cut by 30,000 barrels during the first year and continues to decline exponentially thereafter.” (more…)

Yesterday, Governor Linda Lingle published a list of bills that she is considering for veto.

By law, she is required to notify the Legislature of her intent to veto by Monday, June 23, 2008. She has until Tuesday, July 8th to make a final decision. Even if the bill is on her “list,” the Governor may reconsider and allow the bill to become law with or without her signature.

Note to Members:  In anticipation of over-riding numerous veto’s of various Bills that are being considered by the Governor, all members are requested to please reserve this date and be present in the Senate Chambers at 10 a.m. on July 8, 2008.

By Hawaii State Senator Will Espero

A couple of years ago, TIME magazine noted that high gas prices would succeed where all other efforts failed in persuading Americans to conserve gas when driving. TIME was right. In the last several weeks, the morning commute to town has shortened dramatically, even without school breaks, as residents adopted other ways to save at the pump. Carpool, Vanpool, TheBoat, TheBus, bicycle, motorcycles and motor scooters, and moving closer to your job – these are all ways that people have switched to in the effort to survive the climbing prices of gas.

Of course, if the rail was already here, we’d also have that option. (more…)