Jan

30

Senators Brief the Media on Senate Bills 239

Articles / Education

Senator Michelle Kidani, who oversees all Capital Improvement Program projects for the Senate and serves as Senate Committee on Ways and Means Vice Chair, and Senator David Y. Ige, Senate Committee on Ways and Means chair, briefed the media on the passage of Senate Bill 809. The bill was passed on final reading by both the Senate and the House Chambers on January 30, 2012.

Senate Bill 809 increases University of Hawaii (UH) authorization to issue revenue bonds from a total principal amount not to exceed $200 million to a total amount not to exceed $300 million to fund UH construction projects, which would stimulate the economy and generate construction jobs. Upon passage of the bill, UH will query the campuses to compile a listing for the use of the appropriation and plans to start projects no later than Spring 2012. One of the projects that will benefit is the Culinary Institute at Kapiolani Community College, which will finally be able to begin construction.

To view the video click here.

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Jan

30

Legislature United in Passing “Fast Track” Bills That Would Create Jobs, Boost Economy

Articles / Education / Press Releases

HONOLULU –  In a united effort, the Hawaii State Senate and the House of Representatives this morning voted to pass Senate Bills 239 and 809.  Conference Committees convened two weeks ago to “fast track” both measures that were carried over from the 2011 session.

Senate Bill 809 increases University of Hawaii (UH) authorization to issue revenue bonds from a total principal amount not to exceed $200 million to a total amount not to exceed $300 million to fund UH construction projects, which would stimulate the economy and generate construction jobs.   Upon passage of the bill, UH will query the campuses to compile a listing for the use of the appropriation and plans to start projects no later than Spring 2012.  One of the projects that will benefit is the Culinary Institute at Kapiolani Community College, which will finally be able to begin construction.

This bill is in line with the goals of the session, which is to create a win-win situation in job creation and addressing our aging infrastructure,” said Sen. Jill Tokuda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education.

I’m very pleased that the Legislature was able to fast track the bill to raise the revenue bond ceiling for the University of Hawaii,” said Rep. Scott Nishimoto, House Chair of the Higher Education Committee.  “Not only will it allow the University to move forward on projects to improve the campuses, but it will provide much needed construction jobs to help stimulate the economy.”

Sen. Michelle Kidani, who oversees all the Capital Improvement Program projects for the Senate and serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, echoed similar sentiments. “This goes along with our belief this session that we should be implementing more Capital Improvement Programs in order to put more people back to work,” she said.

“It’s another tool for the University.  We’ve been delegating to them a lot more fiscal flexibility and this revenue bond authorization would allow them to act without legislative approval explicitly,” said Sen. David Y. Ige, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The University will be able to bring on the projects quicker and a more timely fashion.”

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 239 allows the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) to continue using the Hawaii Tobacco Settlement Special Fund for the school’s operational expenses. Extending the life of the fund would result in supporting the school’s mission of training physicians.

“This bill allows us to extend the authority for JABSOM to use the Hawaii Tobacco Settlement Fund.  This will allow us to grow our own doctors and increase our healthcare providers and address the doctor shortage,” said Tokuda.

“JABSOM is the lifeline for physician providers, so without this bill our healthcare could worsen.  We need to show one hundred support for our medical school,” added Sen. Josh Green, M.D., Chair of the Senate Committee on Health.

“JABSOM is a critically important component of Hawaii’s health community,” said Rep. Ryan Yamane, House Chair of the Health Committee.    “Even during this challenging economic period, we will continue to work with the medical school to help ensure that their operations are adequately funded.”

The bills will now go to Governor Abercrombie for consideration.

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Jan

27

Hawaii Legislature Show Support for holding NFL Pro Bowl game in Hawai’i

Articles

Honolulu, Hawaii. Senate President Shan Tsutsui and House Speaker Calvin Say today announced the continued support by the Hawaii State Legislature for hosting the NFL Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium.

The two-year contract with the NFL in which the state pays the NFL $4 million per game expires this year. Although contract negotiations with the Hawaii Tourism Authority are in progress, the NFL has said that they are keeping their options open and looking at other venues for the game.

In a letter signed by Say and Tsutsui and sent to Mike McCartney, President and Chief Executive Office of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, lawmakers expressed their “continued support for holding the Pro Bowl game in the State of Hawaii at Aloha Stadium, and we are willing to provide necessary support and assistance to help ensure that Hawai’i will once again play host to the Pro Bowl in the future. We encourage you to make every effort to secure a new contract with the NFL.”

The NFL Pro Bowl is a national sporting event that Hawaii families and fans look forward to every year. I strongly support its return, “ said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.  “The organization has become an important part of our community and its players have given so generously to our local charities and to the people of Hawaii.”

The Pro Bowl generates about $28 million in visitor spending and in excess of $3 million in state tax revenues. It has been held in Hawaii since 1979, except in 2010 when it was moved to Miami. Boasting sold-out games and over 13 million viewers each year, the Pro Bowl has provided invaluable global exposure to the Hawaiian Islands.

 

 

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Jan

27

Women’s Legislative Caucus Dedicates 2012 Legislative Package to Female Veterans

Articles / Press Releases

Maui Veteran Chelsea Fernandez Recognized for her Outstanding Work

Maui Senator Roz Baker listens to the inspiring words of Iraq veteran Chelsea Fernandez. (L-R President of Maui Business and Professional Women Isla Young , Senator Roz Baker, and Iraq veteran Chelsea Fernandez)

Honolulu- The Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus unveiled their 2012 legislative package on Thursday, January 26, 2012. This year’s series of bills and resolutions are dedicated to women veterans who have served our country abroad, and continue to live at home, despite the many trials they face post-deployment.

Disabled Iraq war veteran, mother, student, entrepreneur, and Maui citizen Chelsea K.E. Fernandez was amongst the women veterans requested to speak before the Caucus for her service and outstanding work in the community on behalf of persons with disabilities.  Fernandez was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder as a result of her service in the U.S. Army Reserve and tour in Iraq.

Following her military service Fernandez continues to serve her community from the private sector. Confronted at a young age with the death of her two-month-old sister, who passed away in part of complications from both physical deformities and Down syndrome, she is fulfilling a dream of serving the disabled community of Maui. The president and co-founder of FernanTech Inc., Fernandez is embarking on a new journey, moving the company in another direction by opening a new branch called Hawaii Assistive Technology Company (HATCO). HATCO’s mission will be to provide our disabled and/or impaired community the chance to live independently by bringing in new technologies to aid the differently-abled in their day-to-day living.

Today we have an unprecedented number of women serving in our arm forces.  These women are amongst the most dedicated and resilient of people, bravely serving their community at home and from afar,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui. “Chelsea Fernandez serves as a role model for all returning veterans. She has persevered through a disability, which confronts many of our heroic men and women in uniform, and continues to serve her country through the private sector. It is important that we ensure that all of our service members, regardless of gender, have access to the appropriate care and services.”

The measures introduced by the caucus cover a broad range of issues, including resolutions in support of the brave work of women veterans. The package also recognizes the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free or low-cost housing to veterans and families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus is bipartisan and is comprised of the 26 women members of the Senate and House who work together specifically on wide range of issues affecting women in Hawaii.  Caucus members include Senators Roz Baker, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Pohai Ryan, Maile Shimabukuro, Malama Solomon, and Jill Tokuda and Representatives Karen Awana, Della Au Belatti, Rida T.R. Cabanilla, Mele Carroll, Corinne W.L. Ching, Cindy Evans, Faye P. Hanohano, Sharon Har, Linda Ichiyama, Jo Jordan, Marilyn Lee, Sylvia Luke, Barbara Marumoto, Dee Morikawa, Kymberly Marcos Pine, Cynthia Thielen, and Jessical Wooley.

A complete list of the bills and resolutions introduced by the Women’s Legislative Caucus can be found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/report.aspx?type=package&key=12&name=Women%27s+Legislative+Caucus.  In order to be included in the caucus package, each measure must receive a 2/3 vote of the women legislators.

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Jan

26

Hawaii State Senate Introduces More Than One Thousand Bills

Articles

HONOLULU –  The Hawaii State Senate has introduced 1, 072 bills on this second year of the 26th Legislative biennium.  Wednesday, January 25, 2012 was the deadline for bill introductions.   The measures are now being sent to their respective committees for consideration.

In the 2011 Session, Senators introduced 1,558 bills.

For more information on the bills and on the Legislature, go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.

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Jan

25

Legislature to Discuss Race to the Top Program Status

Articles / Education


Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda talks about the purpose of today’s, January 25, 2012, upcoming joint Education informational briefing to discuss the progress of Hawaii’s Race to the Top grant status. Chair Tokuda briefly touches upon teacher evaluation, potential legislation, Race to the Top assurances, and Hawaii’s ability to hold on to those funds.

Click here to view the notice of informational briefing.

 

Click here to view the video.

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Jan

25

Bill Introduction Deadline

Articles

Today marks the bill introduction deadline for the Hawaii State Legislature. To see the current list of all Senate Bills introduced this Session, click on the link to the website report: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/report.aspx?type=introsbactive.

You can also access that list and other lists of current legislation by going to the Legislature’s website, www.capitol.hawaii.gov, by clicking on the “Reports and Lists” button on the home page, and selecting one of the many lists and reports available for your review.  The reports are easily downloadable for your use.  On these reports, you can also find specific bills; just enter (Ctrl-F) and type in keywords to search through the titles, descriptions and report titles in the list.

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Jan

25

Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces “Move Over” Bill

Articles / Press Releases / Public Safety, Government Operations, & Military Affairs / Transportation

HONOLULU – In the wake of a recent tragic traffic fatality involving a Honolulu Police officer, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz is introducing a measure that would require a driver to take certain safety precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped ahead of a driver while performing official duties.

Senate Bill 2663 requires approaching drivers to slow down and make a lane change to an adjacent lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle.  If the bill becomes law, a driver would face a misdemeanor if convicted.  If the violation results in fatality, the driver could face up to a charge of negligent homicide in the first degree.

We have lost two Honolulu Police officers while in the line of duty over the past four months.  We must enact laws that further protects and ensures the safety of our emergency responders,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea.   “Our community mourns the loss of the Honolulu Police officer who was stationed in Wahiawa.”

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Jan

24

Windward Oahu Community to Receive Update on Natural Resources

Articles / In the Community / Press Releases

Kailua, Oahu — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be updating the Kailua residents about projects under its jurisdiction on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Kainalu Elementary School.  

The DLNR representatives presenting are:

  • Guy Kaulukukui, DLNR Deputy Director, will provide division reports for the Windward District
  • Ed Underwood, of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation-Kailua Bay
  • Paul Conry, of Hamakua Wetlands, Kawainui Marsh and Ulupo
  • The Division of Forestry and Wildlife-Off-Shore Islands

This is an opportunity for the community to learn about the precious natural resources that surround their neighborhood and how to protect and preserve them,” said Sen. Pohai Ryan, who represents Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and Kailua.

A viewing of “The Rain Follows the Forest,” a half-hour film illustrating the importance of watershed protection and restoration will also be held at the meeting.  In the film, Local Actor Jason Scott Lee sets out to learn fresh water supply and our upland forest environment.

The public will also be able to browse through informational displays by the DLNR.

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Jan

24

Discussion of the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force 2012 Report

Articles / Commerce & Consumer Protection

On January 19, 2012, the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force presented its report to the Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection and the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce during a joint informational briefing.

The task force was created by the Legislature in 2010 by Act 162 to conduct an extensive analysis of factors affecting mortgage foreclosures in the state and to provide recommendations to the Legislature. The result of their work assisted in the 2011 enactment of Act 48 (Senate Bill 651), a measure that  reforms the foreclosure process by implementing additional protections to individuals facing foreclosure or at-risk of foreclosure.

During the joint informational briefing, the legislative committees were able to hear from the task force about refining the requirements and procedures specified in Act 48. The task force also looked ways that the dispute resolution and the counseling provisions in the law can work better for consumers.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection Chair Roz Baker explained that the committee will be looking at pieces of legislation and will introduce measures to implement the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force’s recommendations. In conjunction with the tasks force’s recommendations, the committee will also be looking at statutes and procedures relating to lien foreclosures by condominiums and homeowner associations.

Highlights from the report’s final recommendations included include:

  • Make permanent the process under Act 48 for converting nonjudicial foreclosures of residential property into judicial foreclosures;
  • Address practical challenges in the operation of the mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program;
  • Establish an alternate power of sale foreclosure process specifically for condominium and other homeowner associations;
  • Provide planned community associations organized under chapter 421J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, with the same options as condominium associations with regard to association liens for assessments and the collection of unpaid assessments from tenants or rental agents;
  • Place time limits on condominium and other homeowner association liens for assessments, and prohibit such liens arising solely from fines, penalties, or late fees;
  • Provide specific language explaining the foreclosure process for the public information notice that must be distributed by persons intending to use the power of sale foreclosure process under part II of chapter 667, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
  • Clarify, improve, and correct errors in the provisions of Act 48, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011.

The complete Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force report is available for download at: http://lrbhawaii.info/reports/legrpts/2012/mort.pdf.

 To view video click here.

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