Senate Majority Caucus

The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor has approved a bill that would protect reporters from having to disclose their information and sources.

Committee members voted unanimously this morning to pass House Bill 2557, the so-called “shield law” that has attracted attention over the past few months from the attorney general, the Hawai`i Supreme Court, the county prosecutor, the police department, the Society of Professional Journalists and numerous other media-related entities. (more…)

Last Thursday, students from around the state followed legislators to session, hearings, meetings and various other events at the Capitol. The students were winners of the Leader for a Day essay contest, which required them to detail in 500 words what they would do to improve the quality of life in Hawai`i if they were state leaders. Abigail Macadamia of Waipahu Intermediate School joined Sen. Clarence Nishihara on the Senate floor.

Katie Snuggerud, right, accompanied Sen. Lorraine Inouye at a human rights awareness information fair. Snuggerud was the winner from Hilo High School and traveled from the Big Island for the event.

Twelve senators and 27 representatives hosted student shadows from their districts. At the end of the day, Sen. Brian Taniguchi enjoyed a meal with Lauren Au, a student from Noelani Elementary School.

Maxamina Catian helps a child in the Keiki Steps early education demonstration to build with blocks.

Senators stressed the need for early childhood education this morning with visits to the annual Champions for Children event and a press conference discussing bills related to children and education. Organizations like Child & Family Service, YMCA and Head Start hosted educational booths at the Capitol, and the Keiki Steps program provided an example of a play-and-learn preschool group.

Among the bills introduced this session is Senate Bill 2878, which establishes a similar Keiki First Steps Program to educate children from ages 0 to 5. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Norman Sakamoto (D- Kalihi, Moanalua Gardens, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Ridge,`Aiea), says that early learning systems will produce long-term benefits for children that include school success, reduced crime, reduced dropout rates and increased workforce productivity.

Sen. Will Espero visits with a representative from the PATCH child care agency at the Champions for Children event.

According to the bill, Hawai`i’s children need support and guidance starting at birth to reach their full potential as citizens. A comprehensive early learning system provides quality opportunities for young children. (more…)

The State Senate approved Senate Bill 1 Senate Draft 1 during floor session today.  The House Finance and Transportation Committees will be hearing the proposal at 1:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Auditorium.

Senator Taniguchi’s Floor Speech

Senator Hooser’s Floor Remarks

Audio of Senator Hooser’s Floor Speech (17Mb) (MP3 File)

Senator Tsutsui’s Floor Remarks

Senator Gabbard’s Floor Speech

Senator Baker’s Floor Remarks

Senator Ihara’s Floor Speech

State Senate Passes Compromise Superferry Bill

The state Senate this morning voted 20 to 5 to pass a compromise bill that would allow Hawaii Superferry to resume operations while the state conducts an environmental impact statement. Continue Reading.

Honolulu Advertiser; Monday, October 29, 2007.

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa today announced that three state senators will voluntarily shift their committee assignments for the next legislative session, and a new committee will be created.        

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