Feb

22

Senate Observes Five-Day Recess

Press Releases

HONOLULU –  Beginning tomorrow, February 23, 2012, the Senate will begin its five-day recess.  During this time, legislators may use this opportunity to spend time in their communities and with their constituencies, including providing their constituents with updates on pending legislation.

During a recess, the Legislature does not formally convene for floor session.  However, legislative offices are open and committee hearings are conducted as usual.

This recess period is required by the State Constitution, which calls for a five-day recess between the 20th and 40th legislative days.

Floor session will resume on March 1, 2012.

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Feb

22

Lawmakers Host Town Hall Meeting

In the Community / Press Releases

WHO:  Senator Carol Fukunaga, District 11, encompassing Makiki, Punchbowl, Ala Moana and McCully

Representative Della Au Bellati, District 25, encompassing Tantalus, Makiki and McCully

Representative Sylvia Luke, District 26, encompassing Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa and Punchbowl

WHAT:  Hosting town hall meeting to receive updates on Capital Improvement Program projects at Stevenson Middle School.   Instructors at Stevenson Middle will also provide updates on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects.   Lawmakers will provide  legislative updates and discuss reapportionment.  The new reapportionment maps separate upper and lower Makiki into three House districts.  “The Makiki community has been together since 1991, and for over thirty years, reapportionment commissions have recognized the H-1 Freeway as a significant lower boundary of Makiki,” said Representative Belatti.

WHEN:  Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Stevenson Middle School

I encourage the community to come and get the latest information on the improvement projects happening at Stevenson Middle, as well as hear about the great things the school is doing with their STEM program,” said Sen. Fukunaga.  “It will also give community members a chance to talk to lawmakers and give their input on bills we are working on.”

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Feb

22

Sen. Malama Solomon Welcomes North Hawai’i Community to Mid-Legislative Session Update in Waimea Thurs., Feb. 23, 2012

In the Community / Press Releases

Sen. Malama Solomon will begin a five-day Legislative recess with a community update from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 23, 2012 at the Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and concerns about legislative priorities while there is still time to amend bills before First Decking on March 2, and First Crossover on March 8, 2012. (First Decking and First Crossover determine what measures are still “alive” and becoming more fine-tuned in the legislative process.)

The community is invited to discuss any issue of concern, including public education, job creation, watershed protection and related game animal concerns, expediting geothermal and other alternative energy resource development, mortgage relief, taxation, etc. Also up for discussion will be major Capital Improvement Project (CIP) requests and ongoing CIP projects including improvements to Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, Kawaihae Harbor and agricultural water systems.

Sen. Solomon has invited representatives of several state agencies to participate in a discussion of issues that are high on the 2012 Legislative agenda, including State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Alapaki Nahale’a, Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Jimmy Nakatani, Department of Transportation’s Hawai’i District Airports Manager Chauncey Wong Yuen, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Robert Lindsey.

Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant is a large warehouse co-op run by Waimea’s Lalamilo farmers in partnership with the State Department of Agriculture to cool down Waimea-grown vegetables before being shipped to market. It is located on Mamalahoa Highway townside of Lalamilo Farm Lots. The entry to the cooling plant warehouse is almost directly across from the new Ala ‘Ohia Highway (also known as the new Parker Ranch connector road). The cooling plant has large bay entry doors so warm jackets are suggested and hot coffee will be provided.

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Feb

22

State Legislature to Host 4th Annual “Art At The Capitol” on March’s First Friday

Capitol Meetings and Events / Press Releases

YouTube Video Previews of some of the Artworks Posted Daily on the Art at the Capitol Facebook Page

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Legislature will open its doors for March’s First Friday event with the 4th Annual “Art at the Capitol.”  This is a unique opportunity for the public to view over 460 works of art placed in the offices of legislators and executive offices. The event will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m., with a short program on the third floor to start at 4:45 p.m.

The works of art placed in the offices of the Hawaii State Capitol are a part of the State’s Art in Public Places Collection (APP). Attendees will be able to visit fifty-two offices in both the House and the Senate, including the Public Access Room. This year, the Offices of the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor are joining the event for the first time.

During the event, guests will enjoy entertainment featuring live chamber music by quartets from Punahou and Hawaii Youth Symphony, and be able to mingle with artists and lawmakers. Some of the artists in attendance will be Ron Ken, Laura Ruby, Lori Uyehara, Ruthadell Anderson and Darrell Orwig.

Two short films documenting the history behind the Aquarius mosaic, located in the rotunda, and the two wall tapestries hanging in the Senate and House Chambers, will be shown on the fourth floor.  Keiko Sato, Tadashi Sato’s sister, shares her perspective on the renowned artist’s journey to creating Aquarius.  Ruthadell Anderson, creator of the Senate and House tapestries, takes viewers back in time to when she and her team spent hundreds of hours weaving the pieces of art.

For a preview of some of the art in the offices, a video series called “Art at the Capitol 2012: What’s on your wall?” can be found on the Art at the Capitol YouTube and Facebook accounts. New videos featuring a lawmaker talking about artworks from their office will be posted daily until the day of the event. The YouTube link is http://www.youtube.com/artatthecapitolhi, and the Facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii.

Each year this event keeps getting bigger and better,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi, who has led efforts to open the Capitol on First Friday. “Our State Capitol is like the Louvre in Paris, where we house a vast collection of art in a variety of mediums.  We are lucky to be able to display these amazing works of art in our offices, and we wanted to make it more convenient for people to come in and see them all at once, to get the full impact of the collection.”

Life without art is to exist, with art is to live,” added Rep. Isaac Choy, who coordinates efforts on the House side to bring Art at the Capitol alive each year. “That’s my philosophy and the reason why I appreciate creativity and supporting our local artists. Imagine our state buildings without the ‘Art in Public Places Program’.  We wouldn’t have these amazing pieces that enhance our environment, perpetuate our history and culture, and bring to us greater appreciation for the islands.”

Works of art are placed in public areas of the State Capitol as part of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ “Art in Public Places” program, which seeks to enhance the environmental quality of state public buildings and spaces for the enjoyment and enrichment of the public; cultivate the public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of visual arts; contribute toward the development and recognition of a professional artistic community; and acquire, preserve, and display works of art expressive of the character of the Hawaiian Islands, the multicultural heritage of its people, and the various creative interests of its artists. The program was established in 1967, and was the first program of its kind in the nation.

 

 

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Feb

21

Senate Passes The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012

Press Releases / Ways and Means

HONOLULU–  The Senate unanimously passed The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012 (Senate Bill 2012) today.  The bill will go to the House next for consideration.

Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, is an aggressive $500 million general obligation bond-funded Capital Improvement Program package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state.

We are proud of this legislation, which has united all members of the Senate,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.  “This bill will get our economic engine going and create much-needed jobs that will get thousands of people off the bench and back to work.”

With Hawaii experiencing the lowest interest rates on record and significant savings made from the State’s most recent bond authorization and issuance, now is the time to invest in our State. The program will appropriate funds for shovel-ready projects that will create jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants.  According to conservative estimates by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain more than 5,000 jobs.

We have an opportunity to address long-standing needs in a cost effective manner.  Interest rates are at an historic low and bids for contracted work are currently coming in at discounted rates,” said Senator David Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  “The convergence of these factors makes now the opportune time to make an aggressive investment in our state’s infrastructure.”

Projects under consideration will focus on repair and maintenance needs to address aging infrastructure concerns and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities.  It will also include those that address health and safety code concerns.  A portion of Governor Abercrombie’s $300 million request for construction projects that are shovel-ready or address repair and maintenance concerns are funded by the measure.

The State departments currently identified as part of the Program are:  the Department of Education, including the State Public Library System; the University of Hawaii, including athletic facilities; the Department of Accounting and General Services; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health, and health care facilities of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, the Department of Human Services; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary.  Funding will be allocated depending on each department’s needs and ability to commence work immediately.

Here are highlights of the funding:

–$150,000,000 for repair and maintenance projects and to address infrastructure needs, such as science and technology, electricity, and other utility infrastructure improvements, within the public school system.

–$3,000,000 for repair and maintenance projects within the Hawaii State Library system.

–$90,000,000 for capital renewal and deferred maintenance projects of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

–$25,000,000 for capital renewal and deferred maintenance projects within the University of Hawaii community college system.

–$60,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

–$40,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Department of Human Services.

–$40,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaic technology.  Investing in renewable energy and upgrades to information technology initiatives throughout schools, hospitals, and office buildings will ultimately lead to cost savings and a reduction of the State’s carbon footprint.

In order to expedite the backlog of repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 makes revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement processes.  As a result, the accelerated processes will expedite the creation of jobs and facilitate the return to work for many of our residents.

This measure means that badly needed repairs and deferred maintenance projects that many state facilities have waited years to do can finally be given the green light to proceed.  Passing this legislation now would be an excellent way for us to create the needed jobs for our unemployed trade workers.  All companies, including small businesses, are encouraged to register with the State Procurement Office’s online system in order to be eligible to bid on projects,” said Senator Michelle Kidani, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and oversees Capital Improvements Projects for the Senate.   “The process is fair and transparent with bids posted publicly for everyone to see.”

If the measure passes the House and the Governor approves the bill, projects could begin immediately.

For more information on the bill:  http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

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Feb

17

Senator Speaks at Forum on Micronesian Issues in Hawaii

In the Community / International Affairs / Press Releases

 Honolulu –  Senator J. English, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, was among several notable panelists at a forum called, “Micronesian Connections.”  Held yesterday, the forum was sponsored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Ethnic Studies Department and Center for Pacific Island Studies.

The ideal in the United States is non-discrimination, however putting it into practice is the challenge,” said Senator English.   “There are so many productive members of the Micronesian community, but it’s unfortunate that the negative stories are the ones that gain attention.”

Students discussed personal stories of struggles and discrimination while experts in the field of health, housing and education discussed the status of the Micronesian community.

Senator English has been active with the Micronesian community.  Earlier this month, he hosted newly elected Republic of Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak and First Lady Anono Lieom Loeak during their inaugural visit to Hawaii.

Senator English has been a strong supporter for the Center for Pacific Island Studies over the years.  The Center serves is both an academic department and a place that brings together people and resources to promote an understanding of the Pacific Islands.

The Center for Pacific Island Studies is a great place to begin discussion on how the community can improve the perception of Micronesians,” said Senator English.

 

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Feb

14

Transportation Committee Chair Applauds Hawaiian’s Green Efforts

Press Releases / Transportation

Sen. J. Kalani English, along with Mark Dunkerly, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines and Governor Neil Abercrombie

HONOLULU–   Senate Committee on Transportation Chair J. Kalani English applauds Hawaiian Airlines for earning the first-ever aviation based carbon credits.  Hawaiian reduced its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by nearly 22,000 metric tons over the past six years using an innovative, eco-friendly engine washing technology developed by Pratt & Whitney.

“I congratulate Hawaiian Airlines for being a leader in the aviation industry through this significant achievement in being environmentally friendly,” said Senator J. Kalani English.  “Hawaiian has demonstrated great efforts in being progressive in its green initiatives.”

A carbon credit is a verified means of measuring the reduction of industrial CO2 emissions from the environment, with one credit equal to the removal of one ton of CO2. Hawaiian’s earning of carbon credits has been quantified and certified under the Verified Carbon Standard, the world’s leading independent standard for the measurement and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of carbon credits.

The engine washing technology has saved the company more than 2.5 million gallons of fuel, along with an estimated 26,000 gallons of water that would have been used with traditional washing methods.  Hawaiian’s engine washing program is part of a broader continuous effort to mitigate high fuel costs and their impact on its customers.

Hawaiian implements green initiatives, including recycling of waste materials and use of renewable and biodegradable resources in onboard meal packaging and utensil.

“Future generations will definitely benefit from what Hawaiian Airlines is doing today to be earth-friendly.”

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Feb

10

Senate Committee on Ways and Means Passes The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012

Press Releases / Ways and Means

HONOLULU–  The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today passed The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012, Senate Bill 2012, out of committee with amendments.  The bill will go before the full Senate for a floor vote next week.

Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, is an aggressive $500 million general obligation bond-funded Capital Improvement Program package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state.

My colleagues and I felt that we wanted to do a flagship bill to put people back to work.  We felt that the best way to do it was to take projects that were already on the books, such as deferred repair and maintenance type projects that the departments had wanted for years and get them done.  We take care of the facilities and at the same time, put people back to work,” said Senator Michelle Kidani, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and oversees Capital Improvements Projects for the Senate.

With Hawaii experiencing the lowest interest rates on record and significant savings made from the State’s most recent bond authorization and issuance, now is the time to invest in our State. The program will appropriate funds for shovel-ready jobs projects that will create jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants.  According to conservative estimates by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain more than 5,000 jobs.

We have an opportunity to address long-standing needs in a cost effective manner.  Interest rates are at a historic low and bids for contracted work are currently coming in at discounted rates,” said Senator David Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  “The convergence of these factors makes now the opportune time to make an aggressive investment in our state’s infrastructure.”

Projects under consideration will focus on repair and maintenance needs to address aging infrastructure concerns and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities.  Projects will include those that address health and safety code concerns.  The State departments currently identified as part of the Program are:  the Department of Education, including the State Public Library System; the University of Hawaii, including athletic facilities; the Department of Accounting and General Services; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health, and health care facilities of the Hawaii Health Systems, the Department of Human Services; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary.  Funding will be allocated depending on department needs and ability to commence work immediately.

Here are highlights of the funding:

–$150,000,000 for repair and maintenance projects and to address infrastructure needs, such as science and technology, electricity, and other utility infrastructure improvements, within the public school system.

–$3,000,000 for repair and maintenance projects within the Hawaii State Library system.

–$90,000,000 for capital renewal and deferred maintenance projects of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

–$25,000,000 for capital renewal and deferred maintenance projects within the University of Hawaii community college system.

–$60,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

–$40,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Department of Human Services.

–$40,000,000  for repair and maintenance projects of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaic technology.  Investing in renewable energy and upgrades to information technology initiatives throughout schools, hospitals, and office buildings will ultimately lead to cost savings and a reduction of the State’s carbon footprint.

In order to expedite the backlogged repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 makes revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement process.  As a result, the accelerated process will expedite the creation of jobs and facilitate the return to work for many of our residents.

If the measure passes the House and the Governor approves the bill, projects could begin immediately.

For more information on the bill:  http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

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Feb

10

State-Federal Mortgage Servicing Settlement to be Discussed

Commerce & Consumer Protection / Press Releases

 

HONOLULU – In reaction to a landmark state-federal deal with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses and fraud during the housing crisis, the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection along with the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce will be holding an informational briefing to discuss the settlement terms and its conditions.  The briefing will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 10am in conference room 229, at the State Capitol.

Attorney General David M. Louie, this past Thursday, formally joined attorneys general in 48 other states, including the District of Columbia, in a $25 billion deal with Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial.  Oklahoma did not join the settlement and will not receive any money.

Hawaii’s estimated share of the settlement is over $71 million. Under the agreement, $8.2 million will go to the State to help address future mortgage loan servicing practices, such as counseling and mediation programs and grants. Hawaii homeowners will receive $63 million from loan term modifications and other direct relief.  From the $63 million, $3.2 million will be paid directly to homeowners who were improperly foreclosed upon between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Those who suffered servicing abuse could apply and would qualify for up to $2,000 in cash payments.

The agreement forces an overhaul to mortgage servicing practices.  The settlement imposes new requirements that will address robo signing abuses, document deficiencies, dual tracking, relationships with active military personnel, forced placed insurance, technology systems, loss mitigations and servicing.

“This really is a landmark settlement.  Through some of the laws Congress and the Legislature have passed, and now with the vigor of the Attorneys General and our AG in particular a framework to protect the interest of Hawaii homeowners has been established.  There are going to be resources coming to this State to help homeowners and not just the ones who have been wrongly foreclosed but folks into the future.  I look forward to working with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Attorney General in tweeking Act 48, which this landmark settlement nicely dovetails, “  said Senator Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.   She introduced Senate Bill 651 during the 2010 legislative session, which the governor signed into law (Act 48) last May.

Act 48 aims to reform the foreclosure process by implementing additional protections for individuals facing foreclosure or who are at-risk of foreclosure. Among other things, the measure establishes a temporary mortgage foreclosure dispute resolution program and authorizes conversion from nonjudicial to judicial foreclosure.

To view video click here.

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Feb

07

Hearing Set for The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012

Press Releases / Ways and Means

WHAT: The Senate Committee on Ways and Means will hear Senate Bill 2012, also known as “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012”

WHEN: 9 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2012

WHERE: Conference Room 211, Hawaii State Capitol

TO SUBMIT TESTIMOMY:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-10-12_.HTM

Testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the hearing.

 

BACKGROUND:

Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, is an aggressive $500 million general obligation bond-funded Capital Improvement Program package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state.

With Hawaii experiencing the lowest interest rates on record and significant savings made from the State’s most recent bond authorization and issuance, now is the time to invest in our State. The program will appropriate funds for shovel-ready jobs projects that will create jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants.  According to conservative estimates by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain more than 5,000 jobs.

Projects under consideration will focus on repair and maintenance needs to address aging infrastructure concerns and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities.  Projects will include those that address health and safety code concerns.  The State departments currently identified as part of the Program are:  the Department of Education, including the State Public Library System; the University of Hawaii, including athletic facilities; the Department of Accounting and General Services; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health, and health care facilities of the Hawaii Health Systems, the Department of Human Services; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary.  Funding will be allocated depending on department needs and ability to commence work immediately.

Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaic technology.  Investing in renewable energy and upgrades to information technology initiatives throughout schools, hospitals, and office buildings will ultimately lead to cost savings and a reduction of the State’s carbon footprint.

In order to expedite the backlogged repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 makes revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement process.  As a result, the accelerated process will expedite the creation of jobs and facilitate the return to work for many of our residents.

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