Over the thousand-plus years between the voyages of the first Polynesian settlers and the arrival of Captain Cook, Hawai‘i’s population grew from perhaps a few hundred to an estimated 800,000 inhabitants. Along with the islands’ naturally fertile environment, this growth was supported by the development of an economy that permitted the sharing of the fruits of the land and sea. Within individual ahupua‘a, a division of labor and allocation of resources permitted pre-contact Hawaiians to create a system of cultivating and gathering materials to feed, clothe and shelter their people. They learned to apply available technologies including irrigation systems to grow taro, and fishponds to increase their catch. All efforts were directed at laying a foundation for supporting their society and culture.
Senate Majority Initiative: Streamlined Sales Tax
SB 1678
The continuing growth of online sales has changed the retail landscape. While eliminating geographic barriers to commerce creates new opportunities for the Hawai‘i economy, off-shore sales also result in a loss of excise tax revenues.
Since 2003, Hawai‘i has been a participating member of the National Streamlined Sales Tax Project, which would allow the collection of state excise taxes on sales to other states. SB1678 continues our progress toward full participation in the streamlined sales tax by making necessary amendments to Hawai‘i tax laws.
Senate Majority Initiative: Broadband Development
SB 1680
Advanced broadband capabilities are essential infrastructure for an innovation economy and knowledge society in the 21st century. High-speed broadband services at affordable prices are essential for the advancement of education, health, public safety, research and innovation, civic participation, e-government, economic development and diversification, and public safety and services.
SB1680 implements a key recommendation of the Hawai‘i broadband task force by establishing the position of Communications Commissioner in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to help facilitate the development of critical telecommunications capabilities in our state. It also establishes a work group to develop procedures to streamline state and county broadband regulation, franchising, and permitting.
Senate Majority Initiative: Workforce Development
SB 1665
During tough economic times, our institutions of higher education play a vital role in re-training, cross training, and expanding the skill sets of our workers and employers. Change is inevitable; when companies and individuals face the opportunity to do business differently, our community colleges can help support that transition.
SB1665 enhances the training capacity of Hawaii's community colleges by establishing a skilled worker and business development center to provide workforce training to meet the rapidly evolving needs of both employers and employees.
