Senate Majority Caucus

The Senate met in a lengthy session yesterday to prepare for second crossover.

Both chambers of the state legislature met in marathon sessions yesterday to deliberate and vote on each other’s legislation before the internal second crossover deadline Thursday.  

Since the two chambers exchanged legislation at first crossover last month, Senate committees have decided on House measures, and vice versa. 

The full Senate voted to pass 135 House bills yesterday, and the House passed 129 Senate bills. Those bills and all others that have previously passed a vote by both full houses are now eligible for decision making by a joint House-Senate conference committee.

Bills of interest passing yesterday included:

Education 

• Senate Bill 3252, which addresses the teacher shortage in the state through various initiatives and appropriates funds.
• Senate Bill 2878, which establishes an early learning system in the state, called Keiki First Steps, and creates the Early Learning Council to develop the system.
• House Bill 2770, which expands the Bridge to Hope program, enabling all heads of households who receive financial assistance and participate in the First to Work program to pursue education beyond the federal limit of one year of vocational education.

Health 

• Senate Bill 3015, which amends the Patients’ Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Act by prohibiting certain unfair and deceptive business practices by managed care plans.
• House Bill 2224, which requires group health insurance issuers to offer small group health plans to registered and licenced self-employed individuals who are located in the group issuer’s service areas.
• House Bill 2164, which increases the sources of revenue available to support the Cancer Research Center of Hawai`i.

Judicial and Public Safety Matters

• Senate Bill 3202, which proposes a constitutional amendment to change the mandatory retirement age from 70 to 80 for justices and judges appointed after Nov. 4, 2008.
• House Bill 2685, which directs two state departments to design construction and operation of a new minimum-security correctional facility with immediate access to courts, public transportation, drug rehabilitation centers and transitional or reintegration programs, and to plan for additional community-custody beds at O`ahu Community Correctional Center.
• House Bill 3040, which creates two new offenses for sexual predation of minors, expands existing offenses for such crimes and imposes mandatory sentences.

Transportation

• Senate Bill 2245, which makes leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle a violation of the statewide traffic code.
• House Bill 3377, which requires installation of ignition interlock devices that prevent starting or operating motor vehicles on vehicles of those arrested for driving under the influence while the case is pending and license revoked.
• House Bill 2811, which requires weekly reporting of oil and gasoline prices by the oil industry to the public utilities commission and requires the commission to publish the reports and gas prices for each island weekly.

Sustainability

• Senate Bill 2842, which phases out and bans the use of certain lighting products that contain hazardous substances, establishes a statewide lighting efficiency standard and directs the Department of Health to develop a statewide recycling program for all fluorescent lamps.
• Senate Bill 2843, which requires manufacturers of electronic devices to collect and recycle devices and establishes the Electronic Device Recycling Fund.
• House Bill 2526, which enacts the Hawai`i 2050 Sustainability Plan, establishes a Sustainability Council to coordinate, implement, measure and evaluate the progress of the plan and its activities, and appropriates funds to the council.

The second crossover internal deadline is tomorrow, and thereafter legislators will meet in conference committees composed of both senators and representatives to negotiate details of legislation.

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Over 400 children, parents and educators participated in interactive learning centers yesterday at the Capitol, demonstrating for legislators the importance of early childhood education.

Studies have shown that children enrolled in early learning are more successful throughout their later school years, and legislators are considering several early education measures this year. U`ilani Batalona and her children Pukona and Kaichah painted together at the event, which included stations in reading, science, music, art and many other subjects.

Senate Education Committee Chair Norman Sakamoto attended the event and displayed art made by Joshua Chun. Chun’s mother Tammi is the executive director of the Hawai`i P-20 statewide education partnership and is enrolled with her son in interactive early education. This year, Sakamoto (Salt Lake, `Aiea, Kalihi, Foster Village) introduced Senate Bill 2878, which establishes a statewide early learning system and a council to oversee it. The bill has passed three Senate committees and two House committees and how awaits a conference committee hearing.

The House Committee on Finance passed legislation yesterday that would propose an amendment to the state constitution to lower the age required for Hawai`i’s governor or lieutenant governor. Senate Bill 966, introduced last session by Sen. David Ige (`Aiea-Pearl City), would ask citizens on an election ballot whether or not to change the requirement from 30 to 25.

“There are many outstanding, qualified, and experienced candidates under 30 who are unable to run for the office of governor or lieutenant governor because of the current arbitrary age restriction…” the bill says. Read the rest of this entry »

Demonstrators gathered at the Capitol Friday to rally for Aloha Airlines. Many stood along Beretania Street holding signs that asked passing cars to honk in support.

The carrier, which has serviced Hawai`i for over 60 years, declared bankruptcy on March 20. Jonathan Aoki (left) and Claire Sugawa were among the children participating in the rally. Aoki’s mother, Carolyn, is an Aloha employee.

Officials delivered speeches at the rally pledging their best efforts to help the airline stay in business. Sen. Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, told the crowd that she flies Aloha to and from her district on Maui every week. Though Aloha announced it will halt all of its passenger operations effective today, the Senate is still considering two bills that would help the carrier. HB2860 exempts airlines from paying taxes on fuel sold from a foreign-trade zone for interisland air transportation. The bill passed a vote by the entire Senate this morning and legislators from the House and Senate will now meet in a conference committee to smooth out its details. HB509 would provide state loan guarantees for Hawai`i’s air carriers, and the Ways and Means Committee has scheduled decision making on HB509 for tomorrow.

Sen. Clarence Nishihara and Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland spoke with the rally’s organizer, pilot Randall Cummings, after the event Friday. “Hang in there,” Nishihara told the crowd in his speech. “…hopefully for another 60 years.”

By Sen. Will Espero (`Ewa Beach, `Ewa by Gentry, Ocean Pointe, `Ewa Villages, West Loch, Honouliuli, Lower Waipahu)

NEEDLES ON THE BEACH
`Ewa’s shorelines were dotted with unused blood-drawing needles last week, which presented a public health hazard. I was notified of the incident by a constituent, although the state Department of Health had known about it for about a week. Several buckets of needles were collected for over three days, and more continued to wash ashore for at least a week. Hau Bush Park, where many needles were found, is frequented by surfers and fisherman. Knowing of the needles would certainly minimize any public health risk the needles may have posed.

If buckets of needles are washing ashore on public beaches, the general public must be told. At the very least, the public would be cautious and attentive if they knew the possible risk involved, even avoiding the area until an all clear notification was given.

The media reported the situation after residents took action. The state Department of Health apparently does not have a policy to notify the media and public if needles or syringes wash ashore. I find both this and their decision to stay quiet a poor decision. I informed the director that a policy of immediate public notification needs to be adopted. I have faith the department will respond differently if this occurs in the future. Read the rest of this entry »

Various businesses and organizations gathered on the fourth floor of the Capitol today for a farmer’s market and information fair as part of Agricultural Sustainability Day. Sen. Jill Tokuda, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee chair, and Sen. Russell Kokubun, Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing Committee chair, helped to organize the event, which donated its proceeds to Hawai`i Foodbank.

Mary Wilkowski, right, showcased vetiver plants ranging in age from two to five months at the fair. “Vetiver is the embodiment of sustainability,” Wilkowski said. “A sterile green nail, Vetiver’s dense, fibrous roots penetrate vertically to depths of 12’, holding soil in place, and ensuring that topsoil remains where it should—on the land.” Remarkably, the five-month-old plant had already reached a diameter of eight inches and displayed a beefy root system, she added.

Fairgoers examined some of Hawai`i’s invasive species, including snakes, tarantulas and coqui frogs, at the Department of Agriculture’s exhibit.

The fair educated lawmakers and the public on the importance of local agriculture. John Edney, left, and Cliff Kaholokula dished out Tropical Dreams Ice Cream on fruit dishes for those who attended the fair. Tropical Dreams, a Big Island company, bears the Department of Agriculture’s Seal of Quality, meaning that more than half of its ingredients are produced locally.

The state Senate and House of Representatives held a joint session Tuesday to honor 31 of Hawai`i’s fallen military heroes. Friends and family members of the soldiers traveled to the Capitol for the special session and were presented with a Hawai`i Medal of Honor.

Sgt. Alexis Gagalac of Wahiawā accepted the award on behalf of his twin brother, Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac, who was killed Sept. 9 while in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

Hundreds of soldiers from Hawai`i’s military bases also attended the ceremony to honor their colleagues.

“These names will remain etched in our state’s shared history,” Senate President Colleen Hanabusa said in her closing remarks.

The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute in the Capitol rotunda.

Hawai`i residents found many reasons to immerse themselves in their legislative branch of government today at the state Capitol.

Senate Bill 958, which would impose a 10-year moratorium on developing genetically-engineered taro, drew many supporters to its 9 a.m. hearing in the Capitol auditorium.

Lanakila seniors marched around the Capitol building about one hour later to raise awareness of senior hunger and support for their Meals on Wheels program. Sen. Norman Sakamoto presented them with a certificate on behalf of the Kupuna Caucus.

Legislative Hawaiian Caucus Day invited an information fair, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and Grammy award winners Richard Ho`opi`i, Owana Salazar, Sterling Seaton and George Kahumoku Jr.

Today also marked the Developmental Disability Council’s 9th annual information day. Senators recognized hundreds of participants from Maui, Kaua`i, Moloka`i, Big Island and O`ahu during session.

The DDC information day is a time for the disabled and their families to learn more about the legislative process and form relationships with their legislators. Kaua`i participants expressed concern over shortages in dental care, health care and affordable housing during a Q & A session with Rep. James Tokioka (Lihue, Koloa) and Kaua`i Sen. Gary Hooser, right.

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.

 
Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club Hawai`i chapter, asked House committee members to pass Senate Bill 644 because even with existing incentives for installing solar water heating, only 20 to 25 percent of new homes in Hawai`i install systems.

Senate Bill 644, which requires the installation of solar hot water heaters in all new single family residential construction, has returned to life and is moving in the House of Representatives. This bill had passed out of the Senate last year but was stalled in the House by a solid wall of opposition by the Hawai`i Solar Industry Association, the Building Industry Association, Hawaiian Electric Co. and The Gas Company.

This year, with oil prices now hovering over $100 per barrel, interest has been renewed in the measure that is projected to dramatically increase Hawai`i’s energy independence, generate increased economic activity and lower the cost of home ownership.

Industry experts agree that the most efficient and cost-effective time to install a solar hot water heaters is during a home’s initial design and construction. There is also general agreement that new developers installing 1,000 solar hot water heaters in 1,000 new homes can do so far more efficiently and at a lower price than later during an individual homeowner’s retrofit. Read the rest of this entry »

Chipper Wichman of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua`i asked the Legislature for Grant-In-Aid help during Wednesday’s hearing.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Committee on Finance held a joint informational briefing for Neighbor Island Grant-In-Aid (GIA) applicants Wednesday morning. Representatives from 57 neighbor island organizations were invited to attend, and each organization was given three minutes to testify. 

“Parents across-the-board continually seek safe places for their children, especially during those after school hours when they are working. We find ourselves competing for the hearts and minds of our children. But it is a fight we cannot afford to lose. A vibrant YMCA on Maui is a powerful and positive magnet to support, mentor and befriend our children,” Maui resident Sandy Canha said on behalf of the Maui Family YMCA. Read the rest of this entry »

Hundreds of students from James Campbell High School marched around and into the Capitol yesterday to demand air conditioning for their school. “Air-conditioned classes are more convenient for my personal preference and for learning needs,” student body president Evelyn Obamos said in a speech she gave in the Capitol rotunda. Protest organizer Corey Rosenlee, a Campbell history teacher, said that temperatures in his classroom have exceeded 100 degrees.

Sen. Will Espero, pictured above, commended the students’ efforts to participate in government. Espero’s district includes Campbell, and he pointed out that the school also lies in the flight path of Hickam Air Force Base and Honolulu International Airport. “The heat and noise are a serious hindrance to learning,” he said.

After the protest, Campbell students flooded into legislators’ offices. Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser explained to them that the legislature often faces difficult decisions when prioritizing the needs of the Department of Education that also include other school facility and program needs.

  
Two senators will hold a public meeting on Maui this week to discuss their priorities for the 2008 legislative session. Residents are encouraged to join Sen. J. Kalani English (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Kaho`olawe) and Sen. Shan Tsutsui (Wailuku, Waihe`e, Kahului, Pa`ia) at Pa`ia School on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Read the full press release from the office of Sen. Tsutsui.

Senators observed a moment of silence during session today in remembrance of three extraordinary individuals: Aunty Genoa Keawe, who brought joy to Hawai`i with her music and giving spirit, Rev. Frank Chong, a longtime volunteer with the American Cancer Society and a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, and Andrew Sato, a Pearl City teenager who took on life with courage and a hopeful outlook despite many hardships. The Senate had honored Sato during session on Feb. 29, just one day before he lost his battle with leukemia.