May

10

Senator Michelle Kidani’s Floor Remarks on House Bill 2012, the Hawaii State Supplemental Budget

Budget / Ways and Means

On May 3, 2012, Senator Michelle Kidani, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and oversees Capital Improvements Projects for the Senate, offered the following remarks in support of House Bill 2012, the Hawaii State Supplemental Budget:

Thank you Mr. President. I rise in support of this measure.

This past year has been one of many, many challenges, especially in crafting a Capital Improvement Program that meets the needs of the State while balancing the fiscal considerations of an improving, but still fragile economic recovery.  We know that now is the time for investment in our state’s infrastructure, while costs for materials and labor are still low, and the need for job creation has never been greater. I wish to thank Chair Ige for his leadership during this very long and tedious process and you for your guidance and letting me vent when needed. Also Mr. President, I would like to introduce and thank my staff member Will Kane without whose help we could not have completed the CIP budget.

 In HB2012 CD1, we have taken the approach of investing in existing state facilities and infrastructure, especially those for education, technological innovations and facilities that will reduce the expenditure of taxpayer funds in the form of rent or lease payments.

Therefore, the HB2012 CD1 proposes a CIP budget for FY13 in the amount of $3.2 Billion, $826 million of which is funded by General Obligation or Reimbursable Bonds. It is important to note, that due to the recent refinancing of previously issued bonds and the savings realized from this and the proceeds from a bond issuance in a healthy bond market, and prior year project lapses, there are no additional payments for debt service on $350 million of the total amount appropriated. Also of note, this budget includes over $400 million of Repair and Maintenance projects included in the Senate’s Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012 (SB 2012).

Highlights of the budget bill before us this morning include:

-         $60 million for the department of Human services for renovations to our public housing.

-         $135 million for the department of education facilities, to provide a 21st century learning environment in our aging schools.

-         Almost $50 million for the department of Health to address critical health and safety needs.     

-         This budget also provides funding for projects across nearly every campus in the UH System, including funding to build:

           – the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani CC,

          – University of Hawaii Athletics Facilities

          – a dedicated facility for the Academy for Creative Media Academy at UH-West O`ahu, and

          – funding to continue construction of a new community college campus at Palamanui on the Big Island’s Kona Coast.

When crafting this budget, the utilization of currently under utilized state facilities was considered. An example of this lies right across the street from this building. The Kamamalu building has sat empty for years, while we spend millions in lease payments to private companies, instead of renovating our existing facilities. Therefore, HB 2012 CD1 has appropriated the funds that would allow this building to once again be used by our state agencies, which is the most responsible way to reduce escalating rental costs.

Lastly, Mr. President, the Senate’s Capital Improvement Program budget provides appropriations for projects across nearly every department. These include funding to create a statewide financial management system, renovate additional facilities for the Department of Health, and improvements to all airports, statewide. This will begin to address the concerns and needs of our visitors, which are the lifeblood of our economy,

In closing, I would like to again thank Chair Ige and my fellow members of the Committee for their support and hard work in crafting this budget, and I believe we all look forward to the positive impact this budget will have on the State.

To view video click here.

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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

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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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

27

Hawaii State Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Stimulating Economy

Budget / Press Releases

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Senate is united in support of Senate Bill 2012, which will be formally introduced and referred to its respective committee during Session this morning, Friday January 27, 2012.   Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, also known as “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012,” is an aggressive general obligation bond-funded $500 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state, from Hilo to Hanalei.

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 create shovel-ready 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 up to 4,000 direct jobs.

Investing now in needed State capital projects will have a direct positive impact on our economy.  With interest rates at a historic low, there has been no better time to make a significant investment in our State’s infrastructure, said Sen. David Y. Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Projects to be considered should focus on smaller repair and maintenance projects to address aging infrastructures and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities.  Projects should also include those that address health and safety code concerns.  State departments that have been 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 distributed depending on the individual department’s needs and ability to commence work immediately.

Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and 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.

This bill encourages the use of energy efficient materials whenever possible in the projects.  It’s important that we invest in alternative energy throughout our State facilities now to save tax payers money in the future,” said Sen. Michelle Kidani, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

In order to expedite the backlogged repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 would make revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement process.  As a result, the accelerated process would get workers off the bench and on the job immediately, putting more money in workers’ pockets.  With this jolt in the economy, the safety net would be improved and a wide range of social and educational services would be provided.

“The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012” is expected to be heard by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means in the upcoming weeks.

For more information on Senate Bill 2012 go to: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.

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Oct

04

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Articles

Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Recieves Certificate of Recognition

As October is being recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the United States, individuals gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda on October 4, 2011 to recognize domestic violence awareness in Hawaii.

Senator Michelle Kidani (District 17) presented the Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence with a certificate of recognition from the State Senate for its many accomplishments and commitment to reduce domestic violence in Hawai’i. The certificate also recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a private, not-for-profit organization, and was formed in 1980. The coalition’s mission is to ensure the safety and protection of women in intimate relationships by coordinating domestic violence prevention and intervention services, affecting public policy, and establishing coordinated and consistent procedures and actions by the civil and criminal justice systems in Hawaii.

Act 206
During the 2011 Legislative Session, Senators from the Women’s Legislative Caucus introduced Senate Bill 229. The bill, now law, makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against victims of domestic or sexual violence in certain employment-related situations, if the victim notifies the employer of such status or the employer has actual knowledge. The Governor signed Senate Bill 229 into law as Act 206 on July 8, 2011.

Act 206, which goes into effect on January 1, 2012, requires an employer to make reasonable accommodations for an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence; provided that it does not cause undue hardship to the operations of the employer. It allows an employer to request verification of an employee’s continued status within specified time frames. Further, the Act creates a civil remedy for employee-victims denied reasonable accommodations.

For more information about the ACT 206 click here:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=229

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Aug

12

Back-to-School Supplies

Articles / In the Community


Kapolei- Senator Michelle Kidani and Senator Mike Gabbard were among dozens of chaperones who volunteered to shop with students in need during Target’s second annual “Back to School Shopping Spree” on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.   Other chaperones included Chief of Police Louis Kealoha and Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape.

The chaperones were paired with a child as they shopped for essentials such as school supplies, clothes and shoes with a $80 gift card from the Target store in Kapolei

Fifty- one students from Kapolei Elementary and Kapolei Middle schools were given the opportunity to shop for back to school essentials on the first day of the two day event. Event partners, Target and The Salvation Army KROC Center, coordinated the volunteers.

Senator Kidani also volunteered to chaperone the second day of the event, which saw a total of 49 keiki.

Target’s “Back to School Shopping Spree” is a national event, with 492 stores participating.   The program provides more than 11,700 students in need with school supplies. Target began the event in Hawaii last year with each Oahu store (Salt Lake and Kapolei) hosting 50 children. This year ,each store hosted 100 students.

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Apr

28

WAM Vice Chair Michelle Kidani explains the Fiscal Biennium 2012-2013 CIP

Articles / Ways and Means

WAM Vice Chair Michelle Kidani worked hard on the Capital Improvement Program budget-prioritizing health, safety and education projects totaling $1.469B in GO/GOR bonds.

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