Bills addressing homelessness, health, climate change mitigation now head for final vote State lawmakers have passed a number of important measures ahead of tonight’s final decking deadline that align with the Senate Legislative Program consigned to at the beginning of the 2018 Legislative Session. The Senate Legislative Program is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that provide a framework for improving the quality of life now and for future generations. “The Senate kept its promise by passing measures to address the impact of climate change, to protect our natural resources, and to encourage economic prosperity in our state,” said Senate Majority Leader, Senator J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe). “What the Senate accomplished this Session is just one step towards creating a stronger, more sustainable island community, yet our work is not done. We will continue to strive to make our state a better place to live.” Among the most significant measures, lawmakers passed HB1900 HD1 SD1 CD1 the State Budget which provides $15 million to fund homeless services; $7.1 million to increase payments for foster caregivers; $4.5 million for three new ambulances, one each on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and Oahu; $1.2 million for the Kupuna Caregivers program; and $1.1 million for recruitment and certification of public school teachers. To aid those impacted by the devastating flooding on Kaua‘i, East Honolulu, and other parts of the state, SB192 SD1 HD1 CD1 was passed to provide $125 million in emergency funding and also deposit more than $80 million in tobacco settlement funds into the state’s rainy day fund. Other important bills that were approved by members of the Senate and House conference committees include those that address housing and homelessness (SDG No. 1 – No Poverty) including HB2748 HD2 SD2 CD1 which provides an unprecedented total of $570 million which will generate more than 25,000 affordable units by the year 2030. SB2401 SD2 HD1 CD1 and SB2027 SD2 HD1 CD1 provide a total of $34.7 million to fund ‘Ohana Zones and support medical services for the homeless statewide. SB2990 SD2 HD2 CD1 establishes the Paid Family Leave Implementation Board to assist the Department of Human Services in establishing paid family leave for all workers in the State. Authorizes DHS to adopt rules, including interim rules by January 1, 2020. (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities) SB2351 SD1 HD1 CD1 prohibits prospective employers from requesting or considering a job applicant's wage or salary history as part of an employment application process or compensation offer. Prohibits enforced wage secrecy and retaliation or discrimination against employees who disclose, discuss, or inquire about their own or coworkers' wages. (SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities) HB1489 HD1 SD2 CD1 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation, in any state educational program or activity, or in any educational program or activity that receives state financial assistance. (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities) SB2046 SD1 HD1 prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, and possession of bump fire stocks, multi-burst trigger activators, and trigger cranks. (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) SB2922 SD1 HD1 proposes amendments to the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i to authorize the Legislature to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to support public education. (SDG 4 – Quality Education) SB3095 SD1 HD1 CD1 restricts pesticide use near schools, bans some pesticides completely and expands outreach for the proper use of pesticides. (SDG 15 – Life on Land) SB2939 SD2 (Act 005) requires the PUC to establish performance incentive and penalty mechanisms that directly tie electric utility revenues to the utility’s achievement on performance metrics. (SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities) SB2247 SD1 HD2 CD1 authorizes pharmacists to prescribe, dispense, and provide related education on opioid antagonists to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and to family members and caregivers of individuals at risk of opioid overdose without the need for a written, approved collaborative agreement; subject to certain conditions. (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being) SB508 SD1 HD1 CD1 amends the taxes withheld on the amount realized by nonresidents from the disposition of Hawai‘i real property from 5% to 7.25%. Applies to real estate dispositions that occur on or after 9/15/2018. (SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities) SB2693 SD1 HD1 CD1 makes an appropriation to the temporary commission on the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts to plan for the Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in Honolulu from June 11 to June 27, 2020. (SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals) HB2739 HD1 (Act 002) establishes a regulated process under which an adult resident of the State with a medically confirmed terminal disease and less than six months to live may choose to obtain a prescription for medication to end the patient's life. Imposes criminal sanctions for tampering with a patient's request for a prescription or coercing a patient to request a prescription. (SDG 3- Good Health and Well Being) HB2071 HD2 SD2 CD1 establishes a temporary law enforcement working group to recommend certification and de-certification requirements for state and county law enforcement officers who carry firearms and badges and have arrest authority. Prohibits law enforcement officers who are terminated for misconduct by a state or county department, agency, or office in a law enforcement capacity from being hired by another state or county law enforcement department, agency, or office unless the officer is reinstated through collective bargaining or the legal process. (SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) SB2571 SD2 HD2 CD1 bans the sale, offer of sale, or distribution in the State of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both, without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider to preserve marine ecosystems. Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for outreach and education on the prohibition and environmental impacts of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. (SDG 14- Life Below Water) These measures now move to the full Senate and House for final reading. A complete list of the bills that have been decked for final reading is available at www.capitol.hawaii.gov. To view the 2018 Senate Legislative Program, visit www.hawaiisenatemajority.com. # # # #homelessness #health #climatechange #climatechangemitigation #SenatorMaui #SenatorHana #SenatorEnglish #HB1900 #HB1900

Bills regulating pesticide use, protect Hawai‘i's coral reef advance in conference committee Measures that regulate the use of pesticides and protect Hawai‘i's coral reefs were among the many bills introduced by the Senate that were agreed upon by state lawmakers ahead of today's final decking deadline. Senate Bill 2571 SD2 HD1 CD1 (Relating to Water Pollution) bans the sale, offer of sale, or distribution in the State of any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both, without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider in order to preserve the State's marine ecosystems. The bill also delays the effective date of the ban until January 1, 2021 to allow for the reformulation of sunscreen to prevent further increase of skin cancer in Hawaiʻi. Oxybenzone and octinoxate in the marine environment have been shown to increase coral bleaching and kill developing coral. This measure is a step towards preserving Hawai‘i's marine ecosystem which is both a cultural foundation and an economic investment. "Coral reefs are one of Hawaiʻi's most precious natural resources, " said Senator Gil Keith-Agaran (Dist. 5 – Central Maui). "Fishing continues to be a means of subsistence for many around the State and this measure ensures that our coral reefs are able to provide food for future generations." "Hawaiʻi continues to be a leader in the protection of our environment, " said Senator Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 – South and West Maui). "The delay of the effective date of the ban allows for the reformulation of sunscreen to protect Hawaiʻi's people from skin cancer." "In rural districts such as mine, the ocean continues to be a source of life and sustenance for many," said Senator J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe). "SB2571 directly aligns with our legislative priority to support policies that aim to reduce pollution and enhance ocean-related management." Senate Bill 3095 SD1 HD1 CD1 (Relating to Environmental Protection) addresses a concern that had parents rallying across the state by restricting pesticide use near schools, banning some pesticides completely, and expanding outreach for the proper use of pesticides. The bill would prohibit the use of pesticides within 100 feet of a school during instructional hours and it would totally ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos effective January 1, 2019. The bill appropriates $300,000 from the Pesticides Revolving Fund for expenses including staffing, education and outreach. It also provides a $300,000 appropriation from general revenues to develop a pesticide drift monitoring study to evaluate pesticide drift at three schools within the state. The bill also requires commercial agricultural entities to regularly report their pesticide use. "The Senate worked with the community to draft legislation that would ensure that the frail and young would not be overly exposed to toxic pesticides" said Sen. Baker. "We have spent many years working on this particular issue and we appreciate the community support to bring this issue to fruition." "Mandatory reporting of pesticide use by commercial agricultural entities was what many people wanted," said Sen. Keith-Agaran. "Residents have a right to know what chemicals are being sprayed near their homes, schools and in their community." "Hawaiʻi will become the first state in the nation to ban the use of chloropyrifos," said Sen. English. "The community has voiced their concern regarding this particular measure and I am glad that we were able to address it through the passage of SB3095." The Senate adopted the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as its legislative priorities for the 2018 session. SB 2571 SD2 HD1 CD1 and SB 3095 SD1 HD1 CD1 are in direct alignment with Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The two bills now move to both chambers for a final vote. To view the 2018 Senate Legislative Program, visit www.hawaiisenatemajority.com. # # # #hAWAIIsENATE #LegislativePriorities #SB2571 #SB2571 #jkalanienglish #rosalynbaker #Rozbaker #GilbertKeithAgaran #GilKeithAgaran #UnitedNations #UnitedNationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals #LifeBelowWater #LifeonLand #PesticidesRevolvingRund #SenatorBaker #SenatorEnglish #SenatorKeithAgaran #CoralReefs #marineenvironment

The Hawai‘i Senate today voted to consent to the appointment of Kirstin M. Hamman to the District Court of the Second Circuit (Island of Maui). Hamman has been serving as a per diem District Court Judge in the District Court of the Second Circuit since 2014, while continuing her private law practice specializing in family law and special education law. She previously served as a Legislative Attorney in the Maui County Office of Council Services. Hamman has been actively involved in the community throughout her career, including service with the Maui County Bar Association and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, and has been a member of the Maui County Commission on Children and Youth since 2016. Hamman received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hawai‘i West Oahu. She earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and was admitted to the bar in 1997. “Testimony submitted in support of Kirstin Hamman commended her professionalism, expertise, and deep foundation of knowledge in her role as an attorney and judge, as well as her involvement in public service. She was also noted for her compassion and fairness in her service as a per diem judge,” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Dist. 11 - Mānoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “Ms. Hamman is well qualified to serve as a judge and is a solid addition to the bench of the District Court of the Second Circuit.” Hamman fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Keith E. Tanaka. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald appointed Hamman from a list of not less than six nominees submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. Hamman will serve a term of six years. Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i Senate Communications (Hamman with son, Jaysen Giroux)

Units will be developed for struggling working families Today, Senate and House conferees agreed and voted on a comprehensive housing measure that takes a momentous step forward in addressing Hawai‘i's affordable rental housing crisis on all islands. House Bill 2748 HD2 SD2 CD1 provides a total of $570 million which will generate more than 25,000 affordable units by the year 2030. This will fulfill the goal of 22,500 affordable rental housing units set by the Legislature in 2016 via Act 127, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2016. "This is the largest appropriation made by the Legislature and demonstrates our relentless commitment to providing innovative solutions to meet the State's long-term housing demands" said House Housing Chair Representative Tom Brower (Waikīkī, Ala Moana). This measure supports development of affordable rental housing for a wide range of households spanning low income families to those making up to 140 percent of the area median income (AMI). "In addition to low income households, this measure targets Hawaiʻi's middle-class families," said Senate Housing Committee Chair Senator Will Espero (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages). "These are working families who are not wealthy enough to afford a home in our expensive housing market, but do not qualify for public housing assistance. We must support them by providing an affordable option for housing while they save for a home of their own." House Bill 2748 HD2 SD2 CD1 contains four parts: 1. Appropriates $200 million into the Rental Housing Trust Fund to generate approximately 1,600 affordable rental housing units for families at or below 80 percent AMI. The Rental Housing Revolving Fund (RHRF) provides equity gap low-interest loans or grants to qualified owners and developers for the development, pre-development, construction, acquisition or preservation of affordable rental housing. Preference is given to projects that meet certain statutory criteria. Included is a preference for projects that provide at least 5 percent of the total number of units for persons and families with incomes at or below 30 percent of the median family income. Another preference is for projects that provide the maximum number of units for persons or families with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median family income. At the end of Fiscal Year 2017, the RHRF had a balance of $156 million. This appropriation will more than double its corpus to assist low income families and individuals, including the homeless and special needs groups, in obtaining affordable rental housing. 2. Expands the general excise tax exemption for construction of approximately 24,000 affordable rental units for families at or below 140 percent AMI. The measure increases the general excise tax exemption for the construction of affordable rental units for households at or below 140 percent AMI, with at least 20 percent of those units available for households at or below 80 percent of the AMI. The exemption will increase from $7 million (the exemption amount enacted in 2017) to $30 million per year and will be extended from the year 2022 to 2030. The total value of this expanded general excise tax exemption amounts to $360 million over 12 years. This exemption is expected to result in the construction of approximately 24,000 affordable rental units. 3. Appropriates $10 million into the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund (DURF) DURF was established pursuant to Act 105, Session Laws of Hawaii 1970, which authorized the issuance of $125 million in general obligation bonds to carry out the purposes of the Housing Development Program. Funds may be used for the acquisition of real property; development and construction of residential, commercial and industrial properties; interim and permanent loans to developers; and any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of the Housing Development Program, including administrative expenses. DURF provides interim construction financing of affordable housing projects. This appropriation will increase its corpus by 10 percent. 4. Appropriates $50,000 to prepare an assessment of housing needs for persons with low or no income, such as the disabled and functionally challenged populations. This appropriation commissions the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to determine the number of persons with special needs in Hawaii, identify the supportive services they may require and inventory the providers of supportive services statewide. "Former State Senator the Rev. Bob Nakata deserves the credit for today's bill," said House Finance Chair Rep. Sylvia Luke, (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nu‘uanu, Dowset Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa). "He has said that the Legislature needs to provide funding to create 22,000 units. This bill goes beyond that." “Our affordable housing crisis demands we take tangible, meaningful action. With this measure, we are responding to the needs of our community – our families, children and low-income individuals – and providing long-term solutions that are feasible within the context of our state financial plan,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho). The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final reading vote. #bobnakata #rentalhousing #affordablehousing #570Million #25 #000affirdable #revnakata #senatepresident #ronaldkouchi #willespero #donovandelacruz

Measure requires PUC to establish framework tying electric utility revenues to performance Gov. David Ige signed SB 2939 SD2 (Act 005), which requires the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission to create the framework that will tie electric utility revenues to performance metrics. The bill, also known as the Hawai‘i Ratepayer Protection Act, establishes performance metrics that the PUC will consider while establishing performance incentives and penalty mechanisms. They include: affordability of electric rates and customer electric bills; service reliability; customer engagement and satisfaction, including customer options for managing electricity costs; access to utility system information; rapid integration of renewable energy sources; timely execution of competitive procurement. “The bottom line is that SB 2939 is a victory for Hawai‘i’s energy consumers who will see more value for their hard-earned dollars. Through its expertise and oversight, the PUC will ensure that we move aggressively toward our renewable energy and consumer protection goals while maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient electric grid operated by a financially stable utility,” said Gov. Ige. "By aligning the utility's incentives with the consumer's incentives, everyone wins. Electricity bills will be based on performance: bringing renewable power sources online, upgrading the electric grid, ensuring reliability of the power supply, and even customer satisfaction. That's good for consumers, good for businesses, good for the environment, good for the state, and good for the utilities," said Sen. Stanley Chang, who introduced the bill. "This bill aligns the interests of utilities and our communities they serve. It is a big win for local consumers who will get improved electric services with more options for innovative renewables and batteries, and it is a responsible step forward helping our utilities transition to a sustainable business model that can survive disruption in the energy market,” said Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. “The Legislature has worked hard to establish regulatory policy that will better align electric utility incentives with customer needs and the State's energy policy. The Legislature is confident that the Public Utilities Commission, as already demonstrated through the release of its April 18, 2018 docket related to performance-based regulation, will appropriately incorporate stakeholder input in identifying incentives that make sense and implementing these incentives that will minimize unproductive disruption and not result in unintended consequences. Through this collaborative, deliberative, and balanced process, the State will achieve the necessary update to our regulatory framework that ensures a safe, reliable, and resilient electric grid for all of our residents from our rural, agricultural communities to our most densely, populated urban areas,” said Rep. Della Belatti. Act 005 takes effect on July 1, 2018. The PUC is required to create the framework by Jan. 1, 2020. ### #lorraineinouye #stanleychang #hawaiisenate #SB2939 #sb2939 #PUC #HawaiiPublicUtilitiesCommission #Act005 #GovernorIge #RussellRuderman

Senate President Ronald Kouchi (Dist. 8 - Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) along with Senators Michelle Kidani (Dist. 18 - Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia), and Mike Gabbard (Dist. 20 - Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu) were on hand to welcome the innovative initiative, ‘Aina Pono Hawai‘i State Farm-to-School program, at Mililani High School on March 29. Launched previously in the Kohala School complex on Hawai‘i Island, Mililani High School enthusiastically joins this program to spearhead the serving of fresh, locally grown food to the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s (HIDOE) second largest food production site—providing 2,500 school lunches to 1,000 high school students and an additional 1,500 students at Mililani Uka Elementary and Mililani Waena Elementary. The original Farm-to-School initiative was introduced by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office in 2015 after SB376 was signed into law as Act 218. The rebranded name and new logo of ‘Aina Pono is designed to unite all of the programs operated by HIDOE School Food Services Branch. The Hawaiian word ‘aina, without the kahakō, refers to eating or meal. Pono is righteousness. Eating well and living in right harmony is reflected in all areas of life. This program is pivotal in reinforcing not only healthy eating, but in producing harmonious relationships with the environment and one another for Hawai‘i’s students, teachers, and families. The ‘Aina Pono Harvest of the month program will also highlight a new local product in student meals, and ‘ulu (breadfruit) is the featured food for March and April 2018. #ainapono #michellekidani #RonaldKouchi #adriankamalii #jaysonwatts #mililanihighschool #kohalaschool #HIDOE #MililaniUkaElementary #MililaniWaenaElementary

The Hawai‘i State Senate today voted 23-1 to approve a bill that proposes a constitutional amendment to give voters the opportunity to decide if the state should establish a surcharge on investment property to advance the state’s goal of providing quality education for the children of Hawai‘i. SB2922 calls for a Constitutional amendment to authorize the Legislature to establish a surcharge on investment real property to support public education. Currently, the state Constitution authorizes the Counties the capacity to levy property taxes. If the Constitutional amendment is ultimately approved by voters, Hawai‘i would join 49 other states in using property taxes to finance public education. Constitutional amendments are not required to be approved by the Governor, therefore the question that now proceeds to the ballot in November will be as follows: "Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?" Senator Michelle Kidani (Dist. 18 - Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education who introduced the bill on behalf of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, explained that the language within the measure had been simplified through amendments to move the state forward in order to provide full funding for Hawai‘i’s public schools. “The public should be assured that the Senate has no intention of taxing the homes you live in, that is homes for which resident owners receive a homeowner’s exemption. Nor does the Senate intend to approve any surcharge on investment properties valued less than $1 million,” said Sen. Kidani. “Further, no consideration has ever been given to a surcharge on commercial properties. The intent is and always has been to focus on residential properties.” Should voters pass the Constitutional amendment, the Legislature will have to revisit the issue to determine the parameters of the tax surcharge. # # # #hawaiisenate #donnamercadokim #jilltokuda #michellekidani #rozbaker #SB2922 #sb2922 #constitutionalamendment #publiceducation

After two decades of sometimes divisive discussion on this emotional topic, the Legislature and governor have concluded that it is appropriate to give patients the ability to choose their own medical care at the end of life, and to also ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent any possible abuse of the process. Governor David Ige signed into law Act 002, formerly House Bill 2739, “Our Care, Our Choice Act” on April 5, 2018. This law will allow terminally ill Hawai‘i residents to request life ending medication beginning January 1, 2019. Hawai‘i joins just six other states that allow life ending measures for those who seek to die peacefully in the face of a terminal disease. “It is time for terminally ill, mentally competent Hawai‘i residents who are suffering to make their own end-of-life choices with dignity, grace and peace,” says Governor Ige. “On behalf of the Senate, I’m just delighted that we’re here and at this point,” said Senator Rosalyn Baker, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, during the bill signing ceremony. Senator Baker recognized colleagues Senator Karl Rhoads for helping craft the bill and Senator Brian Taniguchi for passing the bill out of the Senate Judiciary committee. She also thanked the community for providing thought-provoking, heartfelt testimony during the hearings over the years. “I think most of us, at least all of us in this room, believe that the ultimate choice about how one ends one’s life is very important and I think it’s important for a state like ours to make that choice available. It’s the compassionate thing to do,” said Sen. Baker. Senate Bill 1129 was the precursor to enabling the long standing discussion of “death with dignity” that resulted in the passage of House Bill 2739 by both houses of the legislator. There was broad support for HB2739 within the Senate, which had advanced Senate Bill 1129 during the 2017 Legislative Session. SB1129 had similar safeguards as the House bill, but it was deferred by a House committee and never put to a House floor vote last session. In passing the measure this year, Senate President Kouchi acknowledged Senator Baker and Senator Gil Keith-Agaran, then-Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, for their efforts made last year to “put forward a public document that we could debate and discuss in order to get to the bill that we would be comfortable upon voting.” President Kouchi also thanked the public for being “engaged with the Senate every step of the way on this issue.” #ourcare #ourchoiceact #hawaiisenate #clarencenishihara #jilltokuda #BrianTaniguchi #ronkouch #donnamercadokim #lorraineinouye #rozbaker #karlrhoads #HB2739 #SB1129

On the silver screen, Maggie Q takes on the bad guys as a rogue assassin and secret agent. But while back home in Hawai‘i, the Mililani High School graduate is fighting for the welfare of much gentler beasts. Margaret Denise Quigley, better known as Maggie Q, stopped by the offices of several State Legislators to discuss the animal rights bills that were introduced this legislative session. “I’m a local girl, born and raised in Hawai‘i, so it’s very important to me that Hawai‘i right now has an opportunity to be a leader,” said Maggie. “I wanted to create a relationship so that I can come back and lend my support when the time comes because I think it’s going to be very important to testify for what these animals can’t say for themselves.” A number of measures were introduced this session but never made out of the House including SB2113 which would have required that available alternatives to animal tests be used for testing cosmetics in Hawai‘i and SB2115 which would have phased-out the sale of any cosmetic product that involved new animal testing. Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, vowed to reintroduce the bills next session. In addition to many movies and her current lead role on “Designated Survivor”, Maggie co-produced the award-winning documentary “Earthlings”—about the plight of animals and the environment. #MaggieQ #mililanihighschool #margaretquigley #mikegabbard #designatedsurvivor #earthlings

Priorities include health and homeless services, additional ambulances House and Senate conferees today approved a final version of HB1900 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill, which includes operating and capital improvement monies to run the state government. The bill puts a priority on appropriating funds for critical health and human service needs that will benefit our residents statewide. House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke said this budget provides $15 million to fund homeless services, $3 million more than requested by the Governor, to allow the State the flexibility needed to take decisive action and systematically address long-standing problems in the community. "Instead of dividing various amounts for separate programs, the state Homeless Programs Office needs the flexibility to decide where best to use the money. The state cannot be rigid, especially with our homeless population. It must be able to move funds around to take care of circumstances as they come up," said Representative Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nu‘uanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa). The committee also agreed on funding $4.5 million to provide three new ambulances and staff for Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and Honolulu; a $28 million operating subsidy for the Maui Health System; and $3.8 million in additional funds for the Kūpuna Care program and $1.2 million more for the Kupuna Caregiver Fund. The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means conference committee worked quickly to close the budget a week earlier than scheduled. On Wednesday, the committee passed Senate Bill 192 to provide $125 million in immediate disaster relief funding for Kaua‘i and other areas affected by recent destructive flooding. The state constitution requires that the budget bill be passed before other appropriation measures. “We worked double time to pass disaster relief for those impacted by the floods and we were challenged to find the funding to adequately address the other critical needs of the state. But we were able to work together and what we presented here today is a good product that we can be proud of,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. At today’s hearing, the committee highlighted many budget items upon which the House and Senate reached agreement. Department of Accounting and General Services $163,425 for 3 positions and supplies to Central Services for maintenance and servicing of state cemeteries. $150,000 to establish a motor vehicle replacement schedule for neighbor island school repair and maintenance. Department of the Attorney General $50,000 for Community Protection and Outreach. Additional 2 positions and $500,000 for the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism $1,500,000 for the Excelerator Program to aid development of local businesses. $500,000 for an Aquaculture accelerator initiative to help local startups in the aquaculture industry. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs $1,210,906 federal grant spending ceiling and 2 positions to implement insurance market reforms and consumer protections for Insurance Regulatory Services. Establishment of Deputy Securities Commissioner for Business Registration and Securities Regulation. Department of Defense $1,646,200 in general funds for renovation, repair, and maintenance projects at facilities statewide. $95,000 for a director for the Hawai‘i State Fusion Center. Department of Education Additional $500,000 for the Early College program. $500,000 to provide additional support to English Language Learners. $4,500,000 and one position for Alternative Learning Centers. $400,000 for the Teacher Certification Stipend Program to help increase the number of qualified public-school teachers. $1,100,000 for the Alternative Teacher Route Program to help with recruitment and certification of potential public-school teachers. $850,000 in general funds for athletic travel to provide students with the opportunity to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions. Department of Human Services $450,000 for the State Rent Supplement Program to provide housing support for vulnerable families. $15,000,000 lump sum to fund homeless programs and services across the state. $5,250,000 to Medquest to support online enrollment for Medicaid. Department of Health $28,000,000 in operating subsidy for Maui Health System. $4,500,000 for (3) new ambulances, (1) each for County of Kaua‘i, County of Hawai‘i, and the City and County of Honolulu. $3,877,063 in additional funds for the Kūpuna Care program. $1,200,000 in additional funds for the Kūpuna Caregiver fund. Department of Land and Natural Resources $450,000 for the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts to support environmental protection efforts. $500,000 to support fire response activities for DOFAW across the state. $800,000 to combat the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on the island of Hawai‘i. $500,928 to establish a DOCARE training academy. Department of Taxation Funds for 6 additional investigator positions for the Special Enforcement Section. Department of Transportation $11,000,000 for replacement of the Wiki Wiki Shuttle bus fleet with electric vehicles. $39,000,000 for Consolidated Rental Car Facilities at Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport and Kahului International Airport. $11,000,000 for Special Maintenance Highway Projects, Statewide. $500,000 for Safety Oversight on the Rail Project. University of Hawaii $300,000 for the Student Success Initiative to help support the wide variety of students and their individual needs at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. $300,000 for Rat Lungworm Research at Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. $130,000 for 6.2 positions for the Health Sciences Academy at the University of Hawai‘i at West O‘ahu. $260,000 to support the Apprentice Program at the University of Hawai‘i, Community Colleges. $750,000 and 8 positions for student success initiative at University of Hawai‘i, Community Colleges. The Capital Improvement Project portion of the budget includes about $800 million for Department of Education projects and an additional $40 million to finish construction of the new women's prison which will free up space at the overcrowded Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Capital Improvement Project Totals: FY2018: $1.027 Billion General Obligation Bond Funds FY2019: $734.4 Million General Obligation Bond Funds FY2018: $2.289 Billion All Means of Financing Funds FY2019: $2.369 Billion All Means of Financing Funds HB 1900, the budget bill, will be voted upon by the Legislature next week and if approved, sent to the governor for his signature. Budget worksheets detailing the appropriations in the overall Executive, Judiciary and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website athttp://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2018budget.aspx. ### #statebudget #hawaiisenate #RonaldKouchi #jkalanienglish #donovandelacruz #GilbertKeithAgaran #michellekidani #kaialiikahele #glennwakai #maileshimabukuro #brickwoodgaluteria

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – To provide disaster relief following devastating flooding on Kaua‘i and other affected areas statewide, House and Senate Legislators today allocated a total of $125 million to make road, bridge and other infrastructure repairs for the stricken communities. "Kaua‘i residents need our help immediately," said House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (McCully, Kāheka, Kakaʻako, Downtown). "The rains and flooding have decimated roads, bridges, power lines and other infrastructure. With the ground soaked and more rain predicted, we cannot wait to act. We need to move quickly on funding repairs and give those in need some hope for the future." “I am in complete agreement with Speaker Saiki and additionally, I would like to thank my legislative colleagues for their support in recognizing the dire needs of Kaua‘i residents,” said Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau). The House Finance and Senate Ways and Means committees added wording to Senate Bill 192 during a conference committee hearing to appropriate $100 million in general funds to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people, and provide relief from disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by the flooding on Kaua‘i. The committee also provided $25 million for flood-related repairs statewide. "This tragedy is very personal for me because I have many friends and family in the flooded areas, and critical because I represent these communities in the Legislature," said Representative Nadine K. Nakamura (Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Kapaʻa, Wailuā). "I want to thank Speaker Saiki, President Kouchi, Chairs Luke and Dela Cruz and all my colleagues in the Legislature for their compassion and quick action to make this relief funding happen." “Many of us have spent the last few days witnessing the utter devastation that has once again struck our family and friends on the island of Kaua‘i,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Rather than sit and wait, it’s clear that the Legislature must commit our efforts to the rebuilding process for those impacted by the floods in these final days of session. In this joint effort by both chambers, we wish to offer our kokua through the adoption of this conference draft for Senate Bill 192.” Because of the desperate circumstances, this Senate bill was selected as the best way to quickly authorize this emergency funding. "We all know when it is important to take action quickly, and clearly this is one of those times," said Finance Committee Chair Representative Sylvia Luke, (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nu‘uanu, Dowset Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa). "While State and Counties officials work to get a complete assessment of the damages, we know it is important to supply this immediate infusion of cash support to the people of Kaua‘i in their time of need." The funds will be allotted to the State Department of Defense for disaster relief this fiscal year for the repairs and will lapse at the end of the next fiscal year.

House and Senate conferees began negotiations today on a final version of HB1900 HD1 SD1, the state budget bill. Early agreement on a number of budget items included $7.1 million to increase payments supporting foster children and resource caregivers; $1.7 million for services at Aging and Disability Resource Centers; $3.4 million for rescue and fire fighting staff and vehicles at Lihue Airport; and $500,000 for repair and maintenance projects and $500,000 for books and materials for public libraries statewide. Lawmakers will continue to meet to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions through April 27, the deadline for all fiscal bills to pass out of conference committee. A final conference draft will then be voted upon by the Legislature and if approved, will be sent to the Governor for his signature. Among the operating budget items agreed upon to date are: Department of Accounting and General Services $265,000 to Hawai‘i State Digital Archives for server infrastructure and network-attached storage to support archival processing and preservation. Department of the Attorney General $95,000 for the Hawai‘i Integrated Justice Information System. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs $142,400 to establish an in-house attorney to provide legal expertise for the Division of Financial Institutions. Department of Defense $146,200 for the Homeland Security Office. $1,646,200 in general funds for renovation, repair, and maintenance projects at facilities statewide. $150,000 for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. $200,000 for repair and maintenance of building and structures at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery. Department of Education $20,000 for Professional Learning System $65,016 for two positions for the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning. Department of Human Services $7,129,680 to increase payments supporting foster children and resource caregivers across the state. $240,000 for programs to encourage rehabilitation of youths in the juvenile justice system. Department of Health $94,894 to fund a program for youth who are at risk of mainland placement. $1,700,000 to fund continued services at Aging and Disability Resource Centers. $27,546 to fund one Information Specialist to assist in providing support for online and web-based resources to Hawai‘i residents. Department of Land and Natural Resources $92,100 for two program managers to oversee the Division of Aquatic Resources. $26,478 for one fire response coordinator for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's ‘Oahu Branch. $84,730 for one position to oversee the state's water audit program. $53,010 to establish 24/7 dispatch communications for the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. $450,000 to establish a data management system for Historic Preservation. $73,422 for three positions to monitor nearshore aquatic resources. $188,820 for ten positions to improve visitor experience and preserve State Parks across the state. Department of Public Safety $142,144 for psychological screening of applicant Deputy Sheriffs and Adult Corrections Officers. $93,101 for the Narcotics Enforcement Forensic Drug Laboratory. Department of Taxation $86,170 to establish one investigator position for the Special Enforcement Section. Department of Transportation $200,000 for automated passport control kiosk maintenance. $3,414,352 for airport rescue and fire fighting staff and vehicles at Līhu‘e Airport. $400,000 towards the Hawai‘i Statewide Transportation Master Plan update. University of Hawaii $79,000 for an Instruction and Student Support Coordinator at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Hawaii State Public Libraries $500,000 for repair and maintenance projects for public libraries statewide. $500,000 for library books and materials. Budget worksheets detailing agreements and disagreements in the state, judiciary, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget bills are available on the Capitol website at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/budget/2018budget.aspx. The conference committee will reconvene on Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m. in room 309.