by Andrew Walden

A search of the Hawaii Legislative website shows 100 “Short Form” bills that have been introduced to the Hawaii legislature.   These bills usually read:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to effectuate the title of this Act.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended to conform to the purpose of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Short Form bills allow a committee chair to bypass the January 25 deadline to introduce legislation.  It is important to note that “Short Form” bills do not comprise a complete list of ‘Frankenbills’.  The more deceptive ‘Frankenbills’ begin life as innocuous bills which pass thru committee hearings with little to no notice until the real agenda is amended into the bill at the last possible moment.  This type of bill will not show up on a search for the term “Short Form” because they have some real content.

SENATE

None of the Senate’s 34 Short Form Bills are on the move yet.

HOUSE:

Of 66 Short Form Bills introduced, these 12 either have been heard or are scheduled to be heard. 

Mark K Ing-OMH

HB117-- “Requires all motorized recreational vessels operating in nearshore waters to observe no-wake zones at specified beaches. (HB117 HD1)” –Amended Feb 3 Recommitted to OMH.  (Target: Gabbard Cult Group)

HB118-- “Amends the qualifications for election or appointment as an OHA Trustee to include that a person is not registered as a lobbyist within one year of filing nomination papers. (HB118 HD1)” – Amended Feb 3 Recommitted to OMH  (Target: OHA Trustee Kelii Akina)

HB119-- “Short form bill relating to marine resources” -- Amended Feb 3

HB120-– “Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to recognize the entire Ala Loa trail on Kauai as a state trail. (HB120 HD1)” – Amended Feb 3 Recommitted to OMH  (Target: Mark Zuckerberg)

HB121—“Short form bill relating to ocean management.” -- Amended Feb 3

Chris Lee—EEP

HB260—“Short form bill relating to the environment.” --Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 02-07-17 9:30AM in conference room 325.

HB261—“Short form bill relating to energy.--Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 02-07-17 9:30AM in conference room 325.

Creagan – AGR

HB774—”Agricultural Parks; Non-agricultural Park Lands; Lease Preference; Appropriations ($)” -- Amended Feb 1, Re-referred to FIN

HB775—“Department of Agriculture; Chicken Eggs; Certification”--Amended Feb 1, Re-referred to CPC

HB776—“Honokaa/Paauilo Irrigation System; Removal of Water-Rate Cap”--Amended Feb 1, Re-referred to WAL

HB777—“Short form bill relating to agriculture.”--Amended Feb 1

HB778—“Agricultural Land; Housing; Authorized”--Amended Feb 1, Re-referred to HSG

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LINK: 100 “Short Form” bills