Governor surprises broadcasters by dropping censorship power

Gov. Josh Green signs a bill prohibiting the governor or mayors from suspending electronic transmissions during emergencies

from Grassroot Institute

Gov. Josh Green wrapped up the 2024 legislative session this week by giving a welcome surprise to government accountability advocates.

The governor had initially said he would veto HB2581 — which would remove the ability of the governor or county mayors to suspend electronic media transmissions during emergencies. But on Tuesday, he announced he had signed the bill.

News organizations and watchdog groups, including the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, had supported the bill as it moved through the Legislature, arguing that it would remove a rule that was passed before cell phones, social media and the Internet came along, and that the law was probably unconstitutional anyway.

Gov. Green also signed the budget bill and used his line-item veto to trim more than $500 million in spending for the upcoming year — "to rebalance the state’s finances and maintain stable reserves," according to a news release from his office. He also reduced spending from a number of other bills.

Joe Kent, Grassroot executive vice president, said the governor made a wise decision by slimming down next year’s spending.

"Unexpected costs for Lahaina’s recovery and an uncertain economic future both demand fiscal prudence," Kent said.

On the downside, Gov. Green did not change his mind about vetoing Grassroot-supported HB1633, which would have allowed homeowner-builders to lease their newly constructed or renovated properties within one year of construction.

In his “President’s Corner” column last week, Grassroot President Keli‘i Akina had urged the governor to sign the bill, noting that current law is “an unnecessary barrier to getting more rental units to market more quickly.”

In total, the governor signed 253 of the 260 bills passed by the 2024 Legislature.

Bills supported by Grassroot that were enacted into law are aimed at implementing the largest state income tax cut in Hawaii history; an exemption for doctors and dentists from having to pay the general excise tax on payments from Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE; a requirement that the counties allow more accessory dwelling units, adaptive reuse and mixed-use development; temporary exemptions for out-of-state nurses to work in Hawaii; and greater freedom for local cottage food producers.