Hawaii House Republican Legislative Report April 23, 2013
Aloha,
As we enter into the final days of the legislative session, conference committees are meeting to work out remaining differences between House and Senate bill drafts. The last day of session, also known as Sine Die, is next Thursday, May 2.
House Minority Caucus hails PLDC repeal
HONOLULU – The House Minority Caucus praised the House effort to repeal the controversial Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC). After advancing from the Senate, House Bill 1133 SD2 passed the House in a unanimous floor vote and was transmitted to the governor for signature into law. Most members of the Minority Caucus signed the bill.
"When legislation sparks such controversy among an array of diverse groups and the public, it is time to reconsider it. This repeal is a recognition of the public's outcry," said Minority Leader Aaron Ling Johanson.
Rep. Cynthia Thielen added, “I’m pleased that we were able to accomplish this repeal in a bipartisan fashion. There are many things the two parties do agree on – it’s encouraging to see members from both sides coming together for such good work. This is a prime example of the Legislature collaborating to satisfy the wishes of the people it serves.”
To read the complete news release, please click here.
Star-Advertiser article (April 22): Governor signs repeal of Public Land Development Corp.
State budget update
In an effort to increase transparency and avoid a last-minute time crunch, the House Finance Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee began state budget conference hearings earlier than usual this year. Nearly all of the items have been agreed to already and some expect the budget to be ready for final legislative approval shortly.
Funding for a school readiness program: The governor’s budget request for almost $23 million in general funds has not yet been addressed by the budget conference committees. A proposed conference draft for Senate Bill 1093 contains a blank appropriation and proposes to establish the program within the Department of Human Services rather than the governor’s Executive Office on Early Learning.
Please click here for more information about the budget.
Bill updates
Bills that have passed conference and will next be voted on a final time by the Legislature would:
Propose a constitutional amendment to permit the appropriation of public funds for some private early childhood education programs. See KITV story below (SB 1084 SD1 HD1 CD1);
Increase money transmitter license fees from $2,000 to $5,000, among other fees. Renewal fees would increase to between $3,000 and $20,000 depending on a licensee's number of transmissions (SB 1068 SD2 HD1);
Apply cash economy laws to more businesses, potentially burdening small businesses while enforcing collection of due taxes (SB 1196 SD1 HD1); and
Raise portable electronics insurance license fees from $150 initially and $150 for annual renewals to $5,000 initially and $2,500 for annual renewals (SB 345 SD1 HD1).
Other notable bills still alive in conference would:
Reduce the hotel tax rate from 9.25 percent to 7.25 percent on July 1, 2013 and eliminate the daily hotel tax for complimentary accommodations (SB 1194 SD2 HD1); and
Establish an Internet sales tax by expanding the application of GET and Use Tax laws (SB 948 SD1 HD1).
One notable bill that failed in conference would have:
Proposed a constitutional amendment regarding residency requirements for state legislators. If voters had approved the amendment, candidates would have been required to reside within their legislative districts for not less than 12 consecutive months prior to the next general election (HB 269 HD1 SD2).
In Our Communities
North Shore Town Hall Meeting
Reps. Richard Fale and Lauren Cheape hosted a meeting on April 18 to give community members an update on legislative and community issues.
Earth Day Clean-up of Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline
Rep. Gene Ward and Boy Scout Troop 101 hosted the sixth annual clean-up of Ka Iwi shoreline on April 20 to celebrate Earth Day. Dozens of volunteers participate each year to remove unsightly and hazardous trash from the area.
Above: Volunteers collect trash at Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline to commemorate Earth Day
Aiea Family Fun Fair
Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson and a team of volunteers, including Reps. Richard Fale and Beth Fukumoto, helped at the Aiea Family Fun Fair, a fundraiser for much needed school programs, hosted by the Aiea High School Parent Teacher Student Organization. Families were invited to enjoy rides, games and performances by Aiea complex schools.
In The News
Constitutional amendment bill to allow public funding of some private schools advances
Video: Deputy AG's letter says governor’s early childhood learning program won’t spur school vouchers
KITV, April 21
Proposed development on Hawaii Kai's "Great Lawn"
Lawmakers ask City Council members to stop development on Hawaii Kai preservation land -- Hawaii Reporter, April 18
Measure would allow for more state funding of campaigns
Article: Bill boosts public campaign funds -- Star-Advertiser, April 17
If you have any questions or concerns about measures in the House or Senate, please don't hesitate to contact the House Republican Caucus. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make Hawaii an even better place to live.
Mahalo,
Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson
Minority Leader
T: (808) 586-9470
repjohanson@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Beth Fukumoto
Minority Floor Leader
T: (808) 586-9460
repfukumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov