MEDIA RELEASE

The Senate Majority Caucus has released its package of 17 bills. The priorities of the Senate Majority Caucus reflect a focus on core values that will guide consideration of new initiatives for Hawaii’s future: 

The Social Safety Net – Whether through health services, unemployment benefits, or aid to those threatened by poverty, the goal must remain maintaining meaningful supports for those with the greatest need.

SB 1673 — Hawaii Health Systems Corporation restructuring

SB1673 supports HHSC, the fourth-largest public health system in the nation, in exploring a transition to a corporate structure. It allows the HHSC to carefully evaluate the change, and ensure that the HHSC remains intact in order to provide central support services to the regional systems and facilities seeking to remain a part of this valuable state agency. 

SB 1666 — Allocation of TANF expenditures

In these difficult economic times, Hawaii’s expenditure of temporary assistance for needy family funds must not only account for the economic slowdown, but maintain reserves in anticipation of a continued financial slump. SB1666 details how the legislature will spend TANF funds, emphasizing direct payments to families, employment training, teenage pregnancy prevention, and keeping families intact. The bill also maintains an adequate reserve of TANF funds to provide for the continued provision of necessary support programs.

SB 1679 — Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund 

In 1999, the legislature established the emergency and budget reserve fund as a temporary supplemental source of funding for the State of Hawaii in times of emergency, economic downturn, or unforeseen reduction in revenues. SB1679 appropriates moneys from the emergency budget and reserve fund to maintain levels of programs for education, human services, and health.

SB 1668 — Food Stamp eligibility

Hawaii loses millions of dollars in federal funding each year due to its 72 percent participation rate among eligible households in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, formerly known as the Food Stamps program. A higher rate of participation would draw millions of dollars in addition federal dollars into the Hawaii economy. The bill eases Hawaii’s eligibility requirements and establishes an outreach program to increase participation among eligible households. In addition to providing needed services to families, increased participation will provide a multiplier effect: The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that for every $5 spent through the supplemental nutrition assistance program, there is a $9.20 benefit to the community.

SB 1676 — Telehealth

Since 1999, the legislature has supported the use and expansion of telehealth services and technology. With internet technology revolutionizing the way consumers acquire goods and services today, it was only a matter of time before this type of technology was applied to health care. Hawaii is poised to be the first state in the nation to provide statewide consumer access to local physicians via the internet and telephone. SB1676 makes amendments to Hawaii law to enhance and support an expansion of new technology in the use of telemedicine, and clarify that telehealth is within the scope of a physician’s practice.

SB 1664 — Partial Unemployment

Hawaii’s current economic slowdown has led to an alarming increase in unemployment as local businesses find themselves unable to maintain their employee rolls at former levels. SB1664 establishes a program allowing employers to continue employing workers with reduced hours, while permitting those facing decreases in earnings with a means of making up for lost income. The bill adds definitions relating to partial unemployment and sets out claimants’ eligibility, claims filing, and registration requirements, and employers’ reporting requirements for partial unemployment.

The Economy — Hawaii’s economy reflects the need to maximize what is available. It falls to lawmakers to identify and foster the resources that preserve long-term economic viability.  

SB 1678 — Streamlined Sales Tax

The continuing growth of online sales has changed the retail landscape. While eliminating geographic barriers to commerce creates new opportunities for the Hawaii economy, off-shore sales also result in a loss of excise tax revenues. Since 2003, Hawaii has been a participating member of the National Streamlined Sales Tax Project, which would allow the collection of state excise taxes on sales to other states. SB1678 continues our progress toward full participation in the streamlined sales tax by making necessary amendments to Hawaii tax laws.

SB 1680 — Broadband Development

Advanced broadband capabilities are essential infrastructure for an innovation economy and knowledge society in the 21st century. High-speed broadband services at affordable prices are essential for the advancement of education, health, public safety, research and innovation, civic participation, e-government, economic development and diversification, and public safety and services. SB1680 establishes the position of Communications Commissioner in the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to help facilitate the development of critical telecommunications capabilities. It also establishes a work group to develop procedures to streamline state and county broadband regulation, franchising, and permitting.

SB 1665 — Workforce Development

During tough economic times, institutions of higher education play a vital role in re-training, cross training, and expanding the skill sets of our workers and employers. Change is inevitable; when companies and individuals face the opportunity to do business differently, community colleges can help support that transition. SB1665 enhances the training capacity of Hawaii’s community colleges by establishing a skilled worker and business development center to provide workforce training to meet the rapidly evolving needs of both employers and employees. 

Energy and Sustainability — Hawaii imports more energy than any other state, relying on fossil fuels for almost all electrical production, as well as the transportation of goods into and within the state. Still, the potential for Hawaii to develop its own energy production capability through new technologies raises unavoidable questions of how to balance food and fuel. As it has been for centuries, the question today is how to sustain Hawaii.

SB 1671 — No New Fossil Fuel Power Plants

At present Hawaii largely relies on oil and coal for electrical needs, and a large portion of consumer goods come in via petroleum-burning ships and planes. The largest industry—tourism—is also fueled by oil, depending on jet aircraft to deliver visitors. This bill prohibits new or expanded fossil fuel power plants, aligning state energy policy with Hawaii’s preferred clean energy and sustainable future.

SB 1675 — Expanded Net Energy Program

The Legislature enacted the net energy metering law as an effective incentive for the rapid development of renewable electricity self-generation at low cost to the public. “Net metering” allows a consumer with power-generation capability—usually through small renewable-energy sources such as wind generators or photo-voltaic cells—to receive a credit for excess energy produced. When the net energy metering law was enacted, limits were established to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical grid. However, these limits are no longer necessary because the Public Utilities Commission has established other procedures to protect grid integrity. This bill eliminates the total capacity limit on net metering and increase the consumer capacity limit. The legislation will permit existing net metered customers to remain with the program once a feed-in tariff or other tariff structures are implemented.

Education

SB 1674 — University of Hawaii Revenue Bond Increase

With $450 million in capitol renewal and deferred maintenance needs and over $738 million in planned and proposed Capital Improvement Projects for the biennium, the university system has the capacity to stimulate the economy and create jobs through ongoing and large-scale construction projects. In order to eliminate the deferred maintenance projects over the next six years and support the university’s capital renewal efforts, SB1674 proposes additional bond financing for each year of the biennium. A portion of this funding would go toward the reduction of the backlog and capital renewal efforts, while other bond funds will allow repairs by focusing on major renovations and modernization efforts. 

SB 1669 — DOE Repair and Maintenance

Some schools face crumbling walls, leaky roofs, termite-infested floors, and overheated classrooms. There is a compelling need to immediately fund the backlog of repair and maintenance programs in the public schools. SB1669 authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates $155 million annually through fiscal year 2012 for repair and maintenance projects of the Department of Education.

Meeting immediate needs

SB 1677 — Ceded Lands

The question of the use of ceded lands revenues is one of the most critical and divisive issues in Hawaii. Still, even as the discussion of the state’s obligation to the Native Hawaiian population continues, a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court threatens to remove the matter from local policy considerations. SB1677 seeks to address the immediate concerns of the community by requiring the Legislature to adopt a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature to adopt a concurrent resolution to sell or exchange certain public lands.

SB 1672 — Historic Property Documentation

A current law on the photographic documentation of structures over 50 years old has had unforeseen consequences, placing an undue burden on landowners seeking to renovate or remove certain structures. SB 1672 proposes an amendment that would allow required photographs submitted to the DLNR to be in any format, including electronic, and limit the law’s application to the demolition or major alteration of historic buildings eligible for listing on the Hawaii or national register of historic places.

SB 1667 and SB 1670 — Clarifying Holdover Appointments

In light of recent controversy involving the appointment of regents to the University of Hawaii, it is apparent the appointment and holdover process needs to be clarified. SB1670 proposes a Constitutional Amendment to article V, section 6, of the state constitution to clarify the appointment process for department heads and members of boards and commissions by requiring the governor to nominate successors within the time limits required by law.

— Find out more:
Senate Majority Caucus: www.hawaiisenatemajority.com
Legislature Bill Status: www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/docs.asp
Track A Bill: http://billtracking.org/