As we head toward the final months of the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers now begin a second round of community input, public hearings and decision making in an effort to determine which proposals will best serve Hawai‘i. On March 6,
As we head toward the final months of the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers now begin a second round of community input, public hearings and decision making in an effort to determine which proposals will best serve Hawai‘i.
On March 6, the two legislative bodies engaged in “crossover,” or the exchange of bills. The Senate passed 353 bills to the House of Representatives for consideration and will now begin reviewing approximately 365 bills that the House has approved. Legislation that survives this second round of scrutiny will then be reviewed a third time by joint Senate-House committees in order to settle any unresolved details before the full Legislature votes on them and sends them to the governor for approval or veto.
Like most proposed legislation, many Kaua‘i-specific initiatives have transformed while passing through the legislative process.
Senate Bill 3170, which would have created pesticide-free buffer zones around schools, was amended to create a task force to study pesticides and schools. Fortunately, Syngenta Seed Co. has agreed to stop spraying fields adjacent to Waimea Canyon Middle School at least until the end of the year. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it appears that even the concept of a task force is unacceptable to the farm, seed and pesticide lobby. The House of Representatives has referred SB3170 to three different committees, which is a sign that the proposal is unlikely to receive a hearing and thus die.
Aimed at reducing air pollution at Nawiliwili Harbor, Senate Bill 2526 was also amended extensively, but is still alive. The bill, if passed as written, would significantly reduce the cruise ship emissions that currently drift over the Niumalu community.
Education remains a focus this session. Senate Bill 2822, which is part of the Senate Majority Legislative Package, provides significant funding for expanded before- and after-school programs, and Senate Bill 3252 targets the teacher shortage problem in the state through various initiatives.
In an effort to reduce textbook costs and the weight in children’s backpacks, the Senate also passed legislation requesting that the Department of Education consider the possibility of converting some hard cover textbooks to electronic books, or “e-books.” Significant funding is also being set aside to repair and maintain public schools and for school air conditioning in exceptionally warm areas or areas exposed to excessive dust, noise, etc.
Legislators are also dedicated to the continuing statewide goal of ensuring sustainability and are processing many measures to reduce consumption and waste while preserving our islands’ resources. A vote by the entire Senate on March 4 advanced Senate Bill 2842, which establishes a statewide lighting efficiency standard. Some 22 of 25 senators also voted to support legislation that creates a state Department of Planning and Sustainability.
Community members have expressed concerns over proposals that would impact fishing and other boating activities around Ni‘ihau. These proposals, as well as another measure to increase regulation of commercial activities on beaches, are essentially dead for this legislative session.
Kaua‘i pharmacists have also voiced objections over Senate Bill 2459, which allows “remote dispensing” of certain pharmaceutical products. While intended to satisfy the needs of community health centers in remote and rural areas, some pharmacists believe the legislation is overly broad and unnecessary. The House of Representatives is currently reviewing the initiative, and concerned parties should communicate directly with the House Health Committee.
Much of the legislation that I personally proposed this session was and continues to be directly influenced by letters and e-mails from constituents on Kaua‘i and around the state.
Public hearings are held daily at the Capitol, and meetings often start early and stretch into the evening. While I cannot respond directly to the hundreds of daily e-mails and messages that come to my office, Kaua‘i residents should know that I do personally review all messages from constituents, and anyone who would like to speak to me directly is welcome to call my cell phone at 652-4279. (Early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to reach me.)
My office manager, Mark Mararagan, mararagan@capitol.hawaii.gov and senior policy advisor, Carl Miura, are available to advise community members on the status of pending legislation and can be reached at 586-6030. The legislative Web site www.capitol.hawaii.gov is also an excellent source for updates on the various bills and initiatives.
• Gary Hooser is Senate Majority Leader, representing the 7th Senatorial District, covering Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. He is a resident of Wailua.
