Hope and inspiration is what we need. Hope and inspiration backed by tangible action that says loud and clear the days of “pay to play” at the Hawaii State legislature, are over.
Current legislative rules allow a single individual committee chair to kill a legislative proposal without a hearing, without a vote, and without a reason.
It’s common knowledge that some committee chairs have killed bills for personal, political and financial reasons. While most holding those positions are honorable in their intent, some will inevitably abuse the power to help their friends and hurt their enemies. It’s an ugly and corrupt reality driven by the unilateral power granted by the “rules.”
Existing House rules governing “bill referrals” permit the referral of bills to the House Finance Committee even when there’s zero impact on the budget. This referral grants the House Finance Chair life or death control over every single legislative proposal introduced.
The rules also allow legislative proposals to be amended “verbally” with the actual language inserted after the vote and after the public has left the room.
Can’t make this stuff up.
Please join me in sending an “Opening Day” message to each and every legislator.
The time to reform legislative rules, campaign finance and ethics law is now.
Now’s the time to stand up and be counted, to say loud and clear — enough already.
Jan. 15, the first official day of the Hawaii State Legislative Session — is when the first tangible actions must be taken.
We don’t need or want flowery words, platitudes and promises — without tangible action.
Legislative Rules Reform can take place in a single action and vote by a majority of legislators in either or both legislative bodies. While House Rules have received the most attention and in the greatest need of reform, Senate Rules must also be amended to increase transparency and accountability.
The State Constitution, Article III, Section 12 states “Every meeting of a committee in either house or of a committee comprised of a member or members from both houses held for the purpose of making decision on matters referred to the committee shall be open to the public.”
Both the House and Senate routinely violate this constitutional provision. Both chambers have rules now allowing decision-making behind closed doors, and grant Committee Chairs the power to kill bills without public notice, public justification, or a public vote.
Legislative rules can easily be amended to increase transparency and accountability, and decrease the opportunity for legislative misconduct and corruption.
All it takes is leadership. The move for such reform should come from behind the leadership podium, but can also come from members on the floor.
Please take a moment to contact your own district legislator and urge them to support Rules Reform to increase transparency and accountability: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/
Then contact House/Senate Leadership with the same message:
House Speaker Nadine Nakamura: repnakamura@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senate President Ronald Kouchi: senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
There’s a House Good Government Caucus proposing specific changes to House rules, campaign finance reform, and other good government legislation. Please send them a short mahalo as well!
Rep. Della Au Bellati (Chair) — repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Terez Amato — repamato@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Tina Grandinetti — repgrandinetti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Ikaika Hussey — rephussey@capitol.hawaii.gov,
Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto — repiwamoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Lauren Matsumoto — repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Julie Reyes Oda — repreyesoda@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Amy Perruso — repperruso@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Kanani Souza — repsouza@capitol.hawaii.gov
I mean really, who would not be supportive of increasing transparency and accountability? Who would not want to eliminate or at least reduce government corruption and “pay to play”?
I’m guessing we’ll wake up on the morning of Jan. 16 and know the answer.
•••
Gary Hooser served eight years in the state Senate, where he was majority leader. He also served for eight years on the Kauai County Council. He presently writes on Hawaii policy and politics at www.garyhooser.blog.
