| HB1671 |
RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX
Removes the current cap on transient accommodations tax revenues to be distributed to the counties and establishes the distribution of these revenues as a percentage of TAT collected. |
Support
Support
Handout |
| House Draft 1 Removes the current cap on transient accommodations tax revenues to be distributed to the counties and establishes the distribution of these revenues as a percentage of TAT collected. Effective July 1, 2050. |
Support
Support |
| HD1 SD1 Removes the current cap on transient accommodations tax revenues to be distributed to the counties and establishes the distribution of these revenues as a percentage of TAT collected. Effective July 1, 2050. (SD1) |
Support
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TO:
Rep. Brower repbrower@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Luke repluke@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Cachola repcachola@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep Johanson repjohanson@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Kahele senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Ige sendige@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Galuteria sengaluteria@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Kidani senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB 1671, HD1, SD1, RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX
All State and county legislators throughout the State of Hawaii are challenged with balancing their respective budgets this month. I respect, commend, and empathize with all of you for the hard work and tough decisions you are facing.
As you consider the distribution of transient accommodations tax (“TAT”) revenues, I would like to respectfully remind you that the Maui County Council supports removal of the cap on distribution to the counties. Please see Resolution 14-45, entitled “URGING THE HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS HOUSE BILL 1671 TO INCREASE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX REVENUE TO THE COUNTIES”.
Here is a link: /DocumentCenter/View/90393
Notably, the resolution states that “the counties use the TAT revenues to cover a portion of their visitor- related expenditures as they bear a significant responsibility for providing the array of services and infrastructure necessary to support a vibrant visitor industry.” This is one reason the Council’s position is shared by many entities and individuals from the visitor industry. In addition, elected officials from all four counties have testified in support of removing the cap throughout the session.
The Senate Ways and Means committee report on this measure accurately states that returning TAT revenue to the counties supports “public safety, parks, road maintenance, and visitor-related services.” I would respectfully suggest that all of the counties' core functions support tourism.
The resolution also points out our unity of interests:
- “the State is urged to view the removal of the TAT cap not as a loss but rather the return of revenues the counties were promised have relied on and have responsibly budgeted for more than 20 years”
- “the State and the counties serve the same constituents and the governments should work together”
Thank you for your consideration of the Council’s position.
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| HB2139 |
RELATING TO PUBLIC AGENCY MEETINGS
Allows members of a county council to jointly attend any meetings or presentations without violating the sunshine law as long as the meeting or presentation is open to the public.
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HB2139 HD1 Allows the members of public agency boards to jointly attend meetings or presentations without violating the sunshine laws if the meeting or presentation is in Hawaii and free to the public, and authorizes the members of a county council to attend in unlimited numbers. Requires that such members of a county provide individual reports of the meeting or presentation.
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TO:
Rep. Karl Rhoads reprhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Della Au Belatti repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Chris Lee repclee@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Cynthia Thielen repthielen@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Will Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen.Clayton Hee senhee@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Brickwood Galuteria sengaluteria@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Les Ihara senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Sam Slom senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; LETTER IN SUPPORT OF HB2139, HD1, SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC AGENCY MEETINGS
I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify my intent in requesting Representative Kyle Yamashita introduce this important measure. The purpose of this measure was originally to increase interaction between elected officials and the public and to broaden access to educational opportunities.
I support this measure for the following reasons:
- As elected officials, it is the job of council members to find out how people in our community feel about policy issues, to become educated on those issues, and to enact legislation addressing them when feasible. Council members often give up opportunities or feel discouraged to attend such events because of the risk of violating the Sunshine Law.
- Allowing council members to attend such public meetings will not jeopardize openness in government or in legislative decision making. Council members have no control over the agenda, discussion, or outcome of meetings of non-council entities. To the contrary, open participation in such meetings by elected officials will increase transparency and accessibility.
- Maui County's government leaders—who are all elected to represent everyone on Lanai, Maui, and Molokai—should avail themselves of opportunities to become aware of, and educated on, the issues and problems facing their constituents in all communities throughout the County.
- The existing reporting requirement that applies to all Sunshine Law boards should suffice for purposes of disclosing to the public all informational meetings or presentations attended by more than two council members.
Thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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| HB849 |
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Proposed HD2: Recodifies Hawaii's emergency management statutes by updating the statutes, clarifying the relationship between the state and county emergency management agencies, and delineating the emergency management functions and powers of the Governor and mayors. Effective July 1, 2014. (PROPOSED HB849 HD2)
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TO:
Rep. Aquino repaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Takai reptakai@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep Rhoads reprhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Ing reping@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Awana repawana@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. McDermott repmcdermott@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Hee senhee@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Kouchi senkouchi@Capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB 849, HD2, SD2, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of this important measure. The purpose of this measure is to recodify Hawaii's emergency management statutes by clarifying the relationship between the State and county agencies, and delineating the emergency management functions and powers of the Governor and mayors.
I support this measure for the following reasons:
- During a time of crisis, no other level of government has better access to critical real-time information than the counties. Under the current structure, the mayors have no independent civil defense authority, and are therefore, unable to make decisions that could mean better protection of citizens. The proposed measure will provide the mayors specific, important powers.
- The measure establishes the Emergency Specialist Reserve Corps (“ESRC”), a low-cost surge staff, to assist government during emergencies. The counties may not be able to afford a full-time force that is large enough to staff medium and large-scale disasters. The ESRC will provide a low cost, fully-trained surge staffing capability.
- This measure modernizes civil defense laws enacted more than 50 years ago when Hawaii’s population was only half of what it is today. The recodification of the emergency management laws is comprehensive and will bring Hawaii into compliance with nationwide practices. The measure will strengthen emergency management procedures and promote stronger partnerships among the State and counties.
For the foregoing reasons, I support this measure.
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| HB1667 |
RELATING TO VETERANS
HD1 Exempts qualifying totally and permanently disabled veterans from paying the state motor vehicle registration fee. Requires the Office of Veterans Services to report the number of qualifying veterans to the legislature and department of taxation. (HB1667 HD1)
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House Draft 2 Effective September 1, 2014.
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House Draft 3 Effective July 1, 2030.
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TO:
Rep. Yamane repyamane@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Takai reptakai@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Takayama reptakayama@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Rhoads reprhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. English, Chair senenglish@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Ige sendige@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB1667, HD3, SD2, RELATING TO VETERANS
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of this important measure.
The purpose of this measure is exempt qualifying totally and permanent disabled veterans from paying the State Motor Vehicle Registration Fee on one of their noncommercial vehicles.
The Maui County Council has not had the opportunity to take a formal position on this measure. Therefore, I am providing these comments in my capacity as an individual member of the Maui County Council.
I support this measure for the following reasons:
- Veterans of the armed services should be recognized and honored for their selflessness and bravery in serving our country. In addition to the challenges faced overseas, many veterans return home with permanent physical and mental injuries, including the loss of limbs, varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder, and other continued hardships. I applaud the Legislature for putting forward a bill that will show a small measure of our appreciation for their sacrifices.
- By Act 141 (2008), the Legislature exempted one noncommercial vehicle owned by members of the National Guard, military reserves, and active-duty armed services, including the Coast Guard, who are residents of Hawaii from paying the Motor Vehicle Weight Tax. Permanently disabled veterans were not included, yet they are equally deserving of this exemption.
For the foregoing reasons, I support this measure.
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| SB2110 |
RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF PESTICIDES
Appropriates funds for pesticide regulation.
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TO:
Rep. Wooley repwooley@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Onishi reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Brower repbrower@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Matsumoto RepMatsumoto@Capitol.Hawaii.gov
Sen. Nishihara sennishihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Kouchi senkouchi@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Slom senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF SB 2110, SD2, HD1, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF PESTICIDES
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of this important measure. The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to facilitate increased pesticide education and regulation.
I support this measure for the following reasons:
- The elimination of agriculture inspector positions, based on previous budget shortfalls, has resulted in reduction of inspection positions needed to guarantee that standards for pesticide regulation are met under the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Pesticides Law, Chapter 149A.
- Maintaining sufficient agriculture inspector staffing is particularly important for Maui County because of the unique challenges faced by our multi-island community, which is significantly agricultural.
- This measure will directly and indirectly assist Maui County’s ongoing efforts in dealing with invasive species, including miconia, coqui frogs, axis deer, and, most recently, the little fire ants that can produce painful stings for humans and blindness for pets.
For the foregoing reasons, I support this measure.
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| HB1024 |
RELATING TO LIABILITY
Makes permanent the liability protections for the actions of county lifeguards. |
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| House Draft 1 Extends the liability protections for the actions of county lifeguards for an additional three years. Requires the counties to report to the legislature on lawsuits against county lifeguards and the effects of the liability protections. Effective June 29, 2014. |
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TO:
Rep. Karl Rhoads reprhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Faye P. Hanohano rephanohano@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Della Au Bellati repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Tom Brower repbrower@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Calvin K.Y. Say repsay@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Richard Fale repfale@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Will Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Clayton Hee senhee@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Sam Slom senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB 1024, HD1, SD2, RELATING TO LIABILITY
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of this important measure. The purpose of this measure is to extend the sunset date for the law that provides liability protections for actions of county lifeguards.
I support this measure and offer the following comments:
- The law has been in effect for more than a decade. Since the law’s enactment in 2002, the Legislature has twice been convinced of the wisdom of extending its protections. Any need for a trial period has been exhausted, and the law should be made permanent.
- Making permanent the liability protections afforded to county lifeguards will enhance public safety by fostering a climate in which lifeguard services can be provided without undue fear of liability. Without this protection, lifeguard services at beach parks may be reduced because of the threat of potential liability.
For the foregoing reasons, I support this measure and urge the committee to make the law permanent.
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| HB2560 |
HD2 RELATING TO FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES
Permits family child care homes in agriculturally designated districts if located in a farm dwelling constructed prior to July 1, 2014. Effective July 1, 2014. (HB2560 HD2)
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| HD2, SD1 Permits family child care homes in agriculturally designated districts if located in a farm dwelling. Amends definition of "family child care home" to allow for care of one to six unrelated children. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1) |
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TO:
Rep. Mele Carroll repcarroll@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Jessica Wooley repwooley@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Bertrand Kobayashi repkobayashi@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Gene Ward repward@capitol.hawaii.gov
Rep. Mark J. Hashem rephashem@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (Chair) senchunoakland@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Michelle N. Kidani senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Clarence K. Nishihara sennishihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Will Espero senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sen. Sam Slom senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
SUBJECT: CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014; COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF HB 2560, HD2, SD2, RELATING TO FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES
Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments in support of this important measure. The purpose of this measure is to permit family child care homes in agriculturally designated districts if located in a farm dwelling. I support this measure for the following reasons:
- Few preschools are available to serve families in agricultural communities. This bill will ensure that working parents have a variety of childcare options to meet their family’s needs.
- Many qualified childcare providers in Maui County agricultural districts, including Haiku, Makawao, and Kula, do not have the funds, time, or expertise to obtain the special use permit currently required to provide childcare services.
- Quality child care is absolutely necessary for maximum child development, but it is often too expensive. Allowing child care in agricultural districts would improve affordability. It would also allow farmers to take care of their own kids and children in their communities in a unique country setting, which is appealing and beneficial to many families.
For the foregoing reasons, I support this measure. |
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