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Hawaii State Legislature, 2006

From dKosopedia

Categories: Hawaii | Hawaii legislature | 2006 Hawaii State Legislature

The 2006 Hawaii State Legislature opened it doors on January 17 with opening day festivities and finished its 60-day session on May 4. The governor's office has prepared a list of bills enacted into law in 2006 and a list of veto messages to bills passed in 2006.

Actions taken or not taken

With a $600 million dollar surplus, the legislature "gave more than half of the surplus to public education — mostly to ease a school repair and maintenance backlog — but also made investments in heath and human services, affordable housing, alternative energy, agriculture and disaster preparedness. Only a slice, about 8 percent, was used for tax relief...." [1] Here is a link to pie chart of where the surplus went as printed in the Honolulu Advertiser on May 5, 2006: [2].

Listed are major actions taken by the 2006 legislature:

• Gas Cap
  • Approved a suspension of the wholesale gas price cap, Hawaii Gas Cap
• Tax cut
  • Approved a tax cut package that saves taxpayers nearly $50 million.
• Smoking
  • Approved an increase in the cigarette tax starting in September and increasing each year until 2011. The proceeds are dedicated to public health programs, including the soon-to-be rebuilt Cancer Research Center.
  • Approved a ban on smoking in enclosed or partially-enclosed workplaces and public areas, including bars and airports.
• Affordable housing.
  • Approved negotiation with developers to keep the Kukui Gardens complex affordable or have the state purchase the property.
  • Approved more of the state conveyance tax poured into the rental assistance fund rather than the general fund.
  • Approved bill requiring agencies to expedite land use permits for affordable housing projects; allows counties to waive certain infrastructure requirements; and amends the approval process for affordable housing projects exempt from planning, zoning and construction standards.
  • Approved monies for repair of existing public housing in disrepair.
• Health care.
  • Approved Keiki Care -- a partnership with the Hawai'i Medical Service Association to provide health insurance to children who are not financially eligible for state insurance and not covered by private insurance.
• Agriculture.
  • Approved agricultural tourism at working farms as long as the tourism activity is not the principal agricultural use and does not interfere with surrounding farm operations.
  • Approved a constitutional amendment to be placed on November's ballot that would authorize the state to issue special purpose revenue bonds for agricultural projects on important agricultural land.
  • Approved the establishment an irrigation repair and maintenance special fund to help more than a dozen irrigation systems statewide. A plus for diversifying agriculture.
• Conservation.
  • Approved $1.6 million to assist in the purchase of Waimea Valley.
• Alternative energy.
  • Approved the establishment of renewable energy tax credits; a "pay as you save" program for solar water heating systems; a biodiesel preference in state procurement law; a Hawai'i renewable hydrogen program; a hydrogen investment capital special fund; and state support for an alternative fuels standard.
  • Recognized Hawaii's dependence on imported oil for energy, setting the stage for more action in next year's session.
• Disaster response and preparedness.
  • Approved $60 million in emergency response for the recent heavy rains and flood damage, including money to survey dams.
  • Approved money to prepare for a natural disaster, including funds for an improved early warning system, emergency supplies, evacuation maps and disaster education.
• Civil rights.
  • Approved a bill that prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Bottle Bill Fix
  • Approved recycling of beverage containers up to 68 fluid ounces.
• Approved a bill requiring the governor to fill vacancies for the state Legislature and the U.S. Senate from a list of candidates recommended by the political parties. (see Beverly Wolff Harbin) Vetoed by the governor.
• Approved a requirement that the adjutant general, who leads the state Civil Defense and the National Guard, to have at least five years of service in the National Guard. Vetoed by the governor.
• Approved a constitutional amendment to be placed on November's ballot that would create a salary commission to make recommendations on salaries for judges, state lawmakers, the governor, the lieutenant governor and state department directors.
• Approved a controversial "three strikes" sentencing bill.

• Killed or Failed measures.
  • Killed an internet tax bill.
  • Killed a change in the campaign spending law.
  • Killed a bill that would recognize existing housing, including luxury home projects, on agricultural land as legal. {see Hokulia}
  • Failed to pass a bill standardizing curriculum for the public schools.
  • Failed to pass a bill empowering the state Hawaii State Office of Information Practices to go to Circuit Court to try to enforce rulings under the sunshine law or open-records law.
  • Failed to place $500,000 cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice claims against obstetricians, gynecologists and trauma care doctors.
  • Failed to pass a bill requiring retailers in high-density urban areas and in rural areas to operate redemption centers.

Members of the 2006 Hawaii State Legislature

Hawaii State Legislature: Hawaii State Senate (Dem:20 Rep:5)(Wikipedia)

• District 1 (Hamakua, S. Hilo):Lorraine Inouye (D)
• District 2 (S. Hilo, Puna):Russell Kokubun (D) Assistant Majority Leader
• District 3 (Kohala, Kona, Ka'u):Paul Whalen (R)
• District 4 (Wailuku, Kahului, Spreckelsville-Paia):Shan Tsutsui (D) Majority Caucus Leader
• District 5 (W. Maui, S. Maui):Rosalyn Baker (D) Assistant Majority Floor Leader
• District 6 (E. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i):Kalani English (D)
• District 7 (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau):Gary Hooser (D)
• District 8 (Wai‘alae Iki, Hawai‘i Kai):Sam Slom (R)
• District 9 (Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Palolo, St. Louis Heights, Maunalani Heights):Les Ihara, Jr. (D)
• District 10 (McCully, Moiliili, Manoa, Makiki):Brian Taniguchi (D)
• District 11 (McCully, Tantalus, Makiki, Punchbowl):Carol Fukunaga (D)
• District 12 (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Downtown):Gordon Trimble (R) Minority Policy Leader
• District 13 (Sand Island, Dowsett Highlands, Pauoa, Nuuanu, Puunui, Liliha):Suzanne Chun Oakland (D)
• District 14 (Kalihi, Kapalama, Alewa Heights, Fort Shafter, Halawa Valley):Donna Mercado Kim (D) Senate Vice President
• District 15 (Ford Island, Moanalua, Salt Lake, Mapunapuna, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Foster Village):Norman Sakamoto (D) Majority Policy Leader
• District 16 (Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waiau, Pacific Palisades, Waimalu):David Ige (D)
• District 17 (Mililani, Waipi'o):Ron Menor (D)
• District 18 (Pearl City, Waipahu, Manana):Clarence Nishihara (D)
• District 19 (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa, Waipahu, Waikele):Brian Kanno (D)
• District 20 (Waipahu, Honouliuli, Ewa):Willie Espero (D)
• District 21 (Nanakuli, Makaha):Colleen Hanabusa (D) Majority Leader
• District 22 (Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, North Shore):Robert Bunda (D) Senate President
• District 23 (Kane'ohe, Kahuku): Clayton Hee (D) Majority Floor Leader
• District 24 (Kaneohe, Kailua):Bob Hogue (R) Senate Minority Floor Leader
• District 25 (Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Northwest Hawaiian Islands):Fred Hemmings (R) Senate Minority Leader

Democrats maintained their seats and majority during the 2004 election cycle. Senators who lost their seat during the 2004 Elections:

• District 18 (Pearl City, Waipahu, Manana):Cal Kawamoto (D)
• District 23 (Kane'ohe, Kahuku):Melodie Aduja (D)

Hawaii State Legislature: Hawaii State House of Representatives (Dem:41 Rep:10)(Wikipedia)

• District 1 (Hilo, Hamakua, Waimea):Dwight Takamine (D)
• District 2 (Piihonua, Kaumana):Jerry Chang (D) Majority whip
• District 3 (Hilo, Kea'au, Mt. View, Glenwood):Clifton Tsuji (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 4 (Puna):Helene Hale (D)
• District 5 (Ka'u, S. Kona):Robert Herkes (D) Majority whip
• District 6 (Kailua, Keauhou):Josh Green (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 7 (N. Kona, S. Kohala):Cindy Evans (D)
• District 8 (Wailuku, Waiehu):Joseph Souki (D)
• District 9 (Kahului, Pa'ia):Bob Nakasone (D) Majority whip
• District 10 (W. Maui): Kam Tanaka (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 11 (S. Maui):Chris Halford (R) Minority policy leader
• District 12 (Upcountry Maui): Kyle Yamashita (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 13 (E. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i): Mele Carroll (D) was appointed by Gov. Lingle to replace Sol Kahoohalahala (D) who will be the executive director of the state Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.
• District 14 (Kapa'a, Hanalei):Hermina Morita (D)
• District 15 (Lihu'e, Koloa):Ezra Kanoho (D)
• District 16 (Po'ipu, Waimea, Ni'ihau):Bertha Kawakami (D) Majority whip
• District 17 (Hawai'i Kai, Kalama Valley):Bud Stonebraker (R) Minority whip
• District 18 (Kahala, 'Aina Haina, Kuli'ou'ou):Lyla Berg (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 19 (Kaimuki, Kahala, Wai'alae Iki):Barbara Marumoto (R)
• District 20 (St. Louis Hts., Palolo, Wilhelmina Rise):Calvin K. Y. Say (D) Speaker of the House
• District 21 (Kapahulu, Diamond Head):Scott Nishimoto (D) Majority whip
• District 22 (McCully, Pawa'a):Scott Saiki (D)
• District 23 (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako):Anne V. Stevens (R) was appointed 1/16/2006 to replace Galen Fox who was convicted in California of a misdemeanor.
• District 24 (Manoa):Kirk Caldwell (D) Majority whip
• District 25 (Makiki, Tantalus):Brian Schatz (D)
• District 26 (Punchbowl, Pacific Hts., Nu'uanu Valley):Sylvia Luke (D)
• District 27 (Liliha, Pu'unui):Corinne Ching (R) Assistant minority policy leader
• District 28 (Iwilei, Downtown, Makiki):Beverly Wolff Harbin (D) replaces Kenneth Hiraki (D) who moved to the private sector.
• District 29 (Kalihi, Sand Island):Felipe Abinsay (D) Majority whip
• District 30 (Moanalua, Kalihi Valley, 'Alewa):Dennis Arakaki (D)
• District 31 (Salt Lake, Tripler):Glenn Wakai (D)
• District 32 (Aliamanu, Airport, Mapunapuna):Lynn Finnegan (R) Minority whip
• District 33 (Halawa, 'Aiea, Pearlridge):Blake Oshiro (D) Majority floor leader
• District 34 (Pearl City, Newtown, Royal Summit):Mark Takai (D)
• District 35 (Waipahu, Crestview):Alex Sonson (D) Majority whip
• District 36 (Pearl City, Palisades):Roy Takumi (D)
• District 37 (Mililani, Waipi'o):Ryan Yamane (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 38 (Mililani/Mauka):Marilyn Lee (D) Majority whip
• District 39 (Wahiawa):Marcus Oshiro (D) Majority leader
• District 40 (Makakilo, Kapolei, Royal Kunia):Mark Moses (R) Assistant minority leader
• District 41 (Waipahu, Village Park, Waikele):Jon Riki Karamatsu (D) Majority whip
• District 42 (Waipahu, Honouliuli, 'Ewa): Rida Cabanilla (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 43 ('Ewa Beach, West Loch): Kymberly Pine (R)
• District 44 (Nanakuli, Honokai Hale):Michael Puamamo Kahikina (D)
• District 45 (Wai'anae, Makaha):Maile Shimabukuro (D) Majority whip
• District 46 (Kahuku, N. Shore, Schofield):Michael Magaoay (D) Majority whip
• District 47 (Ha'iku, Kahalu'u, La'ie):Colleen Meyer (R) Minority floor leader
• District 48 (Kane'ohe):Ken Ito (D) Majority whip
• District 49 (Maunawili, Enchanted Lake, Kane'ohe):Pono Chong (D) Assistant majority floor leader
• District 50 (Kailua, Mokapu):Cynthia Thielen (R) Assistant minority floor leader
• District 51 (Waimanalo, Lanikai):Tommy Waters (D) Majority whip

External Links

• Relating To Bills Passed, 2006 Hawaii First Reading, June 6, 2006.
• Hawaii State Legislature. House and Senate Leaders Unveil 2006 Majority Package
• Shapiro, Treena. Facts on Legislature Honolulu Advertiser, January 13, 2006.
• DePledge,Derrick. Crop water gains priority Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 11, 2006.
• DePledge,Derrick. Tax relief not tops in Democrats' package Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 12, 2006.
• DePledge,Derrick. Extra $574M beckons to lawmakers (Honolulu Advertiser, January 15, 2006.
• School repairs to get top priority By Treena Shapiro Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 17, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. Pressure's on to get more -- An estimated 4,000 bills will be taken up by the Legislature after it reconvenes today Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 18, 2006.
• Shapiro, Treena. Major issues for new term appear clear Honolulu Advertiser, January 18, 2006.
• Hao, Sean. Consensus possible on energy strategy Honolulu Advertiser, January 18, 2006.
• White, Doug. Big Isle legislators comment on upcoming session Poinography, January 18, 2006.
• White, Doug. Opening Day from the fringe Poinography, January 20, 2006.
• Compiled by DePledge, Derrick and Shapiro, Treena Lingle proposes low-income tax break, $285 million refund Honolulu Advertiser, 1-29-06.
• Pang, Gordon Y.K. Lawmakers ready to move on ceded lands agreement Honolulu Advertiser, February 11, 2006.
• Pang, Gordon Y.K. Ceded lands deal advances in Senate Honolulu Advertiser, February 14, 2006.
• Pang, Gordon Y.K. House committee OKs revenue share from ceded lands Honolulu Advertiser, February 16, 2006.
• Pang, Gordon Y.K. House, Senate move bills for ceded lands deal Honolulu Advertiser, March 3, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. Legislature to consider 'sunshine,' ethics bills Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 2-9-06.
• White, Doug. Lobbying reform bill dies Poinography, April 5, 2006.
• Thielen, Cynthia. Lights flickering on energy reform Star-Bulletin, April 6, 2006.
• Advertiser staff. About 30 bills passed, forwarded to governor Honolulu Advertiser, April 19, 2006.
• White, Doug. Bills sent to Governor early enough to override vetoes Poinography, April 18, 2006.
• DePledge, Derrick. No limits after all on Quest transfers Honolulu Advertiser, May 5, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. Legislators repeal gas cap and pass tax measures on last day -- Tax cuts and higher cigarette prices are due as the Legislature closes to mixed reviews Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 5, 2006.
• Kua, Crystal. Aloha means goodbye for 7 legislators Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 5, 2006.
• Hawaii Reporter Staff. Extraordinary Heroes and Scoundrels of the 2006 Legislative Session Critique of the legislature from the 'Republican' perspective. Hawaii Reporter, May 5, 2006.
• DePledge, Derrick and Shapiro, Treena. State legislators close out 'a great year' Honolulu Advertiser, May 5, 2006.
• Dayton, Kevin. Lawsuits, claims cost state $10.7 million Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 6, 2006.
• How major bills fared at the Capitol Honolulu Advertiser, May 7, 2006.
• Shapiro, Treena. The Little Guy wins a few at the Capitol Honolulu Advertiser, May 7, 2006.
• Shapiro, Treena.
• Big gains, some disappointments at Legislature Honolulu Advertiser, May 7, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. You really can make a difference Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 7, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. New law alters political arena -- Last-minute lobbying by activists keeps the door closed on large corporate donations Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 8, 2006.
• Curtis, Henry. Plugging in to renewable energy Honolulu Advertiser, May 28, 2006.
• Thompson, Rod. New law requires renewable energy -- Power conservation would save the state 110 million barrels of oil over 14 years Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June, 3, 2006.
• Reyes, B.J. Kakaako, cigarette tax bills to be law -- Among the bills Lingle intends to veto is a child health care planHonolulu Star-Bulletin, June 27, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. Labor chiefs urge Dems to override gov's vetoes -- The unions support several threatened pieces of legislation Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 7, 2006.
• Borreca, Richard. Special session rejected -- House Democratic leaders say they will not call a special session to override any Lingle vetoes Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 11, 2006.
• Associated press. Smoking ban gets tougher Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 11, 2006.

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