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/ <br /> sy pT1 <br /> Page I 7 <br /> act if we are to avoid catastrophic affects of climate change.Bring kids along in every <br /> sector.VLR and Aloha+ are great vehicles to engage students. <br /> • HGG is also convening a Sustainability Business Forum.Have 20+CEOs, and growing. <br /> Recognize need to help businesses be part of the solution.Want market-based mecha- <br /> nisms to do the right thing but still be profitable.We are also pressing a plastic commit- <br /> ment;the Marriott has committed to no more plastic bottles by 2020.Can't do business <br /> as usual; private sector knows it has responsibilities.Need to create an environment for <br /> the investments we want and need. <br /> • Local2030: Hawai'i can be the Hub,the piko.Be the space to share. <br /> Proposal of Okudara and Associates to HSAC to Perform Legislative Functions <br /> Presentation and Discussion of proposal with Jon Okudara <br /> • Legislative session happens so fast,and with such short windows of time to make <br /> changes,you always have to have a presence and to make sure you have the votes. <br /> • Over the last few years,the HSAC Legislative Packages presented were all over the place <br /> and presence at Capitol was sparse or lacking altogether. <br /> • President Manahan noted his long standing working relationship with Mr.Okudara,shar- <br /> ing he's worked on TAT and land use issues,and that he's provides very consistent,reli- <br /> able communication.Mr.Okudara has a daily presence at the Capitol during session.He <br /> noted HSAC is criticized for not showing up early on in the process. <br /> • Vice President Kagawa stated the previous focus of HSAC Legislative Packages was to <br /> get more TAT.He believes this body needs some success. He mentioned HSAC hiring <br /> lobbyists Michael Victorino and James Pacopac in the past, but nothing. Have HSAC's <br /> packages been unrealistic?We want to develop a package that has some wins,and is <br /> better suited for success.Mr.Okudara noted TAT is deep pocket,and that the Legislature <br /> won't give up the GET.He provided some history and shared that TAT was a County <br /> benefit as the State took away GIA.Originally,the State gave 95%of TAT to Counties, <br /> then 44.1%to a flat rate. Former Mayor Jeremy Harris wanted a taxing authority and <br /> proposed giving up TAT. Mr.Okudara noted a DBEDT report that said Hawai'i lost <br /> 20,000 residents; we only have 600,000 taxpayers-we're losing our tax base.Hawai'i <br /> needs to think of how we are generating revenue.Mr. Okudara said he likes to develop <br /> start developing bills July-September. He said to take what we can from TAT,and to look <br /> at other ways to get funding. <br /> • Treasurer King expressed her appreciation for Mr.Okudara's proposal,and requested <br /> reports daily and weekly.She noted that July-September were done and Mr.Okudara's <br /> proposal would need to be amended.She said HSAC has proposed legislation to dis- <br /> cuss,and the body needs his help refine and prioritize.Treasurer King wants to know <br /> what of our proposed bills has the opportunity to pass.She feels the work of the Hous- <br /> ing Summit is promising. She shared it is hard for neighbor island electeds to fly at a <br /> moment's notice. Mr.Okudara said a bill's first movement is three weeks after opening <br /> day; it needs to be scheduled within the first week,otherwise it won't meet the first <br />