HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0313.012 2014-2016 DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI °��Y'��N..'�' PHONE: (808)961-8396
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HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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MEMORANDUM
.
DATE: March 14, 2016 e_3 =-
TO: Dru Mamo Kanuha, Council Chair
And Members of the Hawai`i County Council
FROM: 4Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, Council Member
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive
Committee Meetings held on January 19 and February 12, 2016
Attached are the minutes of the Hawai`i State Association of Counties Executive
Committee meetings held in Honolulu on January 19 and February 12, 2016.
Please place these items on the agenda for the next available Governmental
Relations and Economic Development Committee meeting.
DO/de
Att.
Comm. No. t2-1.
Ref. To: C71� EOC_
Ref. Date MAR 14 2015
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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MINUTES
HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
January 19, 2016
Honolulu Hale, Committee Meeting Room
530 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
I. CALL TO ORDER
The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President
and County of Kauai Council Chair Mel Rapozo at 9:08 a.m. The following
members comprising a quorum were present:
County of Kauai: President Mel Rapozo, County of Kauai
Council Chair
County of Hawaii: Vice President Dennis "Fresh" Onishi,
County of Hawaii Councilmember
City and County of Honolulu: Secretary lkaika Anderson,
Citand County of Honolulu Council
Vice Chair
County of Maui: Treasurer Michael Victorino, County of
Maui Councilmember
Others Present: Councilmember Gladys Balsa, County
of Maui;
Councilmember Don Couch,County of
Maui;
Councilmember Stacy Crivello, County
of Maui;
Councilmember Riki Hokama, County of
Maui;
Councilmember Greggor(lagan, County
of Hawaii.
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i,, , OCS2016-0064/1/22/2016 2:37 PM .
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January 19, 2016
Page 2
Honolulu staff Doug Chun, Legislative
Analyst, Office of Council Services;
Honolulu staff Brandon Mitsuda, Council
Liaison, Honolulu City Council
Administrative Support Services;
Honolulu staff Francisco Figueiredo,
Legislative Aide, Office of
Councilmember Ikaika Anderson;
Honolulu staff Shirley Ann Templo,
Legislative Aide, Office of
Councilmember Joey Manahan;
Kauai staff Aida Okasaki, Legislative
Assistant, Council Services Division;
Maui staff Kit Zulueta, Communication
Director, Office of Council Services.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Committee approved the agenda.
III. MINUTES
The Committee approved the Minutes of the December 7, 2015 HSAC
Executive Committee meeting.
IV. REPORTS
(At this point, Treasurer Victorino, noting that his aide had not yet arrived
with the reports, requested that the Treasurer's Report be moved to a later
point in the Agenda. President Rapozo, in granting the request, noted that
the County Reports would be taken out of order and would precede the
Treasurer's Report.)
B. County Reports
1. Hawaii County Report. Vice President Onishi, noting that it's
been quiet on the Big Island, mentioned that the County
Council would be addressing the General Excise Tax
surcharge issue. (At this point, he acknowledged and
introduced Hawaii County Councilmember Greggor Ilagan.)
January 19, 2016
Page 3
2. City and County of Honolulu Report. Secretary Anderson
reported on the following items: 1) The Council, in a special
Council Session, recently approved the HSAC legislative
package, 2)The Council is preparing for the budgetary
process and looks forward to working with the Executive
branch in crafting an affordable housing policy and initiative,
and 3) Secretary Anderson will submit a written report on his
attendance and experience at the NACo fall meeting prior to
the next HSAC Executive Committee meeting.
3. Kauai County Report. President Mel Rapozo reported on
the following items: 1) The County Council passed a TAT
resolution that supports the Task Force recommendation to
increase TAT funding to the counties, 2)The Council will
address the possibility of a GET surcharge, although support
is uncertain at this time, and 3) The Council is continuing to
assess the county manager system of governance, with a
possible charter amendment forthcoming.
4. Maui County Report. Treasurer Victorino reported on the
following items: 1) The last viable sugar plantation on Maui
and in the State is closing at the end of the year. The State,
County, and Alexander and Baldwin are assembling a task
force to assist the almost 700 workers who will be laid off, 2)
The bill that would repeal or amend the "Show Me The
Water" policy has been deferred for the time being. This
policy was enacted during the boom development years
when the fear was that there was insufficient water to
support increased development. Currently, however, the
policy is restricting the needed development of subdivisions
and work force housing, 3) The establishment of the Maui
MPO, which would allow the county to access federal
transportation funds, is ongoing, and 4) The Council's
special committee that is reviewing the county manager form
of governance continues to move forward. The committee
has until May to possibly recommend a county manager
form of government, which would require a charter
amendment proposal to be approved by the voters in
November 2016.
There being no discussion or questions, a motion was made,
seconded and approved to receive the county reports.
January 19, 2016
Page 4
A. Treasurer's Report
1. Treasurer's Report for the month of November 2015, as
submitted by the HSAC Treasurer.
2. Treasurer's Report for the month of December 2015, as
submitted by the HSAC Treasurer.
Treasurer Victorino reported that expenditures in the month of
November were $308.74, mainly for airfare and ground
transportation, while expenditures in December totaled $2,718.36
and consisted mainly of airfare and ground transportation that
included two members traveling to the NACo fall meeting in
Colorado Springs, Colorado. The ending balance as of
December 31, 2015 was $219,378.93.
There being no discussion or questions, a motion was made,
seconded and approved to approve both Treasurer's Reports.
C. NACo Report
Maui Councilmember Riki Hokama, who was in attendance,
reported on the following items: 1)The passage of the U.S. Fast
Act, which authorizes surface transportation funding and may result
in $1.6 billion coming to Hawaii over the next five years for
transportation infrastructure improvements, 2) The payment in lieu
of taxes program (PILI), which provides payments to counties and
other local governments to offset losses in tax revenues due to the
presence of tax-exempt federal land in their jurisdictions, is 100%
funded, and 3) Jerry Abramson, Deputy Assistant to the President
and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs stated that he would be
open to an invitation from HSAC to attend the June conference as
an official representative of the President.
(At this point, Treasurer Victorino acknowledged and introduced
Maui Councilmembers Gladys Balsa, Don Couch, Stacy Crivello
and Riki Hokama.)
A motion was made, seconded and approved to receive the NACo
report.
January 19, 2016
Page 5
D. WIR Report
There was no new WIR report since the report was made at the last
Executive Committee meeting in November.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Communication (December 18, 2015) from Deputy County Clerk
Scott K. Sato, County of Kaua'i, transmitting for the Executive
Committee's information Resolution No. 2015-69, Resolution
Approving Proposals For Inclusion In The 2016 Hawai'i State
Association Of Counties Legislative Package, which was adopted
by the Council of the County of Kauai at its meeting on
December 16, 2015.
There being no discussion, a motion was made, seconded and
approved to receive the item.
B. Communication (December 21, 2015) from County Clerk Danny A.
Mateo, County of Hawai'i, transmitting for the Executive
Committee's information Resolution No. 15-166, Approving
Proposals For Inclusion In The 2016 Hawai'i State Association Of
Counties Legislative Package, which was adopted by the Council of
the County of Maui at its meeting on December 18, 2015.
There being no discussion, a motion was made, seconded and
approved to receive the item.
C. Communication (December 22, 2015) from County Clerk Stewart
Maeda, County of Hawai'i, transmitting for the Executive
Committee's information Resolution No. 353-15, A Resolution To
Approve Legislative Proposals For Inclusion In The 2016 Hawai'i
State Association Of Counties Legislative Package, which was
adopted by the Council of the County of Hawai'i at its meeting on
December 14, 2015.
There being no discussion, a motion was made, seconded and
approved to receive the item.
D. Discussion and approval of authorized signatures for the 2016 HSAC
Conference Bank Account.
January 19, 2016
Page 6
There being no discussion, a motion was made, seconded and
approved to approve the item.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Schedule the next meeting:
The next HSAC Executive meeting will be held on February 12,
2016, at 10:00 a.m. in Honolulu.
B. Other announcements.
There were no announcements.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
0IKI 4
A AND R ON, Secretary
Hawaii State Association of Counties
•EASp�
Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) ifs$' f%„
Counties of Kaua`i, Maui, I-Iawai'i and City & County of Honolulu j x
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MINUTES
HSAC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
February 12, 2016
Honolulu Hale, Committee Meeting Room
530 South King Street
Honolulu. Hawaii 96813
CALL TO ORDER
The HSAC Executive Committee was called to order by HSAC President and
County of Maui Councilmember Michael Victorino at 10:18 a.m. The following
members comprising a quorum were present:
County of Maui: President Michael Victorino.
County of Maui Councilmember
County of Hawaii: Vice President Dennis "Fresh'' Onishi.
County of Hawaii Councilmember
County of Kauai: Secretary Mel Rapozo,
County of Kauai Council Chair
City and County of Honolulu: Treasurer Ikaika Anderson.
City and County of Honolulu Council
Vice Chair
Others Present: Councilmember Gladys Baisa,
County of Maui
Honolulu staff Lisa Ann Kimura.
Legislative Analyst, Office of Council
Services;
Honolulu staff Brandon Mitsuda,
Council Liaison, Honolulu City
Council Administrative Support
Services;
Honolulu staff Francisco Figueiredo,
Legislative Aide, Office of
Councilmember Ikaika Anderson;
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February 12, 2016 if
O CX
Maui staff Kit Zulueta, Communication
Director, Office of Council Services;
Maui staff Nicole Kahinu. Office of
Council Services;
Kauai staff Aida Kawamura, Legislative
Assistant, Council Services Division.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Treasurer Anderson moved for approval of the Agenda as submitted, seconded
by Secretary Rapozo, and unanimously carried.
III. MINUTES
President Victorino noted that the HSAC Executive Committee, at its meeting
on January 19, 2016, approved New Business Item D. transfer of Signatories
from Maui County to Hawai`i County, but it did not reflect the names of the
designated signatories. To assist Hawaii County with their conference
planning. President Victorino issued an authorization letter to comply with
Bank of HawaiTs requirement for authorization of names as account
signatories.
President Victorino recommended that the Minutes of the January 19, 2016
HSAC Executive Committee meeting be amended to reflect approval of
authorized hank signatories as follows:
"V NEW BUSINESS
*
D Discussion and approval of authorized signatures for the 2016
HSAC Conference Bank Account.
The Committee approved authorization of Dennis "Fresh" Onishi. HSAC
Vice President, and Susan Caseria, Legislative Specialist-Legislative
Research Branch, County of Hawai`i. as bank signatories for the 2016
HSAC Conference Bank Account.
[T-li 4 :f.r no discussion, a] A motion was made, seconded. and
approved to approve the item.-
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February 12, 2016 {9 116
Treasurer Anderson moved to amend the Minutes of the. January 19, 2016
HSAC Executive Meeting as stated, seconded by Vice President Onishi, and
unanimously carried.
Vice President Onishi moved for approval of the Minutes of the January' 19,
2016 HSAC Executive Committee Meeting as amended, seconded by Treasurer
Anderson, and unanimously carried.
IV. REPORTS •
A. Treasurer's Report
1 Treasurer's Report for the month of January 2016, as submitted by
the HSAC President for the Treasurer.
For the January 2016 report.. President. Victorino reported revenue of $1.124
from the NACo Prescription Drug Program, while expenses included Executive
Committee travel, WIR travel, and the legislative luncheon. for an ending
balance of $217,468.42. Additionally, staff from Maui County will provide
formal training to Oahu staff to assume the duty of HSAC Treasurer after
today's meeting, and a request for reimbursement of travel expenses for this
purpose will come up'under New Business.
There being no discussion or questions. Secretary Rapozo moved for approval of
the report, seconded by Treasurer Anderson. and unanimously carried.
B. County Reports
(The reports were taken out of order to allow Treasurer Anderson time to
prepare for his report.)
1. Hawaii County Report.. Vice President Onishi reported that there
has not been much happening on the County of Hawaii. except
that their Committee will be discussing a proposed amendment
regarding banning the use of Styrofoam at a meeting on Tuesday.
February 16. 2016. at which time he anticipates much discussion.
Also. Hawaii County Council is still considering implementing the
GET surcharge. Planning of the HSAC Conference is moving
along and the conference dates are June 22 - 24. 2016. Sheraton
Keahou is confirmed as the hotel site, and the hotel has agreed to
offer conferees the same hotel rates for two days prior and two
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February 12. 2016 19 5A i
days after the conference dates. The University of Hilo Conference
Committee is assisting with organizing the conference registration,
developing the website, and some of the logistics. The Executive
Committee Meeting and the General Membership meeting will
take place on the first day of the conference. The second day will
feature excursions and activities for the conferees and their guests,
Conference speakers, dialogue, and questions and answers will
take place on the third day.
2. Kauai County Report. Secretary Rapozo reported that Kauai
County is quiet as well. The GET matter was deferred in
committee, and it does not look like it will receive support from the
full Council. The Council is reconsidering its position regarding
the TAT, based on the actions of the Legislature, which will be
discussed in length later during the legislative update.
Councilmemhers will he meeting with Kaua'i's Legislative
Delegation on February 14, 2016 to get a sense of their position on
the TAT, but it does not look favorable. Maui County's Committee
passed a resolution on the matter, which hopefully will be
approved by the full Council, and Kauai County will be submitting
something similar, although not as aggressive and depending on
the discussion that takes place on February 14. 2016. Other than
that, everyone is preparing for the upcoming budget and waiting to
see what happens with the TAT. For Kauai. the Council met on
Wednesday and a majority of the members feel strongly that the
counties need to take a stand on the TAT issue.
.3. City and County of Honolulu Report. Treasurer Anderson reported
that at the Council Meeting of January 27, 2016, the Council
passed on third reading and adopted Bill 23 (2015), Floor Draft 1,
relating to the transportation surcharge, which allows for a five
year extension of the GET surcharge approved by the Legislature
for the rail project, and instituting a cap on the amount of revenue
that will be available to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid
Transportation. The Council also adopted Resolution 16-2.
amending the unit affordability threshold and affordable unit
types and other changes for the Kapi'olani affordable and
market-rate condominium project near Ala Moana. These units
will be marketed at substantially lower prices than neighboring
condominiums marketed by Howard Hughes and others. and is a
solid component of transit-oriented development, which will go a
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February 12. 2016 5A
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long way in providing additional affordable housing to working
class residents near the planned transit station at Ala Moana. The
Council also adopted Resolution 16-11, Committee Draft 1,
authorizing exemption from certain requirements relating to the
Kapolei mixed use affordable and market rate housing project.
The Council hosted 10 students from the Tsun Jin No. 3 Senior
High School in China. The Council is also working on
strengthening relationships with Nagaoka City. Japan, in
preparation for the upcoming Honolulu Festival on
March 11-13, 2016.
Vice President Onishi questioned whether the Federal
Government endorsed the cap on the GET. Treasurer Anderson
stated that HART CEO Daniel Grabauskus informed the City
Council that he contacted Federal Transit Administration, who did
not state any objections and were comfortable with the proposal. It
is common knowledge that HART is facing a $1.1 billion shortfall,
so every penny derived from the extended GET surcharge should
go to the rail project. An option would be to go back to constituents
and inform them the Council would be seeking another extension
of the surcharge and approval from the Legislature.
4. County of Maui Report. President \'ictorino reported that the
Lanai Community Plan passed on first, reading, and a public
hearing on L-1na'i is scheduled for March 12, 2016 to provide the
community an opportunity to express concerns or agreement with
the plan. On February 9. 2016, the Policy Committee approved the
TAT resolution supporting a 50/50 split introduced by Chair Mike
White. and will most likely be adopted by the full Council on
February 19. 2016. The Council also adopted a Resolution urging
the legislature to support a bill for a program to allow cultivation
of industrial hemp and distribution of seeds in Hawai'i for the
purpose of agriculture and academic research. Several transit
rebated measures advanced, including putting advertising in buses,
budget amendments for the Ke'anae Road Repairs' in East Maui,
and conducting an extensive South Maui Regional Traffic Master
Plan. Surf report of big waves at Ho'okipa and Windmills, and
incidents of brush fires. Like its neighbor counties. Maui County is
closely watching what happens with the TAT, because of the
differences between what the Working Group recommended, what
Maui County is pushing for, and what Senate Ways and Means
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February 12, 2016 H11Z
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Chair Jill Tokucla proposed, as well as other legislation regarding
the TAT.
There being no further discussion. Vice President. Onishi moved to
approve the reports from the counties, seconded by Secretary
Rapozo. and unanimously carried.
C. National Association of Counties (NACo) Report
President Victorino noted that the Legislative Conference is scheduled for
February 20 - 24. 2016. The following Councilmembers are scheduled to
attend: Hawaii County .- Councilmember Dennis "Fresh" Onishi.
Councilmember Danny Paleka; Kauai County - Councilmember KipuRai
l'ualii, Councilmember Arryl Kaneshiro: City & County of Honolulu -
Councilmember Ikaika Anderson; Maui County has five Councilmc mbers
attending the conference. A breakfast meeting with NACo's Second Vice
President is scheduled for February 24. 2016. Capitol Hill Visits are also
scheduled for February 24, 2016, with the exception of Senator Brian
Schatz, which is scheduled for February 23, 2016. President. Victorino
requested to be informed of any other member not included in this list
who will be attending the conference, so that accommodations can be
made for their presence.
The Conference offers educational programs, seminars, and visits not
only to the Capitol, but to the Department of Labor and the Department
of Transportation. President Victorino is Vice Chair of the Environment,
Energy. and Land Use Committee, which is having a get together on
Tuesday afternoon. He asked members to share any other news that may
be of interest to other members.
D. \A'1R Report
•
President Victorino noted that H,SAC's WIR representatives
Councilmember Danny Paleka. County of Hawaii, and Council Chair
Mike White. County of Maui. will he attending the MR meeting
scheduled during the conference.
Treasurer Anderson moved for approval of the NACo and WIR reports.
seconded by Secretary Rapozo, and unanimously carried.
4..,4.-I ASS ,.
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February 12, 2016 fl ► 121
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V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Communication dated January 1, 2016 from City and County of Honolulu
Clerk Glen Takahashi, transmitting for the Executive Committee's
information Resolution 16-3. "RELATING TO THE 2016 HAWAII
STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE,'
which was adopted on January 6. 2016.
Secretary Rapozo moved to receive the communication for the record,
seconded by Treasurer Anderson, and unanimously carried.
B. Memorandum dated February 5, 2016 from the HSAC President, entitled
"INCREASED HSAC COMMUNICATION EFFORTS AND FUNDING
AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF DURING TRANSITION."
President. Victorino announced that. HSAC has a website,
wC'i. .l icountiy .caam, where conference details will he posted, as well as
agendas and minutes. Second, he requested approval for HSAC to
reimburse travel costs for airfare and ground transportation related to
providing training for the HSAC Treasurer for this transition period.
Treasurer Anderson moved to approve reimbursement for costs related to
the HSAC Treasurers training, seconded by Secretary Rapozo, and
unianimously carried.
President Victorino requested that the Committee approve a new official
letterhead as shown on this memorandum dated February 5, 2016. This
format makes HSAC much more recognizable when submitting testimony
to the Legislature, as well as the seals would not fade out for
photocopying purposes. Vice President Onishi stated his preference for
keeping the islands watermark in the background. Secretary Rapozo
suggested combining the proposed letterhead using the HSAC seal. with
the islands and county seals watermark. President Victorino noted that
this format will be the official letterhead for all HSAC communications
and documents going forward.
Secretary Rapozo moved to approve a new official letterhead with the
HSAC seal placed at the top right-hand corner, remove the HSAC seal
from the watermark. and keep the county seals and islands watermark,
seconded by Treasurer Anderson, and unanimously carried.
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February 12, 2016 .1:1 '!t
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C. State Legislature update and discussion on lobbying efforts.
President Victorino shared a 2016 Legislative Bill Tracking report
compiled by Maui County's legislative staff.
SB 2987. Relating to Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), is Senator
Jill Tokuda's proposal. WA.111 Chair Tokuda has stated that although the
counties have compelling evidence, she felt that the Legislature preferred
to take this direction. The proposal makes permanent an annual
allocation of $103,000,000 of TAT to the counties, and establishes a state-
county functions working group on July 1, 2022, to recommend allocation
of the TAT between the state and the counties based on division of duties
and responsibilities for the provision of public services. Maui County
Council Chair Mike White was very upset when he saw this proposal and
immediately sent testimony in opposition, as did Naua'i County Council
Chair Rapozo. President Victorino is considering sending a letter in
opposition from HSAC, and asked for the Committee's comments.
Secretary Rapozo noted that he sent testimony in opposition because this
measure goes completely against what. HSAC agreed to support, with the
exception of Maui County. This is an insult to the counties and
considered as quiet money, while keeping the cap in place. It was evident
that Representative Sylvia Luke and Representative Jimmy Tokioka
avoided his presence at the Capitol yesterday, although he was able to
speak with Representative Derek Kawakami. It is clear that the
Legislature intends to keep the cap on the counties. distribution.
regardless of the increase in TAT revenue, as well as GET revenues.
generated by the increased number of visitors and their spending.
Additionally, a meeting with Kaua`i's delegation is scheduled for Sunday.
February 14. 2016, with the exception of Representative Kawakami who
has declined to meet on that clay. The Kauai delegation will be reminded
that they represent the same constituents as the counties. and be
informed that HSAC may consider funding an advertising campaign
which lists those legislators negatively impacting the counties' ability to
receive their fair share of the TAT, and this action may affect outcomes at
the November elections. Further, Secretary Rapozo took offense with the
bill's language, ..The legislature finds that the allocation of an amount
definitely set, rather than calculated as a percentage of' revenues,
promotes better budgetary practice., in that it implies that the counties
cannot manage their budgets. and having a set. stable amount of money
will eliminate the "guessing" done when formulating the county's fiscal
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February • '`t
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budget
budget plan. The trend is for TAT funds to increase every year, and the
State will enjoy that benefit to the detriment of the counties.
President Victorino noted that Maui Council Chair Mike White is
scheduled to make a presentation regarding TAT to the Hawaii County
Council on March 1, 2016. He noted that a fixed amount of TAT funding
is not part of HSAC's package. SB 2987 is not a cap; it is a permanent.
fixed amount until 2023. If another major economic downturn occurs,
such as 9-11, would this allocation remain the same? This proposal also
earmarks $82 million to the tourism special fund, of which $2 million will
be expended for development and implementation of initiatives to take
advantage of expanded visa programs and increased travel opportunities
for international visitors to Hawai'i, which leaves out the counties of
Maui and Kauai who cannot accommodate entry of international flights.
Vice President Onishi noted that because a Customs Department is not
present in Hawaii County, international flights cannot land on the Big
Island. The establishment of a Customs Department on the Big Island is
not in the near future.
President. Victorino also noted that the Convention Center, which has
never been profitable or broke-even. is another benefactor of TAT funds.
Secretary Rapozo stated that letters were sent to Judge Acoba (Retired).
Jill Tokuda and Sylvia Luke, and to Kauai's delegation asking for an
explanation of their position and what action they would be taking.
Judge Acoba (Retired) was the only person to respond, and said that the
Working Croups task is complete and that their recommendation is with
the Legislature. He did not address the specific question posed regarding
Ms. Tokuda's and Ms. Luke's comments that the Working Group did not
follow instructions. No other responses were received.
Secretary Rapozo asked if Oahu and Big Island representatives agreed
with SE 2987. Treasurer Anderson said that it certainly is not what the
HSAC Executive Committee asked for and agreed to endorse and
support. Vice President Onishi was also not satisfied with the proposal
and asked. what can we do. HSAC has worked on this issue for many.
many `ears and has never gotten any movement for support from the
Legislature. Maybe it is time that the public be informed, and utilizing
moneys from HSAC to promote how unfair the counties are treated and
having each island's legislator be accountable. The neighbor island
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February 12 2016 SA S
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legislators could be affected, but are outnumbered by the O'ahu
legislators in both the House and the Senate. Kauai County and Maui
County should be lobbying their island representatives who lead the
House (Speaker Souki) and the Senate (Senate President Iouchi), and
get them onboard with the counties to have a chance at succeeding.
Secretary Rapozo stated that Representative Morikawa is the only Kauai
legislator who stated support for the Working Group's recommendation.
Senator Jill Tokuda did not. author SB 2987 alone. but in collaboration
with other Senate and House leadership. The Governor has also stated
his non-support for increasing the counties' share of TAT revenues. Vice
President Onishi stated that he was told by Representative Lowen to
raise real property tax rates. Senate President. Iiouchi's message to
kaua`i County is it can implement the GET surcharge. GET moneys are
restricted and cannot be used for parks purposes, and the Legislators are
very knowledgeable of this fact.
Secretary Rapozo suggested that HSAC hire someone to initiate a
publicity campaign, if that is the desired direction. This campaign could
affect the elections of neighbor island legislators, but Vice President
Onishi is correct that O'ahu legislators are the majority. Treasurer
Anderson said that this will be a tough campaign to educate the public on
the issue and then to get them to mobilize. President Victorino noted
that Maui Legislators' response is that the Legislature• appropriated
approximately $40 million to purchase 256 acres at Lipoa Pointe to be
put in preservation. Secretary Rapozo added that Kauai County also
received $2.5 million for iiIan5 Race Track.
President Victorino believed that SB 2987 is the Legislators' attempt to
prevent the counties from negotiating starting from top dollar and then
bringing it down, because of Chair White's presentation. In discussions
with Speaker Souki. the Legislature is dictating what the counties are
getting rather than listening to what the counties are requesting. Maui
Mayor Arakawa also expressed disappointment but wanted more time to
think about supporting Maui Council's direction.
Vice President Onishi stated that he was warned in 2009 that the
neighbor island counties should be wary of offending legislators when
asking for funding from the TAT. Oahu legislators, who carry the
majority in both houses. may be inclined to recommend that each island
get just what is produced on each island. leaving the bulk of TAT on
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February 12, 2016 t,1 4 /=11
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Oahu where it is derived. It is very important to build a relationship
with the Legislators, as well as getting the Governor's support.
HB 1554. Relating to TAT. Speaker Souki has stated he supports
the 45% TAT allocation to the counties. President Vict.orino asked if the
committee wants to support this measure, HB 1554 has been amended
and reported out of the House Tourism Committee and referred to the
House Finance Committee. Secretary Rapozo believed that HSAC would
be in a better position supporting a measure rather than opposing one.
Vice President Onishi recommended scheduling something with the
members of the Finance Committee to discuss HB 1554: President
Victorino agreed that now would be HSAC's opportunity to educate the
members of the Finance Committee.
(While waiting for copies of HB 1554, the Committee proceeded to discuss
other measures ou the trackiirg list.)
SB 405 / HB 194. Relating to Abuse of Family or Household Members.
No hearing yet.
SB 406 / HB 195, Relating to Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
Primary Care Training Program. No hearing at this point.
SB 409 / HB 198, Relating to Zoning. Referred to Water and Land and
Finance Committees.
SB 2118 / HE 1641. Relating to Persons with Disabilities. Both bills have
been deferred in committee.
SB 2119 / HB 1642, Relating to Counties. Senate bill referred to
Committees on Public Safety, intergovernmental and Mili-ary Affairs
and Ways and Means. House bill referred to Committee on Finance.
SB 2120 l HB 1643, Relating to Tort Liability. No hearing scheduled in
either Senate or House.
SB 2121 / HB 1644. Relating to Public' Agency Meetings and Records.
Senate bill referred to Committees on Public Safety. Intergovernmental
and Military Affairs and Judiciary. House bill referred to Judiciary, No
hearing scheduled.
•
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February 12, 2016 074
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SB 2122 / HB 1645. Relating to Mopeds. Senate bill deferred in
Transportation and Energy Committee. House bill not heard.
SB 2123. Relating to Zoning. Senate bill passed with amendments.
House bill not heard.
SB 407 / HB 196. Relating to Evidence. No hearing in either Senate
or House.
President Victorino noted that both SB 2118 and HB 1641, relating to
persons with disabilities, are dead. The moped measure (SB 2122) is
dead in the Senate: House has not heard HB 1645.
HB 1554 does not have a companion Senate bill. The Committee
discussed submitting testimony supporting this measure. Secretary
Rapozo noted that this measure has beeii amended "lo take effect on
Jule 1, 2120." Vice President Onishi requested that President Victorino
revisit this issue with House Speaker Souki to clarify his position.
President Victorino stated that HSAC will be submitting testimony on its
position regarding SB 2987, Relating to Transient Accomrnodations Tax,
which was proposed by Senator Tokuda
A general discussion took place on how to educate the public and enlist
their support. How do you convince people to care? Treasurer Anderson
believed that neighbor island legislators have a much closer relationship
with their constituents than those on Qahu who may not even interact
with people outside of their districts. Constituents can play a large role
in influencing Senate President liouchi, who may then find it necessary
to work towards convincing and seeking support from his colleagues.
President Victorino stated that he will confirm with Speaker Souki his
position on the TAT, as well as meeting with Representative Sylvia Luke.
Treasurer Anderson requested that a budget proposal for the Executive
Committees consideration be submitted by Secretary Rapozo if he finds it
necessary to pursue a public education campaign to educate the county's
populace on the position of certain state lawmakers.
President Victorino recommended keeping an eye on the Tort Liability
Bill, because of its importance to all counties.
13
February 12. 2016 �:`+ SAIM
OW-
Secretary Rapozo noted that HSAC has not taken a formal position on
the TAT, except for what was carried over from last year's legislative
package. The cap was removed and the percentages were left blank. He
also believed that Senate President Kouchi will be upfront with him
about how serious the Legislators are on HB 1554. as well as Speaker
Souki should likewise be able to provide good insight on HB 1554. This
information will be helpful in deciding what actions HSAC will be taking.
President Victorino suggested scheduling a meeting as early as possible
in March, knowing that each county will be receiving and start working
on their budgets.
Vice President Onishi moved to defer the State Legislative update and
discussion on lobbying efforts, seconded by Secretary Rapozo. and
unanimously carried.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Discussion on NACo Legislative Conference from February 20-24, 2016 in
Washington, D.C.
Vice President Victorino announced that the NACo Legislative
Conference in Washington, D.C., officially begins on February 20-24,
2016. Some members will be arriving in DC earlier for their respective
committee meetings. Breakfast meetings with Elizabeth Archuleta and
Greg Cox have been confirmed. Robert Steel has declined. Members
confirmed to attend are: Riki Hokama, Don Guzman. and Don Couch.
and Michael Victorino from Maui; KipuKai Kuali'i and Arryl Kaneshiro
from Kauai: Ikaika Anderson from Honolulu; and "Fresh" Onishi and
Danny Paleka from Big Island. Omiyage from Kauai is cookies. Oahu
has chocolates. Big Island has chips. and Maui is bringing coffee.
Maui County staff requested approval to expend $10(i-7200 to purchase
bags to organize the omiyage gifts in D.C. Hawaii County will check
with their Visitors Bureau about providing orniyage bags. Although
there is a line item budgeted for this purpose, President Victorino stated
that money will not be spent on purchasing omiyage bags if Hawai`i
County is able to obtain the bags from Hawaii Visitors Bureau.
SF7-E�lS .
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February 12, 2016 1'( ` IT
B. Schedule the next meeting
The next HSAC Executive Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday.
March 8, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Honolulu.
C. Other announcements
There were no other announcements.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
(ituubv.z_143_,i
MEL RAPOZO. Secretary
Hawaii State Association of Counties