Ewa Neighborhood Board 23
May 11, 2000
LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP:
As you know, the 2000 Legislative Session ended May 5, 2000. The next step in the process is whether the Governor approves, rejects or does nothing with the bills passed by the House and the Senate. For your convenience I have made copies of the Legislative Reference Bureau's end of session report. I have also attached a list of bill I supported which made it to the floor vote on May 2, 2000.
North-South Road:
[waiting for report, will be in tonight]
Kapolei Library
:During my first legislative session in 1997 we appropriated $9.4 million for the Kapolei Library. Since then, the State Librarian has delayed the project for various reasons, the most recent reason being that she wanted to move the central distribution facility (warehouse) to Kapolei, which she claims increases the project cost about $2 million. To make a long story short, we can build the library with the existing $9.4 million already appropriated. I was able to work with the Governor and the Comptroller to get permission for the central distribution facility to remain in its current location. This seems to resolve the last roadblock in getting a Kapolei Library built using the money already appropriated. On April 20th, the Governor authorized advertising for bids and released the funds for this project. A copy is attached. We expect the library project to go to bid soon and the funds obligated before the money lapses June 30th.
Drinking Water Source Assessment and Protection
:The UH Water Resource and Research Center and the Department of Health are sponsoring an information session on drinking water sources and protection. The session will be held Saturday, May 13, 2000, from 10 am to noon, at UH Manoa. A copy of the announcement is attached.
Conference Committees Open to Public
:For the first time conference committees were open to the public. This action was taken in response to a lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of Hawaii. The public was allowed to observe the conferencing process. Many people took advantage of this opportunity. It was a breath of fresh air for me as Legislator to sit it open conferences.
Voice of the Majority:
Each Saturday morning at 7 a.m. I host a radio show on KWAI called "The Voice of the Majority." Listen to 1080 on the am dial and feel free to call 524-1080 and talk about issues on your mind.