Author: koolaupoko

  • PLDC repeal in jeopardy

    This is not a position of the Democratic Party.  The Environmental Caucus supports repeal of Act 55 which created the Public Land Development Corporation.

    The PLDC has the authority to sell State land and enter into long term leases on ceded land that is protected by the Constitution with no public oversite.  The PLDC can over ride the land management initiatives of the DLNR essentially turning DLNR into a real estate development agency.  The PLDC projects are excempt from any environment, Hawaiian Cultural and even County planning, building code and zoning regulations.  PLDC. at their discretion may hold one public hear on a project.  The may enter into a public/private partnership to facilitate any project without going to bid.

    Supporters of Act 55 claim that the short commings of Act 55 can be corrected in the Rules developed by the PLDC to guide its operations.  In fact, only the law matters.

    Senator Solomon introduced the legislation in the Senate that creating Act 55.  Now she is blocking all efforts to repeal this terrible legislation.

    This introduction is authored by Bill Sager.  The following is thanks to Hawaii Thousand Friends:

    ACTION NEEDED

    Friday 2/2/13 on the Senate floor, Senator Malama Solomon, Chair of the Water and Land Committee, said that she will not hold a hearing on any of the Senate repeal PLDC bills, and that she will wait to see what crosses over from the House. 

    The problem with this strategy is:  if a House repeal PLDC bill crosses over to the Senate but no Senate repeal PLDC bill crosses over to the House, the Senate committee chair can choose to not hold a hearing on any House repeal PLDC bill or can hold a hearing but not have a vote on the bill, thus making a repeal PLDC bill – dead on arrival.

    Act NOW. 

    Contact Senate President Donna Mercado Kim  senkim@Capitol.hawaii.gov

    and also contact your Senators and let them know you want the Senate to hear bills that will repeal PLDC.

    Senators by Island 2013

    List of all Senate repeal PLDC bills :

    SB 1 – Introduced by Hee

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB1_.htm

    SB 245 – Introduced by L. Thielen, Baker, Ihara, Ruderman, Slom

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=245  

    SB 338 – Introduced by Keith-Agaran, Baker, English

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=338  

    SB 480 – Introduced by English

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/SB480_.htm

    SB 663 – Introduced by Green, Ruderman

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=663

    SB 780 – Introduced by Slom

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=780

    SB 958 – Introduced by Kim

    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=958

     

  • Legislative Deadlines Looming

    The first decking is March 1st.  That is when surviving bills will cross over to the opposite legislative body.  Any bill that does not cross over is dead.

    The first lateral is must be filed by February 14.  That means a bill must be filed by the clerks office by the 14th so it can move to its final assigned committee.  With a 48hr notice of hearing, double referal bills must be schedule for a hearing by February 12 and triple referal bills must be scheduled for hearing in the second committee by February 5.

    If you have a triple referral bill that has not been passed to the second committee, now is the time to bring pressure to have you bill heard. 
    Know and understand the internal deadlines for your bill.  Organize you bills supporters and make your desire for a hearing known to the committee chair who is holding it up. 

    Everyone needs to know the actions each legislator takes on important environmental legislation.  Let us know hear.

    As a Democratic Party Caucus we cannot support one Democratic Legislator over another, but we can certainly share the voting record of our legislators.  We can also recognize supporters of good and bad legislation.

     

  • A fox in sheeps clothing

    This analysis is thanks to Hawaii Thousand Friends.  It is not an official position of the Hawaii Democratic Party

     

    – PLDC –
    A new name, same purpose

    HB 942 Harbors and Parks Development Authority (HPDA)
    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/Bills/HB942_.pdf

    Hearing on HB 942:  Wednesday 1/30
    http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/hearingnotices/HEARING_TRN_01-30-13_.HTM

    Submit testimony online: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx

    HB 942 – introduced by Souki by request (b/r) as part of Governor’s package
    Converts PLDC to the Harbors and Parks Development Authority (HPDA) to “make optimal use of harbors and park lands” which would “serve the State and its people better if managed and developed into suitable recreational and leisure centers”
    Defines all harbors and parks lands as all state boating facilities and parklands under DLNR
    Gives HPDA the authority to identify harbors and park lands that are suitable for development such as:
    State parks: Diamond Head (Oahu), Kokee (Kauai), Hapuna (Big Islnd), Makena Beach State Recreational Area (Maui), Palaau (Molokai)

    Small boat harbors: Kaunakakai (Molokai), Manele (Lanai), Waianae (Oahu), Port Allen (Kauai), Honokohau (Big Island), Maalaea (Maui)
    Like PLDC, HPDA can: do marketing analysis to determine the best revenue-generating programs for harbors and park lands; enter into public-private agreements to appropriately develop harbors and park lands
    Permissible uses of harbors and park land same as PLDC: office space; vehicular parking; commercial uses; accommodations (i.e. hotels, homes, vacation rentals, time share); fueling facilities; storage and repair facilities; and seawater air conditioning plants.
    Keeps same PLDC board structure substituting OHA administrator for Director of Finance
    Like PLDC, HPDA shall prepare the Hawaii harbors and park land optimization plan
    Like PLDC, harbors and park land planning activities of the authority shall be coordinated with county planning departments, county land use plans, policies and ordinances
    Like PLDC, HPDA HRS 171C-8 states “All harbors and park lands optimization projects, land development plans developed by the authority SHALL be approved by the board. (Note: No set of rules can mitigate or over rule the word SHALL because it is in the law. Leaving no opportunity for denial)
    DLNR cannot transfer harbors or park lands in fee simple to HPDA
    Like PLDC, HPDA creates the Harbors and Parks development revolving fund; can acquire by condemnation, real, personal or mixed property for public facilities including streets, sidewalks, parks, schools and other public improvements
    HPDA can seek assistance from HDCA (Hawaii Community Development Authority) regardless of whether the development opportunities are within a community development district which are: Kaka`ako, Kalaeloa (Barbers Point) and Heeia on Oahu and Hamakua on the Big Island.
    Adds PLDC Chapter 171C to the definition of “public work” under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 104 Wages and Hours of Employees on Public Works
    Deletes “public school special fund” which can now be found in SB 237  http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=237
    Deletes “project facility program” which can now be found in HB 557  http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2013/bills/HB557.htm

  • Hearing re: Public Land Development Corporation

    This article does not reflect the official position of the Hawaii Democratic Party

    Repeal of the Act 55 which created the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) is among the highest priorities of the Environmental Caucus.  This is an important hearing because it takes a comprehensive look at the PLDC and the legislation that has been introduced to either repeal or amened the PLDC.

    Act 55 creates the PLDC and gives it powers to enter into public/private partnerships to develop state land to maximize tourism.  It gives the PLDC unlimited power to sell or enter into 85 year leases with developers.  It can do this with out a bid and without public review.  Act 55 excludes the PLDC from any permitting requirements and requires only one public hearing.  The PLDC has the right to designate the area around their development which will benefit from the development and access the landowners within that area with a tax to pay for the infrastructure required by the development.  Land owners who cannot pay the assessment will loose their property.

    The administration says these problems will be addressed by the rules the PLDC develops to govern its activities.  Attorneys who have reviewed the law tell us that rules are much easier to change and only what is in the law really matters.

    The bottom line is Act 55 is deeply flawed and should be repealed.  At the very least, Act 55 must be amended to provide for transparency and removed the exemption from permitting requirements.

    If you cannot give testimony personally, pleae email your testimony to the committees assigned to hear the bills you are interested in.  Go to capitol.hawaii.gov and register.  Once registered, you can track bills, get hearing notices and submit testimony.  If you have questions, call the Public Access Room at 587-0478

    **************

    Press release announcing hearing.

    House of Representatives Takes First Step to Address the Public Land Development Corporation

    The House Committee on Water and Land has scheduled a hearing on Saturday, February 9, 2013 regarding the abolishment of the Public Land Development Corporation or alternatives to achieve the original intent to generate revenue from public land.

    In response to public frustration over the manner in which the Public Lands Development Corporation was created, how its rules were promulgated, the broad powers granted to the organization, and the lack of public input and participation in that process, the House Committee on Water and Land will be hearing bills that will either repeal the Public Land Development Corporation altogether, amend, or start from scratch and create a new agency that will provide far greater community input and oversight.

    “As the Chair of Water and Land I am approaching the issue from the standpoint of repeal,” said Rep. Cindy Evans (District 7, North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala). “The PLDC cannot exist as is, something has to change; however, I am open to options and the most compelling argument will move forward.”

    Rep. Nicole Lowen (District 6, Kailua-Kona) Vice-Chair of the Committee on Water and Land stated, “My community has expressed serious concerns about the PLDC, particularly about exemptions from planning, zoning and environmental laws. This legislation was passed with very little public oversight the first time around, and, this time, the public deserves to have a voice in the political process.”

    “The people I have spoken with on Maui who understand the implications of PLDC support a full repeal. While I recognize the need for increased DLNR revenue and improved public land efficiencies, we must achieve these goals without posing a threat of undermining public input or skirting environmental regulations” said Rep. Kaniela Ing (District 11, South Maui). “The people, especially on the neighbor islands, are saying “try again” – we, as lawmakers, need to listen to them.”

    Contact:
    Office of Representative Cindy Evans 808-586-8510

  • Last Day to Comment – Turtle Bay Resort Expansion

    Today, Fri Jan 18th deadline ! to make comments about massive developments planned Turtle Bay !
    Testimony link > www.KeeptheNorthShoreCountry.org

    and/or send individual email to each of the following:

    drew@replayresorts.com, leesichter@gmail.com, emartin@honolulu.gov, anderson@honolulu.gov and be sure to include a cc to: ccComments@honolulu.gov

    *Even just emailing in two lines is helpful. Use the following or even better add you own words:
    “I oppose any expansion at Turtle Bay.
    “My family is very concerned about:

    1. Traffic and the inevitable widening of Kamehameha Hwy from Kahaluu to Kahuku,
    2. Hawaiian Iwi and traditional Hawaiian rights,
    3. Fishing & effects of overpopulation on our Ocean,
    4. Overcrowding on our beaches and the loss of beach access for our local families,
    5. Endangered Species including the loss of turtle nesting area, beaches where monk sear haul out to rest. and rare coastal plants,
    6. Quality of Life in Oahu, the rural character of Windward Oahu and the North Shore will forever be changed,
    7. Damage to our Film Industry & high-paying film jobs-because Turtle Bay is the #1 resort for Filming,
    8. Damage to our Tourist Industry with overcrowding in a key scenic area,
    9. The added infrastructure expense for sewer disposal plant and highway improvement that we the public will have to pay for,
    10. This massive tourist destination expansion outside of the planned south shore tourist destination areas will set a president for “secondary tourist development” throughout Oahu.

    also Save Turtle Bay Endangered Species Petition
    http://www.change.org/petitions/no-turtle-bay-resort-expansion-beyond-the-current-footprint

    Mahalo for  SHARing with friends & family: facebook, email, twitter

    Reference links:
    http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2012/12/country’s-time/
    http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/12/10/17839-report-more-traffic-will-clog-north-shore-if-turtle-bay-expands/
    Keep it Country, Grow Film Jobs ! my Op-Ed>
    http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/20100722_Keeping_country_country_is_good_for_isle_film_industry.html?id=98994499 <

  • Just published – Our January Newsletter

    Our January 13, 2013 newsletter has been published and sent to our members who are on our email list.  If you didnʻt get it, click hear to view it, and sign up to our email mailing list by clicking on “Join our E-mail List” found in the right column under Environmental Caucus Links.

     

  • Late notice, important meeting Meet 2nd Congressional District meet the candidates

    Great All American “Meet the Candidates” Congressional Mixer on June 20th at the Atrium, Akoakoa Bldg., Windward Community College 5:30-8:00 p.m.

    On the June 20th  “FREE Great All American “Meet the Congressional Candidates” event, all the candidates have agreed to attend.  Attached is a revised announcement.  All interested parties are invited.

    Meeting time schedule:
    5:30 – Invite people to the food serving table and meet ‘n’ greet. (MC – Tom Masterson)
    5:45 – Welcome by Linda Goldstein KCOC President.  Invitation to join the Chamber. Announcements and format.
    5:50 – Each candidate takes 2 minutes MAXIMUM to introduce themselves (Alphabetically)
    6:05 – Break into groups. Each candidate has 10 minutes with each group.  (8 Groups)
    7:30 – Wrap up comments.  Each candidate has 1 minute to give the group their takeaway from the questions and how
    that will impact their action in office.
    7:45 – Closing remarks and Thanks by MC
    8:00 –  Official end of the event.

  • Did you hear, TV channels are running out of space for TV campaign commercials.  Being a smart business person, Gov Lingle made sure we can watch her infomercials.  She bought cable channel 110 on Oceanic Cable to make sure we can hear everything she has to say.  Check it out, click here

  • Suggest Issues

    We need to start preparing for the next session.  As chair of the Natural Resources Committee (NRC) I am asking you to comment on this post.  The NRC is kind of a catch all committee.  If it doesnʻt fall in the Clean Energy Committee or the Small Farms and Sustainablility Committee it comes to the NRC.

    Shoreline set back, near shore fishery recovery and control of invasive species are examples.  Please suggest issues and legislation that you are tracking or you think should be addressed.

    We had a few successes at the legislature.  We passed the vulnerable users bill which puts some teeth in the penalties relating to a vehicle accident between a car and a pedestrian or bicyclist.  It passed due to very effective lobbying by the Hawaii Bicycle League and their supporters.

    If you have legislation you want passed at the next session, now is the time to start building support both at the legislature and with the grass roots public.  The Caucus can help you do that, but we cannot do it for you.

    We need people who are passionate about an issue and will work to see it resolved.

  • Biannual General Meeting and Election of Officers

    Please Join

    The Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi

    At its Biannual General Meeting and Election of Officers

    The meeting will take place during the State Democratic Convention

    May 26, 2012

    6:00 p.m.

    Sheraton Waikiki ·

    2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

     (Please visit Convention Information desk or

    Environmental Caucus Table for exact room number)

    All Caucus Members are encouraged to be present at this general meeting,

    so you need not be a delegate at the State Convention to attend.

    Neighbor Island member may attend via phone and/or internet

    Contact lynnmariesager@gmail.com for password and login informatiom

    We will be electing our Officers for the next two years.

    Positions up for reelection include:

    Chair

    Vice Chair

    Secretary

    Treasurer

    At Large One

    At Large Two

    At Large Three

    Oahu County Distric 1 Representative*

    Oahu County Distric 2 Representative*

    East Hawaii County Representative*

    West Hawaii County Representative*

    Maui County Representative*

    Molokai County Representative*

    Lanai County Representative*

    Kauai County Representative*

    (*Must live in the county/district they represent)

    If you are interested in serving on our Executive Committee,

    you may review officer qualifications and duties on our website

    Look under documents/bylaws

    www.environmentalcaucusofthedemocraticpartyofhawaii.wordpress.com

     or simply google Environmental Caucus Hawaii