The Hoary Bat should be the state land mammal says Senator Slom when talking about SB 2464 which would declare the Hawaiian Monk Seal as the state land mammal. The seal spends more time at sea than on land.

Bad Bills Clear Senate After First Crossover

Hundreds of bills passed out of both the House and Senate during first crossover voting on Tuesday, March 4. Bills of concern and controversy include:

SB 3202 - A Constitutional Amendment proposal increases judge retirement age from 70 years to 80 years retroactively. Voters turned down a similar proposal in 2006. I voted "no" on this bill. Hopefully it will die in the House before it goes to ballot.

SB 2733 - Resolves some claims and disputes from the ceded lands of the public land trust for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. I voted "no" on this.

SB 2423 - State acquisition of Kuilima / Turtle Bay resort and properties nearby. State should not be in the business of buying private property to stop development - plus there is no money for this. I also voted "no" to state purchase of the Coco Palms Resort (SB 3221), Ha'iku Valley (SB 2748) and the Galbraith Estate (SB 2421).

SB 2829 - "Streamlined" internet taxation. This is a back door internet tax. "No" on more taxes.

SB 2464 - I voted in favor "with reservations" because it may wrongfully declare the Hawaiian Monk Seal which is a marine mammal as the official State Mammal. The Hawaiian Hoary Bat is a true land mammal.

SB 2842 - Bans the use of lighting products with lead and high mercury content. Bad bill, another "no" vote.

SB 2885 - Bans the use of incandescent lamps & bulbs.

SB 2843 - Requires fees for recycling of electronic components such as computers, monitors, and TVs which will be charged to manufacturers. I voted "no" on this bill.

SB 2501 - Repeals the sunset date on the rental vehicle surcharge tax. Increases the tax. Bad bill, a "no" vote.

SB 2204 - Removes corporate limit on campaign spending. Seven senators and I voted "no" on this bill.

The Senate is in the process of hearing bills that crossed over from the House. Several of these include tax and fee increases, with most still alive at press time. The second crossover voting is scheduled for April 8. The public is invited to sit in the gallery during this or any other Senate floor session. After that it's conference committees and then final bill voting on April 29. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Thursday, May 1.

For more info: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov