As reported earlier, several Bills are going through this year’s Hawaii State Legislature that could be of relevance to us at the Ilikai. This includes several Bills that include the Ala Wai Harbor in their scopes. Here is a detailed update as of today, April 12, 2010, regarding the status of these Bills and what you can do. This update was put together and so kindly supplied to us by Makai Society that is representing members of the ocean use community. We THANK Makai Society so much for all their tireless efforts and for keeping us apprised! Sincere huge THANKS!
The current status is this (thanks to Makai Society for this update!). Conference Committee (CC) members have been selected. Each bill has its own set of CC members (fortunately, HB 2582 and HB 2741 the Senate members are the same). As Makai Society advises based on their experience working with the Legislature, all CC members are not equal. So if you have limited time, then concentrate your efforts on the Chair and Co-chairs of the CCs. During the next 4-5 days (i.e., this week!), the Chairs and Co-chairs must reach agreement on the final language in each bill or the bill dies. If and when they agree then each chamber must vote on each finalized bill. Approved bill(s) then go to the governor for her signature.
Is there anything you can do to influence those decisions? Yes! There are no more hearings for public testimonies. At this point, the most effective method to influence the CCs’ decision is in-person by visiting their offices. Write some brief comments on a single sheet of paper so if the CC member is not in the office, you can leave a copy of your comments with their office staff. The second best method is by phone. Third is e-mail. Friends and family can help, too, especially if they live in one of the Chairs’ districts.