Kaho‘olawe at the Capitol 2011

Several bills arose this Legislative session pertaining to Kaho‘olawe. We took interest in some. We watched a few others. Some were more relevant to the ‘Ohana; some more relevant to the KIRC. The ‘Ohana prioritized the top bills of concern:

1. SB 609, our biggest challenge this session.
2. HB1224/SB816, asking for a portion of the Conveyance Tax;

Here are some other Kaho‘olawe related measures:

1. HB1657, funding for KIRC operations center
2. HB711 transferring KIR burial issues to OHA (from DLNR)
3. SB815/HB1223 Asset Forfeiture
4. SB817 Including Molokini with the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve
5. SB1402 ‘Opihi bill
6. SB1/SB1520 State Recognition Bills
7. SB832 was introduced for Capital Improvements to benefit 6th Senatorial District. This included the Hakioawa Kitchen and Shelter ($400.000); Already approved from last session; we were waiting monies to be released which they were last week so we can now work with KIRC on moving forward with this project.

Resolutions:

1. SCR 165/SR102 requesting rehabilitation trust fund audit of Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and establish working group to 1) “appropriate and effective composition” of the KIRC and 2) whether to include Molokini and waters surrounding into the Reserve
2. HCR292/HR257 same as above. The House resolutions were heard on Wednesday March 30 before the House Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and the committee voted to defer the measure.

Resolution: A measure expressing the will, wish, or direction of the Legislature. It does not have the effect of law.

Concurrent Resolution:  A resolution adopted by both chambers of the Legislature.