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Hearings again inundated the State Capitol this week in order to meet the next major deadline, Second Lateral, on March 24th. The issues on the forefront of everyone’s mind are the omnibus bill on affordable house as well as an increase in the conveyance tax (House Bill 1303) and the general excise tax increase for public transportation (House Bill 1309).

As members of our communities, the Hawaii Association of REALTORS® is extremely concerned about the current state of Hawaii’s high cost of living. We will continue to work diligently to prevent bills that further increase the cost of doing business and adding tot he cost of housing in Hawaii.

Bills testified on this week:

Cellular Phones
Keone Ball testified in opposition to HB88, which proposes to ban the use of handheld cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle. The Senate Committee on Transportation and Government Operations passed the bill out of committee with amendments. It is referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.

Conveyance Tax
Myron Freeman presented testimony today in opposition to SB1897, SD2, Relating to Land Conservation. This bill would allow for an unspecified sliding conveyance tax increase. We do not oppose land conservation but do oppose the increase in the conveyance tax. The House Committee on Water, Land, and Ocean Resources deferred decision making until Monday.

Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund

Mary Begier presented testimony in opposition to SB982, SD2, which proposes to allocate $2,000,000 from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to retrofit public buildings for emergency public shelters. The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® has consistently opposed the transfer of funds from the HHRF to any other funds, grants, or loans. The House Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs passed the bill out of committee unamended.

Invasive Species
Maria Pacheco presented testimony in support of SB1554, SD1, which establishes the environmental workforce program to assist the counties in their fight against invasive species. There are other bills attempting to eradicate invasive species. The House Committee on Water, Land, and Ocean Resources passed the bill out of committee with amendments.

To view any of the bill text and testimonies submitted by the HAR, visit http://www.hawaiirealtors.com/government_affairs/LA/testimonies.asp.

More details on specific bills will be provided in future Government Affairs Weekly

If you have any questions or comments that you would like forwarded to the Legislative Committee, please call 733-7060 or 1-888-737-9070 or by e-mail at govtaffairs@hawaiirealtors.com.

For the most current and detailed information on bills, go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov for bill status and descriptions.