CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS SENATOR DAVID IGE MAKES FINAL SPEECH AS SENATOR AT THE CLOSE OF SESSION TODAY

State Sen. David Ige (D-Pearl Harbor-Pearl City-Aiea) today gave a final speech as Senator on the Senate floor at the close of the legislative session today. This marks a milestone in an effective career in leadership positions dedicated to serving the people of Hawaii. Sen. Ige has spent nearly three decades in public office, starting in the state House of Representatives for eight years before his 21 year tenure in the state Senate.

"I am thankful to the many colleagues I have had the privilege to serve with to make our home a better place for our children and future generations. Over the years, I am proud to say that together we were able to increase public access to the legislative process, reform our education and auto insurance system, and pass key pieces of legislation that has helped to move Hawaii forward, while respecting the unique qualities that make our state so special," said Ige. "I am humbled and thankful to the people of the Aiea and Pearl City for allowing me the honor of serving our community for nearly three decades."

Sen. Ige has been the chair of the highest ranking Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the past three years and has helped to shape and balance the state's budget through tough economic times.

Ige's colleague on the House side, House Finance Chair Representative Sylvia Luke, said, "David has been a brilliant budget negotiator dedicated to keeping our budget in balance without implementing new tax programs the past three years."

He has led a total of nine House and Senate committees, including Higher Education, Education and Technology, Health, Hawaiian Affairs, Economic Development, Commerce, and Consumer Protection and Information Technology.

"David's intelligence and fact-based, comprehensive decision-making approach has allowed him to effectively lead many of the most powerful committees at the Legislature," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "He is well-respected among his colleagues and highly-regarded by the community as a devoted public servant."

This year named one of the 13 "tech-savviest" state legislators in the nation, Sen. Ige has spearheaded technology-based projects such as the Hawaii Telecommunications and Information Industries Act, a "paperless" Senate, and tax credits for knowledge-based tech companies. He also received the State Technology Innovator Award from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers in 2010.

Sen. Ige has pioneered initiatives over the years that have garnered him many accolades, including:

• 2013 - Hawaii Public Charter School honor for "being a catalyst for change and passing the charter school law in Hawaii"
• 2011 - Outstanding Legislator of the Year, AARP
• 2010 - Outstanding Elected Leader, Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii 2010 State Technology Innovator Award, National Association of State Chief Information Officers
• 2000 - Outstanding Civic Leadership, Hawaii Technology Trade Association
• 1998 - Friend of the Family Award, Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• 1994 - GTE President's Leadership Award, Team Leadership - Bronze 1994 Mahalo Award, The Friends of the Library of Hawaii
• 1990 - High Technology Development Corporation Achievement Award, High Technology Development Corporation - State of Hawaii
• 1989 - 20/20 Business Development Award, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii


Sen. Ige was raised in Pearl City where he attended Pearl City Elementary, Highlands Intermediate and Pearl City High School. He attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Decision Sciences. He and his wife Dawn, a public school vice principal, have three children currently in college.

With a successful career as an electrical engineer executive for 34 years, Sen. Ige has continued to be devoted to information technology, telecommunications, networks and responsible public policy. He currently works with Robert A. Ige and Associates, Inc.

Ige concluded, "During my 29 years serving the public at the Legislature, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of state government and will continue to use this expertise to the benefit of all Hawaii."

COUNTIES TO RECEIVE A LARGER SHARE OF THE HOTEL TAX

Sen. Ige today on the Senate speaking in support of the the state budget.

The Hawaii State Legislature today passed out on final reading a bill that will increase the counties' share of the transient accommodation tax (TAT). The measure will now go to the governor for further consider. The governor can sign, veto or let the bill become law without his signature.

The Legislature believes that increasing the maximum amount of TAT revenues to the counties will allow them to better provide for public safety, parks, road maintenance and visitor-related services

House Bill 1671 will give the counties a combined $103 million per year for the next two years of the TAT revenues. The counties currently get a combined $93 million. In 2010, during the economic downfall and facing a budget deficit, the state placed a cap on the counties' share of the TAT.

Despite a perceived $844 million surplus, the Council on Revenues mid-session lowered tax revenue growth from 3.3 percent to zero percent in 2014 and from 7.4 percent to 5.5 percent in 2015, amounting to more than half a million dollars less than expected. This session, the Legislature increased TAT revenues for two years, but found it prudent to require a study to determine the appropriate division of duties and responsibilities to provide public services before establishing a firm TAT distribution amounts.

"These funds will provide extra support and funds for all counties in our state," said Senator Gilbert Kahele (District 1 - Hilo), chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism. "With more than a million visitors each year, tourism plays a key role in how we care for our infrastructure. County services, facilities and infrastructure directly affect the visitor experience,and the funds for the counties will be used to ensure that our tourism industry is maintained and remains high quality."

"Tourism remains one of our state's top industries and TAT revenue helps to fund activities to keep our state's economy strong," said Senator Ige (District 16 - Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa, Pearl Harbor), chair of the Ways and Means Committee. "Although revenue projections were lower than expected, an increase in the cap on TAT revenues share with the counties will allow them to improve services that support the state's economy overall. Obviously we would have wanted to do more for the counties, but given our financial constraints, we had to balance the needs and concerns of all aspects of our communities."

The transient accommodations tax is a tax that applies to certain rental activity in Hawaii. The tax is levied on gross income and is imposed only on gross rental income when renting in transient accommodations. A transient accommodation applies to a hotel room or suite, apartment, condominium, house, beach house, or similar living accommodation which is rented for less than 180-consecutive days by and regularly furnished to a transient (a person has a permanent place to live elsewhere.)

COMPROMISE LEADS TO LEGISLATURE'S APPROVAL OF OVER 135 MEASURES AHEAD OF SINE DIE

The Hawaii State Legislature today approved more than 135 on final reading ahead of the adjournment sine die this Thursday, including the state supplemental budget, measures supporting kūpuna and protecting the environment, and flagship bills raising minimum wage and funding the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement. The measures will now be enrolled to Governor Neil Abercrombie for consideration. The Governor has until Monday, June 23 to notify the legislature of an intent to veto and until Tuesday, July 8 to sign.

"Through the diligence and efficiency of my colleagues in both the Senate and House, not to mention their willingness to compromise, we have passed key measures that support our workers, kūpuna, keiki and environment," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim.

"Caring for our kūpuna and protecting our environment was a priority of the legislature this year," said Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. "The four measures we passed will help fund preventive measures to care for our aina and seniors."

State Supplemental Budget

HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawaii, human services, the environment, public safety, and supporting and caring for the lives of Hawaii's people.

Through prudent money management, and in order to reflect a weak economic forecast, lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie's executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor's $200 million budget request for FY2015 was significantly cut down to $65.7 million.

Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation (GO) or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement (SEFI) Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid (GIA).

"We've had some challenges balancing the budget this session, especially with lower-than-expected tax revenue projections," said Sen. David Ige, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, "but through the commitment of both Senate and House members to work together to balance the needs and concerns of everyone in our community, we were able to make the smart financial decisions to close the budget."

Flagship Measures Passing Final Reading:

Increasing Minimum Wage
Senate Bill 2609 will boost the income of Hawaii's lowest paid workers giving them more money to spend and invest, increasing economic activity and growth, while allowing them to care for their families. The final version of the bill increases the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.

Preserving Hawaii's Lands
House Bill 2434 will provide the $40 million needed to complete the agreement reached last week between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku.

JOINT MAJORITY PACKAGE BILLS

Supporting Hawaii's Kūpuna
HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawaii's kūpuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.

Protecting the Environment
HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.

Although the Senate passed out SB2478, a bill updating the chiropractic scope of practice, the House voted to recommit the both measures to committee. Both the House and Senate recommitted SB2799, relating the salary of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Executive Director.

The Senate deferred a vote on HB1652, a bill establishing a 5-year pilot program at the University of Hawaii Hilo School of Pharmacy and a University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy Special Fund, until Thursday, May 1. And the House deferred vote on SB3065, the Dole land exchange bill, and until then as well.

Thursday, May 1, is adjournment sine die, the final day of the 2014 Legislative Session and the last day for the lawmakers to vote on measures. Senate will convene session at 11 a.m.

Click here to view Highlights from the Budget.

BALANCE PLAYS KEY ROLE IN LAWMAKERS ADVANCING LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORT HAWAII'S PEOPLE AND LAND

In the spirit of collaboration, House and Senate conferees today struck a balance passing out several conference drafts that support the people of Hawaii and protect and preserve the land that they live. The bills now goes to the full Senate and House for a final floor vote.

"The Legislature for the third year in a row worked efficiently and effectively to end conference negotiations on time," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "In the past, certain bills required extending the deadline for negotiations. Efficiency is important to the Senate as we continue to do work for the people of Hawaii."

Increasing Minimum Wage
Senate Bill 2609 will boost the income of Hawaii's lowest paid workers giving them more money to spend and invest, increasing economic activity and growth, while allowing them to care for their families. The final version of the bill increases the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.

"From the start of the session, the Hawaii State Senate has been committed to improving the lives of Hawaii's people and raising the minimum wage is just one of the measures that will do just that," said Sen. Clayton Hee, Judiciary Chair. "Raising the minimum wage is not only good for Hawaii's people, it's the right thing to do and makes good economic sense. My colleagues and our counterparts in the House worked tirelessly to work out differences and through compromise were successful in approving this much-needed piece of legislation."

Preserving Hawaii's Lands
House Bill 2434 will provide the $40 million needed to complete the agreement reached last week between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku.

"The Senate has always been committed to funding this important conservation easement on the North Shore," said Sen. David Ige, Ways and Means Chair. "This session and last, we advanced legislation funding the agreement, and were ready to include the $40 million in the state budget. I'm pleased with the result and thank those members who worked quickly and diligently to pass out this bill before the deadline."

State Supplemental Budget
HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawaii, human services, the environment, public safety, and supporting and caring for the lives of Hawaii's people. Through prudent money management, and in order to reflect the weak economic forecast, lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie's executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor's $200 million budget request for FY2015 was significantly cut down to $65.7 million.

Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation (GO) or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement (SEFI) Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid (GIA).

"Education was a real winner in this bill," said Ige. "We were able to make key investments at every level ensuring that our students have the best access to quality education. We also made investments to protect our agriculture lands by adding positions to the pesticides branch in the Department of Agriculture, funded many key programs in other areas and closed on time with a balanced and fair budget despite challenges."

JOINT MAJORITY PACKAGE BILLS
Supporting Hawaii's Kūpuna
HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawaii's kūpuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.

Protecting the Environment
HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.

"The Senate and House members of the 2014 legislative session put forth a joint majority package that addresses the combined interests and priorities of our State and I am pleased that the remaining three bills in the package have made it out of conference," said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. "These bills support the present and future of our state as it supports our kūpuna and addresses the effects of climate change for our future generation. Here in Hawaii, we are lucky to live in a place that cherishes our culture, traditions and environment, and protecting those ideals is one of our duties as lawmakers."

Senator David Ige Proposes Plan to Fund the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement

Hawaii State Senator David Ige has proposed a plan that would provide the $40 million needed to complete the agreement reached last week between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort (TBR) to establish a conservation easement on 665.8 acres of land at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku.

"I have always been an advocate for the preservation of the North Shore community," said Ige, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. "I have been working with my colleagues in the Senate and believe we have a solution to fund the settlement agreement within the constraints of our budget."

The proposed plan would restructure the debt currently owed on the Hawaii Convention Center. Ige's proposal calls for $33 million of the transient accommodations tax (TAT) that currently goes to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to pay for debt services and operating costs to be restructured so that interest payments will be reduced from $26 million to $16 million. A portion of the interest savings from the restructuring would then be set aside to pay the interest for revenue bonds.

"We are proposing to authorize $40 million in revenue bonds in the budget and dedicate $33 million of the TAT that currently go towards the HTA in order to pay the debt services on that revenue bond," Ige explained. "The plan is also an opportunity to expand our efforts to invest the TAT in core infrastructure and the preservation of natural resources in the State so that residents and visitors can see the direct impact of the TAT revenues."

"Forty million is a significant amount of money," added Ige. "To put it into perspective, it could fund construction of one and a half elementary schools. Through this proposal, we avoid having to cut funding from other important projects in our CIP budget while still investing in land preservation. I believe this is a solution that works within existing resources, is smart financing, and creates an opportunity for the state to avoid any additional appropriation, taxes or fees."

SENATE PASSED NORTH SHORE ACQUISITION BILL THE PAST TWO SESSIONS

The recent news of an agreement on the collaborative negotiations of land preservation and minimizing development on the North Shore of Oahu came with the announcement of a $48.5 million deal, with $40 million of it coming from the state budget.

The legislature was informed by officials from the Department of Land of Natural Resources in November of last year that negotiations and funding on this deal would take years to complete.

Senator David Ige, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement:

"My colleagues in the Senate and I have long been committed to the preservation of this North Shore property as validated in public records with the passage of the land acquisition bill SB894, both last and this session. Although we were made aware of this settlement agreement during the final days of this legislative session, I am working very hard to find a way to fund it."

The Senate WAM committee is working with the House Finance Committee to iron out differences in order to balance the $12 billion budget. They will meet Friday, April 25 at 10:15 a.m. in room 309.

SEN. DAVID IGE ON THE NORTH SHORE CONSERVATION EASEMENT AGREEMENT

Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on the North Shore conservation easement agreement between the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, The Trust for Public Land, and Turtle Bay Resort:

"I have always been a supporter of the preservation of the North Shore and the state's long-term effort to protect the natural beauty of the North Shore and Windward communities. I am pleased that, with the support of Senator Clayton Hee, negotiations have continued to move forward to this point after the Senate initially took action on this issue in the form of SB 894 last session. This settlement agreement is an example of how collaboration between the State, City and County, and private sector can result in a successful outcome when all stakeholders involved work together.

"At this time, the Ways and Means committee is at a critical junction in the negotiation process on the state budget with the House Finance Committee. Like many of the other issues before us, we are committed to carefully examining the funding of this measure in a fiscally responsible manner and will consider the administration's request as we move forward on this important issue."

STATEMENT FROM SEN. DAVID IGE ON NEARLY $500 MILLION IN PROJECTED REVENUE LOSS

"Based on the latest report, we can clearly see that almost half a billion dollars has been cut out of the Governor's budget, which will now be in the negative in fiscal year 2015. We will have to take a closer look at his requests and what areas we need to cut in order to end the day with a balanced budget.

"As we initially anticipated, the touted $844 million surplus has evaporated due to this latest projection. Last year we wanted to be cautious about what we funded and ended the session supporting many pilot projects instead of establishing new programs that we may not have been able to sustain. This latest forecast justifies that approach, and had we funded those programs, we would be forced to cut them this year based on these figures.

"I do not believe that we need to dip back into the State reserves to balance the budget, but clearly any additional request by the Governor will need to be reexamined."

- Sen. David Ige, chair of the Ways and Means Committee

STATEMENT: Sen. David Ige on Minimum Wage

Hawaii State Senator David Ige, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, has issued the following statement regarding increasing of the minimum wage in Hawaii:

"We are committed to working with our counterparts in the House and the leadership of both chambers to ensure that we pass a minimum wage bill this legislative session. Currently, there is a bill still in conference that has carried over from the 2013 legislative session as well as new bills that have been introduced this year. I support increasing the minimum wage, and passing a bill as soon as possible this session. We have Senate Bill 331 in conference committee and would be able to take action immediately once we have agreement on the bill."

ATHLETICS PLAYS IMPORTANT PART IN YOUTH EDUCATION

Athletics has become a key factor in helping students stay motivated and succeed in the classroom. However, after the downturn in the economy, many athletic programs and positions have been cut. State Senator David Ige introduced this session a measure that would restore some of these positions and programs.

He urges public school, teachers and coaches to submit testimony on Senate Bill 3083, and become an active participant in the legislative process. During the hearing, scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m., schools across the state will be able to provide live testimony via the Hawaii State Senate's Statewide Videoconferencing Pilot Program, which launched this year. Lawmakers initiated the program last year allowing neighbor island residents the opportunity to provide testimony using technology. Many people, especially students, are unable to travel to the State Capitol to provide testimony in person. The Senate's technology initiative will allow them to testify on SB3083

"The advent of videoconferencing technologies within the Senate gives students easier access to the legislative process," said Ige, "allowing them to be stewards of their own education and to voice opinions on how school sports has personally affected their lives."

Ige, who is chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, spoke with many coaches, parents and teachers about the important role athletics play in overall student development. "For many students in our public schools, the opportunity to play sports motivates and positively impacts their success in the classroom. "

SB3083 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 10 at 1:15 p.m. in Room 414 of the State Capitol. Those wishing to submit testimony or to sign up to provide testimony via teleconferencing can do so by visiting www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Photos courtesy of Senate Communications Office

SENATE BILL RESTORES RESOURCES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAMS STATEWIDE

State Senator David Ige (D-16 Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Hālawa, Pearl Harbor), chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, has introduced Senate Bill 3083, which, if passed, would make an appropriation to restore resources to the athletic programs in public schools throughout the state. The measure would also increase the positions authorized for school athletics and allow the Department of Education to create, fill and fund full-time equivalent, permanent, or temporary positions for fiscal year 2014-2015 for its athletic programs.

SB3083 is also supported by Senator Michelle Kidani (D-18 Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia), vice chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee, and Senator Jill Tokuda (D-24 Kāneohe, Kāneohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Āhuimanu), chairwoman of the Education Committee.

"During the time of the 'Great Recession', the athletic programs at public schools have borne much of the brunt of the budget cuts made in education. This measure will help to provide additional resources to assure the development and safety of our high school athletes," said Ige. "For many students in our public schools, the opportunity to play sports motivates and positively impacts their success in the classroom. In recognizing the positive influence coaches and athletics can have on our students, this measure helps illustrate the investment we are making in our students to help them succeed in both the classroom and on the playing field."

SB3083 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 10 at 1:15 p.m. Those wishing to submit testimony or to sign up to provide testimony via teleconferencing can do so by visiting www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

View the news release.

SENATOR DAVID IGE INTRODUCES BILL TO LENGTHEN PUBLIC SCHOOL YEAR

State Senator David Ige (16th senatorial district) has introduced SB 2922, a bill that would lengthen the school year for all public schools in the state beginning with the 2015 school year calendar. If passed, the bill would lengthen the current school year from 180 instructional days to 190 instructional days. The bill also discontinues the requirements for the minimum number of student instructional hours effective at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

"The legislature is committed to improving our public education system and investing in our youth," Ige said. "It is my hope that a focus on increasing the number of instructional days will provide more flexibility on the school level than the current law allows. I believe that lengthening the instructional days will assist to increase the performance of students in the classroom."

If passed, the bill shall take effect on July 14, 2014.

View the news release.

SENATOR DAVID IGE INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM TAXATION

State Senator David Ige (16th senatorial district) has introduced SB 2982, a measure that purposes a constitutional amendment to exclude certain retirement benefits from income taxation. If passed, the question posed to voters and printed on ballots would be as follows: "Shall retirement benefits be excluded from state income taxation if the beneficiaries' contributions were subject to state income taxation?"

"Over the last several years, we've seen how pensions have become the target of tax increases and means of increasing revenue," Ige said. "This measure would assure that future legislatures do not consider taxing pensions, and help to protect the retiree's in our communities and those living on a fixed income."

View the news release.