THE SENATE

THE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE

REGULAR SESSION OF 2007

COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair

Senator Shan S. Tsutsui, Vice Chair

NOTICE OF DECISION MAKING

DATE:

Friday, March 30, 2007

TIME:

1:30 p.m.

PLACE:

Conference Room 211

State Capitol

415 South Beretania Street

A G E N D A

These bills were previously heard in their respective subject matter committee(s). For this decision-making, only written comments will be accepted; no oral testimony will be accepted.

HB 962

SD1

(SSCR1177)

RELATING TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE.

Makes an appropriation for a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation to support the modified home care and community health demonstration project to address chronic kidney disease, particularly end stage renal disease for patients living in remote areas of the State. (SD1)

HTH, WAM

HB 400

HD1, SD1

(SSCR1071)

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Appropriates funds for drought mitigation projects in each county. Appropriates funds for repair and maintenance of irrigation systems. (SD1)

WAH, WAM

HB 598

HD1, SD1

(SSCR1232)

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Creates an online learning task force to develop a systematic plan to expand opportunities for online learning, including projected costs and desirable outcomes, to enhance the learning experiences of students across the State. (SD1)

EDU/EDT, WAM

HB 1001

HD2, SD1

(SSCR1264)

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Provides an expedited process for county review and decision on planning, zoning, and construction exemptions sought by a developer of an affordable rental project. Provides, if the county fails or refuses to take action on the proposed project, the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation may review and make a decision on the proposed project. Makes the provisions applicable only to a county with at least 750,000 residents for a four-year period. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

CPH/IGM, WAM

HB 1044

HD1, SD1

(SSCR1287)

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Provides equal access to immunosuppressant medication for medicaid patients with HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis C, or who require immunosuppressives due to organ transplants, regardless of whether they are in the medicaid fee‑for‑service or QUEST programs. Requires economic impact assessment. Effective January 1, 2008, and sunsets July 1, 2013. (SD1)

HSP, WAM

HB 1866

HD3, SD1

(SSCR1265)

RELATING TO MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.

Gives the director of commerce and consumer affairs licensing authority over mixed martial arts contests. Prohibits no rules combat, extreme or ultimate fighting, or similar contests. (SD1)

CPH, WAM

HB 751

HD1, SD1

(SSCR1258)

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY.

Clarifies the time period in which the department of labor and industrial relations may expend funds appropriated under Act 190, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006. Clarifies restrictions on the use of funds. Effective June 29, 2007. (HB751 HD1 SD1)

JDL, WAM

ONLY WRITTEN COMMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED,

NO ORAL TESTIMONY WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Persons wishing to submit written comments should include the following information on your comments:

name, title, organization, contact information, position on the bill (support, oppose, or comments),

the decision-making date/time/room number, bill number, title, and committee to which your comments should be referred. Please submit your comments on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper (one-sided printing) with 1-inch margins.

Submit comments in person, by fax, or by e-mail 24 hours prior to the decision-making.

a. In person:

25 copies to the committee clerk, Room 210, State Capitol, or
25 copies in the State Capitol basement turnaround, in the Senate box.

b. By Fax: Comments may also be faxed if less than 5 pages in length, to the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 or 1-800-586-6659 (toll free for neighbor islands). Please indicate that 25 copies are needed.

c. By E-mail: Comments may also be e-mailed if less than 5 pages in length, to: testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov (the Public Access Room, phone 587-0478). Please indicate that 25 copies are needed. Please note that the Senator's office will not accept e-mail comments.

Comments received after 9:30 a.m. the day before the decision-making will be stamped “LATE.”

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, or parking designated for the disabled) please contact the committee clerk 24 hours prior to the hearing so arrangements can be made.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT 586-6800.

________________________________________

Senator Rosalyn H. Baker

Chair