HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2144
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  For many years, the Hawaii state legislature has had a keiki caucus and kupuna caucus, each composed of members from both the senate and house of representatives.  The keiki caucus, established in 1994, concentrates on issues concerning the betterment of the lives of children and youth.  The kupuna caucus, established in January 2005, concentrates on issues concerning the betterment of lives of elders and grandparents, including aging, long-term care, and elder abuse.

     The keiki caucus and the kupuna caucus each hold informational legislative meetings and briefings in the interim to gather information from community groups, from the public in general, and from affected individuals in particular.  Government agencies also participate in the meetings and briefings.  Oftentimes, issues can be resolved at a meeting or briefing by raising public awareness about the problem and encouraging dialogue among the parties.  The legislature finds that the keiki caucus and kupuna caucus perform an integral function of the legislative process of information gathering, problem solving, and making recommendations for change, hearing the voices of people who may not otherwise be heard.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish the keiki caucus and the kupuna caucus in statute.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"CHAPTER

LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES

§   -1  Keiki caucus; kupuna caucus; established.  (a)  There is established a joint legislative keiki caucus to address issues concerning the well-being, health, safety, and welfare of children and youth.

     (b)  There is established a joint legislative kupuna caucus to address issues concerning the aged and elderly.

     (c)  Membership of the joint legislative keiki caucus and the joint legislative kupuna caucus shall consist of members of both houses of the legislature.  The legislative members of the caucuses may also decide to include representatives of youth-serving and elderly-serving organizations and individuals from the community as members of the caucus with regard to any particular issue under consideration by the caucus."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Keiki Caucus; Kupuna Caucus; Establishment

Description:

Statutorily establishes the joint legislative keiki caucus and joint legislative kupuna caucus.  Effective January 1, 2050.  (HB2144 HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.