2008 Legislative Session

The 2008 session of the Hawai`i Legislature concluded on May 1 and the Administration's initiatives resulted in the passage of bills that will enhance residents' quality of life in the near-term and improve the future of Hawai`i for generations to come. The legislative package will develop energy independence and an innovation economy, protect our unique natural resources, increase affordable housing and invest in Hawai‘i’s infrastructure.

 

Specifically, the Legislature approved the Administration’s proposal to expedite permitting of renewable energy facilities and an energy facilitator position was created to assist with the permitting process. These bills support the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative.

 

The state's natural resources will gain greater protection through bills that increase fines for damaging the environment and encroaching on conservation land, as well as expediting removal of grounded vessels and saving important agricultural lands from urbanization.

 

Lawmakers also passed a bill supporting the Administration's plan to acquire the Turtle Bay property to preserve the undeveloped lands and long-term economic viability of the existing resort.

 

The Legislature supported the Administration’s Harbors Modernization Plan, which will invest $842 million over six years to upgrade and expand our state’s critical network of major commercial harbors.

 

Although legislators did not fund affordable housing programs to the levels requested, $25 million was approved to help build affordable rentals and for-sale homes. The Administration also secured the remaining funding needed to preserve the affordable status of Kukui Gardens in Honolulu.

 

The Legislature had the opportunity to enact $102 million in tax relief for Hawai‘i’s neediest families, but instead they passed a token $1 per person tax credit. This is unfortunate because the State budget can accommodate meaningful tax relief. In December 2007, Governor Lingle presented a six-year balanced budget to the Legislature that included $102 million in targeted tax relief for Hawai‘i’s families.

For more details on legislative results, read editorials from Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith and Chief of Staff Barry Fukunaga.

 

Please use this webpage to track the detailed results from the 2008 session, including new laws enacted and vetoed bills. Governor Lingle has until July 8 to sign, veto or allow measures to become law without her signature. The Administration will conduct a thorough review of all bills passed before taking action. Public input is welcomed and taken into consideration during this process. Please e-mail the office at governor.lingle@hawaii.gov.

 

On behalf of Governor, the Administration extends a warm mahalo to every resident who took an active role in the legislative process and supported the work to further improve our special state.