For more details on the meetings, please call Sherry Menor-McNamara at (808) 545-4300, x394.
If you are not a committee member yet, join one of the Chamber's committees today. Here is your opportunity to help set the organization's agenda and work with other business leaders to address critical issues, represent members' interests, and improve the state's overall business climate.
For a complete listing of Chamber committees & future meeting dates, click here.
Business Advocacy & Government Affairs Staff
Sherry Menor-McNamara, Vice President Ian Robertson, Policy Analyst Courtney Menard, Intern Liliya Paraketsova, Intern
Your voices are making a difference. Legislators are hearing your concerns. As of today, HB 2974 is still in veto status. The Legislature has not taken action on this bill, however, we must continue to stay vigilant and get as many voices heard at the Capitol. If you haven't yet, please TAKE ACTION by clicking on the below.
Click here to send a "do not override the veto" letter to your legislators (pre-written message provided)
This measure removes the employee's right to a secret ballot election. Click here to find out if you will be affected by this measure.
Although you may not fall into one of the categories, it sets a precedence and provides momentum towards the national movement which will have far-reaching implications and change the scope of how business is done. In principle, every person has and should have the fundamental right to a secret ballot.
In addition to HB 2974, other bills are still alive that will have a direct impact on business. Visit the Legislative Action Center to take action.
Finally, please join us on a "Walk Around" at the State Capitol on April 25 (see below for details). This is the last opportunity to visit in-person as a group. The bigger the group, the more attention we bring to the issues.
Remember, we are past the public hearing stage, so the ONLY action left for members is to contact their legislators. You vote for yor legislators, so make sure they hear from you. Inaction could cost more if the business voice continues to be silent. We look forward to hearing your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely, The Chamber's Business Advocacy Team "Voice of Business" at the State Capitol
HB1745 HD3SD1 STATUS Employment ("Successor Employer") DESCRIPTION: This measure requires successor employers to retain incumbent employees upon the merger, sale, or transfer of a business establishment that employs over 100 or more persons. CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose. CONFERENCE STATUS: No House conferees assigned. Senate conferees discharged.
What This Bill Means To You
In general, this bill requires a successor employer to retain 100% of the incumbent employees unless the new business is substantially dissimilar to the old business or it can prove that HR staffing needs reduction. The Chamber well recognizes the hardship that business failures and ownership changes place on employees. However, we believe this measure will have a reverse effect on employees. Those businesses which would normally be sold to a buyer that can make necessary changes will simply go out of business leading to employees losing their jobs. Or the assets of the business will be sold off leading to employees losing their jobs. Overall, this measure serves as a disincentive for capital investment, which is what create jobs, and will further undermine Hawaii's efforts to become a business-friendly state.
HB2929 HD1 SD1 STATUS Workers' Compensation DESCRIPTION: Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations to be performed by mutually agreed upon physicians. Effective 07/01/2008. Sunset 7/01/2011. (SD1) CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose. CONFERENCE STATUS: Reconvene Monday @ 10:30 in Rm 325.
What This Bill Means To You
This bill removes the employer's right to select a physician to conduct an independent medical examination (IME). Rather it requires IMEs to be conducted by mutually agreed upon physicians. The Chamber opposes this measure because we believe the current IME system is fair and balanced. Because most IMEs occur by mutual agreement already, legislation is not needed.
HB2386 SD2 STATUS Workers' Compensation DESCRIPTION: Requires an employer to pay temporary total disability benefits regardless of whether the employer controverts the right to benefits. Specifies that the employee's ability to return to work is to be decided by the employee's treating physician. Convenes a working group. Effective upon approval for the convening of the working group; 7/1/2050 if there is consensus among the working group; and 7/1/2009 if there is no consensus in any case. (SD2). CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose. CONFERENCE STATUS: Reconvene Monday @ 10:30 in Rm 325.
What This Bill Means To You
This bill requires an employer to pay TTD benefits regardless of whether the employer controverts the right to benefits. Although we understand the intent of this bill, we believe this bill may serve as a disincentive to return to work. If this happens, it will hurt small businesses which operate on limited resources. Also, the bill only allows an employee to file a request for hearing, not an employer. The Chamber supports the intent of the working group, however, believes that the bill should include language that requires the group to come up with a compromise bill in order to become effective July 1, 009. If the group is unable to, then the original language in the bill does not take effect.
HB2388 HD1 SD2 STATUS Workers' Compensation DESCRIPTION: Requires the employer to continue medical services to an injured employee despite disputes over whether treatment should be continued, until the director of labor and industrial relations decides whether treatment should be continued. Creates a working group to recommend if treatment should be continued during dispute. Eff 7/1/2009. Working group effective upon approval. (HB2388 SD2) CHAMBER POSITION:Oppose. CONFERENCE STATUS: Reconvene Monday @ 10:30 in Rm 325.
What This Bill Means To You
This bill requires an employer to continue medical services to an employee regardless of disputable treatments. Although we understand the intent of this bill and recognize that workers suffering from work-related injuries deservedly warrant proper and necessary treatment, this measure may cause unintended consequences such as unreasonable and unnecessary treatment for non-related work injuries. Therefore, the Chamber supports the intent of the working group, however, believes that the bill should include language that requires the group to come up with a compromise bill in order to become effective July 1, 009. If the group is unable to, then the original language in the bill does not take effect.
HB2520 HD3 SD1 STATUS Caregivers DESCRIPTION: Creates a working group to explore various funding mechanisms that could potentially support family caregivers. (HB2520 SD2) CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose. Support SD1 version. CONFERENCE STATUS: Reconvene Friday @ 10:30.
What This Bill Means To You
This bill amends the TDI law to allow a caregiver to collect TDI payments. The Chamber commends the Legislature for seeking ways to address the current situation of caregivers and supports a statewide effort to address this issue. However, we believe this measure is not the appropriate vehicle and that further study needs to be conducted before implementing major changes to the TDI law. Therefore, the Chamber supports the senate language which creates a working group to discuss legislation that will mitigate unintended consequences. This measure, if passed, will especially impact small businesses because it will undermine their efforts to manage costs while retaining and providing benefits to employees.
SB2808 SD2 HD1 STATUS EIS DESCRIPTION: Clarifies that when 2 or more agencies have jurisdiction, the office of environmental quality control shall determine which agency has the responsibility of preparing an environmental assessment after consultation with and assistance from the affected state or county agencies. Makes clarifications to the rulemaking powers of the environmental council. (SB2808 HD1) CHAMBER POSITION: Support. CONFERENCE STATUS: No date scheduled yet.
What This Bill Means To You
The Chamber supports the need for a comprehensive review of the HRS Chapter 343 relating to the EIS, however, we believe this measure will provide an immediate and short-term solution to clarify when an EA is required. Because of the unintended consequences of recent court decisions, many small business projects, such as those that plan to widen the driveway or other minor improvements are required to prepare an EA because they touch a state or county road right of way. Thus, current projects are experiencing delays and/or incurring increased costs.
SB 2829 SD2 HD2 STATUS Taxation DESCRIPTION: Requires the Department of Taxation to evaluate certain tax credits and tax exemptions and report to the Legislature. Provides for automatic repeal of the tax credits and tax exemptions. Provides penalty for excessive amounts filed for tax refunds and credits. (SB2829 HD2) CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose. CONFERENCE STATUS: No date scheduled yet.
What This Bill Means To You
This bill automatically repeals a majority of tax credits and exemptions. Therefore, if your company currently receives tax credits, you should be concerned about this bill. This blanket repeal may have a serious impact on business and the overal economy. As you knwo, many of the credits and exemptions help stimulate economic activity.
For a complete list of bills that The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is actively testifying on and tracking and that are still alive, please click here.
* We are also testifying on and tracking subject-matter related bills such as land use, environment, small business, tourism, tax, maritime, and military affairs,and monitoring many more. Click here for more information. If you would like additional information, updates, and Action Alerts on specific bills or have questions regarding some of the legislation, please e-mail Sherry at smenor-mcnamara@cochawaii.org.
"Final Decking" WALK AROUND AT THE STATE CAPITOL on Friday, April 25
Both will be from 10 - 12 p.m. Meet at the Capitol Rotunda by 9:45 a.m. RSVP: Courtney at cmenard@cochawaii.org the day before each Walk Around
Time is running out. This "Walk Around" will be the last chance to voice our concerns as a collective group to the legislators. Each moment counts. Feel free to join us even if it's for 15, 30, or 45 minutes. Your voice is critical in the legislative process. The more voices at the Capitol, the more attention we bring to the issues that affect business.
Participate: Enhance Your Stance!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Sherry at 545-4300, x394. Thank you and we hope to see you.
St. Andrew's Priory School Ylang Ylang Courtyard (224 Queen Emma Square) 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
28th Rep. Faye Hanohano
St. Andrew's Priory School Ylang Ylang Courtyard (224 Queen Emma Square) 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
30th Sen. Will Espero
Mandalay Restaurant 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
May Fundraiser
1st Sen. Jill Tokuda
Mandalay Restaurant 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
5th Senate President Colleen Hanabusa
DAV Hall, Ke'ehi Lagoon 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Most information were derived from the Democratic Party of Hawaii website. Information on fundraisers were not available on the Hawaii Republican Party website. If you have information on additional fundraisers, please call (808) 545-4300, x394.
* Please note that The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii does not endorse candidates. This is for informational purposes only.
Last year, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii advocated against a bill that was going through the California State Legislature. SB 974, also known as the California Container Tax bill, imposed a $30 fee on each 20 ft. equivalent unit. This came out to approximately $68 million in additional costs on consumers in Hawaii.
At the last minute, the author of the bill, Senator Lowenthal shelved the bill. We were recently informed that the bill has been removed from the inactive list Because the bill has gone through the process with unanimous support, the bill will soon go for a full Assembly vote. If passed, the bill will be sent to the Governor, who has indicated that he intends to sign the bill into law.
The estimated $68 million, however, is in addition to other fees that have already been approved and will take effect beginning in October and onward. So, Hawaii could face over $100 million in additional fees to ship goods to and from our state.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Send letters to Governor Lingle and Hawaii's congressional delegation, as well as the Governor of California. VoterVoice
Last year, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii advocated against a bill that was going through the California State Legislature. SB 974, also known as the California Container Tax bill, imposed a $30 fee on each 20 ft. equivalent unit. This came out to approximately $68 million in additional costs on consumers in Hawaii. 