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Legislative Action Center
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Business Advocacy & Government Affairs Staff
Sherry Menor-McNamara, Vice President
Ian Robertson, Policy Analyst
Courtney Menard, Intern
Liliya Paraketsova, Intern
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May 02, 2008
Volume I, Issue 11
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 Sine Die...Legislative Session Has Officially Adjourned
Participate: Enhance Your Stance!
Dear Chamber Members:
A BIG mahalo for your support this past session. Your input and participation in the Chamber's advocacy efforts were the driving force behind the outcome of key bills. Through your voices, the "Card Check" bill was not overriden, the "Successor Employer" bill was deferred, and the Environmental Impact State and the Caregivers bills passed with favorable language.
We certainly would be remiss if we did not thank the legislators. They gave us their time and attention as we discussed The Chamber's position on the many bills that had an impact on the business community.
However, the workers' compensation bills that the Chamber opposed did pass. These bills may have a significant impact on your workers' compensation premiums. Therefore, next month we will initiate an "Action Alert" campaign asking the Governor to veto the bills. We urge your participation in this effort as it will be critical for the Governor to hear from the business community in order for her to make an informed decision.
Also, now that the legislative session has ended, the Chamber's Legislative Action Center e-newsletter will be e-mailed every other Thursday. Stay tuned for information on legislative activities, forums, "talk story" sessions, Chamber committee highlights, and many more. Also, it's never too early to start the preparation for next year's legislative session. During the interim, surveys will be included in the e-newsletter. Please take the time to answer them.
We wish you a wonderful and safe summer.
Sincerely,
The Chamber's Business Advocacy Team
"Voice of Business" at the State Capitol
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Final Status of Priority Bills
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 HB 1745 HD3 SD1
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. Imposes a $1 penalty fee.
CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose.
CONFERENCE STATUS: Dead.
 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: Passed Final Reading. Transmitted to Governor.
HB2386 SD2 CD1
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.
CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose.
CONFERENCE STATUS: Passed Final Reading.
HB2388 HD1 CD1
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.
CHAMBER POSITION: Oppose.
CONFERENCE STATUS: Passed Final Reading.
 HB2520 HD3 SD2 CD1
STATUS
Caregivers
DESCRIPTION: Creates a working group to explore various funding mechanisms that could potentially support family caregivers.
CHAMBER POSITION: Support.
CONFERENCE STATUS: Passed Final Reading.
 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: Senate Conference Committee moved to agree with the House amendments.
 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: Did not pass out of conference. Dead.
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.
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May Fundraisers
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5th Senate President Colleen Hanabusa
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DAV Hall, Ke'ehi Lagoon
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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Most information were derived from the Democratic Party of Hawaii and Hawaii Republican Party websites. 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.
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Sustainable Business in Hawaii
Find information on this page of the Chamber's website that provides links to energy efficiency and sustainability in Hawaii. The Chamber encourages members to become for energy efficient and sustainable. Each year, the Chamber's Environmental Affairs Committee conducts a forum related to energy efficiency and sustainability. The next one will be held in the fall.
Hawaii Green Business Program
Did you know that the Chamber is a partner in the Green Business Program? This program recognizes businesses that operate in an environmentally responsible way and encourages businesses to go beyong compliance to conserve energy, water and other resources, adn to reduce pollution and waste.
The Honolulu Advertiser's, "Guide to the Hawaii Legislature 2008"
Find the latest legislative news, roster, resources, and blogs.
JEMS: On-line Job Bank for Companies and Military Job Seekers
Looking for employees? JEMS is a free, easy and a great resources for companies and military job seekers. It is a family readiness initiatve funded by Hawaii's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard to support and enhance their service members' quality of life. Go to www.JEMSjobs.com or call 473-0190 to find out more.
HAWAII BUSINESS HEALTH COUNCIL CONFERENCE (May 6th, 9 - 1 p.m.)
TOPIC: Trends in Consumer Engagement & Employee Behavior Change Management: Value Based Benefit Design
GUEST SPEAKERS:
- David Grooves (MGM Mirage): Innovations in Employee Programs
- Tonya Vyhlidal (Lincoln Plating): Engaging Your Employees and Build a Healthy Culture
- Dan Garrett (American Health Care): Options that Produce an ROI
- Expert Panel: Employers-How Do I Get Started
CONTACT: Gary at 372-9576
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