Senator J. Kalani English
Sixth Senatorial District
State Capitol, Room 205
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 587-7225

PRESS RELEASE
April 30, 2003

STATE LAWS EVOLVE TOWARDS IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION CLEARS FINAL READING AT STATE CAPITOL

"New technology and advanced techniques in waste disposal, recycling, energy generation, and sustainable architecture among other changes are shifting consciousness towards policies that will ensure the health and wealth of future generations," remarked Senator J. Kalani English (6th Senatorial District: East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe).

With the social evolution of environmental issues from the province of green fringe groups to more mainstream popular concern, environmental conservation and sound sustainability policies are increasing in importance to Legislators at the State Capitol. As the Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee for the Senate, Senator J. Kalani English is acutely aware of the mounting environmental challenges the State of Hawai'i faces. "Our economy and our people rely on a pristine and sustained environment for their health and their livelihood. As Legislators, our willingness and drive to protect the extraordinary and unique natural resources that we are gifted with here in Hawai'i must become a higher priority."

The Energy and Environment Committee has passed and supported many bills relating to the environment during the 2003 Legislative Session. The final step in approving legislation from the Senate occurred on April 29, 2003. "It is always difficult to see some of our work dismissed or deferred during the final weeks of session, yet I am very pleased that some key legislation has been adopted for enrollment to the Governor for signature. And I am confident that my colleagues will increasingly recognize the importance of environmental legislation. I am fortunate to work with dedicated and progressive colleagues in my committee, as well as our proactive counterparts in the House, led by Representative Hermina Morita (14th District, Hanalei, Kawaihau, Lihue, Kaua'i Island) and members of her committee," commented Senator English.

An assortment of bills and resolutions originating in the Energy and Environment Committee, ranging from the importation of invasive species, to the extension of renewable energy tax credits, have passed final reading in the Senate and have been, or will be enrolled to the Governor for signature.

SB 319, SD2 HD1 - Promotes food waste recycling in restaurants, hotels and other food industries.

SB 552, SD2 HD2 - Encourages private and public landowners to allow land and water access for invasive species control.

SB 843, SD1 HD2- Allows state and county agencies to create habitat conservation plans and safe harbor agreements.

SB 855, SD1 HD3 CD1 - Establishes renewable energy tax credit for systems installed after June 30, 2003.

SB 1460, SD1 HD2 CD1- Relating to contracts entered into by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority; establishes required provisions for contracts using public funds.

SB 1505, SD1 HD2 CD1 Ð Establishes the temporary Hawai'i Invasive Species Council to address the invasive species problem in Hawai'i; prohibits importation or sale of Salvinia molesta, Salvinia minima and Pistia stratiotes.

SCR 153, SD1 - Requesting an investigation into state and county land usage policy with regards to solid waste management programs.

SR 33, SD1- Convening an ad hoc committee to study the viability of establishing an environmental court in the State.

SR 113, SD1 -Creates an emissions workgroup to analyze the state of Hawaii's CO2 emissions from power plants and motor vehicle emissions, and develop comprehensive strategies to reduce emissions.

SR 62 Ð Developing a strategy for reducing the amount of electricity being consumed by excess illumination.

SR 106, SD1 - Requesting the Department of Business and Economic Development Tourism, in conjunction with the Hawai'i Community Development Authority, to conduct an analysis of its efforts to utilize new energy efficiency technologies in its development districts.

SR 115 Ð Urging a joint effort between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources to stop the importation of alien aquatic organisms with invasive qualities.

Senate Bill 554, relating to brown tree snakes, and Senate Bill 787 relating to disaster leave for State and County employees, have already been signed into law by the Governor as Acts 10 and 24 respectively.

Facing Department budget cuts and significant budget shortfalls, environmental legislation has been an especially low priority in the 2003 legislative session, and has cleared Final Reading only by the commitment of a few determined legislators. "It is a concern that cannot be understated any longer. The life that we enjoy here in Hawai'i originates in great part from the quality of our environment, and we must not let ourselves become distracted from this fundamental relationship. As the main contributors towards environmental degradation, humankind must now recognize our responsibility as stewards of our inheritance. It is an honor, filled with responsibility, to know that the people of Hawai'i have entrusted me with part of this important role, and have called upon me to guide our State into the future," concluded Senator English.

For a complete listing of all bills that I have introduced, or that have passed through my committee on the way to the Governor for signature, please visit my website at: www.kalanienglish.com

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