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On 4/4/2018,the Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Committee (WAM), gutted and replaced HB1585 HB1 SB2, which was originally a bill to fund deferred repairs on Mauna Kea, with a measure to restrict or end use or construction of the observatories on Mauna Kea.
There were no listed sponsors,* it was apparently done by the Chair and Vice Chair of WAM, Donovan Dela Cruz and Keith Agaran respectively "on their own".[
]
Please note: Both our Big Island members of WAM voted for this action.
Kai Kahele D-1[}
] and Lorraine Inouye, D-4.[}
]
Our own local war on science and the well being and economy of the Big Island.
Shame, shame on our Legislature, and our Big Island delegation.[}
]
*"introducer" is listed as Rep Kyle Yamash ita, D12, Maui
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punaticbychoice,
Thanks for pointing out new developments in this ongoing legislative saga. It's moved beyond simple politics, and conceivably could affect vast areas of Big Island land resources, and our standing as a world leader in astronomy.
I can't pretend I understand the sleight of hand and deceit that's occurring with these bills, but I believe those who engage in bill number substitutions or transfers, and submissions without names attached, should be called out for their actions. It may be legal but certainly seems unethical.
If the people engaging in these stunts are so certain they're right, why not say what they mean so everyone understands their motives? Why act like thieves in the night?
Idiots rule the world, but only when there is a fair vote. - Last Aphorisms
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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If this bill becomes law, then it kills the TMT. There appears to be no way the public can testify.
https://legiscan.com/HI/text/HB1585/id/1...ended.html
"
SECTION 6. All construction within the Mauna Kea science reserve area is prohibited; provided that this section shall not apply after a proclamation is issued by the governor that the:
(1) Auditor has submitted the report pursuant to part I of this Act;
(2) University of Hawaii has adopted rules pursuant to section 304A-1903, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
(3) The office of Maunakea management has complied with the requirements established pursuant to section 5 of this Act."
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What are the chances of this nonsense passing? Will Ige sign it if it does pass?
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It's unclear. Bills that aren't passed go to conference committees where they are negotiated, so Kahele and Dela Cruz could hold major funding hostage in return exchange for support of their bills. If the bills then get passed, Ige is the backstop. If Ige doesn't veto them the consequences will be immediate.
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Latest media stuff in the Big Island Video News. My email has been rather busy today...
http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2018/0...a-emerges/
"
Once again, a House Bill making its way through the Senate has been completely altered to take aim at Mauna Kea management practices.
HB1585 HD1 SD2 previously proposed to eliminate the University of Hawaii’s deferred maintenance backlog by funding staff positions for the implementation of capital improvement projects. But the bill has been “gutted and replaced” in favor of an audit of UH activities related to Mauna Kea.
The astronomy community is sounding the alarm, because the bill appears to threaten any new construction on the mountain, which they fear could include the Thirty Meter Telescope."
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HB 1585 before going into conference on 04/04/2018:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20...5_SD1_.HTM
After a private conference, with no chance for public testimony, it comes out as:
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20...5_SD2_.HTM
These aren't small changes, it's a completely unethical change of the bill's wording designed to sneak through and become law without the possibility of public testimony.
For those offended by this blatant disregard of democracy, please contact the following:
* Sylvia Luke (Chair of House Finance Committee): 808-586-6200, repluke@Capitol.hawaii.gov
* Mark Nakashima (Rep for Hamakua & Hilo): 808-586-6680, repnakashima@Capitol.hawaii.gov
* Scott Saiki (House Speaker): 808-586-6100, repsaiki@Capitol.hawaii.gov
And finally, Gov. Ige:
gov@gov.state.hi.us
Please do your best to stop such shady practices from happening again.
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Thanks Tom, I've sent a strongly-worded email and I hope others contact them as well.
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I did as well, thanks for doing the footwork TomK.
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No problem at all. For those that use Facebook, you can find the latest info on what's happening and the potential consequences if the bill becomes law via:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeSupportTMT/
