The Local Legislative Affairs Liaison of the Hawaii Section participates with the Coalition of Hawaii Engineering and Architectural Professionals (CHEAP) to promote legislation at the state and county level for the engineering profession. The coalition is made up of representatives from ACECH, AIA, ASCE, HSPE, HWEA, and SEAOH.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS 2011

The 2011 Regular Session of the Hawaii State Legislature has completed work on bills. During the session bills were reviewed as introduced for possible impact on the engineering profession. Recommendations on language to be inserted in bills were provided by the members of the coalition. Testimony was provided supporting the passage of House Bill 985 to provide payment of a stipend to prepare design-build proposals. The bill was passed and approved by the Governor. A description of HB 985 and other bills relating to engineering follow:

HB 424 Relating to Environmental Impact Statements. Extends the sunset date for EIS exceptions for certain primary actions from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2013. Report to legislature by office of environmental quality control on Act 87, SLH 2009. Approved by the Governor on May 5, 2011 as Act 45, SLH 2011.

HB 985 Relating to Procurement.  Provides for the payment of a stipend to prepare design-build proposals. Approved by the Governor on July 11, 2011 as Act 211, SLH 2011

SB 142 Relating to Dams and Reservoirs. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to consider the needs for effective operation and maintenance of dams and reservoirs. Approved by the Governor on June 23, 2011 as Act 154, SLH 2011

SB 1213 Relating to Permitting. Establishes a task force to study the permitting problems and recommend appropriate legislation. Approved by the Governor on July 11, 2011 as Act 218, SLH 2011

Click on the following for a complete list of Acts of the 2011 Session of the State Legislature.

2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION GOALS

The Local Legislative Affairs Committee of the Hawaii Section will continue to work With the Coalition of Hawaii Engineering and Architectural Professionals and is planning for the 2012 Session. All members of the Hawaii Section are encouraged to provide input to the Coalition and are invited to attend the meetings. For meeting schedules, contact Owen Miyamoto at 832-3726 at work, 988-6029 at home, or by email at owen@hawaii.edu.

HOW TO REACH YOUR LEGISLATOR

Views by professional engineers on technical issues are sought by legislators. A meeting in person is the most effective way to convey your thoughts. Otherwise, call, mail, fax, or email your message to his or her office. Information on how to reach your legislator is found at the Capitol web site.

PARTICIPATING IN FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Legislation at the Federal level is monitored by ASCE, which has established the Key Contact Program. Members are encouraged to sign up as a contact to receive information on congressional activity and regulatory proposals. With the suggested response provided by ASCE, members are emailed information on how to provide input to their Congressional member or agency head. Details of the Key Contact Program and how to become involved are found at the ASCE web site.