HCUL Legislative Center

Miscellaneous

2012-02-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

Testimony on HB 466 HD3 - Relating to Workers Compensation.

Testimony on HB 2103 HD1 - Relating to the Bank of the State of Hawaii.

Testimony on HB 2175 - Relating to Ethics.

Sick Leave

2012-02-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

HB 2089 HD1 / SB 2507 - Relating to Health. Requires employees to provide a minimum amount of paid sick/safe leave for an employee to use to care for a family member who is sick, needs medical care, or is a victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or stalking.

Read House testimony here.

Read Senate testimony here.

Ethics

2012-02-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

Testimony on HB 2455: Excepts members of groups formed by statute or resolution from the state code of ethics. This bill seeks to "fix" the HRS with regards to ethics and state employees, due to a recent opinion by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission that said members of the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force are considered state employees, therefore violated ethics laws by lobbying.

Current Bill Tracking List

2012-02-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

Click on the links to view and explore the current list of bills being tracked by HCUL this legislative session. Please contact Legislative Officer Stefanie Sakamoto if there are questions: ssakamoto@hcul.org.

House Bills

Senate Bills

Elder Financial Abuse Testimony - 1/30/12

2012-01-30T21:29:00.000-08:00

HB 2190 - Requires financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse to law enforcement.

HB 2192 - Creates crime of financial exploitation of a dependent elder.

Testimony on Foreclosure Bills - 1/25 Hearing

2012-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

HB1875 - Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force Bill

HB2018 - Amends unfair & deceptive acts or practice provisions in Act 48.

HB2019 - Deficiency judgments in short sales / foreclosures.

HB2020 - Repeals Chapter 667, Part I.

Bills Update

2012-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

House Bills.

Senate Bills.

Bills, Bills, Bills

2012-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

With the start of the 2012 Legislative Session comes a new crop of bills potentially affecting credit unions.

To view House Bills tracked, click here.

To view Senate Bills tracked, click here.

Kaua`i Cost Control Commission

2011-11-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

On November 14, the Kauai County Cost Control Commission held a public meeting, where they discussed the credit union real property tax exemption. Many credit union staff members showed up to present testimony on this important matter. 23 pieces of testimony were received by the Commission.

This discussion remains ongoing.

Read HCUL's testimony here.

Oahu Real Property Tax Advisory Commission - Testimony Needed

2011-10-14T13:54:00.001-07:00

The Real Property Tax Advisory Commission (RPTAC), established by the Honolulu City Council, was formed to evaluate and provide a report on the current City & County of Honolulu real property tax exemptions allowed by law. Although verbal comments are not allowed at the public meetings, written testimony is allowed. Click here to read the testimony of your League, representing all Hawaii credit unions.

Please take the time to submit your own credit union story before the next RPTAC meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, October 24. Please focus on the good things your credit union, as well as credit unions statewide, are doing to further the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” and the important role credit unions have to play in this time of economic crisis. Testimony can be emailed to cclbc@honolulu.gov, or faxed to 768-1364.

International Credit Union Day Proclamation Signing

2011-10-06T13:39:00.001-07:00

L to R: Robin Kim - Hawaii Schools FCU, Jacob Ng - NAVFAC FCU, Mayor Peter Carlisle, Stefanie Sakamoto - HCUL, Drake Tanabe - Hawaii Central FCU.

Congresswoman Hanabusa won't run for Senate

2011-08-24T11:51:00.001-07:00

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (D) announced yesterday that she will seek re-election for her House seat in Congressional District 1, ending speculation that she would run for the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Akaka. This means she will again face Charles Djou in the election.

Read the article here.

Governor Abercrombie's "New Day" Statement

2011-08-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to read the text of Governor Abercrombie's statement on the economy yesterday. Video of his speech is also available.

http://hawaii.gov/gov/newsroom/in-the-news/a-new-day-status-report-to-the-people-of-hawaii-1

Governor Abercrombie Press Conference Today

2011-08-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Governor Abercrombie will hold a news conference at 3:00 p.m. today, to address the state of the economy.

It will be streamed live at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

Reapportionment

2011-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

New proposed district lines would pit 6 House incumbents against each other in 3 districts:

Jerry Chang vs. Mark Nakashima

Rida Cabanilla vs. Kymberly Pine

Barbara Marumoto vs. Mark Hashem

After acceptance of the proposed maps, they will be opened up to public hearings.

Federal Reserve Official Rule on Interchange

2011-07-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Go here to read the official rule on interchange fees as issued by the Federal Reserve.

Fed Sets Interchange Cap at 21 cents

2011-06-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Federal Reserve today issued their rule on interchange. Per CUNA, the cap would allow a 21 cent charge for network, hardware, and software costs, and a 5-basis point charge to cover fraud.

Read the story here.

Fannie Mae Releases Deliquency Guidelines

2011-06-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Go to link to read new guidelines on mortgage deliquency released by Fannie Mae on June 23, 2011.

List of Current Acts

2011-06-23T13:06:00.001-07:00

Click here to view a list of Acts (laws) as signed by Governor Abercrombie. This list is current to June 23, 2011.

The full list (with active links to bills) can also be accessed through the Capitol's website, by going here, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and clicking "List of Acts".

DAGS issues nonjudicial auction site memo

2011-06-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

In response to the passage of Act 48, the Dept. of Accounting and General Services has issued their official memo regarding nonjudicial foreclosure auction site information.

Read the memo here.

End of Session Report

2011-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

View the 2011 end of session report here.

Foreclosure bills update

2011-03-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

Senate versions of the bills have been heard by House Consumer Protection and Commerce committee. Decision-making was deferred one week.

Read HCUL's testimony:

SB 651 SD2

SB 652 SD2

RPT Exemption Bill Introduced in City Council

2011-03-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Bill 27 would place a cap on the real property tax exemption for credit unions, and other non-profit entities.

Read HCUL's testimony here.

GE Tax Exemption Repeal

2011-03-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

HB 1270 HD1 provides for a repeal of many tax exemptions, and provides for an evaluation of all tax credits and exemptions.

Read HCUL's testimony here.

Foreclosure Bills - Update

2011-03-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

HB1411 HD2 - Passed third reading in the House, now goes on to the Senate.

HB894 HD1 - Passed third reading in the House, now goes on to the Senate.

SB651 SD2 - Passed third reading in the Senate, now goes on to the House.

Read HCUL's testimony in opposition here:
HB 1411

HB 894

SB 651

Read HCUL's letter of concern to Senator David Ige here.

Foreclosure Moratorium

2011-02-02T17:14:00.001-08:00

House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce just passed HB 894 with amendments. The bill now would impose a 5-month moratorium on nonjudicial foreclosures.

Read HCUL's testimony in opposition here.

HB 678

2011-01-28T10:27:00.001-08:00

This bill would have required any business or agency to pay for credit monitoring services for 3 years following a security breach.

The bill was passed with amendments, and in its current version will only apply to government agencies.

Read HCUL's testimony here.

26th Legislature Opens

2011-01-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

After months of uncertainty, the House of Representatives announced that Speaker of the House Calvin Say would retain his post. Further committee assignments are forthcoming.

The Senate opened with its new President, Senator Shan Tsutsui of Maui.

Read coverage from the Star Advertiser here.

Tomorrow's Outlook

2010-11-01T16:12:00.001-07:00

New York Times has released a set of projections for tomorrow's big elections. Click the links below to see their predictions (based on polling & demographic data) for Hawaii's big races:

Hawaii Governor

House District 1

House District 2

Senate

List of CULAC Candidates

2010-11-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to view the complete list of Congressional candidates who support credit union issues.

Tomorrow is Election Day, so please get out and VOTE for candidates who support the credit union movement!

2010 CULAC Candidates

Informed Voter

2010-10-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

Be prepared for election day this year, and read up on the candidates and issues.

Honolulu Star Advertiser Voter's Guide

HCUL Elections Center

Constituional Amendments

2010-10-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

Read up on the ConAms that will be on the November 2nd ballot, before you vote. Helps to make a decision before you get into that booth!

Find Your Polling Place...and VOTE!

2010-09-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

Click here to find your polling place. It may have changed this year, so make sure you know where to vote!

Governor to Select Replacement Senators

2010-08-19T12:49:00.001-07:00

Governor Lingle will choose replacement Senators on a temporary basis for 2 seats that were vacated. Senator Robert Bunda (Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Haleiwa, North Shore, Mokuleia) and Senator Gary Hooser (Kauai, Niihau) both resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor this year.

The temporary Senators will only serve until the General Election in November.

Read the KITV article here.

New Elections Center Launched

2010-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the 2010 elections, HCUL has launched the 2010 Elections Center. There, you will find what you need to be an informed voter in what promises to be one of the most contentious elections years in Hawaii's history.

Visit the new elections center here.

Voters will pick Mayor & Prosecutor in September

2010-07-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Honolulu City Council yesterday set the date for two special elections triggered by the resignations of Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Prosecutor Peter Carlisle. Both winner-take-all elections will be held on the date of the Primary Elections: September 18.

Read the Star-Advertiser article here.

Act 195

2010-07-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

HB 2289, Relating to Gift Certificates, has been named Act 195, becoming law today.

Read the Governor's Statement of Concern.

Gift cards bill to become law

2010-07-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Governor's veto list was released yesterday, and NOT among the vetoes was HB 2289, Relating to Gift Certificates.

The bill will become law without the Governor's signature.

Read the KITV news story here.

Gift Cards bill on bubble

2010-07-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

HB 2289, Relating to Gift Certificates was placed on the Governor's potential veto list on June 21st. The bill would extend the expiration date of gift cards from 2 to 5 years, would allow limited issuance or activation fees, and clarifies the definition of "gift certificate". This bill would basically conform to the federal CARD act.

Click here to view the letter to the Governor, urging her not to veto this bill.

Interchange Update: Bad News

2010-06-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, 6/22/2010

CUNA reviews House interchange alternative; urges CU opposition
WASHINGTON (6/22/10)--After an initial review of alternative interchange language offered yesterday by the House as a substitute to a Senate provision in the financial regulatory reform bill, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) urged credit unions to continue working for improvements to interchange provisions.

"We will continue working for improvements in the interchange provisions, and we urge you to continue your efforts to oppose the inclusion of the interchange bill in the financial reform legislation," said CUNA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs John Magill.
CUNA also provided a brief summary of some key provisions of the new interchange amendment. They include the following:

• The Federal Reserve would write regulations on interchange fees and whether they are reasonable and proportional to the marginal costs incurred by issuers relating to a transaction. The Fed board would issue rules within nine months of enactment (probably around March/April 2011). The rules would take effect within a year. The costs would be limited to incremental costs of authorization, clearance and settlement plus costs related to preventing fraud;
• Credit unions and banks with assets of less than $10 billion would be exempt from the rate-setting rules directly. However, the extent to which this exemption would work in practice is unclear and subject to much debate;
• There is no enforcement mechanism to ensure merchants would accept lower interchange fees from bank debit cards and higher interchange fees from credit union debit cards;
• The amendment would prohibit issuers and networks from inhibiting the ability of merchants to direct the routing of transactions;
• Federal and state government benefits and reloadable prepaid cards would be exempt from the rate settings;
• The Fed would be authorized to require any issuer (including credit unions of all sizes) to provide information to the board regarding the regulation of interchange fees and must disclose aggregate information on costs and fees by issuers or payment card networks in connection with debit transactions. (This is a new provision about which CUNA is concerned. However, CUNA notes that if the Fed has to set interchange fees based on costs, it will be useful for them to include credit union data);
• In its rules, the Fed would have to consider the similarity between debit transactions and checks that clear the Federal Reserve System at par and to distinguish between the incremental costs incurred by an issuer for its role in settlement, clearance or authorization for a particular transaction;
• In writing the rule, the Fed board would have to consult with the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and other federal regulators;
• The Fed would also be directed to write rules on network fees to ensure network fees are not used to compensate an issuer or to evade the board's rules;
• The amendment does provide that merchant discounts for the form of payment (cash versus debit card, for example) may not differentiate on the basis of the issuer or network. Incentives for the use of credit cards may not differentiate on the basis of issuer or payment network and such incentives must be offered to all buyers and disclosed;
• Payment networks may not limit the ability of merchants to set minimum dollar values up to $10 for the acceptance of credit cards; and
• Merchants would not be able to discriminate between debit cards or credit cards within a payment network on the basis of the issuer.

CUNA will provide detailed analysis of any final interchange bill.

Russell Simmons Letter

2010-06-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur Russell Simmons published a letter he sent to Senator Richard Durbin on the Huffington Post last week, opposing the Senator's interchange amendment.

Read the article here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons/senator-durbin-dont-dump_b_603004.html

Hike the Hill for Interchange

2010-06-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, 6/4/2010:

Interchange efforts increase ahead of next week's hill hike

WASHINGTON (6/4/10)—With the number of responses to the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) call for grassroots interchange advocacy totaling over 150,000 as of Thursday night, credit unions and credit union leagues also are working to urge their federal lawmakers to block interchange language from a financial regulatory reform package.

The House and Senate are currently working toward resolving differences between their respective versions of financial regulatory reform bills. The Senate bill proposes to allow government intervention in setting interchange fees, while the House bill has no interchange language.

Among the many leagues working to positively change the financial regulatory reform package are groups from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, California and Oklahoma.

The Ohio Credit Union League has noted the more than 7,000 contacts with Ohio congressmen and women that have been made by over 2,300 leaders from 91 Ohio credit unions. The Madison Chapter of the Wisconsin Credit Union League last week ran a full-page, open letter to debit card users in the Wisconsin State Journal and has also taken to social networking websites such as Facebook to encourage "friends" to fight the new interchange regulations.

The Pennsylvania League has also highlighted the efforts of Hershey FCU, Patriot FCU, American Heritage FCU, Guthrie FCU, Erie FCU, and PSECU, and encouraged its member credit unions to "inundate district offices with letters, phone calls, and faxes" and to oppose interchange changes by directly speaking with their congressional representatives at local appearances.

Sen. Richard Durbin's (D-Ill.) interchange proposal, which would direct the Federal Reserve to issue regulations to govern interchange fees charged for debit card transactions, continues to receive critical press. The Washington Times was among the latest news source to speak against interchange changes, with a Wednesday editorial warning readers that Durbin's amendment is "aimed at your wallet."

"Inevitably," the editorial adds, the costs of running debit card programs "will be shifted from merchants to consumers."

CUNA continues to encourage all state credit union leagues to coordinate with their member credit unions to ensure that their D.C.-based representatives are informed of the dangers that interchange legislation poses to credit unions and to promote participation in next week's Hike the Hill, which will give credit union leagues and employees direct access to their elected representatives.

Interchange Articles

2010-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post

The Motley Fool

Interchange Resource Links

2010-06-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Click the link to go to CUNA's resource materials on the interchange issue.

2010 End of Session Report

2010-05-28T16:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to download the report.

National Teleconference on Interchange

2010-05-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

From Dan Mica:

I know this is short notice, but please plan to dial in and participate in a 30-minute national teleconference on interchange that CUNA is holding tomorrow, Thursday May 27, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. On this urgent call I will update you on CUNA and league efforts and strategy to remove the interchange fee amendments the Senate inserted into the regulatory reform legislation pending in Congress. And we will spell out what we need your credit union to do at the grassroots level, starting next week while members of Congress are back at home for the Memorial Day district work period. We understand how important interchange is to you, and we are pulling out all the stops to remove the Senate interchange language. It will take an all-out grassroots effort, so we need credit unions unions like yours to speak out directly to lawmakers. We'll tell you more on tomorrow's call.

The Phone number for this call is: 1-877-238-4671
Enter the Conference Passcode: 885145

Note: You should call at least 15 minutes ahead of time and it may take several minutes to connect because of call volume. If you receive a busy signal when dialing the number above, please proceed to dial one of the following numbers and utilize the corresponding passcode

2) Toll free: 1-866-288-9872
Enter the Conference Passcode: 114884

3) Toll free: 1-866-548-4713
Enter the Conference Passcode: 290492

4) Toll free: 1-877-238-4695
Enter the Conference Passcode: 806878

Although we have reserved 3,000 lines, please limit your credit union to one line so that we may get maximum participation. You can also find out more information about the call at this link on CUNA's web site: http://trainingdev.cuna.org/audio/T052710_fct.html Thank you.

Dan Mica

President & CEO

Interchange Action Alert

2010-05-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now:

CUNA defines issues, continues interchange fight

WASHINGTON (5/26/10)--With conferees for the upcoming congressional
regulatory reform conference being announced this week, the Credit Union
National Association (CUNA) will again urge legislators to drop interchange
provisions in the current Senate bill, because they would increase costs and
reduce choice for consumers.

The interchange provisions, which were introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.)
during the recently concluded amendatory process, would direct the Federal
Reserve to issue regulations to govern interchange fees charged for debit card
transactions, to assure that they are what the proposed language terms
"reasonable and proportional" to the cost incurred in processing the transaction.
Although Durbin's amendment exempts credit unions with under $10 billion in
assets, CUNA remains opposed to the interchange provision and is very
concerned about unintended consequences for credit unions. Under the Durbin
provision, big issuers would be forced to charge a presumably lower rate set by
the Federal Reserve, while credit unions and other small issuers would continue
at their current interchange rates for debit card transactions.

While CUNA acknowledges that the exemption seems good in theory, the group
identifies a major loophole as written: Nothing in the amendment would require
the payment card networks to operate a two-rate system, and there is no reason
to believe they would do so absent a mandate. Therefore, CUNA believes that,
ultimately, the payment card networks would simply lower small issuer debit
interchange rates to match the rates set by the Federal Reserve for large issuers.
Another competitive advantage for larger issuers could be potential preferential
treatment for lower-cost card transactions by large retailers. CUNA is also
concerned that merchants would discriminate against credit unions by providing
certain discounts for cash and check payments.

The merchant groups that have promoted changes to interchange rules have
claimed that their backers would return any interchange savings to their paying
customers. However, a pair of amendments that would have statutorily required
retailers to pass those savings along to consumers were opposed by retailer
groups and, ultimately, failed to be included in the final legislation. Further, any
savings that are seen by consumers would likely be negated by new charges that
lenders will assess on individual accounts.

"Consumers will pay either way," according to CUNA Chief Economist Bill
Hampel.

CUNA remains opposed to the legislation. Though the legislation will require
larger credit issuers to lower their rates to a reduced rate established by the
Federal Reserve, credit unions and other small financial institutions would
continue to offer their current interchange rates.

Further, nothing in the amendment would require large credit networks to operate
a dual-rate credit system. Another competitive advantage for larger issuers would
be potential preferential treatment from large retailers. CUNA is also concerned
that merchants would discriminate against credit unions by providing certain
discounts for cash and check payments.

The merchant groups that have promoted changes to interchange rules have
claimed that their backers would return any interchange savings to their paying
customers. However, a pair of amendments that would have statutorily required
retailers to pass those savings along to consumers were opposed by retailer
groups and, ultimately, failed to be included in the final legislation. Further, any
savings that are seen by consumers would likely be negated by new charges that
lenders will assess on individual accounts.

Interchange legislation was not included in the House's financial regulatory
restructuring bill, and the Senate interchange amendment will come up for debate
during the House/Senate conference sessions. The Senate on Tuesday
announced that Democrats Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Tim
Johnson (D-S.D.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Jack
Reed (D-R.I.) and Republicans Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Saxby Chambliss (RGa.),
Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) are
being considered to be among the conferees.

While CUNA will continue discussions with these senators in the days leading up
to the conference, CUNA's grassroots advocacy strategy will cast a wider net,
asking credit union representatives to contact their respective members of
Congress, no matter what their level of conference participation is.

Tax Exemptions

2010-04-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

SB 2402 SD1 HD1 is being heard in Conference Committee today at 5:00 pm. This bill would remove the GE tax exemption on the sale of tangible goods and services to credit unions, setting the tax at 1%. This bill would also place a 1% tax on proceeds received by HCUL from conventions, trade shows, etc.

The conferees are:

Senate: Senators Donna Mercado Kim, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Russell Kokubun, Shan Tsutsui, and Fred Hemmings.

House: Representatives Marcus Oshiro, Marilyn Lee, Isaac Choy, Pono Chong, and Lynn Finnegan.

Read the letter sent to members of the conference committee.

Deadline

2010-04-01T13:04:00.001-07:00

Today marks the deadline known as "second decking" at the Hawaii State Legislature. This means that all bills must have been heard by their final committee referral by today, and filed by tonight. All bills that do not make this deadline are considered "dead".

One bill of note that will die if it is not heard today and filed tonight, is HB 2877, which in its current form, would raise the GE tax. Its original form would have taken away the GE tax exemption for various non-profits, including credit unions.

Click here to view and download the current bill tracking spreadsheet.

Updated Bill Tracking

2010-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the updated bill tracking spreadsheet.

GE tax exemption bill hearing today

2010-03-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

HB 2877 HD1, which would temporarily suspend the GE tax exemption for many non-profit groups, including credit unions, is being heard in the Senate today. The tax would be levied at a rate of 1%.

Read the bill.

Read HCUL's testimony.

National Conference of State Legislatures Update

2010-03-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

The House Finance Committee will be holding in informational briefing today regarding the NCSL's fiscal update. This briefing will cover many aspects of current fiscal conditions in Hawaii and in the rest of the nation.

Get the hearing notice.

Bill Tracking Updates

2010-03-08T12:53:00.001-08:00

View the tracking spreadsheet here.

Post-Crossover bill tracking update

2010-03-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

View the bill tracking spreadsheet here.

GE tax exemption testimony

2010-02-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

HB 2877 proposed HD1 - Relating to Taxation

This bill would temporarily suspend the GE tax exemptions for various non-profit organizations, including credit unions, for a five-year period. The tax would be levied at 1/2 of 1%.

HB2878 - Relating to Taxation

This bill would temporarily suspend the GE tax exemptions for various business leagues and trade associations, including the Hawaii Credit Union League.

Both of these measures are up for decision-making today at 4:30p. in House Finance.

Updated bill tracking

2010-02-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

Go here to view the bill tracking spreadsheet.

Testimony

2010-02-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

City Council, Bill 33: Real Property Tax Exemptions (This bill was deferred in committee.)

SB 2612, Relating to Mortgage Loan Originators.

Testimony

2010-02-12T12:07:00.001-08:00

HB 2935 - Relating to Employment Practices

HB 2532 - Relating to Unclaimed Property

2010 Bill Tracking

2010-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

Click here for the 2010 HCUL bill tracking spreadsheet.

Testimony

2010-02-05T10:13:00.001-08:00

SB 2883 - Relating to Employment Practices

SB 2603 - Relating to the SAFE Act

HB 2935 - Relating to Employment Practices

HB 2289 - Relating to Gift Certificates

HB 2207 - Relating to Employment Security

HB 2169 (LAB) - Relating to Employment Security

HB 2169 (FIN) - Relating to Employment Security

HB 2132 - Relating to Mortgage Foreclosures

HB 304 - Relating to Foreclosures

Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro's Budget Presentation

2009-12-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

At HCUL's Regulatory and Governmental Affairs Conference in November, House of Representatives Finance Committee Chair Marcus Oshiro gave a riveting presentation concering the balancing of the state budget.

Click here to view a complete version of the presentation.

Rep. Marcus Oshiro calls for the rescinding of education budget restrictions

2009-11-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

An opinion written by House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro was published in the Honolulu Advertiser on Sunday, regarding the education budget.

Read the opinion here.

Furloughs, furloughs, furloughs

2009-11-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

The links below will take you to all furlough information and calendars.

State furlough calendars & information

Department of Education furlough calendar

Judiciary furlough calendar

21 day fix

2009-11-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

From CUNA News Now 11/10/09:

WASHINGTON (11/10/09)--Even before President Barack Obama signed the CARD Act Technical Corrections Act (H.R. 3606) into law on Friday, staff from the Federal Reserve had confirmed with the Credit Union National Association that Fed staff will include this change in the CARD Act final rule that will be issued by the end of the year, or January at the latest.

These rules will address the provisions that were effective as of Aug. 20 and that will be effective as of Feb. 22, 2010.

Fed attorney Ben Olson also indicated that the Fed staff has no objection to the correction, telling CUNA Senior Assistant General Counsel Jeff Bloch that the correction "makes a lot of sense."

The CARD Act change fixes portions of the act that implied that a 21-day late notice requirement applied to all open-end credit by clearly stating that late-notice provisions apply to credit cards only.

CUNA consistently argued that lawmakers had always intended to apply the provision to credit cards only, and worked closely with lawmakers and their staffs to inform them that the CARD Act drafting error prevented credit unions from granting biweekly payment plans or sending consolidated billing statements to their members and would force them to change payment due dates for members that had previously chosen due dates based on their specific financial circumstance.

CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica hailed the quick and decisive work by the House, Senate, and President, saying that the to-be-enacted legislation "gives credit unions the opportunity to go back to doing what they do best: Serving their members with affordable and needed financial services."

Use the resource link below for comprehensive compliance information about "un-complying" with the 21-day requirement now that the fix has been enacted.

CARD Act fix & homeowner tax credit

2009-11-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Message from Dan Mica:

Great news to end the week: President Obama today signed into law H.R. 3606, the CARD Act Technical Corrections Act, which fixes the law so that the 21-day notice period will apply only to credit cards rather than to open-end credit in general.

The President also signed legislation extending the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit that was set to expire at the end of the month. That bill also creates a new $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners who purchase a new home between December 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

On the credit card fix, this is one of the most important pieces of legislation for credit unions to come out of Congress this year. As you know, credit unions had been scrambling to meet the law’s provisions on open-end loans – even though the law was never meant to cover those loans.

By signing the law, the President gives credit unions the opportunity to go back to doing what they do best: Serving their members with affordable and needed financial services. Again, our thanks to all of the leagues and the many credit unions that worked to convince House and Senate leaders to pass this fix into law. Without your efforts, credit unions would still be reeling from the unintended consequences of this law.

We know credit unions have some questions about “un-complying” with the 21-day requirement now that the fix has been enacted. For those who may have missed it, we ran an excellent article in News Now earlier this week addressing compliance questions. You can find it at the link below:

http://cuna.org/newsnow/archive/list.php?date=103009#43346

Overdraft

2009-10-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, October 27, 2009

Congress This Week: Overdraft on the Agenda
WASHINGTON (10/27/09)--The most noteworthy Washington news for credit unions may not happen until the end of the week as the House Financial Services Committee has scheduled a hearing on H.R. 3904, "The Overdraft Protection Act of 2009," for this Friday.

The legislation, introduced by Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.), would, according to www.thomas.gov, "amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and transparent practices related to the marketing and provision of overdraft coverage programs at depository institutions."

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Rubén Hinojosa (D-Texas), Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Paul Kanjorski (D-Penn.), Daniel Maffei (D-N.Y.), Brad Miller (D-N.C.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate and the Federal Reserve is also reportedly working to address overdraft protections. House Financial Services Chair Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has also indicated that the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, the plan for which could come to the House floor within the next month, could itself create new overdraft rules.

The Committee had not announced a witness list for the hearing at press time.

Another issue of interest to credit unions will be discussed on the Senate side on Thursday, with the Senate Judiciary Committee holding a markup session on S.1490, the "Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2009"; and S.139, the "Data Breach Notification Act."

The House later today will consider H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act. The Credit Union National Association has touted credit unions' ability to help small businesses in a tightening market through offering business loans to their members.

The House will also discuss H.R. 2996, the Interior Appropriations Bill, and begin work on a continuing resolution to fund the government until December 15, 2009.

The Senate also began consideration of H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, on Monday.

Furlough Fridays won't close State Capitol

2009-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Click the link to read the official memo from the Department of Accounting and General Services regarding the closure of State office buildings on Furlough Fridays. The calendar is also attached. Both newspapers erroneously reported yesterday that the State Capitol would be closed.

Furlough Fridays to Close State Buildings

2009-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Many state buildings will close 2 Fridays a month for the remainder of the fiscal year. This includes the State Capitol. No word yet on what this will mean for the coming 2010 Legislative Session.

Read the Star Bulletin article here.

Credit CARD fix passed by House

2009-10-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

From CUNA:

The House today, on a voice vote, passed a “fix” to the Credit CARD Act that clarifies the 21-day notification rule applies only to credit cards. We strongly supported the measure and have been working intently for its passage. As you well know, credit unions are reeling from the unintended consequence of the CARD Act that applies the law to all forms of open-end credit – threatening the very ability of credit unions to continue offering affordable credit to their millions of members.

During the discussion on the floor before the House vote, Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., said the 21 day requirement on open-ended accounts was unintended and should not have been included in the CARD act. He added that the provision swept credit unions into the mix unintentionally and that credit unions were generally not responsible for abuses that led to passage of the CARD Act. He referred to (and submitted for the record) letters from CUNA and the NCUA, both of which urged him to fix the problem.

Also, he referenced the Missouri Credit Union Association and said it had successfully brought this matter to the attention of Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo. Reps. Peter Welch, D-Vt. and the sponsor of the technical corrections bill, and Chris Lee, R-N.Y., also spoke, both stating the problem and the fix.

Senate action is still urgently needed for consumers and credit unions to realize relief. We are urging senators to take similar action as soon as possible.

Hanabusa for Congress

2009-10-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

In a well-attended press conference yesterday morning, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa announced that she would be running for Congressional District 1, the seat that will be vacated by Congressman Neil Abercrombie next year. Congressman Abercrombie intends to run for Governor. Other candidates for Congressional District 1 that have already announced their intention to run are Ed Case and Councilman Charles Djou.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

Teacher Fuloughs Put to Vote

2009-09-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

HSTA members will vote today on whether to ratify a contract that includes 17 furlough days a year. Many teachers are concerned about the effect the reduced learning time will have on isle students. Voting begins at 3pm today, and will end at 5:30.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

Dan Mica Leaving

2009-08-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now:

WASHINGTON (8/27/2009)--Dan Mica is stepping down as president and CEO of the Credit Union National Association effective January 2011. Mica made the announcement to the CUNA Board and executive management team today (Thursday, Aug. 27).

Additionally, Mica said, CUNA Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff Richard McBride is also stepping down in January 2011. McBride and Mica have been close associates for many years.
"My mentor, the late Rep. Paul G. Rogers, often said an individual should spend no more than 10 years in any particular role or position," Mica said. "I followed that advice as a congressional staff member, as a member of Congress and in my position prior to CUNA. I love what I do here at CUNA, and I deeply care about the credit union movement – so I have stayed a bit longer than Paul's advice would allow.

"Now, completely of my own choosing and preference, I am making the change. I fully intend to move on to something else after I depart CUNA. There is much room in my life for additional accomplishments, and I am looking at all opportunities," Mica said.

Mica commended and thanked the CUNA Boards he served with over the past 13 years as CEO, as well as each of the chair persons he served. He said that, in each case, the relationship between himself and his chair person was "incredible, special." Mica particularly commended the staff and management team of CUNA, calling them persistent, ardent and tenacious in pursuing whatever he has requested of them. "I hope they remain friends of mine forever," he said.
CUNA Chairman Kris Mecham said that "the board understands that this has been a tough decision for Dan. During his tenure at CUNA – longer than any other CEO – Dan has brought CUNA and the credit union movement to the highest levels of respect in Washington and nationwide. We thank him for his service."

Mecham noted that a committee will be formed to find Mica's replacement, and that Mica will participate throughout that search. "From the day I joined CUNA, I put my whole heart and soul into the credit union movement," Mica said. "I am a true believer of credit unions and sincerely fond of the people who nurture and lead them. I have seen how they provide the best deal to consumers – and I am convinced that, in the future, credit unions will become of even greater importance to more and more consumers."

A former five-term member of Congress, Mica represented his home state of Florida from 1979 to 1989 in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. He assumed his duties at CUNA in July 1996. During his time at CUNA, he is credited with raising the visibility and presence of credit unions in Washington, building a powerful grassroots lobbying structure for credit unions before the Congress, and developing new and innovative products to help credit unions serve their members.

Stimulus

2009-08-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

The United States Senate Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Dan Inouye, held a local hearing today, for the purpose of reviewing the State of Hawaii's use of stimulus money. Among the "witnesses" were Governor Linda Lingle, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto, and Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka. Senator Dan Akaka also appeared at the hearing.

All of the witnesses agreed that the state is still stuck in economic crisis, however, the stimulus money has given Hawaii a necessary boost.

Read Governor Lingle's testimony here.
Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

CARD Act Deadline

2009-08-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, August 13, 2009

WASHINGTON --Working closely with the Connecticut Credit Union League, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) yesterday urged the Federal Reserve Board to provide relief to credit unions regarding the 21-day rule under the Credit Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act as it applies to open-end plans other than credit cards.
In a letter to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke, Sen. Dodd urged the Fed to allow credit unions "more time to come into compliance" for such open-end plans.
Under the Act, creditors are required to provide periodic statements to all open-end plan borrowers 21-days before their payment due dates, effective Aug. 20. Credit unions have indicated they can comply with these provisions for credit cards, but many credit unions have indicated that meeting the requirements for all other open-end plans is horrendous, and may not be possible for some credit unions by the rapidly approaching Aug. 20 effective date.
Sen. Dodd urged the Fed to extend the current compliance deadline for credit union open-end plans other than credit cards, stating that the existing compliance date has caused "legitimate implementation difficulties" for a credit union product that "was not the primary focus" of the CARD Act.
Dodd said that while the main goal of the 21-day provision of the CARD Act is to "ensure" that financial firms provide consumers the necessary window to respond to their billing statements, the rule is causing particular problems for credit unions that offer multi-featured credit plans with sub-accounts.
The effort was supported by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
CUNA said it will continue to pursue relief for credit unions on the issue by urging policymakers to limit the scope of the 21-day rule to credit cards. Barring that, it is seeking more time for compliance with the 21-day provision for open-end plans other than credit cards.
Also, CUNA has met and discussed this issue repeatedly with the Fed. Earlier this week, the Consumer Federation of America, working with CUNA, expressed its concerns over this portion of the CARD Act in letters to the Fed and to Dodd.
Late last month CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica encouraged credit unions to communicate directly with the Fed regarding this matter. CUNA issued a memo to help member credit unions deal with compliance issues created by the 21-day rule.

Councilwoman Kobayashi

2009-08-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ann Kobayashi claimed victory in the special election held on Friday for Honolulu City Council District V. In what turned out to be a short, but highly expensive election, Kobayashi received 37.5% of the vote to win. Ann Kobayashi previously held the same seat before vacating it to run against Mayor Mufi Hannemann in 2008.

Former State Senator Matt Matsunaga finished second, having lost by about 1,300 votes.

Congratulations to the former-and-newly-elected Councilwoman Kobayashi.

View the complete results here.

Election Day

2009-08-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

The special election for Honolulu City Council District V will end tomorrow. Ballots must be received by the City Clerk no later than 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7th. Election results will be announced Friday night.

To view the Candidates In Focus statements, click here.

To view the HPR debate, click here.

The Promoting Lending to America's Small Business Act (HR 3380)

2009-08-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now 8/3/09:

WASHINGTON (7/31/09)—Proposed legislation that would lift the current member business lending (MBL) cap to 25% would allow credit unions to "help address a real need in a difficult economic time" and "provide economic stimulus without increasing the size of government or costing taxpayers a dime," the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) said on Thursday.
H.R. 3380, the "Promoting Lending for America's Small Business Act," which was introduced on Thursday by co-sponsors Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) and Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), would double the current statutory MBL cap of 12.25%, and would exclude from the new 25% statutory cap loans of less than $250,000, business loans in underserved areas, and loans to non-profit religious institutions.

The "bipartisan legislation," if passed, "would enable credit unions to make more small business loans and create jobs at a time when our country needs a financial boost," Kanjorski said in a release announcing the bill. Kanjorski said that the bill will use credit unions "as a resource to boost lending to small businesses" and to fill the void created by "commercial banks and other entities" that "have unfortunately pulled back their lending activities" as the economic crisis wears on.

CUNA has consistently argued in support of raising the MBL cap, saying that lifting the cap would allow credit unions to aid the ongoing economic recovery by increasing the loan opportunities available to small businesses.

National Credit Union Administration Chairman Michael Fryzel in a Thursday release said that the board "looks forward to working with Congress as the legislative process progresses to produce a bill that enhances safe, well-supervised and beneficial member business lending,"
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently said that legislation that would lift the MBL cap would be "worth looking at," and a CUNA representative in recent Senate testimony told legislators that lifting the MBL cap above 20% of assets would "safely and soundly" result in $10 billion in new small business loans within one year.

Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) indicated that there is a "growing sentiment" among members of Congress that the MBL cap should be lifted, and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) earlier this year announced plans to develop legislation to address the MBL cap.

Matz vote postponed

2009-07-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, 7/29/09:

WASHINGTON (7/29/09)--The confirmation of presumptive National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) agency head Deborah Matz on Tuesday was temporarily postponed after the Senate Banking Committee could not assemble the number of members needed to form a quorum.

The committee had scheduled a discussion of Matz's nomination to the NCUA board for Tuesday morning's executive session, but the committee chairman, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), put off the discussion after his committee did not have the number of senators needed to begin a vote. Sources close to the issue have told News Now that the delay is related to scheduling conflicts and that her expected confirmation is still on track.

If confirmed, Matz will serve on the NCUA board for a second time. Matz gave an indication of how the board would function under her leadership in a nomination hearing held last week, telling legislators that she would maintain the "critical arms-length relationship" between a regulator and the regulated while ensuring that credit unions remained conscious of their commitment to consumer protection, member outreach, and financial education.

It is not known when the committee will next discuss the nomination. However, while members of the House will likely leave for summer recess at the end of this week, the Senate is scheduled to remain in Washington through next week. Senate Banking Committee members could also vote on the Matz nomination if the chairman calls for a quorum and vote while the members are gathered in the Senate chambers for other official business.

Matz's nomination, if approved by the committee, would move on to the full Senate for confirmation.

No more claiming losses

2009-07-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Under House Bill 1495, which was signed into law by Governor Lingle, gamblers will no longer be able to offset their winnings with their losses for Hawai'i state income tax purposes. Previously, gamblers would be taxed only on their net winnings, but now they will be taxed on gross winnings.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

34 out of 53

2009-07-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Legislature overrode 34 of Governor Lingle's 53 total vetoes on Wednesday. Among the veto overrides were 2 bills that HCUL testified in support of, HB31, Relating to Employment Practices, and SB1218, Relating to Mortgage Loan Originators.

A complete list of the vetoes that were overridden can be found here. These bills now become law.

Unions Make Offer, State Budget Gap Shrinks

2009-07-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

At a meeting between public-employee unions, Governor Lingle, and the 4 County Mayors, an offer for public-sector employees to take a 5% pay cut was made. This offer comes on the heels of the ruling made by Judge Karl Sakamoto, deeming the furloughs ordered by Governor Lingle as unlawful.

The state deficit also shrank yesterday, as new numbers were released by Governor Lingle. Once estimated at approximately $900 million, the deficit is now estimated to be $744 million over the next two years.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article on the unions' offer here.
Read the Star Bulletin article on the state deficit here.

Longer compliance time needed on CARD Act provision

2009-07-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

From CUNA News Now, July 8, 2009:

WASHINGTON (7/8/09)—The Federal Reserve Board must give credit unions more time to comply with a provision of its expected rules to implement new credit card statutes if that provision is going to apply beyond credit cards, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) urged the federal regulator Tuesday.

CUNA has been working with the Fed to convey credit union concerns regarding a specific requirement in Section 106 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act). That section prohibits creditors from claiming a payments is late unless that creditor adopts reasonable procedures to ensure that p e riodic statements are delivered to consumers no later than 21 days before the payment due date.

"As we explained in...earlier discussions with your staff, Section 106 of the CARD Act is very problematic both because it is one of the very few provisions that apply to all open-end credit, not just credit cards, and because of the upcoming Aug. 20 effective date," wrote CUNA.
Addressing the letter to Sandra Braunstein, director of the Fed's Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, CUNA wrote that if Section 106 is truly to cover all open-ended credit, the scope would be so broad that credit unions cannot realistically comply with the fast-approaching compliance date.

The letter reiterated CUNA's strong and long-standing support for the intent of the CARD Act, which is to eliminate predatory credit card practices. Credit unions back the changes, CUNA said, even though they will require significant adjustments over the next six weeks to ensure that credit card periodic statements are mailed at least 21 days in advance before a late charge may be assessed.

"Credit unions are diligently working with their data processors to implement these changes prior to the August 20, 2009 effective date," CUNA assured.

However, if the section applies also to general lines of credit, lines of credit associated with share draft and checking accounts, signature loans, and home equity lines of credit and--of particular concern to credit unions--to multi-featured, open-end lending programs, a longer compliance timeframe is imperative, CUNA urged.

CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica sent similar letters to Fed Governors Elizabeth Duke and Daniel Tarullo, who are the Fed board members responsible for consumer issues, and asked them to take a leadership role in urging a regulatory correction of the "urgent credit union issues."
Beyond the regulatory front, CUNA is also working with key federal lawmakers and their staffs to clarify whether it was the intent of Congress to apply section 106 beyond credit cards.
The section was added by the Senate shortly before its passage of the extensive credit card bill. Therefore the scope of the provision beyond credit cards was not fully appreciated until after it was signed by the President on May 22, and CUNA and other interested parties had no opportunity to raise questions or express concerns prior to enactment.

"We note that others have also not appreciated the broad scope of this provision. For example, on June 25th, the Office of Thrift Supervision published a summary of the CARD Act, which stated that Section 106 only applies to credit cards. This has undoubtedly created further confusion within the financial institutions industry," the CUNA letter pointed out.

Members of CUNA's Lending Council met with CUNA staff on Monday to provide additional information on the procedural burdens and costs that credit unions face in trying to devise ways to comply with the 21-day requirement applicable to their open-end lending programs.

Potential veto list released

2009-07-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Governor Lingle yesterday released her list of potential vetoes to the public. Among the vetoes are 2 bills HCUL supported in their final forms: HB 31, and SB 1218.

HB 31, Relating to Employment Practices, makes it unlawful to use a credit history report in the hiring or firing of an employee, except in the case of financial institutions.

SB 1218, Relating to Mortgage Loan Originators, would allow the commissioner of financial institutions to regulate, license, examine, and enforce laws regulating mortgage loan originators.

View the entire list of potential vetoes complete with links here.

Governor Lingle Issues Executive Order

2009-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Read Governor Lingle's executive order on state furloughs here.

Race for Council District V begins

2009-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

With the filing deadline for Council District V looming (deadline to file to run is tomorrow, June 25th), the race is heating up. Go here to see the latest list of candidates.

The Honolulu Advertiser also reported today that former State Senator Matt Matsunaga is considering a run. Read the full article here.

Furlough plan laid out

2009-06-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Go here to view the Governor's furlough plan in its entirety. The attachments at the bottom outline the agencies' specific schedules and closure plans, by departments.

The closure of the Bureau of Conveyances (as part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources) on certain Fridays (Attachment B FY10) may affect credit unions.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

2009-06-19T11:55:00.001-07:00

S. 896, The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, was signed into law on June 2, 2009. Among the provisions of the bill is the increase of the NCUA's borrowing authority from Treasury from $100 million to $6 billion. NCUA will also have the ability to borrow as much as $30 billion through December of 2010. The bill also establishes a Temporary Corporate Stabilization Fund.

HCUL's thank you letter to Congresswoman Hirono.
HCUL's thank you letter to Congressman Abercrombie.

City Council District 5 Special Election

2009-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

A special election to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Councilman Duke Bainum will be held on August 7, 2009. The election will be conducted entirely as a “Vote-By-Mail” election. All registered voters as of the voter registration deadline will automatically be mailed a packet containing the Vote-By-Mail ballot and return envelopes. No polling places will be open on August 7, 2009. Ballots will be mailed approximately 20 days prior to the election. Voted ballots must be received by the City Clerk no later than 6:00 p.m., August 7, 2009 in the return envelopes provided. Submission of an “Absentee ballot” application form to receive a ballot packet is not required unless the registered voter transfers into the district after the voter registration deadline or if the voter is unable to receive mail at the address listed in the general county registry.

The last day for candidates to file nomination papers will be June 25, 2009. The last day to register to vote in this special election will be July 8, 2009.

Read the informational brochure here.

Aloha, Councilman Duke Bainum

2009-06-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Councilman Duke Bainum has passed away. He represented the 5th City Council District, which includes a portion of Kapahulu and Kaimuki; Palolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Manoa, Moiliili, Mc Cully, Kakaako, and a portion of Ala Moana and Makiki.

A Special Election will be held on August 5th to fill the vacancy.

We at HCUL send our condolences to Councilman Bainum's family and staff.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser coverage here.
Read the Honolulu Star Bulletin article here.

2009 End of Session Report

2009-06-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the 2009 End of Session Report.

Click here to view the full list of bills of interest from the 2009 session.

Please contact League Legislative Officer Stefanie Sakamoto at 203-6409, or by email at ssakamoto@hcul.org with any questions regarding legislative matters.

House committee approves data breach bill

2009-06-04T11:13:00.001-07:00

From CUNA News Now, June 4, 2009:

WASHINGTON (6/4/09)--H.R. 2221, the Data Accountability and Trust Act, passed the House subcommittee on commerce, trade, and consumer protection by a voice vote during a Wednesday markup session.
The bill, which was introduced by House Subcommittee Chair Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), would require businesses to notify affected customers when outside parties gain access to sensitive information due to a security breach.
Although it supports the goal of granting greater information to consumers whose personal information has been compromised by security breaches, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) on Wednesday asked legislators to alter some portions of the bill.
In a letter to ranking subcommittee members, CUNA said that while most businesses lack the contact information needed to alert their customers, financial institutions normally have the means to directly communicate with their account holders.
While any notification of data breach victims should be done by the financial institutions, the cost of this notification should be covered by the entity that compromised the data. Financial institutions should also be allowed to disclose the source of the information leak to their cardholders to avoid any harm that could be done to their reputation, CUNA added.
The bill, as currently drafted, excludes federally insured credit unions from Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversight of their security risk mitigation procedures. However, businesses following standard security precautions of equal or greater quality to those set out by the bill would be deemed compliant by the FTC.
The House subcommittee, during the same markup session, voted 16 to 9 to approve H.R. 2309, the Consumer Credit and Debt Protection Act. This bill would direct the FTC to examine its existing rules and possibly to create new rules governing debt settlements and auto sales. The bill would also enhance the FTC's rulemaking authority as it relates to consumer credit and debt.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has not announced when it may consider these bill.

Aloha, Lt. Governor Gill

2009-06-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Former Lt. Governor Tom Gill passed away today at the age of 87. He was Lt. Governor under the late Governor John Burns, from 1966 - 1970.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

Lt. Governor

2009-06-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

The following people have announced their candidacy for the office of Lt. Governor for the 2010 elections:

Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz
Senator Gary Hooser
Councilman Rod Tam

Governor Proposes Furloughs

2009-06-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Governor Linda Lingle wants state employees to take a work furlough of 3 days per month to make up for the projected loss in revenue. The furlough would be the equivalent of a 13.8% pay cut, and would apply to all state employees, except for the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, the Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Hawaii Health Systems coportation. She is asking those departments to take similar furloughs or cut their spending budgets.

Read the Honolulu Advertiser story here.

Letters in Support of Bills Sent to Governor

2009-05-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

HCUL has sent two letters in support of two important bills awaiting the approval or veto of the Governor.

HB31, Relating to Employment Practices, makes it illegal for employers to use a prospective employee's credit report for purposes of evaluation. Financial institutions that are federally insured are exempt from this law.

SB1218, Relating to Mortgage Loan Originators brings Hawaii into compliance with the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008. This act required states to regulate the mortgage industry by July 1, 2010, or become federally regulated.

Letter of Support for HB31
Letter of Support for SB1218

Post-Session Numbers

2009-05-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Legislative Reference Bureau has released some raw numbers to recap the end of the 2009 session:

*House bills: 1,843 bills introduced; 115 passed.

*Senate bills: 1,680 bills introduced; 136 passed.

*Total: 3,523 bills introduced; 251 passed.

Credit Card Reform Bill Passes Congress

2009-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act passed the Senate yesterday, and now goes to President Obama for approval. Obama has indicated that he plans to sign the bill into law this Friday.

The intent of this legislation is to make credit card rules more transparent and easier to understand for card holders. Introduced to aid Americans swimming in credit card debt, and those that have fallen prey to unfair and undisclosed fees and interest payments, HR627 would help people better manage their credit.

Highlights of the measure:

Limited interest rate hikes
Extended monthy payment deadlines
Limits on over-limit fees
Lower sub-prime fees

Those in the credit card and banking industry opposed the bill, saying that it would result in credit cards becoming unattainable for lower-income individuals, and larger fees for current users.

Read the full article on creditcard.com by clicking here.

2009 Legislative Session Adjourns

2009-05-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

After a relatively short veto override session today, the 2009 legislative session adjourned, Sine Die. This session was marred by a struggling economy and party politics, yet lawmakers were able to pass a balanced budget that largely preserved jobs and wages for public sector employees.

The following bills that were vetoed by Governor Lingle in her public ceremony yesterday were overridden by a large majority in both the House and Senate today:

HB 1747 HD1 SD1 CD1 (Income Tax increase): Raises the state income tax from the existing 8.25 percent to up to 11 percent on single taxpayers who make $150,000 or more a year, heads of households who earn $225,000 or more a year, and couples who make $300,000 or more a year. The tax increase would apply to roughly the top 2.6 percent of state taxpayers. Starting in fiscal year 2012, the bill would also increase the standard deduction and personal exemption, which would provide a tax break for many taxpayers.
Revenue estimate over the two-year budget: $96.6 million.
Revenue estimate over the six-year financial plan: $245.8 million.

SB 1111 HD1 SD1 CD1 (Hotel room tax): Raises the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point in July — from 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent — and another 1 percentage point in July 2010 — from 8.25 percent to 9.25 percent. The tax increase would apply to operators of hotel rooms, apartments, condominiums, beach houses and other places rented to visitors or local guests. The increase would likely be passed on to consumers. It is estimated that it would roughly amount to an increase of $9 for a 5-day stay.
Revenue estimate over the two-year budget: $88.9 million.
Revenue estimate over the six-year financial plan: $367.2 million.

HB 1741 HD1 SD1 CD1 (Conveyance tax): Raises the conveyance tax on the sale of properties of $2 million or more and on second-home purchases. Reduces for three years the distribution of conveyance tax revenues into the rental housing trust fund and the natural area reserve fund.
Revenue estimate over the two-year budget: $8 million.
Revenue estimate over the six-year financial plan: $24 million.

HB 895 HD2 SD2 CD1 (Non-cigarette tobacco tax): Raises the state's tax on the wholesale price of tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco or pipe tobacco, from 40 percent to 70 percent starting at the end of September. The state's tax on the wholesale price of cigars would increase from 40 percent to 50 percent, and smaller cigars that resemble cigarettes would be taxed like cigarettes.
Revenue estimate over the two-year budget: $3.2 million.
Revenue estimate over the six-year financial plan: $18.6 million.

Governor Vetoes Tax Bills

2009-05-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

At a public ceremony in the Capitol rotunda yesterday, Governor Lingle vetoed several taxation bills:

SB1111 SD1 HD1 CD1 – Increases the transient accommodation tax by 28 percent over the next two years, adding to the cost visitors and residents pay when staying at hotels, time-shares, and bed & breakfast lodgings. The tax increase would raise the cost of visiting Hawai‘i and discourage both leisure and business travelers from coming to the islands and further destabilize Hawai‘i’s already weakened visitor industry.

HB1741 HD1 SD1 CD1 – Increases by up to 257 percent the conveyance tax home buyers, businesses, real estate developers, charities, non-profit organizations and other purchasers of all residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural real estate must pay for transactions over $2 million. It would also adversely impact affordable housing projects and non-profit organizations, including churches, schools, and youth organizations.

HB1747 HD1 SD1 CD1 – Increases the personal income tax rate on almost 37,000 Hawai‘i income tax filers, sole proprietors and small businesses (S-corporations and partnerships) that file their business income as personal income. There are over 27,000 S-corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorship in Hawai‘i, which includes approximately 6,000 sole proprietors.

Visit the Governor's website at http://hawaii.gov/gov to view the veto messages and the veto ceremony.

At today's final legislative session, the House and Senate plan to override Governor Lingle's vetoes. Read the Honolulu Advertiser article here.

Bills Update

2009-05-04T17:32:00.001-07:00

Please go here to view the updated bill tracking spreadsheet, with post-conference information. A full, comprehensive final legislative report will be available after adjournment of the legislature, which is scheduled for May 8, 2009.