GOVERNOR LINGLE SUBMITS POTENTIAL VETO LIST TO LEGISLATURE

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today submitted to the State Legislature a list of 39 bills that she is considering for potential vetoes. The complete list is attached.

The bills are being considered for potential veto due to various factors including significant negative impacts on the public, legal or constitutional concerns, potential unintended consequences, and technical flaws in the legislation. The Governor has placed some bills on the list to preserve her option to veto them while the Administration continues to review them.

“While the Legislature each year passes legislation it believes is important, it is my duty as Governor to ensure the bills that become law are constitutional, fiscally responsible and in the State’s and the public’s long-term best interest,” said Governor Lingle.

“This year, as in prior years, my Administration is taking a prudent approach of questioning bills that use limited State resources ineffectively or that would hamper our economic recovery,” the Governor added.

The Governor is required by the Hawai‘i Constitution to give the Legislature 10 days notice of any bill she is considering vetoing, prior to the deadline when she must take final action on the bills passed in the 2010 legislative session. This year the deadline to veto bills is July 6.

Any bill on the potential veto list can still be signed by the Governor or allowed to become law without her signature. Placing the bills on the potential veto list allows the Governor additional time to deliberate, and provides further opportunities for the public to voice their support or concern relating to the bills. Bills not on the potential veto list cannot be vetoed. Therefore, the list is more inclusive to preserve the Governor’s option to veto a measure that is still being reviewed.

Over the next 10 days, the Lingle-Aiona Administration will continue to carefully review the bills on the list. As she has done every year since taking office, the Governor has been seeking comments from the public on bills passed this legislative session. In addition, the Administration seeks input from the counties, law enforcement agencies, neighbor island liaisons and state boards and commissions.

This year the Legislature passed 250 bills. As of today, 167 bills have become law. Four other measures have been vetoed. For a complete list of bills that have become law this legislative session or to read the Governor’s statements of objections on bills already vetoed, visit the Governor’s Web site at: www.hawaii.gov/gov/leg/2010-legislative-session.

Public comments on the 39 bills being considered for vetoes on July 6 may be sent to the Governor’s office as follows:

Email: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov or gov.policy@hawaii.gov

Fax: (808) 586-0006

Mail: Office of the Governor
Hawai‘i State Capitol, Executive Chambers
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813


2010 Potential Vetoes

HB415 HD2 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
Veto Explanation: Directs the auditor to conduct an expensive and unnecessary audit of the Department of Public Safety’s contracts with mainland prisons and the Honolulu federal detention center.

HB444 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO CIVIL UNIONS.
Veto Explanation: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.

HB865 HD1 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
Veto Explanation: Establishes an unfunded mandate on the State Department of Transportation by setting up a working group to perform a feasibility study on transferring state highway maintenance functions to Maui County without providing resources or allowing adequate time for the study.

HB921 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
Veto Explanation: Complicates the transfer of 999-year homestead leases, bypassing existing statutes that provide for the determination of successorship.

HB1015 HD1 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TRUST FUND.
Veto Explanation: Violates the Hawaii State Constitution by embracing more subjects than its title allows and creates ambiguities in the law by amending various provisions relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

HB1212 HD1 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO INFORMATION PRACTICES.
Veto Explanation: Disallows the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs from disclosing pending complaints against a business or professional to the detriment of consumers who need the information for informed decision-making.

HB1665 HD1 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS.
Veto Explanation: Prohibits the sale or transfer of government-owned Hawaiian fish ponds, which inadvertently results in the Department of Transportation caring for fish ponds that were intended to be made available to other organizations after being acquired as part of the Kalanianaole Highway widening project.

HB1907 HD1 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO TAXATION.
Veto Explanation: Adversely impacts Hawaii taxpayers and businesses by capping state income tax itemized deductions and making the capital goods excise tax credit nonrefundable for businesses until January 1, 2016, contrary to sound economic policy.

HB2083 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO MILK LABELING.
Veto Explanation: Requires milk beverages to be labeled with the date of pasteurization or the date of packaging without clearly defining what is considered pasteurized milk and which pasteurization date should be used; also takes Hawaii out of compliance with the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipper's Pasteurized Milk Regulations.

HB2133 HD1 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
Veto Explanation: Inappropriately requires the State Procurement Office to authorize reseller agreements in multi-state contracting agreements, and narrowly defines "local reseller."

HB2152 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO BUILDING DESIGN FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of planning and designing housing, public buildings, and other construction by allowing the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) to charge a significant fee for the review of American Disabilities Act compliance, duplicating compliance reviews already done by professional architects and engineers.

HB2239 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROGRAM.
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of dietary supplements and impacts consumers purchasing healthy beverages by repealing the exemption such supplements currently have from the expensive and ineffective Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container Recycling Program.

HB2283 HD2 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT.
Veto Explanation: Subjects public employees and private entities to criminal sanctions under vague and non-specific principles of procurement ethics.

HB2289 HD2 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO GIFT CERTIFICATES.
Veto Explanation: Establishes fees on the issuance of gift certificates, reversing previous statutes that prohibited such fees.

HB2318 HD2 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO THE HOMELESS.
Veto Explanation: Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to establish programs and services without clearly defining the eligible population or providing a sustainable, long-term source of funding.

HB2377 HD3 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
Veto Explanation: Amends the Board of Education composition and member selection process in a manner that may not ensure the Board will be composed of members who reflect the best interests of the public and who understand the role of setting public education policies.

HB2441 HD2 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
Veto Explanation: Creates unrealistic deadlines for the Department of Transportation and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to award public contracts on bid proposals, and encourages inappropriate relationships by specifying that gifts made to the State shall not constitute or require a procurement contract.

HB2497 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS.
Veto Explanation: Authorizes the issuance of up to $40,000,000 in Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to Carbon Bio-Engineers despite possible patent ownership and licensing issues associated with this firm.

HB2583 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO IMPOUNDED VESSELS.
Veto Explanation: Violates the Hawaii State Constitution by embracing more subjects than its title allows by adding provisions outside of the scope of impounded vessels.

HB2644 HD2 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO SOLID WASTE.
Veto Explanation: Increases the cost of waste disposal by expanding the current solid waste disposal fee to include solid waste disposed out-of-State.

HB2708 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
Veto Explanation: Unnecessarily requires the Department of Transportation to establish administrative rules regarding the public involvement process, even though public involvement policies have already been adopted by the Department.

HB2774 HD2 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
Veto Explanation: Decreases the effectiveness of the Hawaii Premium Plus Program to create jobs by prohibiting the Department of Human Services from expending more than $5 million on the program within a nine-month period starting May 1, 2010.

SB1105 SD2 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS AND PROCEDURES.
Veto Explanation: Burdens state agencies with the task of preparing for hearings and briefings that are duplicative and waste state resources.

SB2001 SD1 HD1
RELATING TO TAXATION.
Veto Explanation: Extends the Tax Credit for Research Activities by one year at the expense of the High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit and Technology Infrastructure Tax Credit, which must be repealed early on May 1, 2010 instead of December 31, 2010, reversing the State's commitments to job creating businesses and their investors.

SB2020 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY.
Veto Explanation: Extends Act 189, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, which changes the process for renegotiating the amount of rent during the term of an existing commercial or industrial lease, despite litigation that has deemed the Act unconstitutional.

SB2045 SD1 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO CRIME.
Veto Explanation: Proposes the establishment of class A and B sexual human trafficking offenses to prohibit conduct that is already prohibited under Hawaii law, and does not clearly define the prohibited conduct in a way that can be enforced and prosecuted in court.

SB2165 SD1 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO PRIVATE GUARDS.
Veto Explanation: Establishes registration and licensure requirements for security guards and individuals acting in a guard capacity that may not be appropriate for all guards in the industry.

SB2324 SD2 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS.
Veto Explanation: Violates the intent of Unemployment Insurance benefits by unfairly allowing certain partially unemployed individuals attached to a regular employer to continue receiving unemployment benefits even if they voluntarily quit their secondary part-time employment.

SB2434 SD1 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO SALARIES.
Veto Explanation: Allows hefty salary increases, including bonuses, for certain education staff including the Superintendent and Complex Area Superintendents, that could provide up to a maximum compensation of $250,000 per year without statutorily specific performance obligations.

SB2473 SD1 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO HOUSING.
Veto Explanation: Allows an unlimited number of grandchildren of elderly housing project residents to reside with seniors under certain situations even though elderly housing projects have limited space and are not designed to accommodate children.

SB2491 SD2 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO TELEMEDICINE.
Veto Explanation: Jeopardizes Federal funding for certain Medicaid services by allowing health plans under Medicaid or QUEST programs to deliver telehealth services in rural counties by mobile medical van without the approval of the Federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services or oversight by the Department of Human Services.

SB2534 SD2 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO BAIL.
Veto Explanation: Adversely impacts state and county law enforcement agencies by requiring them to divert limited resources to accept bail on weekends and holidays when the courts are closed, without the proper training, facilities or staffing.

SB2547 SD1 HD1
RELATING TO SMALL BOAT HARBORS.
Veto Explanation: Favors a specific landowner and certain tour operators by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to regulate commercial boat operators bringing visitors onto "quasi-public" property despite the Department lacking necessary resources to do so.

SB2566 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION BENEFITS.
Veto Explanation: Increases workers' compensation costs and the potential for conflicts of interest by allowing doctors to perform one-time diagnostic consultations at medical facilities in which they have a financial interest, without verification from the insurer or employer that the consultation is necessary.

SB2610 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO CONVEYANCE TAX.
Veto Explanation: Forces the Department of Taxation to reprioritize the scanning of its own tax documents and payment vouchers by requiring the Department to provide free digital images of property conveyance certificates to county real property assessment divisions by a specific time.

SB2849 SD2 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND.
Veto Explanation: Irresponsibly exempts from the state budget allotment process $478,025,239 in general fund appropriations to the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund for fiscal year 2011.

SB2883 SD1 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.
Veto Explanation: Legislates a collective bargaining matter that may be preempted by the federal Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 by making it unlawful for employers to fire, demote, or withhold pay from an employee using accrued sick leave.

SB2919 SD1 HD1 CD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE HOSPITAL.
Veto Explanation: Improperly transfers the responsibility for security at the Hawaii State Hospital from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety.

SB2951 SD2 HD2 CD1
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
Veto Explanation: Discourages the use of public land for valid and necessary public purposes by providing unprecedented compensation to agricultural lessees of public land when such leases are withdrawn by the Department of Land and Natural Resources for public uses.

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Ensuring the Safety of our Residents - Lt. Governor Aiona

"This measure provides resources to improve our efforts to stop impaired driving and the tragedies that result from drunk driving," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "Most of the injuries, fatalities and property damage caused by drunk drivers are preventable and we must keep these drivers off of our highways."

The measure takes effect on Jan. 1, 2011 and is one of three laws enacted to implement the ignition interlock program to keep drunk drivers off of Hawai`i's highways.

In 2008, Governor Lingle signed Act 171 that established the framework for an ignition interlock program in Hawai`i. That Act created a 26-member Task Force to work out the steps to implement the program.

In 2009, the Governor signed Act 88 that addressed some of the key implementation issues and extended the Task Force for another year. It also gave the State Department of Transportation (DOT) rule-making authority to operate the program and allowed the department to seek a single vendor to install and maintain the interlock devices.

The latest law signed by Lt. Governor Aiona updates the previous two measures and makes policy changes. Most notably, the measure eliminates probation for second and third time offenders and instead these convicted offenders will be required to show "proof of compliance" with the interlock law.

"I applaud our ignition interlock Task Force members, which include county prosecutors, public defenders, public safety officers, transportation officials and highway safety advocates, for the long hours and hard work they put in to make our roads safe," the Lt. Governor added.

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Governor Lingle Promotes Hawai`i Abroad

Governor Lingle has been leading an official Hawai`i delegation in China to expand tourism, investment, trade, energy and education opportunities for Hawai`i. The Governor began her trip in Shanghai to kick off "Hawai`i Week" at the 2010 World Expo. She is also visiting Guangzhou to mark the 25th anniversary of the sister-state-province relationship between Hawai`i and Guangdong Province. The Governor will also visit Tokyo (June 16 to 19) to meet with tourism partners.

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Celebrating the Legacy of our Loved Ones

Lt. Governor Aiona on Memorial Day participated in the 12th Annual Shinnyo-en Hawai`i Lantern Floating Ceremony. During the event, more than 2,000 candle-lit lanterns floated off shore at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor and comfort the spirits of deceased loved ones.

"This is such a beautiful event," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "This ceremony allows for reflection on the memories of our lost loved ones and ancestors."

It was estimated that more than 40,000 people gathered at the ceremony led by Her Holiness Keishu Shinso, the spiritual head of Shinnyo-en. The purpose of the event was to generate peace, harmony and understanding that transcend culture and religion through the commemoration of deceased loved ones.

The Lantern Floating Ceremony attracts Hawai`i residents and visitors from around the world, and has grown each year. The event is also available to millions through television and the internet.

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Governor Lingle Announces End of Furlough

The agreement was made possible due to a unique three-way public-private partnership between the State, teachers and the major banks in Hawaii

Governor Linda Lingle, Board of Education Chairperson Garrett Toguchi, and Department of Education Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi announced all 17 “Furlough Fridays” scheduled for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year will be eliminated from the public school calendar, returning nearly 171,000 children back to the classroom.

The plan calls for use of $57.2 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund, $2.2 million in federal funds, and six planning days the teachers have agreed to give back to the state. A $10 million line of credit from local banks is also available if needed.

“I am happy to announce that furloughs are over and children will be able to return to the classroom for the entire upcoming school year. We have been able to do this without laying off teachers, increasing the size of classes, raising taxes, or adversely impacting the State budget,” Governor Lingle said. “I am particularly proud that the major banks in our state stepped up and offered a line of credit that will give the Department of Education access to additional funds, if needed, to help end the furloughs.”

“On behalf of our teachers, principals, school officials and support staff, I am pleased we were able to reach this agreement today and allow teachers to start their summer recess knowing instructional time has been restored,” said Interim Superintendent Matayoshi.

“Students, administrators, teachers, staff and parents ought to be commended for being resilient, keeping their heads high and doing everything they could to weather a difficult academic year,” said Board of Education Chairperson Toguchi. “While we worked hard to avoid and end furloughs in the past year, I’m glad funding has now been approved to support the supplemental agreement reached between the Board of Education and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association, giving back to students all the days they deserve to be in school.”

“Although furloughs are behind us now, improving public education is a never-ending task, and our continued support will be critical to keep student achievement rising and to prepare graduates for college and careers,” Toguchi added.

Governor Lingle signed Act 143 (SB2124 SD2 HD1 CD1) which makes $67 million available from the State Hurricane Relief Fund to restore instructional days. Governor Lingle has pledged to release $57.2 million appropriated under this act to restore 11 of the 17 furlough days.

Teachers, through a supplemental agreement signed by the Hawai`i State Teachers Association and the Board of Education, have agreed to give up six paid teacher planning days.

Because the Department of Education has said it may need additional funding beyond the $57.2 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund and $2.2 million in federal funds the Governor has pledged to release, a group of local banks has agreed to provide a line of credit of up to $10 million to assist the department if necessary. The line of credit has no upfront costs and the banks have generously offered to give back all interest costs.

“Hawai`i’s banking community is pleased to partner with the Governor, Legislature and the DOE/BOE in putting our students first and closing the chapter on Furlough Fridays," stated Don Horner, chairman and CEO of First Hawaiian Bank.

The Board and Department of Education will now begin its work to finalize the official calendar for the 2010-2011 school year.

In addition to the hurricane relief money, Governor Lingle has pledged to release up to $2.2 million in federal State Fiscal Stabilization Funds to make certain charter school students also have a full school year. The money is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Part B funds, which governors have discretion over how to use. Governor Lingle has elected to dedicate all of the Part B funds toward improving the quality of public education.

“While most of the 31 charter schools managed to find innovative ways to minimize the impact of furloughs, including 17 charter schools that did not take any furlough days, they should not be penalized and need extra funds to avoid furloughs in the coming school year,” Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. said.

The money appropriated from the Hurricane Relief Fund does not become available until July 1, 2010 and the law requires any unused amount to be returned back to the hurricane fund. Because money in the Hurricane Relief Fund is invested, the Administration will work with the Department of Education to make money from the fund available in a manner that does not adversely impact the fund’s interest earnings.

“We recognize that this has been a very difficult time for our state, including our students, teachers and other school employees, parents and the general community,” said Governor Lingle. “I appreciate the public’s patience as we worked to return students to the classroom without creating a budget deficit.”

“At this time, our focus is to look forward to ensure all Hawai`i students get the most out of their time in the classroom by working together to improve the overall quality of education,” the Governor added.

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Supporting our Charter Schools

Lt. Governor Aiona earlier this month traveled to the Big Island to meet with officials with the Charter School Review Panel to urge them to reconsider its position and allow Lapahoehoe Elementary School to become a public charter school. Teachers, administrative staff and parents in Feb. voted overwhelmingly in favor of converting to a public charter school but had been denied.

"Hawai`i's charter schools offer important education alternatives as they continue to encourage community and parental involvement in the education of our keiki," Lt. Governor Aiona said.

In addition, Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona on Monday proclaimed May 2 - 8 as Charter School Week to recognize and congratulate Hawai`i charter school leaders, students, parents, teachers and supporters for their many accomplishments. By providing quality education, charter schools contribute to the statewide effort to improve public education in Hawai`i.

Hawai`i's first 25 charter schools were authorized during the 1994 legislative session. These student-centered schools are public schools that have their own local school boards. They operate under a charter, or contract, with the state.

Through careful planning innovation and flexibility, 17 of the charter schools are able to avoid taking any furlough days this year, nine are taking some furlough days and only five are taking all 17 furlough days.

For example, Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau charter school in Kane`ohe saved 12 instructional days by creatively using grant money, cutting classroom supply budgets and having teachers agree to temporarily forgo step increases in pay. The school added the remaining five furlough days on to Christmas break and the end of the school year to minimize disruption to family schedules.

At Kihei Charter School on Maui, flexibility leads to learning outside the classroom. Students receive traditional instruction at school, as well as home-based learning activities, with help from parents for the youngest kids, and online instruction for older ones, as well as internships and independent projects. On furlough days, half the staff reports to campus, alternating with the other half on the next furlough.

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Grand Opening of the Plaza at Mililani

Lt. Governor Aiona on Tuesday delivered remarks on the importance of supporting our kupuna at The Plaza at Mililani Grand Opening. With unique programs, The Plaza offers to enhance residents' lives and cater to the varying needs of its community members.

"This facility provides an environment conducive to improving the quality of life for our kupuna with the help and support of professional staff, quality services and a state-of-the-art building," Lt. Governor Aiona said.

Hawai`i has long been recognized across the country as one of the best places for seniors to live. The Plaza represents another option for seniors to live comfortably in their own homes, with the convenience of renting month-to-month in a modern facility where they can receive around-the-clock nursing services and assistance.

In addition, The Plaza provides residents with dedicated care, understanding support for their families and friends, and education and resources for the community.

Furthermore, The Plaza complements residents' independence and encourages their active involvement in the community. This is important as studies have found that active lifestyles can reduce the risk of debilitating disease.

"The quality of programs and services for our kupuna is only as good as the institutions and people who provide them," the Lt. Governor said. "I am pleased to know this new facility and its staff are dedicated to supporting our kupuna and their needs."

The Lt. Governor also noted that all of us, including our keiki, will reach a point in our lives where we could benefit from the facilities, programs and services being recognized at The Plaza at Mililani.

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Supporting Hawai`i's Small Businesses

Governor Lingle delivered the keynote address at the Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce Small Business Administration (SBA) Awards and General Membership Meeting.

The Governor updated Chamber members on legislative initiatives as well as the Administration's continuing efforts to create jobs, stimulate the economy, help small businesses, improve accountability in education and create a stronger future for the people of Hawai`i.

Governor Lingle also spoke about the need for state and county leaders to focus on economic growth and job creation as their top priorities, saying "Unless you can get the economy growing again, we won't have the revenues coming in to address all the other issues that are so important to all of us."

Each year, SBA honors outstanding small business owners, entrepreneurs and advocates who demonstrate the qualities, skills and performance to place them as leaders in their industry. Commendations signed by both Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona were presented to this year's award-winning small-businesses.

Nominees for SBA Awards are evaluated on job creation, growth in annual revenue, innovation, staying power, response to adversity and contributions to their community.

Click here for video of the Governor's remarks from Big Island Video News.

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Kick Butts Day 2010, Official Hawaii News

Hawaii: Lt. Governor Aiona on Wednesday joined lawmakers, families and children to rally against tobacco at the 15th annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Kick Butts Day raised awareness about continued tobacco marketing to kids and the need to crack down on these harmful practices.

"Tobacco and alcohol are two powerful substances that threaten the well-being of Hawai`i's young people," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "Both are driven by strong industries with billions of dollars to spend on advertising and promotion of their products."

In Fall 2008, advocates from various anti-tobacco organizations took matters into their own hands and created a survey to try to collect accurate information about how much of this promotion exists in Hawai`i.

According to their findings, every year the tobacco industry spends more than $12.8 billion nationwide and $42.1 million in Hawai`i on advertising and marketing.

Additionally, studies show that exposure to this storefront advertising/promotion is directly related to young people using alcohol and tobacco. This is especially true with tobacco as studies show storefront advertising/promotion is more influential than peer pressure.

Tobacco and Alcohol Advertising Survey was a collaborative project between MADD, REAL, Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawai`i, State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention Education Program & Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, and Cancer Research Center of Hawai`i.

The results of this survey can be used to create policies that protect our young people from the harms of tobacco and alcohol and lessen the influence of these powerful companies in Hawai`i.

Currently, there is a bill moving through the state legislature that would divert tobacco prevention funds to the state treasury. House Bill 2887 would transfer the tobacco prevention and control money to the state's general fund for five years as of July 1.

For more information on the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, visit www.tobaccofreekids.org.

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