Lawmakers in the state House will introduce a “historic” piece of legislation in the days ahead to commit $600 million to help develop Hawaiian homelands for affordable housing, and will also propose a bill to increase the state minimum wage from $10.10 to $18 per hour.
House Speaker Scott Saiki announced those plans in an unusually specific, brief speech Wednesday marking opening day of the Legislature this year.
State Rep. Aaron Johanson also outlined a plan by the Democrats to amend state law to require the U.S. Navy to close its Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility.
Lawmakers traditionally open each year’s legislative session with somewhat flowery speeches that are meant to be uplifting, but are light on policy details. This year, all members of the House and Senate are up for reelection, and House Democrats are publicly committing to some specific, ambitious goals.
For the second consecutive year, opening day at the locked Capitol was devoid of large crowds or demonstrators gathering outside in the rotunda. Lawmakers say they will consider reopening the building at the end of the month if the latest Covid-19 surge has receded by then. House leaders allowed media coverage including photos but the Senate did not.
Seven senators and five House members participated in the opening day ceremonies remotely via Zoom, and Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald administered the oath of office to Rep. Linda Clark in the House. Clark was appointed by Gov. David Ige to...
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