Hawaii 2050 program survives governor's veto

The Hawaii Legislature on Tuesday, July 10, overturned a veto by Governor Linda Lingle of House Bill 1270, which included funding for the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force and the community planning project managed by the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs.

Of 42 vetoes by the governor this session, the Legislature has overridden 19 in all. On July 10 alone, Lingle issued 27 vetoes and the Legislature overturned 11, including the measure requiring the state auditor to continue work on a 2050 sustainability plan and providing money for the task force.

"This is one of the most comprehensive planning processes in more than three decades – since the Hawaii State Plan," said William Kaneko, president and CEO of HIPA. Asked whether the governor could refuse to release the funding, Kaneko said no, "She has to release the money since the funds go the Legislature for the legislative auditor."

In vetoing the bill, the governor commented: "This bill requires the auditor to continue to prepare the 2050 sustainability plan, a function outside of the scope of the auditor's duties, further delays the issuance of the plan, and appropriates an additional $850,000 to the project, bringing the total in state expenditures to $1.7 million."

Kaneko said, "The draft plan will be out in Septmenber followed by public review and comment. We're almost done. It would have been inappropriate to stop the process."

The other ten bills vetoed buy the governor that now become law because the Legislature overrode the vetoes are:

• SB 0932 (prisoner release) — Creates an offender re-entry system with legislative oversight. Authorizes the state to parole prisoners to counties where they may receive the greatest support.
• SB 1066 (invasive species) — Imposes a new fee on marine commercial containers.
• SB 1191 (pedestrian safety) — Appropriates $3 million over two years from the state highway fund for pedestrian safety improvements.
• SB 1922 (creative media) — Provides money for an interim home at the University of Hawai'i for the Academy of Creative Media and money for an experimental music development program at Honolulu Community College. Also contains a controversial leasing provision for PBS Hawai'i.
• HB 30 (international trade agreements) — Prohibits the governor from approving an international trade agreement without legislative approval.
• HB 310 (technology) — Creates a Broadband Task Force appointed by the Senate and House and supported by the auditor, rather than the state Department of Accounting and General Services, which manages the state's Internet activities.
• HB 718 (Kaka'ako) — Sets aside two Kaka'ako parcels for the Kewalo Keiki Fishing Conservancy.
• HB 1503 (employment) — Requires businesses going through bankruptcy or restructuring to notify employees and the state of potential closure.
• HB 1605 (Maui traffic control) — Moves $400,000 from the state highway fund for a Maui traffic control center.
• HB 1830 (child protection) — Offers immunity from prosecution for people who leave newborns at hospitals or police or fire stations within 72 hours of birth.