Editorial: Notable legislative bills that passed muster

By Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board

The Legislature has completed another rushed round of lawmaking, but there’s a lingering lack of certainty that the job is done. Senate President Ron Kouchi characterized his chamber’s work as “I” for incomplete, acknowledging a widespread expectation that federal funding cutbacks, tariffs’ whip-sawing effects on the global economy and international trade will disrupt budget expectations and lead to a special session later this year to balance things out.

Under the layer of fed-induced turbulence, however, work got done. Among bills passed by the Leg: authorization for an increase to the hotel room tax; approval for continued kauhale (tiny home community) development; money to move ahead with planning for the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC); and a higher cigarette tax for the benefit of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. These bills provide support for absolutely essential endeavors within our state, though future refinements may be necessary.

Click here to read the full story in the May 4 Honolulu Star-Advertiser.