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advocacy & government affairs
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Government Relations
BIA Hawaii works hard to address legislation affecting our industry. The Government Relations Committee works as BIA's guiding component for government advocacy. Members of the GRC and BIA staff often meet with area mayors and councils, chief building officials, state legislators and congressional committee chairmen.
It is vitally important our members unite and make their voice heard at the Legislature! Requests for testimony are sent to members as bills affecting our industry are heard. Please take a moment to submit written testimony - your impact is far-reaching.
To learn more about our priorities or to become involved in the committee, contact our Government Affairs Lobbyist, Stefanie Sakamoto stef@sakamotoconsulting.com for more information.
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2024 Legislative Session
BIA Hawaii's Government Relations Committee worked very hard to protect the industry this year during the legislative session, tracking 75 high priority bills that would have an impact on our members.
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2024 Highlights of Testimony Submitted
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How to Submit Testimony
Testifying Remotely 101
Community participation in committee hearings is highly encouraged through written and remote oral testimony via Zoom. The process is as follows:
1. Create an account
Before submitting written testimony or signing up to testify remotely, you must create an account by going to the Hawaii state legislature's website (capitol.hawaii.gov). By creating an account, you not only can submit testimony online, but also sign up for hearing notifications and create a measure tracking list.
On the homepage of the website, you can click "Register" on the top right corner. Then fill out the required fields (ex. name, email) and click "Create User" at the bottom. After doing so, you will receive a confirmation email. Check your email and click the link to confirm your account.
If you already have an account, you do not need to create a new one as you can submit testimony through that account by signing back in.
2. Submit testimony online and/or request to testify remotely via Zoom
To submit testimony online, click on the mail icon titled "Testimony" in the center of the home page. Then enter the bill number you want to submit testimony for and click on the "Get Hearing" button. You will be directed to a form where you can write your testimony. On the form you can specify whether you are only submitting written testimony or both written and via Zoom.
Fill out the form, and upload your testimony by clicking on the "Choose File" button or by typing your testimony into the "testimony/comments" box. Written testimony is required even if you are testifying remotely. Then click "Submit" at the top of the page.
If you have requested to remotely testify (and your testimony is accepted by the committee chair), three hours before the hearing begins, a "Join" button will appear in the "Your Testimony" page.
Important note: Strict deadlines apply for testifying. If you want to testify or submit testimony, you must do so 24 hour prior to the hearing. If you do not, your testimony will be considered "late testimony," and the committee chair can choose whether or not to hear it.
3. Testifying remotely via Zoom
Sign into your Hawaii State Legislature account 20-30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to start. Click the orange "Testimony" button, and click the "Join" button in the "Your Testimony" page. When you join the Zoom call, make sure to do the following:- Change your Zoom name to the same first and last time you provided on the testimony form;
- Keep the "Chat" panel open;
- Keep your microphone muted and video off until it is your turn to testify.
Right before it is your turn to testify, you will receive a request to share your video. When the Chair calls on you, unmute your microphone and address the committee.
Tips:- Test your audio and video before joining the meeting;
- Check beforehand that your internet connection is working;
- Turn off or minimize any background noises;
- Be conscious about what is visible in the background of your camera;
- Check the "Chat" panel frequently when in the meeting.
If you have any questions about the testimony process or need assistance, call 808-587-0478 or email par@capitol.hawaii.gov.
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2023 Legislative Session
Priority Bills Tracking - Click HERE for Listing
Testimony Submitted:
State Procurement Policy Board 06.16.23
230203_HB681_codes-biapriority
230207_HB809_fireworks_shipping
230208_HB676_boundaryamendments
230223_HB676_boundaryamendments
230315_SB1352_publicworks.docx
230320_HB676_boundaryamendments.docx
230321_SB824_mooringlines.docx
230321_sb1352_shpd3rdparty.docx
230322_SB839_interconnection.docx
230329_GM535-536_BrianLee_LUC.docx
230329_HCR39_buildingcodetaskforce.docx
230331_SCR91_buildingcodetaskforce.docx
230404_HB714_mooringlines.docx
230404_SB764_housingfunding-banks.docx
230405_CCBill21_housingcode.docx
230405_CCBill4_energycode.docx
230405_CCBill6_selfcertification.docx
230405_CCBill8_ord19-8extension.docx
230413_SCR91_buildingcodetaskforce.docx
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2023 Codes Committee
BIA addressed this important matter with the following testimonies and communications:
2023-02-27 Bill 56; Resolution 22-257
230203_HB681_codes-biapriority
230413_SCR91_buildingcodetaskforce
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2022 Legislative Session Recap
BIA Hawaii's Government Relations Committee worked very hard to protect the industry this year during the legislative session, tracking 481 of 2,300 bills introduced that would have an impact on our members. Of the 481 high priority bills, BIA addressed the legislature with 45 testimonies.
Click HERE to view the High Priority Bill List.
Of the 481 bills tracked, 41 were enacted.The following bills did not pass and were considered a WIN supported by BIA testimony and lobbying efforts:SB 448 - RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY. State Fire Council Package; Fire Safety; SprinklersSB2662 - RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION WASTE.Also noteworthy, BIA Hawaii introduced the following bill which started the conversation on the state building code council taking into account the financial impact of code changes:HB 1747 - RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL. State Building Code Council; Building Codes and Standards; Financial ImpactsEnd of Session Report. View the comprehensive report of 481 tracked bills HERE.Congratulations to BIA Hawaii and our Members for a Successful Session! -
Highlights of 2022 BIA Hawaii Testimony Submitted
220317_HB2007_procurementbonds
220315_sb2662_constructionwaste
220301_HB1840_boundaryamendments
220225_HB1597_electricalcontractors
220224_HB1908_procurement-bids
220208_HB1749_housingtaskforce
220204_SB2898_TODinfrastructure
220204_SB2506_housingdepartment
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2021 Legislative Session Recap
The 2021 Hawaii Legislative Session convened on January 20, 2021 and concluded on April 29, 2021.
Over 3,000 bills were introduced during the 2021 session and of those BIA tracked 421 bills and submitted over 50 testimonies.
BIA supported 50 measures. Four (4) bills passed supported by BIA testimony & lobbying efforts including:
HB77 - Relating to lands controlled by the State
HB1278 - Relating to employment security.
HB1348 - Relating to the Stadium Development District.
SB140 - Relating to community development.
BIA opposed 29 measures - 28 bills did not pass supported by BIA opposing testimony and lobbying efforts.
BIA's overall WIN rate was 41%
In addition, BIA monitored 322 bills and provided comments on five.
View the comprehensive report of 421 tracked bills HERE.
BIA's 2021 Legislative Priorities included:
- Amendments to the State Building Code Council.
- Support of the Governor's Director on Housing position in the Administration.
- Boundary Amendments
It is vitally important our members unite and make their voice heard at the Legislature! Requests for your testimony were sent throughout the session as bills affecting our industry were heard. We asked for members to submit written testimony - as the impact is far reaching.To learn more or become involved in the committee, contact stef@sakamotoconsulting.com for more information. -
Highlights of 2021 BIA Hawaii Testimony Submitted
Bill 40: Testimony October 6, 2021
210615 Governor Veto Request: SB 1329 SD2 HD3 CD1 (Relating to Procurement)
210323_SB756: Relating to EV Parking
210319_HB497: Relating to County Zoning Ordinances
210318_SB866: Relating to Affordable Housing
210318_SB29: Relating to Housing Requirements
210302_SB137: Relating to Boundary Amendments
210226_SB1104: Relating to Contractors Recovery Fund
210225_HB526: Relating to Past Performance Procurement
210225_HB1131: Relating to SBCC
210216_HB1325: Relating to the Procurement Code
210216_SB1407: Relating to the State Building Code Council
210204_CCRes21-22: Nomination of Dean Y. Uchida for Director of Dept. of Planning and Permitting
210204_HB77: Relating to Lands Controlled by the State
210204_HB212: Relating to Fire Protection
210204_SB223: Relating to Contracting
210205_SB1: Relating to Housing
210205_SB1423: Related to Stadium Development District
210209_HB260:Relating to Housing
210209_HB1140: Relating to Electric Vehicles
210209_HB1277: Relating to an Office of the Housing Advocate
210210_HB1131: Relating to the State Building Code Council
210211_HB497: Relating to County Zoning Ordinances
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Highlights of 2020 BIA Hawaii Testimony Submitted
October 1, 2020 Chief Justice's Appointment Order No. 2020-1, Consideration and Confirmation to the District Court, First Circuit, Judicial Nominee, Karin Holma
August 19, 2020: BILL 58: Relating to Clean Energy Projects
August 19, 2020: Bills No. 55, 56 and 57 Relating to Detached Dwellings
July 16, 2020: Bill No. 42, Relating to Building Permit Applications
June 18, 2020: Bill No. 42, Relating to Building Permit Applications
June 3, 2020: Resolution 20-138, Stakeholder Group to Discuss Economic Assistance and Revitalization in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
June 3, 2020: Bill No. 40, Relating to Community Workforce Agreements
May 21, 2020: Bill No. 66 Proposed CD 1, RELATING TO BUILDING PERMITS
May 21, 2020: Bill No. 2 (2020), LUO Amendment Relating to Off-Street Parking and Loading
May 20, 2020: Bill No. 25 - Relating to The Adoption of the State Energy Conservation
April 15, 2020: Bill No. 26 Relating to fees for certain permits and services administered by the Department of Planning and Permitting
February 19, 2020: Bills No. 2768, Draft 1, and No. 2769, Draft 1
January 23, 2020: Bill No. 25 - Relating to The Adoption of the State Energy Conservation Code
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