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Supreme court
By Pat Omandam
ruling unites OHA
board members
Star-BulletinThe U.S. Supreme Court justices picked a week when the state Legislature was officially in recess to issue its majority opinion that the state's voting restriction for Office of Hawaiian Affairs elections was unconstitutional, thereby opening OHA elections to every registered voter in Hawaii.
Wednesday's adverse ruling for the state prompted Gov. Ben Cayetano, who is traveling, to say he would appoint eight interim trustees within a few weeks because the current OHA board was elected under an unconstitutional election.
But the often-divided OHA board has now united, and plans to defy that action, with one trustee calling for "civil disobedience." The board meets again Monday to discuss legal strategy.
Moreover, the high court's decision jump-started idle legislative bills that will likely ask voters if they want OHA to be an appointed body or one elected by all.
But some Hawaiian groups oppose any measure that infringes upon their right to elect their native leaders.
In other news at the state Capitol:
SCHOOL BUILDING BLOCKS: A Senate bill that funds backlogged and future public school repair and maintenance projects was generally well-received by those testifying before two key Senate committees yesterday. They said the measure creates a consistent source of funding that provides better planning of school projects.
But the Cayetano administration fretted over the $80 million needed under the measure, fearing it would siphon funds from other state programs.
Senators vote on Senate Bill 3026 at 1 p.m. Monday.
Revolving Trusts: State Auditor Marion Higa released an audit yesterday of 82 revolving funds, trust funds and trust accounts administered by three state departments.
The mandatory five-year review did not find any major problems. The audit included a five-year summary of each fund, its purpose and conclusions about its use.
Higa did not issue any conclusions on the effectiveness of the program or whether it should be continued.
Up In Smoke: The state House Judiciary panel deferred action on a bill that would prevent authorities from arresting and prosecuting people who use marijuana for medical purposes. It votes on an amended bill focusing on the legal aspects of marijuana next week.
Meanwhile, the committee killed a bill that would have banned people from holding, promoting, advancing, profiting or participating in a combative sport. The bill aimed to close legal loopholes that allow extreme-fighting events in Hawaii.
HOLD THE SPAM: Two House committees at 6 p.m. Monday will hear a bill that regulates "spamming," the transmission of unsolicited email and fax advertising.
House Bill 2628 would require advertisers to provide a phone number or email address so that recipients can contact them.
Key Legislative Deadline: Friday is the last day committees have to pass legislation in time for third reading before their respective chambers. The House and Senate are required to exchange bills they approve by March 9, which is the First Crossover deadline.
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