Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
IN AND AROUND THE CAPITOL
Senate committee
Cayetano signs hospital funding bill By Ben DiPietro
OKs Pai for PUC
Associated PressGreg Pai won approval yesterday from a state Senate committee for a six-year term on the Public Utilities Commission.
Pai, a former state economist and planner, served on the commission on an interim basis since being appointed by Gov. Ben Cayetano in 1998. His nomination to the commission was rejected by the Senate in 1997.
"It's a great personal relief to know now I am confirmed. It's been a long process," Pai said. "I look forward to serving my term as a commissioner."
All but one member of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs voted in favor of Pai, who still needs full approval from the full Senate.
Sen. Brian Kanno voted against Pai, again citing his differences with him on such matters as underground utility lines, the openness of PUC meetings and the way Pai conducted himself on the Barbers Point Redevelopment Commission.
Also of issue to Kanno (D, Ewa Beach, Makakilo) is the PUC's opposition to a bill to require utility companies to establish minimum levels of alternative energy use.
Pai said he and Kanno may not agree on all issues, but he feels there is room for the PUC and lawmakers to resolve their conflicts.
"There may be some slight difference of opinion on a number of issues, like undergrounding and renewable energy, but I think these are issues that can be worked out with communication and cooperation between the commission and the senators," Pai said.
The governor nominated Pai to the PUC in 1996, but withdrew that nomination because of Senate opposition about his lack of telecommunications experience. The governor then appointed Pai on an interim basis, but he resigned after senators complained.
Cayetano again appointed Pai after the 1998 legislative session, and that interim appointment won approval last year for a term that expires June 30.
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes
Cayetano signs
Associated Press
bill giving state
hospital $14 millionGov. Ben Cayetano has signed into law an emergency appropriation bill giving the Department of Health $14 million to continue operating the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe.
The $14 million includes $6 million to meet the payroll for 600 employees at the psychiatric facility.
Health Director Bruce Anderson said the department had to dip into the hospital payroll account earlier in the year to pay for community-based programs required under a federal court settlement. The rest of the money covers hospital costs and to continue community programs this fiscal year.
Last year, lawmakers authorized the hospital to place more patients in community programs but didn't appropriate money for it.
Cayetano also signed bills to eliminate duplicate taxation by making prepaid telephone calling services subject only to the general excise tax, and to allow police to inspect unlicensed vehicle repair shops to look for stolen vehicles or parts.
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes
