Isle terrorism bill Interfering with the apprehension of terrorists or hindering their prosecution would be considered terrorism under a bill from Gov. Linda Lingle making its way through the state House.
moves in House
Some fear the plan
would infringe on civil libertiesBy B.J. Reyes
Associated PressThe bill was among 184 bills passed along by the House yesterday as members faced a midnight deadline to have bills ready for their next committees.
Meanwhile, two Senate committees heard testimony on a measure to eliminate quarantine requirements on dogs, cats and other animals coming into the state provided they meet certain requirements.
The Lingle bill in the House expands the definition of terrorism under state law and was touted by the governor as a measure that will give authorities the tools they need to combat terrorism.
Making a false public alarm, staging a hoax meant to simulate a biological weapons attack and unlawful production of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons all would be defined as terrorist acts.
The measure passed unanimously with some reservations raised by members concerned that civil liberties might be put at risk.
"I think the intent of the bill is a good one, but I think the way it's drafted is overly broad and may impact our basic civil rights," said Rep. Kirk Caldwell, D-Manoa. He said that under the new definitions, people demonstrating in support of Hawaiian sovereignty could conceivably be charged with terrorism if they were to incite fear in a group of people.
If the bill passes the House Judiciary Committee, it will require one more vote of approval by the full House to be transmitted to the Senate.
Other bills passed on second reading included:
>> A proposal dubbed the "Queen Linda" bill that would grant the governor broad powers in the construction of military facilities if they are deemed necessary to help protect Hawaii in the event of a war with Iraq.
>> A measure to ask the state Foundation on Culture and the Arts to commission a portrait of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink.
>> A measure that allows agricultural tourism on a working farm or farming operation provided it does not interfere with surrounding farm operations.
In the Senate, the committees on Water, Land and Agriculture and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations heard more than 90 minutes of testimony on a measure to eliminate quarantine for animals that meet specific requirements. The animals would require microchip identification, a valid health certificate issued prior to arrival, two rabies vaccine shots and vaccinations against other diseases.
Hawaii's strict quarantine was imposed in 1912 to prevent rabid animals from entering the state. Revised rules adopted in 1997 call for a 90-day waiting period before arrival in Hawaii and 30 days of confinement once the animal is in Hawaii. The animal also must undergo two rabies vaccinations.
State veterinarian Dr. James Foppoli said the Department of Agriculture is open to suggestions for reducing the quarantine requirement, but he said the state has a duty to guard against the introduction of rabies to Hawaii.
The Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture deferred a decision on the bill until next week.
