Hawaii House Bill HB989

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 3/3/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/17/23
• Refer: 3/17/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23

Caption

Relating To The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism.

Impact

The financial appropriations are crucial for facilitating renovations that are not included in the standard bidding process undertaken by the Department of Accounting and General Services. Essential activities such as moving and storing items, decluttering, and replacing partitions are necessitated by the renovation but are outside the scope of typical government contracts. Through this bill, the legislature intends to ensure that DBEDT can efficiently manage and fund these necessary expenditures for the improved functionality and safety of its office space.

Summary

House Bill 989 aims to authorize the appropriation of general funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to cover expenses related to critical building renovations on the fifth floor of the No. 1 Capitol District Building in Honolulu, Hawaii. This legislative initiative is a response to alarming health and safety concerns stemming from deteriorating conditions in the building, specifically addressing the need to completely gut the fifth floor to ensure the safety of the department's operations. The bill is a direct follow-up to previous appropriations that were not fully enacted due to a gubernatorial veto.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 989 appears to be supportive among legislators, as it focuses on necessary infrastructure improvements to a government building critical for state operations. The legislative discussions denote an acknowledgment of the importance of ensuring proper facilities for state departments. However, some concerns may arise regarding the allocation of general funds and potential budgetary implications, which often provoke debate within the legislature.

Contention

Despite broad support for the bill, the contention primarily lies in the management and use of state funds for renovations. Critics might raise issues regarding transparency and the need for rigorous oversight concerning how the funds are utilized, especially in light of previous vetoed appropriations. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the timeline for the effective date of the Act, set for July 1, 2050, might present challenges regarding immediate funding needs and future state budgets.