YOUR TESTIMONY IS URGENTLY REQUESTED IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS:
HB1202: RELATING TO TEACHER COMPENSATION
HB ([link removed]) 1202 ([link removed]) : Promotes teacher retention by recognizing prior teaching experience at an equal salary rating for entering or reentering teachers into the Department of Education.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
ROOM 309 & VIDEO CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE: EDUCATION
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB838: RELATING TO TEACHERS
HB838 ([link removed]) : Increases the bonus for teachers who achieve and maintain a current national board certification from $5,000 to $10,000. Appropriates funds.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
ROOM 309 & VIDEO CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE: EDUCATION
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB295: RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
HB295 ([link removed]) : Provides that a living beneficiary's place on the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's waitlist for any residential, agricultural, or pastoral tract may be designated for transfer to a successor if the living beneficiary dies before receiving an offer for a tract; provided that the successor shall be at least 1/25 Hawaiian.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025 @ 9:00 AM
ROOM 430 & VIDEO CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE: HOUSING
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB485: RELATING TO ELECTRIC BIKES
HB486 ([link removed]) : Prohibits the operation of an electric bicycle on highway, street, roadway, or any other areas designated for motor vehicles. Prohibit unsafe operation of an electric bicycle. Prohibits the removal of a manufacturer- or factory-installed speed limiting device from an electric bicycle. Requires the department of transportation to develop a traffic safety education program and a public awareness campaign. Appropriate funds.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
ROOM 430 & VIDEO CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE: TRANSPORTATION
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB295: RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX

HB572 ([link removed]) Purpose and Goal: Hawaii's General Excise Tax significantly contributes to the state's high cost of living, and by removing it from essential goods, this bill aims to provide relief to residents and ease the financial burden they face.

This bill will exempt food, groceries, and all medical/dental services from the State's General Excise Tax.
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HB1442: RELATING TO OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

HB1442 ([link removed]) Purpose and Goal: Recognizing the challenges entrepreneurs face, such as high fees, complicated requirements, and delayed permitting, the State must do more regarding advocating for policies and programs that assist entrepreneurs, particularly new and small businesses trying to stay afloat.

This bill creates the State Office of Entrepreneurship to help entrepreneurs navigate state regulations, provide technical support, and work to secure state contracts for small and new businesses. Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of an annual report to track state contract distribution to new businesses and provide recommendations to further improve entrepreneurship in Hawaii.

Overall, this initiative aims to strengthen Hawaii’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing critical resources and advocacy to new business owners across various industries.
Review the Bill & Submit Your Testimony Here! ([link removed])
HOW TO TESTIFY:
* Go to [link removed]
* Login or Sign Up for an Account
* Click "Submit Testimony" or hover over "Participate" and select "Submit Testimony" from the dropdown menu
* Enter the bill number and click "Continue"
* Fill out the required fields and add written testimony by attaching a file or typing your testimony in the box provided.
* Review & Submit!

WAYS TO TESTIFY:

To ensure your voice is heard, you can submit testimony in three ways:
* Written Testimony: Submit your testimony 24 hours prior to the hearing, the discretion of the committee chair will determine the acceptance of late submissions.
* Testify Remotely: You can register online to receive a Zoom link for the hearing and participate remotely on the day of the hearing.
* In-Person Testimony: Attend the hearing at the Hawaii State Capitol.

Your testimony is crucial in shaping the discourse on this legislation.
TESTIMONY GUIDELINES:

Introduction: State your name and position (Support, Oppose, or Comments).

Background: Share any relevant experience or personal connection to the bill, if desired. This is optional.

Key Points: Explain why you support, oppose, or suggest changes, focusing on benefits, concerns, or improvements.
Bill Purpose: Establishes the State Office of Entrepreneurship to improve policies, streamline regulations, expand resources, and advocate for entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: Reiterate your position on the bill and thank the committee.
Need further guidance on submitting testimony?
Click the link ([link removed]) below to watch an easy instructional video!
Learn How to Submit Testimony! ([link removed])
HB1246: RELATING TO CANNABIS
HB1246 ([link removed]) RELATING TO CANNABIS: The legalization of cannabis will be heard on Tuesday, February 4 at 2 PM in a joint meeting by the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) and Agriculture and Food Systems (AGR) Committees.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
ROOM 325 & VIDEO CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE: JUDICIARY HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS/AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

Representative David Alcos
House District 41 ([link removed])
'Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, and Barbers Point


Room: 324
Phone: 808-586-6080
Fax: 808-586-6081
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Diamond Garcia
House District 42 ([link removed])
Varona Village, Ewa, Kapolei, and Fernandez Village


Room: 303
Phone: 808-586-8500
Fax: 808-586-8504
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Lauren Matsumoto
House District 38 ([link removed])
Mililani and Mililani Mauka


Room: 302
Phone: 808-586-9490
Fax: 808-586-9496
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Chris L. Muraoka
House District ([link removed]) 45 ([link removed])
Waianae and Makaha


Room: 313
Phone: 808-586-8460
Fax: 808-586-8464
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Elijah Pierick
House District 39 ([link removed])
Royal Kunia, Village Park, Honouliuli, Hoopili and Waipahu


Room: 318
Phone: 808-586-8490
Fax: 808-586-8494
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Julie Reyes Oda
House District ([link removed]) 40 ([link removed])
'Ewa Beach


Room: 310
Phone: 808-586-9730
Fax: 808-586-9738
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Garner M. Shimizu
House District ([link removed]) 32 ([link removed])
Ft. Shafter, Moanalua, Red Hill, AMR, Foster Village, Stadium, parts of Aliamanu, Halawa, Aiea, and Pearlridge


Room: 305
Phone: 808-586-8470
Fax: 808-586-9476
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Representative Gene Ward
House District 18 ([link removed])
Portlock, Hawai'i Kai, and Kalama Valley


Room: 319
Phone: 808-586-6420
Fax: 808-586-6421
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns that you would like to be addressed by your Representatives, please do not hesitate to reach out! Visit the capitol website for contact information. ([link removed])
Mahalo,

Hawaii State House Republican Caucus

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