What's going on at the capitol?

As we wrote last week, SB 1677 was heard in joint committee with Water, Land & Ocean Resources (WLO) and Judiciary (JUD).

Late last night, Kupu‘āina received a credible tip that the language of SB 1677 was being revised. Instead of requiring a two-third majority approval vote for the sale of "ceded" lands, reportedly, the revised version would allow sales but require a two-thirds dis-approval vote of the legislature.

A two-thirds dis-approval vote is a VERY BAD idea and the exact opposite of what is proposed in SB 1677. Local newspapers have reported, and legislative insiders have said, that a two-thirds approval is difficult to achieve. Acknowledging this, we can conclude that a two-thirds approval vote is difficult and therefore, sales of "ceded" lands will be difficult. However, if only a two-thirds disapproval is required to prevent sales of "ceded" lands, then we can conclude that, since a two-thirds majority vote is difficulty to achieve, then it will be difficult to stop a sale of "ceded" lands.

I spoke with a few people this morning. Apparently, a few others have heard the same thing. Information isn't available online yet. Mark Bennett testified in opposition to this bill, yet it was passed. No indication was given at the committee hearings on 3/13/09 that the changes made to Bill 1667 included a "two-thirds disapproval."

As we get more information, we'll be sure to keep you updated.