House Committee on Finance (FIN) - chair: Sylvia Luke, vice chair: Scott Y. Nishimoto

Friday, February 15, 2013, 9:00 A..M.., Room 211

Testifier: Janet F. Mason, Vice-President, LWV of Hawaii

Click here to view HB357, HD 2

Chair Luke and Members of the Finance Committee: The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB357 HD2 which establishes a single-use bag program and fees. We support the general intent of HB357 HD2, funding watershed initiatives through single use bag fees. Among the other related bills, we find HD357 HD2 more comprehensive, anticipatory, and complete. We would caution, however, (1) that the bag fee is regressive, impacting lower income levels disproportionately, and (2) that the sustainability of income from fees, if desired behavior changes take place, may be insufficient for program maintenance. As there is a remedy for increased bag fees if desired changes do not take place, there should also be a remedy if the minimum operational income threshold is not met. We urge you to pass this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports SB707 SD1 which repeals chapter 171C, HRS, relating to the public lands development corporation. We urge you to pass this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.