The Hawaii Republican Party

02/20/2025

YOU CAN ALSO WRITE TO: [email protected]

Subject: Opposition to Salary Increases for State Officials Amid Hawaii’s Ongoing Struggles

Aloha Commission,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any proposal to increase the salaries of the governor and other state officials while the people of Hawaii continue to face some economic struggles in our state. It is not only irresponsible but outright offensive to even consider such increases while local families are being priced out of their homes, homelessness is rising, and thousands of native Hawaiians are leaving the state because they can no longer afford to live in the land of their ancestors.

At a time when working families are being crushed under the weight of skyrocketing costs, inflation, and high food costs, how can our elected officials justify giving themselves a raise? Are our leaders so out of touch with the daily struggles of the people they were elected to serve? It appears that Governor Josh Green and others believe they deserve a larger paycheck while the average resident struggles to afford groceries, gas, and rent. Is this his version of "Let them eat cake"?

The people of Hawaii have spoken time and time again about the urgent need to address the cost of living crisis, yet instead of focusing on real solutions, it seems our state leaders are prioritizing their own pockets. This is an insult to every hard-working taxpayer who sacrifices daily just to make ends meet.

Leadership should be about service, not self-enrichment. Until every Hawaiian family can afford to stay in their home, until the homeless crisis is addressed, and until the people of Hawaii see real economic relief, no government official should receive a raise. The people of this state deserve better.

I urge you to reject any salary increases for state officials and instead focus on addressing the real issues facing the people of Hawaii. Anything less is a betrayal of public trust.

Sincerely,

Tamara McKay

State Chair, Hawaii Republican Party

02/19/2025

https://conventionofstates.quorum.us/campaign/102913/

Contact Your State Legislators and ask for their support of the COS Resolution.

02/19/2025

An example of a letter of testimony:

TESTIMONY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO HB1118
House Committee on Health & Education
Hawaiʻi State Legislature

Chairperson and Members of the Committee:

I am submitting this testimony in strong opposition to HB1118 , a bill that seeks to prohibit new non-medical exemptions for school-aged children’s immunization requirements. While protecting public health is important, this bill directly conflicts with a newly signed executive order by President Donald J. Trump, which prohibits federal funding for schools that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. If this bill is passed in its current form, Hawaiʻi’s public education system risks losing critical federal funding at a time when we cannot afford such financial losses.

Conflict with Federal Policy

On February 14, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order explicitly denying federal funding to any school—public or private—that mandates vaccinations. The bill’s removal of non-medical exemptions implies that future mandates could be imposed without exemptions. If such mandates could cause Hawaiʻi’s Department of Education, public schools, and higher education institutions to be ineligible for federal education funding from agencies like the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Financial Consequences for Hawaiʻi’s Schools

Hawaiʻi’s public schools and universities rely heavily on federal funding for various programs, including special education, Title I funding for low-income students, and federal grants for infrastructure improvements. If HB1118 leads to a vaccine mandate with no exemptions, the state could lose millions of dollars in federal assistance, forcing schools to cut essential services. We cannot afford to risk this funding, especially given Hawaiʻi’s already limited state education budget.

Parental Rights and Religious Freedom

Beyond financial concerns, HB1118 also threatens parental rights by removing the ability of families to make informed medical decisions for their children. The bill completely eliminates religious exemptions for new students, despite the fact that religious freedom is a fundamental right protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If the federal government recognizes a parent's right to refuse vaccines for their child, the state of Hawaiʻi should not create laws that contradict federal policy and invite legal challenges.

Medical Decision-Making Should Be Left to Families and Physicians

The bill argues that “herd immunity” is a reason to enforce stricter vaccination laws. However, risks factors of such items COVID-19 has a low transmission risk among children, and most schools across the country have already abandoned mandates for this vaccine. Forcing vaccination through legislation, without allowing for non-medical exemptions, removes the ability of parents and licensed medical professionals to make the best health decisions for individual children.

Potential Legal Challenges

If HB1118 passes and effectively enforces a vaccination mandate, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will likely face lawsuits on multiple fronts:

Violation of President Trump’s Executive Order – Federal funding restrictions would be challenged in court, leading to unnecessary legal battles.
Violation of the First Amendment – Religious freedom lawsuits could arise from parents denied exemptions.
Violation of Federal Education Laws – Federal protections for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other provisions could conflict with state mandates.
Conclusion: Do Not Pass HB1118

In light of these concerns, I urge the committee to vote NO on HB1118 . Removing non-medical exemptions for vaccinations, especially without consideration of federal policies, could have devastating financial consequences for Hawaiʻi’s education system while infringing upon parental rights and religious freedoms. Hawaiʻi should not put itself in direct conflict with federal law, risk losing federal funding, and invite costly legal challenges.

Mahalo for your time and consideration. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1118 in order to protect Hawaiʻi’s children, schools, and fundamental freedoms.

02/19/2025

Alert! Alert! Call to action!! Bill 1118 is up to be heard February 21st. Submit testimony and/or show up in person or Via zoom to speak against this bill.

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02/18/2025

Please be advised that these pages may contain links to external Internet sites established by other entities. The Hawaii State Legislature does not maintain, review, or endorse these sites and is not responsible for their content.

02/18/2025

02/14/2025

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/upcominghearingsfiltered.aspx

Please be advised that these pages may contain links to external Internet sites established by other entities. The Hawaii State Legislature does not maintain, review, or endorse these sites and is not responsible for their content.

02/13/2025

Testimony Opposing SB1228 in Its Current Form

Prepared for Submission to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Subject: Testimony in Opposition to SB1228 Unless Amended

Aloha Members of the Committee,

I am submitting testimony in strong opposition to SB1228 unless key amendments are made to protect parental rights, increase oversight, and ensure financial accountability. While I recognize the need for improved legal services for youth in the child welfare system, this bill raises several concerns regarding judicial overreach, lack of transparency, and potential government expansion into family matters.

Concerns Regarding SB1228

The Bill Grants Excessive Authority to the Judiciary Without Oversight

SB1228 places the working group under the judiciary with little legislative or public oversight.
There is no requirement for public reporting until 2026, which prevents proper accountability.
Funding is unspecified, allowing for open-ended financial commitments without clear limitations.
Recommended Amendment:

Require legislative and public oversight of the working group.
Mandate quarterly reports and public hearings to track progress.
Set a cap on funding and require legislative approval before additional taxpayer dollars are allocated.
SB1228 Could Undermine Parental Rights

The bill emphasizes legal counsel for youth without clarifying the role of parents in decision-making.
There is a risk that minors could be influenced by external parties and make legal decisions without parental involvement.
Parents are not explicitly given the right to be part of these legal proceedings.
Recommended Amendment:

Ensure that parents are notified and involved in all legal proceedings affecting their children unless a court has found clear evidence of abuse.
Explicitly state that youth legal counsel does not override parental authority except in proven abuse or neglect cases.
Add language clarifying that parents retain primary legal rights in child welfare cases.
Potential Influence of Special Interest Groups

The bill gives seats on the working group to Malama Ohana representatives and HI H.O.P.E.S. without detailing their funding sources or affiliations.
This could allow pre-selected advocacy groups to shape policy without a balanced perspective.
Recommended Amendment:

Require full disclosure of financial ties and affiliations of working group members.
Ensure equal representation from family advocacy groups, parental rights organizations, and independent child welfare experts.
The Bill Lacks Clear Limits on Its Scope

SB1228 does not define what legal services will be implemented, which could lead to unchecked expansionof government intervention.
The bill lacks a clear pilot program structure, which means policies could be rolled out statewide without proper evaluation.
Recommended Amendment:

Limit the pilot program to one court circuit before expanding.
Require a sunset clause that terminates the program if measurable improvements are not demonstrated by 2027.
Cap the program’s budget and scope to prevent unnecessary government expansion.
Conclusion

SB1228 presents serious concerns about transparency, parental rights, and government overreach. If left unamended, it could create a costly, unaccountable bureaucracy with excessive judicial influence over family matters.

I respectfully urge the committee to reject SB1228 in its current form or pass it only with the proposed amendmentsto ensure proper oversight, financial accountability, and protection of parental rights.

Mahalo for your time and consideration.

02/13/2025

Testimony Opposing HB741 HD1 Unless Amended

Aloha Members of the Committee,

I am submitting testimony in opposition to HB741 HD1 unless key amendments are made to ensure financial transparency, protect worker wages, and prevent project loopholes. While the bill’s intent to support affordable housing is commendable, the current language raises concerns about wage protections, selective nonprofit benefits, and potential misuse of funds.

Concerns Regarding HB741 HD1

Exemption from Prevailing Wage Laws Reduces Worker Protections

This bill exempts certain affordable housing projects from Hawaiʻi’s prevailing wage laws, which ensure fair pay for construction workers.
Without these protections, workers may be paid significantly lower wages, creating a race to the bottom in construction labor.
While volunteer-based nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity may not be impacted, other organizations could use this exemption to cut labor costs unfairly.
Recommended Amendment:

Require that even exempt projects adhere to a minimum wage threshold for construction workers.
Include worker protections to prevent exploitation under the exemption.
Unclear Selection Process for Nonprofits

The bill only allows certified nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to qualify for the exemption, but it does not specify how they are selected.
There is no oversight or accountability ensuring that the selected nonprofits represent the public interest rather than special interests.
Recommended Amendment:

Clearly define the selection criteria for CDFIs that qualify for this exemption.
Require public reporting on who receives these exemptions and who benefits financially.
Potential for Loopholes in the $1,500,000 Cap

The bill states that only projects using less than $1,500,000 from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund are exempt from prevailing wage laws.
However, it does not prevent developers from breaking projects into smaller phases to repeatedly qualify.
Recommended Amendment:

Implement a lifetime cap per organization to prevent repeated exemptions.
Require that related projects be considered collectively, preventing developers from splitting projects to sidestep the wage laws.
Suspicious Effective Date (July 1, 3000)

The bill’s effective date is set for July 1, 3000, which is a legislative placeholder often used when a bill is still being negotiated behind closed doors.
This suggests that future amendments may drastically change the bill, making it difficult for the public to track its final form.
Recommended Amendment:

Set a realistic effective date so that the bill’s actual implementation is clear to lawmakers and the public.
Conclusion

HB741 HD1, in its current form, creates significant concerns regarding labor rights, financial transparency, and potential loopholes in affordable housing projects. While the goal of expanding affordable housing is important, this bill opens doors for misuse and may undermine worker protections.

I respectfully urge the committee to reject HB741 HD1 unless the proposed amendments are included to protect both affordable housing efforts and fair labor practices.

Mahalo for your time and consideration.

02/13/2025

Aloha Members of the Committee,

I am submitting testimony in opposition to HB504 unless key amendments are made to ensure financial transparency, protect Hawaii’s tourism industry, and prevent unnecessary burdens on visitors and businesses. While I recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for adequate funding, the proposed increase in the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and the additional $20 per night tax on reward-based stays raises serious concerns about economic impact, transparency, and long-term consequences for Hawaii’s tourism industry.

Concerns Regarding HB504

1. Lack of Transparency in DLNR Spending

The bill does not specify how funds will be allocated, instead giving broad discretion to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
There are no public reporting requirements, independent audits, or performance benchmarks for how this revenue will restore and protect natural resources.
Without oversight, funds could be misallocated or used inefficiently.
Recommended Amendment:

Require annual public reporting on how tax revenues are allocated and what projects are funded.
Establish an independent oversight committee to ensure funds are used exclusively for environmental conservation and not diverted elsewhere.
2. Unfair $20 Per Night Tax on Reward-Based Hotel Stays

The bill imposes a $20 per night tax on accommodations booked using points, airline miles, or loyalty rewards programs.
This directly discourages return visitors who rely on loyalty programs to plan their trips.
It makes Hawaii less competitive compared to destinations that do not tax reward-based stays.
The tax could hurt local hotels and resorts by making reward programs less attractive to travelers.
Recommended Amendment:

Remove the $20 per night tax on reward-based accommodations.
If additional revenue is needed, consider alternative funding sources that do not target repeat visitors.
3. No Defined Cap on Future Tax Increases

HB504 sets a new precedent for expanding tourism taxation.
There is no cap on future tax increases, meaning that Hawaii’s tourist industry could be taxed further without legislative restraint.
The lack of economic impact analysis means lawmakers do not know how this will affect visitor rates.
Recommended Amendment:

Include a legislative cap on future TAT increases without a public referendum or independent economic impact study.
Require an annual assessment on the tax’s impact on visitor spending and hotel occupancy rates.
4. Risk of Double Taxation and Increased Costs for Visitors

HB504 does not clarify if the $20 tax is in addition to other existing tourism taxes.
Hawaii already imposes one of the highest tourist taxes in the U.S., and this could make accommodations even more expensive, reducing demand.
Recommended Amendment:

Clearly state whether this tax is separate from or included in existing hotel taxes.
Ensure that guests are not being double-taxed for the same accommodation.
Conclusion

While I support efforts to protect Hawaii’s environment, HB504 in its current form relies on excessive taxation of visitors without clear financial oversight or safeguards. The $20 tax on reward-based stays is particularly harmful to Hawaii’s tourism industry and should be removed. Additionally, greater transparency is needed to ensure funds are used effectively and future tax increases should be capped to protect Hawaii’s economic stability.

I respectfully urge the committee to reject HB504 unless the proposed amendments are included.

Mahalo for your time and consideration.

02/11/2025

Do vaccines contribute to autism? Read this article and you decide. What are your thoughts?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by standardized criteria of qualitative impairments in social interaction, qualitative impairments in communication, and restricted and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. A ...

02/10/2025

https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/former-senior-adviser-federal-reserve-indicted-charges-economic-espionage

John Harold Rogers, 63, a former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (FRB), was arrested today on charges that he conspired to steal Federal Reserve trade secrets for the benefit of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

02/08/2025

Aloha. See the link and take action to show up to Ed Cases "talk story", this this coming Monday, February 10th, from 12 Noon to 1:30PM Hawai‘i time. It seems he is looking to create a narrative that doesn't stand for all people to include Republicans.

I encourage Republicans to join this "Talk Story" and have your voice be heard.

I came home on January 23rd, three days after President Trump’s inauguration, for a full week of community meetings, including six in-person Talk Stories with hundreds of constituents across my district, and returned to Capitol Hill three days ago.

02/08/2025

02/08/2025

https://mailchi.mp/944344394ad4/call-to-action-fight-bad-bills

I am writing to inform you of the urgent need to take action against HB1118 and HB1115, two dangerous bills that threaten our parental rights, religious freedoms, and medical choices. Unfortunately, both bills passed the first committee today and will now move to the floor for a second reading befor...