Capitol Watch: Nov. 16

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Watching and reporting about Hawaii politics and government.

5 p.m. OHA Seeks Mossman Replacement

Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have submitted names for a replacement for Maui Trustee Boyd Mossmann.

Mossman left OHA late last month to become president of the Kona Hawaii Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A vote for the new trustee, which is closed to the public, could happen later this month.

If the trustees are not able to make a decision by the end of the year, the selection will be made by the governor.

2:15 p.m. New Info On Civil Unions Process

The state Department of Health today released information about the upcoming civil union on-line application process.

Press release:

“People in Hawaii and in other parts of the world are eager to get more information and begin planning their civil union ceremonies in Hawaii,” said Dr. Alvin Onaka, DOH state registrar. “We will be ready at midnight on January 1 with an accurate and efficient on-line process that will serve the public well for submitting applications, paying fees, registering events, and receiving their certificates for civil unions.”

DOH currently lists frequently asked questions and answers about the civil union law at http://hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/civilunion/index.html. The FAQ includes answers to questions such as: Who will be eligible to apply for a civil union?  What are the steps for getting a civil union?  How do I receive a civil union license? And how do I register my civil union with the State?

1:20 p.m. Haraguchi Picked to Run Land Panel

The board of the Public Land Development Corporation has decided on their preferred candidate to head the new organization tasked with developing state lands through public-private partnerships.

Lloyd Haraguchi, a former Campbell Estate asset manager, was chosen after the review of 18 candidates.

The five-member board that reviewed the applicants and nominated him, will now vote on his nomination on Monday.

— Sophie Cocke

10:45 a.m. Occupy Maui Update

Here are two reports on a Occupy Maui protests:

• The Maui News has this report about four activists briefly camping in Wailuku earlier this week.

• Maui Now has this report on a planned sign waving tomorrow at the corner of Kaahumanu and Puunene Avenue in Kahului.

Be sure to read Civil Beat’s reports on Makana singing for Occupy Honolulu last night and the Honolulu City Council‘s consideration of a bill that could make it very difficult for protesters to hang out on sidewalks.

Press Conference: Ceded Lands

Neil Abercrombie will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. in executive chambers to discuss settlement discussions between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs relating to ceded lands.

Members of state House and Senate leadership, OHA’s Colette Machado, AG David Louie and OHA attorney William Meheula are expected to attend.

Briefing: HYCF

The state Senate and House committees on Human Services will hold an informational briefing at 9 a.m. in the state Capitol.

The agenda calls for the Office of Youth Services to provide an update on the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility consent decree.

Hearing: Labor Board

The Hawaii State Teachers Association will continue its case before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board with Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi on the witness stand beginning at 9 a.m.

Matayoshi is one of the defendants in HSTA’s labor complaint against the state, accused of conspiring to usurp teachers’ collective bargaining rights.

Follow Civil Beat’s much-talked-about live blog of the hearings, found on our homepage.

Meeting: Ethics Commission

The State Ethics Commission is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. at the American Savings Bank Tower downtown.

The agenda includes cyber security guidelines for the Hawaii Legislature, the use of electronic signatures, invitations to APEC events and tickets to political fundraisers.

Meeting: Water Resource Management

The Commission on Water Resource Management is scheduled to met at 9 a.m. at the Kalanimoku Building.

The agenda includes a ground water permit for Kapolei, a stream channel alteration permit for Ahuimanu Bridge and Stream and Halawa Stream and a briefing on the City and County of Honolulu’s Water Use and Development Plan Update for the Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan.

Talk Story: Hilo

Gil Kahele continues his community meetings, this one at 5:30 p.m. at Waiakea High School Cafeteria in Hilo.

“I’ve been able to gain a greater understanding of the many unique issues facing the different communities through these forums,” said the state senator in a press release. “My aim is to find solutions to the issues that are brought to light at these forums.”

Forum: Death and Dying

Barbara Coombs Lee, who is credited with championing the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, will speak at 2 p.m. at Harris United Methodist Church.

The forum — titled “Hawaii Physicians Can Already Provide Aid in Dying” — is sponsored by Compassion & Choices Hawaii and co-sponsored by the Kupuna Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Kokua Council.

Mauna Kea Scope Gets $150M From India

Check out the latest in Neighbor Island government-related news:

UPDATE Maui Councilors look at tax hike on farm homes

Akoni Pule Highway to be removed from scenic byway list

$10 million sought for park repairs on Big Isle

Kauai grad takes case to U.S. Supreme Court

Thirty Meter Telescope gets funding from Indian government

Open-space maintenance fund advances in Hawaii County

Catch up on previous coverage:

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