HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2144

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Each house of the Hawaii state legislature has had a keiki caucus and a kupuna caucus for many years.  The keiki caucus, established in December 1990, concentrates on issues concerning the betterment of the lives of children and youth.  The kupuna caucus, established in January 2005, concentrates on issues concerning the betterment of lives of elders and grandparents, including aging, long-term care, and elder abuse.

     The keiki caucus and the kupuna caucus each hold informational legislative meetings and briefings in the interim session to gather information from community groups, from the public in general, and from affected individuals in particular.  Government agencies also participate in the meetings and briefings.  Oftentimes, issues can be resolved at a meeting or briefing by bringing public awareness to the problem and encouraging dialogue among the parties.  The legislature finds that the keiki caucus and kupuna caucus perform an integral function of the legislative process of information gathering, problem solving, and making recommendations for change, hearing the voice of persons who may otherwise not be heard.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish the keiki caucus and the kupuna caucus in statute.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"CHAPTER

LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES

     §   -1  Keiki caucus; kupuna caucus; established.  (a)  There is established a joint legislative keiki caucus to address issues concerning the well-being, health, safety, and welfare of children and youth.

     (b)  There is established a joint legislative kupuna caucus to address issues concerning the aged and elderly.

     (c)  Membership of the joint legislative keiki caucus and the joint legislative kupuna caucus shall consist of members of both houses of the legislature.  In addition, the legislative members of the caucuses may decide to include youth-serving and elderly-serving organization representatives and individuals of the community as members of the caucus with regard to any particular issue under consideration by the caucus."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Keiki Caucus; Kupuna Caucus; Establishment

 

Description:

Establishes a joint legislative keiki caucus and a joint legislative kupuna caucus.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.