Visitors From Lanai and Molokai Islands

Senator Slom met with constituents from the islands of Molokai and Maui on February 15 to discuss the issue of the proposed wind farms on their islands. The wind farm proposal would incorporate giant windmills that would be used for power generation exported to the island of Oahu. The issue has divided the community. The group who visited are against the proposed wind farm as is Senator Slom, who has consistently voted against bills that support the concept.

Sugar Sweetened Soft Drink Tax Tabled For Now

Senator Slom spoke in opposition to the tax on “sugar sweetened beverages” in the Senate Health Committee hearing held on February 15. The proposed bill (SB 3019) would levy at least a 10% tax on soda and other sweetened beverages.

Hawaii consumers are taxed twice on most purchases of soda and other sweetened beverages. Every purchase in Hawaii is impacted by the State’s General Excise Tax. Beverages that are purchased in containers are also subjected to the Bottle Recycling Tax. The sugar tax will be an additional burden on Hawaii’s consumers.

SB 3019 was deferred in the Senate Health Committee. Committee Chair, Senator Josh Green will have the issue studied and discussed further. Another bill will likely be introduced next session (a non-election year) to implement this tax.

Senator Slom’s comments on the tax appear in the video clip below:

Senator Slom has saved the State over $100,000

Ever year State Senators are given an office allowance to be spent as they see fit, in 1996 this amount was $5000. Today the annual allowance exceeds $10000. This money can be used very liberally and continues to grow in size. Since the election of Senator Slom in 1996, he has not used one penny of this money netting the state savings of $107,837.  If more elected officials were to follow his precedent we could save the State of Hawaii millions of dollars.

Senator Slom Comments on SB 2012

State Senator Sam Slom offers his comments on SB 2012 – RELATING TO PUBLIC FUNDS at the Senate Ways & Means Committee Hearing this morning (Feb. 10). This is the majority party’s showcase bill that aims the stimulate the economy by authorizing a number capital improvement projects including needed maintenance and repair to a number of public facilities. The bill passed out of committee 14 – 0 in favor, with Senator Slom voting WR (with reservations). SB 2012 will go to the floor for a full senate vote before crossing over to the House.

BILL STATUS: SB 2012 |