Alice Lee, Chair Maui County Council, said that protecting Maui County’s beaches, reefs, and forests is crucial for both the tourism industry and residents’ quality-of-life.
WAILUKU — Council Chair Alice L. Lee last week announced that eight proposals have been introduced as the 2022 Maui County Council Legislative Package, including legislation to establish a “green fee surcharge” — a visitor fee that would fund environmental-protection and conservation projects.
The measures in the legislative package were introduced at the start of the legislative session last month by Senate President Ronald Kouchi and Speaker of the House Scott Saiki at the council’s request.
The legislation to establish a green-fee surcharge has been designated as House Bill 1339 (2022), and Senate Bill 2098 (2022).
“‘Green fees’ offer an innovative financing mechanism to better support the well-being of our residents and visitors alike by ensuring we have a clean and healthful environment,”Lee said.
The package also includes the following bills
SB 2096 and H.B. 1437 lower the threshold blood alcohol for the offense of operating vehicle while intoxicated.
HB 1438, SB 2097 are to establish criminal offenses for unlawful chopshop activity in the first and third degrees.
To require that the minimum wages be recalculated using the latest self-sufficiency income standard, SB 1440 and SB 2099 were passed.
HB 1441 to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds, and appropriate funds for capital improvements projects for the County of Maui.
HB 1442 and SB 21101 to amend the definition “development”The Coastal Zone Management Act forbids the construction or reconstruction a single-family residence with less than 5,000 square feet.
HB 1443 to assess a climate impact fee on all customers who rent, lease, or use a rental motor vehicle.
HB 1444 to abolish Kalawao County, and SB 2103 for the incorporation of the Kalaupapa region of Molokai in Maui County.
Lee encourages Maui County residents and others to join the council in following state legislation and submitting testimony before state legislative committees.
She said updated information, including bill numbers and copies of her testimony, will be posted to mauicounty.us/2022stateleg/ throughout the legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn on May 5.
