Hawaii Legislature opens 2010 session without fanfare; lawmakers take all-business approach

Hawaii Capitol to be all-business as session opens

HONOLULU — Hawaii’s annual lawmaking session opened Wednesday with an all-business approach reflected by the cancellation of the Capitol’s traditional parties, food and music.

“Now is not the time to celebrate. Now is the time to work,” said Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-Nanakuli-Makua. “The Capitol is quiet today because we have work to do and no time to spare. We will find time to celebrate when our job is done.”

The start of this year’s session was visibly modest.

Colorful displays of tropical flowers were absent. Speakers saved money by declining teleprompters. No guests were allowed on the House or Senate floors, including Gov. Linda Lingle.

Legislators met with voters in their offices instead of at parties that spilled into the Capitol hallways in prior years. The national anthem was sung by Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, D-Downtown-Waikiki, on his acoustic guitar rather than an invited band.

Hawaii is facing a projected budget gap of at least $1.2 billion, an amount that legislative leaders say can only be filled by cutting the size of government and raising taxes.

It may be the “most difficult session we will experience in our legislative careers,” Hanabusa told the Senate in her speech.

“The overwhelmingly three big issues of the 2010 session will be the budget, the budget and the budget,” said Sen. Sam Slom, R-Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai.

The sour economy will dominate much of the session, but lawmakers also will vote on same-sex civil unions and try to find ways to restore Hawaii’s shortest-in-the-nation school year, which was cut by 17 days due to budget cuts and teacher furloughs.

Supporters of civil unions wore rainbow-colored lei while traditional marriage advocates showed “iVote” stickers. A Senate vote on civil unions is expected Friday before the measure heads to the House.

Others observing the opening ceremonies included labor union members in blue or red shirts who are opposing proposals to raid their benefits.

“Leave grandma’s cookie jar alone,” said retired teacher Ray Hart after the proceedings.

Both chambers wrapped up their inaugural sessions within 30 minutes.

Instead of mingling and eating, many legislators scurried to a series of meetings on the elderly, budget and federal stimulus money.

Voters should know that they’ll get what they pay for from government, said Speaker of the House Calvin Say in his speech.

“Government cannot be everything to everyone. If you want more or better public services or facilities, be prepared to pay for them. Conversely, if you do not want to pay more taxes or fees, be prepared to receive less public services or facilities,” said Say, D-St. Louis Heights-Wilhelmina Rise.

Hawaii’s annual legislative session will last 60 business days before concluding April 29.

The Legislature cut five recess days from this year’s session, which will save the state about $175,000.