The office of the Hawai’i State Legislature has released the following list of “Bills of Interest” set to come before committees tomorrow:

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2012

COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

9:30 A.M.

ROOM 329

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT_03-16-12_.HTM

SB2958 RELATING TO HEALTH

Appropriates moneys to be expended by the department of health for the implementation of a new bone marrow transplantation program in the State. (SD2) (GREEN)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2958&year=2012

SB1168 RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Prohibits use of tobacco products by minors. Authorizes law enforcement officer to confiscate tobacco products used by minors. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1) (WAKAI)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1168&year=2012

SB2422 RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Imposes an excise tax on tobacco products, other than large cigars, that is equal to the greater of 70 percent of the wholesale price of, or $3.20 for, each article or item of tobacco products. Takes effect 1/1/50. (SD1) (BAKER)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2422&year=2012

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE/COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION & BUSINESS

10:00 A.M.

ROOM 312

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR-ERB_03-16-12_.HTM

SB2341 RELATING TO LAND USE

Repeals the prohibition on agricultural tourism activities in the absence of a bona fide farming operation. Repeals the prohibition on ordinances that allow overnight accommodations in agricultural districts. Authorizes agricultural tourism activities, including overnight accommodations of twenty-one days or less, for any one stay within a county; provided that a county has adopted ordinances regulating agricultural tourism. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) (ENGLISH)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2341&year=2012

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

2:00 P.M.

ROOM 325

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/hearingnotices/HEARING_JUD_03-16-12_.HTM

SB2859 RELATING TO OPEN GOVERNMENT

Allows board members to hear testimony for a meeting canceled for lack of quorum, to attend informational meetings, and for a four-year period to discuss board business via social media. (SD1) (TSUTSUI BR)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2859&year=2012

SB2571 RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Amends various statutory provisions to reconfirm and clarify the original intent of Act 1 (2011) that civil union partners shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law as are granted to those who contract, obtain a license, and are solemnized pursuant to chapter 572, HRS. Makes various housekeeping amendments to statutes to assist with the implementation and interpretation of Act 1, including with respect to public employee benefits, property held as tenants by the entirety, establishment of parent-child relationships, and adoption. Ensures couples who terminated their reciprocal beneficiary relationships after 11/1/11 but before this Act becomes effective retain all rights and benefits upon entering into a civil union. (SD1) (IHARA)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2571&year=2012