Thursday, February 8, 2018

KALIHI LAWMAKER INTRODUCES BILLS ON VOTER REGISTRATION, RENTAL TAX CREDITS, AND RESOLUTION ON POLICE PRESENCE IN CHINATOWN



Rep. Holt introduces 10 bills for the 2018 Legislative Session

State Representative Daniel Holt (Kalihi, Pālama, Iwilei, Chinatown) has introduced 10 bills for the 2018 Legislative Session, including measures on automatic voter registration and low-income tax credit, and a resolution seeking an increased police presence in the Chinatown area to fight crime.

HB 2552 establishes an automatic voter registration system in Hawaiʻi by allowing all applicants for a driver's license, provisional license, instruction permit, or civil identification card to either decline to register to vote or fill out the voter affidavit on their application at the time their application is processed.

"Democracy is founded on participation by citizens," Holt said. "Making it easier for residents to register will increase the number of people who actually vote in our elections and therefore strengthen our democracy. Many other states have adopted an automatic voter registration system and it is time for Hawaiʻi to take this step."

HB 2672 expands the low income-household renters' income tax credit based on adjusted gross income and filing status.

"Helping the people who need it most is a central responsibility of government. Providing a tax credit for qualified low-income working families and the elderly is simply the right thing to do," Holt said.

HCR 20/HR 16 requests the Honolulu Police Department to increase the visible presence of uniformed police officers in the Chinatown area to improve public safety by deterring criminal activity and providing more immediate assistance to crime victims.

"It is important to maintain the safety of business owners, workers and customers in the historic Chinatown area," said Holt. "Following a recent increase in criminal activity including drug dealing, illegal gambling, robbery and purse snatchings, I am asking that HPD step up its visibility and enforcement."

To see the complete list of Representative Holt’s bills, go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=holt&year=2018.

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