b'2023 WPMA State ReportHEMA continuedcompanies have provided resources to the early efforts of recov- iv.Relating to Paid Sick Leave, that would have requiredery and will endeavor to do more throughout this long process. companies to provide a certain minimum amount of There is incredible loss in life and property, but not in spirit. Weleave, in addition to supplemental leave under certain take great pride in our states heritage and aloha culture, and wecircumstancesHEMA noted that certain companies will rebuild even stronger than before.already provide some leave and that requiring all com-panies to provide in addition to offering supplemental Please note that both HEMA and WPMA now have a link onleave would place yet additional financial burdens on their websites providing a summary of organizations offeringcompanies operating in Hawaii.significant services for the impacted residents of Maui. On a personal note, having noted communication with someHawaii Government of these organizations in the last few weeks, I have been deeply moved by their hard work and compassion to ensure each Following the 2022 elections,the Democrats remained impacted resident secures housing and essentials as quickly in control of the Hawaii Legislature, with 23 Democrats and as possible.2 Republicans in the Senate and 45 Democrats and 6 Republi-cans in the House. The political balance is unlikely to change Legislative Update too much, however with it being a Presidential election year, coupled with the challenges facing the state considering this years fire tragedy, it is possible there may be some unantici-The 2023 Legislative Session adjournedon Thursday,pated election outcomes in 2024.May 4, which included more than 3,100 bills being introduced. Governor Josh Green shared his legislative priorities in HEMA OfficersJanuary, which included housing, homelessness, the cost of living, climate, environment, and mental health. Ultimately, 274 pieces of legislation were approved by the Legislature:During HEMAs Special Meetingof its Members this 142 House bills and 132 Senate bills. The Governor had untilpast July, the Officers to serve for the next two-year term July 11 to sign, veto, or allow a bill to become law without histhrough June 2025 were elected. signature, and he applied his veto pen to 11 bills passed duringAl Chee - elected as HEMAs First Vice the 2023 legislative session. President. Al has nearly 30 years of industry HEMA monitored many bills during this legislative session,experience and is currently the Vice Presi-while also providing thoughtful written testimony to the Com- dent of Retail Marketing and Community mittees Leadership and Members regarding a few proposedRelations for Island Energy Services.bills that were of particular interest. Our communication servedHe previously served in various capacities to both engage with our elected officials, while providing themat Chevron that included legislative,with our insight regarding the legislations needlessness and/orregulatory, public affairs, and community possible unintended consequences. The proposed bills on whichengagement responsibilities.HEMA provided testimony didnt progress through their respec-tive Committees, as summarized below:Casie Buielected as HEMAs Secondi.Relating to Consumer Protection, that would haveVice President. Casie has nearly 20 yearsrequired environmental warning labeling at each retailof industry experience and is currently fuel dispenserHEMA noted the very sufficient cur- the Director of Sales Operations and rent warning labeling required at fueling dispensers. Marketing for Aloha Petroleum.ii.Relating to Fair Scheduling, that would have requiredemployers to provide shift scheduling a minimum ofRobert Hoodten days in advance or to pay twice their hourly wageAs HEMAs current President, I am theHEMA noted the limitations to businesses schedul- Vice President of Operations for Aloha ing that would have an impact on operations. Petroleum. I have approximately 30 years iii.Relating to Family Leave, that would have loweredof industry experience, which includes Operations, Technical Services, and Realthe employers threshold (for its number of employ- Estate/M&A. I certainly look forward to ees) requiring family leave insurance, while it wouldworking collaboratively with HEMAs have also extended the period of family leave Members and WPMAs Leadership onHEMA noted the significant additional cost to smallindustry initiatives providing a mutual benefit for our Members businesses that may also effectively be passed throughand our industrys Customers. to consumers. S22 www.wpma.com / Fall 2023'