Legislators' reform efforts win Cayetano's applause
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gov. Ben Cayetano praised state legislators yesterday for their efforts to pass several reform measures last week.
"If this package is approved by the full body, the session will be remembered as very productive," he said.
Among the measures singled out were gasoline price caps; a campaign reform package; mandatory drug treatment instead of incarceration for first-time, non-violent drug offenders; government oversight for health insurance rates; and discounts on prescription drugs.
The governor called the initiatives "the most positive reform package for Hawai'i in recent years."
"This landmark legislation ensures a level and fair playing field, which can only improve Hawai'i's desirability as a place to live and do business," he said.
Under the gasoline bill, the Public Utilities Commission would set maximum wholesale and retail gas prices based on an index of West Coast prices beginning in July 2003.
The Hawai'i Rx bill would create a purchasing pool of people who do not have drug coverage. The state would negotiate discounted prices with drug manufacturers, and the savings would be passed on to members through participating pharmacies. The program would begin in January 2005.
Another prescription drug program to help residents with incomes below triple the national poverty level could kick in by early 2003.
The bill to regulate health insurers would give the state insurance commissioner authority to review insurers' rate filings and allow the commissioner to reject rates deemed too high or discriminatory.
