Legislative bills help members of military

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

A handful of bills passed by the Legislature this year will help support Hawai'i's military personnel and their families, lawmakers and military officials said yesterday.

Among the bills in the "military appreciation package" is a measure that increases the allowable income tax exemption for National Guard members and reservists for five years beginning in 2005 and another that appropriates $100,000 for state loans for businesses threatened by military base realignments and closures.

Lawmakers also pointed to a line in the state budget appropriating $400,000 for the Tuition Assistance Program for Hawai'i National Guard members and a measure allowing the state Department of Education to use federal impact aid money to establish a military liaison position and provide money for a cooperative program between military and public education officials.

"It's going to do so much for our recruiting and retention and provide great strides to support our families," said Lt. Col. Martha Wong, president of the Hawai'i National Guard Association.

The intent of the legislative package was for lawmakers to show appreciation for and support the military and military families, as well as to help communities affected by the deployments of military personnel, said Senate Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations Committee Chairman Cal Kawamoto, D-18th (Waipahu, Crestview, Pearl City).

Nearly 10,000 troops from Hawai'i are in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another bill providing tax relief on base pay for Hawai'i residents serving in combat zones was signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle this week. Lingle has yet to make a decision on the other bills, including whether to release the $400,000 tuition appropriation in the budget.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.