Hawaii lawmakers add last-minute committees

Hawaii state lawmakers are using an unusual legislative maneuver to extend the life of four bills on education and taxes.

Capitol officials said Monday that lawmakers extended procedures for conference committees to create a 1-hour window for House and Senate legislators to consider certain bills.

The lawmakers planned to meet Monday afternoon.

The bills include three education bills. One changes Hawaii’s charter schools laws, another prohibits seclusion in schools and a third changes the salary cap for the state’s superintendent.

The tax bill creates an income tax credit for people who spend money to manufacture products in the state.

Conference committees were expected to finish their business last week with final votes in the House and Senate this week. The Legislature ends its session May 1.