02/03/2025 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB29 | |
| SB30 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 29 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 30 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 3, 2025
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Cathy Giessel, Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Senator Shelley Hughes
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 29
"An Act relating to an executive administrator for the Big Game
Commercial Services Board."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 30
"An Act making certain veterans eligible for a lifetime permit
to access state park campsites and the parking and restrooms of
developed facilities without charge; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 29
SHORT TITLE: BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
01/10/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) RES, FIN
02/03/25 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 30
SHORT TITLE: STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BJORKMAN
01/10/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) RES, FIN
02/03/25 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 29.
SAVAYA BIEBER, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 29,
version A.
JASON BUNCH, representing self
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 29
MIKE FLORES, Co-Chair, Big Game Commercial Services Board,
Soldotna, Alaska,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 29.
SYLVAN ROBB, Director
Division of Corporations
Business and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on SB 29.
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 30.
MATTHEW CHURCHILL, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 30,
version I.
RICKY GEASE, Director
Division of Parks and Recreation
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on SB 30.
BOB PAWLOWSKI
Representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 30.
PHILLIP HOKENSON
Representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 30.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:55 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL called the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Dunbar, Myers, Claman, Kawasaki and Chair Giessel.
Senator Hughes arrived immediately thereafter, and Senator
Wielechowski arrived during the course of the meeting.
SB 29-BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD
3:31:41 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 29
"An Act relating to an executive administrator for the Big Game
Commercial Services Board."
3:32:13 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska paraphrased the sponsor statement for SB 29,
version A:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 29 Big Game Commercial Services Board
Version A Sponsor Statement
Senate Bill 29 secures the executive administrator
position to the Big Game Commercial Services Board in
statute. This position is paid for by guide licensing
fees and has been requested by the Big Game Commercial
Services Board to make their work more efficient and
cost effective. Guiding has many complex regulations.
Designating a temporary position to concentrate on
licensing functions, examinations and investigations
is current practice and it is working well. Securing
this position in statute adds assurance to the
continuation of this effective process.
The Big Game Commercial Services Board plays an
important role in the management of commercial game
hunters in the interest of the State's wildlife
resources. They fulfill this role by managing all
hunting guide licensing functions, administering board
meetings, assisting the board with maintaining and
writing 29 written and practical exams, generating
reports, and assisting Department of Commerce
Community and Economic Development's Investigative
Services and Department of Public Safety in game
investigations.
New licensing examiners require extensive training,
and with board members only serving 4 years, it seems
like they depart as soon as they are up to speed. This
has led to administrative errors that were highlighted
in the recent audit of the Board. The Board was
previously sharing an executive administrator with the
Board of Marine Pilots to help address the workload.
While this helped, the two boards were too complex. As
a result, a temporary position was created in the FY24
and FY25 budgets to add this executive administrator
using Designated General Funds paid for by guide
licensing fees. This bill would continue using the
same funding source and codify this position and its
range into statute.
Please contact Savaya (465-2615) with any questions or
comments related to this bill.
SENATOR BJORKMAN said Mike Flores, current vice chair of the Big
Game Commercial Services Board, and Jason Bunch, the previous
Big Game Commercial Services Board chair were available online
to answer questions.
3:34:32 PM
SAVAYA BIEBER, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 29, version A:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 29 Big Game Commercial Services Board Version A
Sectional Analysis
Section 1: Amends AS 08.54.591 by adding a new
subsection that would require the department employ an
executive administrator to support the Big Game
Commercial Services Board.
Section 2: Amends AS 08.54.600(a) to require the board
to establish the qualifications and duties of the
board's executive administrator.
Section 3: Amends AS 39.25.120(c) by adding the
principle executive administrator for the board to the
list of employees in the partially exempt service.
3:35:22 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR noted that similar legislation was introduced
during past sessions. He asked whether there were significant
changes to this version.
3:35:33 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said SB 29 was identical to the bill introduced
[in 2024].
3:35:42 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted the 2023 audit report did not call for a
board administrator. He asked what justified the position.
3:36:05 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said the [Big Game Commercial Services] Board
requested the position. The position was also recommended by the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED) to assist the board in its work and accuracy. He
suggested that Director Robb, DCCED Division of Corporations,
Business and Professional Licensing could better explain.
3:36:32 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted that in its 2023 audit report [page 9],
the board concluded that [license] fees would be lowered because
of the budget surplus of over $850,000 with the goal of reaching
net zero for the board's operations. He asked for board members
comments.
3:37:06 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL affirmed the concept of an executive director
considering the complex issues dealt with by the board. She
referred to page 10 of the audit report and noted that the [Big
Game Commercial Services] Board concluded [the $850,000 surplus]
would be adequate to support an executive director.
3:38:12 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN deferred the question to the [Big Game
Commercial Services] Board to ascertain the boards intent. He
noted that the money the guide board requested to spend [for an
administrator] came from administrative fees. He said the board
had a high desire to perform their licensing functions
accurately. Guides must demonstrate extensive knowledge of
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) regulations, as well
as other specific expertise. He said a dedicated staff person to
assist the board with their licensing function was the board's
desire.
3:39:05 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that despite constitutional provisions
about no dedicated funds, this was a dedicated fund.
3:39:29 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN argued that the funds were not dedicated,
rather they were designated. He said the money was from license
fees paid by guides to regulate their industry and their
licenses.
3:39:45 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN clarified that this was not a pre-statehood fish
and game licensing fee that could be dedicated, but because it
came up after statehood, could be designated, but not dedicated.
3:39:59 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN concurred.
SENATOR CLAMAN explained that it was his intent to be sure the
legislators were in agreement [about the nature of the fees]
because it can be confusing.
3:40:13 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL clarified further that this was not a Fish and
Game fee, but was a licensing fee, paid by the licensee. She
compared it to fees paid by medical professionals to the boards
that regulate those professions. She reiterated that it was not
a [Alaska Department of] Fish and Game (ADF&G) fee.
3:40:44 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN also further clarified that these fees were
distinct from the fees that would be paid to get a hunting
license. He said a hunting license was a dedicated fee and these
fees were unrelated.
3:41:09 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL said a fee to hunt a bear was paid to ADF&G; the
fees paid to a board to regulate the guides was completely
different.
CHAIR GIESSEL announced invited testimony on SB 29.
3:41:54 PM
JASON BUNCH, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska testified by
invitation on SB 29. He introduced himself as a former member of
the Big Game Commercial Services Board, serving from 2018 to
2024, with the last three years as board chair.
MR. BUNCH testified about the need for an Executive
Administrator (EA) position to improve the efficiency of the Big
Game Commercial Services Board's licensing program. He
highlighted the identification of efficiency errors in the
administration of the licensing program six years ago and
described the efforts of the board to improve communication with
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED) licensing examiners. He noted the high turnover rate of
the licensing examiners and said the administrative burden for
the board was too high. A shared EA position with the Board of
Marine Pilots was a temporary solution, but the two boards'
needs often conflicted. Bunch noted that licensees were willing
to fund the EA if it ensured better administration, but the
board could not afford the position without raising fees.
3:45:04 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked whether there were any ideas to encourage
board members to serve longer than one four-year term.
3:45:25 PM
MR. BUNCH noted that he served part of a term when a former
board member vacated their position and then a full term. Recent
public members have all served two terms and the guide member is
beginning his second term. Retaining members has improved, and
members learn a lot and often find they enjoy serving; but
finding new board members is a challenge. He highlighted the
importance of finding new members who have a passion for
wildlife and understand the value guiding brings to the state of
Alaska.
3:48:06 PM
MIKE FLORES, Co-Chair, Big Game Commercial Services Board,
Soldotna, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 29. He
emphasized the importance of Senate Bill 29 for the long-term
stability of the Big Game Commercial Services Board,
highlighting the complexity of the executive director's role and
the time required to become effective. He said the board faced a
high workload, managing over 20 people on probation, more than
50 open cases, and a significant number of new guides needing
testing. Additionally, he noted numerous regulatory proposals in
process.
MR. FLOERS concluded that SB 29 would support the long-term
stability and health of the board by providing leadership
support equipped to meet the board's complexity.
3:50:04 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL noted that the audit review only extended the
board for six years, two years less than the eight year
statutory maximum. The review concluded that board licenses were
not consistently supported by adequate documentation, and two
private landowner board seats were vacant or had absences for
extended periods. She said the commissioner's response to the
audit was to recommend the board consider whether two private
landowner board seats continue to be necessary for effective
regulation. She asked for the board position on that
recommendation.
3:51:02 PM
MR. FLORES said the board considered possible options and
concluded that more participation was better. He said finding
people to fill board positions was difficult and it was
preferable to fill the positions with guides or transporters or
public members if it was not possible to fill them with
landowners over leaving the positions vacant.
3:51:52 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL concluded invited testimony on SB 29.
3:52:00 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referred to the 2023 audit report and noted that
the Big Game Commercial Services Board oversaw 1,438 active
licenses, had 409 open cases and met about five times annually.
She asked whether this workload was typical for boards with
executive directors and asked that it be compared to other
boards.
3:53:05 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN noted Director Robb was available to answer
questions relating to boards.
3:53:35 PM
SYLVAN ROBB, Director, Division of Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development, Juneau, Alaska, answered that there were
six comparable boards with executive directors including the Big
Game Commercial Services Board. She said the number of licensees
varied among these boards, but complexity and workload were
significant factors. She noted that Big Game Commercial Services
Board included 26 guide management unit exams and three exams
for registered guide outfitters as well as jurisprudence exams
for transporters and class A guides, indicating the extensive
work involved in the program.
MS. ROBB said the Board of Nursing was not a good comparison due
to its large size, with 32,000 licensees. Boards with similar
numbers of licensees and executive administrators included the
Board of Public Accountancy.
MS. ROBB provided an update on the rapid growth of the guiding
profession, noting that the number of licensees increased from
the audit period to the end of fiscal year 2024 to 1,746
licensees.
3:55:28 PM
SENATOR HUGHES emphasized the significant growth. She wondered
why the governor did not bring forth the bill and asked whether
the executive branch supported it.
3:56:05 PM
MS. ROBB said the bill, the Executive Director (ED) position and
the funding for it were supported by the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development (DCCED) for the fiscal year
2024 budget. She said the position was created as a temporary,
exempt position and was currently filled. She could not speak to
the position of the governor on SB 29.
3:56:36 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referred to the audit and the 2023 reduction of
fees. She asked whether the fees would go back up to create the
Executive Order position.
3:57:18 PM
MS. ROBB affirmed that the fees were reduced. She referred to AS
08.01.065, which mandates setting fees to cover the cost of
regulating the profession. She acknowledged uncertainty in
predicting the number of new licensees and renewals, which, she
said, affects the fee-setting process. She said the goal was not
to achieve a zero surplus, as investigations are an inherent
part of the fee-setting equation and investigation costs are
unpredictable, including expensive cases that reached the state
Supreme Court.
3:58:44 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI expressed surprise that only six boards had
executive directors and asked which boards they were.
3:59:10 PM
MS. ROBB answered:
• the State Medical Board
• the Board of Nursing
• the Board of Pharmacy
• Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers and Land
Surveyors
• the Board of Public Accountancy
• the Real Estate Commission
• the Board of Marine Pilots (Marine Pilot Coordinator)
3:59:37 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked how other boards manage administrative
functions without executive directors.
4:00:00 PM
MS. ROBB said DCCED oversaw 21 regulatory boards. She said the
Board of Nursing, for instance, had a team of 13 to manage
32,000 licensees. Smaller boards had fewer members, making
coordination easier. The complexity of licensing work varied,
with some boards requiring more frequent interaction with
licensees. She emphasized that the Big Game Commercial Services
Board had many documents, and it required licensees to submit
hunt reports after every hunt and activity reports after each
transport. She said the frequent interaction with licensees
generated a significant amount of work.
4:01:57 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN emphasized the number of active licensees and
noted the 20 percent plus increase over 2023. He asked whether
there was an explanation for the increase and if it indicated a
trend that was expected to continue.
4:02:27 PM
MS. ROBB said there were a number of professions for which DCCED
had seen increases. She deferred to the board members for
possible industry-related explanations.
4:02:51 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN affirmed his interest, noting that other areas of
the economy were not demonstrating increases.
4:03:10 PM
MS. ROBB offered to follow up with answers for the committee.
4:03:29 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL noted there was no fiscal note with the documents
for SB 29. She asked whether DCCED had a fiscal note for SB 29.
4:04:13 PM
MS. ROBB said there was a fiscal note for $194,800 for the
executive director position. She clarified that the fiscal note
reflected an increase of about $54,000 per year.
4:04:41 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL said the fiscal note Ms. Robb referred to was for
SB 248 and so would not coincide to SB 29. She anticipated a new
fiscal note for SB 29.
4:04:56 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL applauded the Big Game Commercial Services Board
for overcoming a $1 million deficit over the past ten or twelve
years.
4:05:47 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN expressed gratitude for the opportunity to
present SB 29. He reiterated that SB 29 was supported by the
guides who were willing to fund it through their licensing fees.
He said the goal of SB 29 was to ensure that Alaska's Big Game
Guides can provide safe, enjoyable and successful hunting
experiences.
4:06:46 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL held SB 29 in committee.
SB 30-STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
4:07:08 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 30
"An Act making certain veterans eligible for a lifetime permit
to access state park campsites and the parking and restrooms of
developed facilities without charge; and providing for an
effective date."
4:07:15 PM
CHAIR GIESEL solicited a motion.
4:07:25 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved to adopt Committee Substitute (CS) for SB
30, work order 34-LS0293\I, as the working document.
4:07:37 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL objected for purposes of discussion and invited
Senator Bjorkman to explain the changes to SB 30.
4:07:47 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska said [CSSB 30] incorporated clarifying language
resulting from working with the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), Division of Parks.
4:08:17 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN offered an overview of SB 30 and paraphrased
the sponsor statement for version I.
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 30 State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans
Version I Sponsor Statement
Senate Bill 30 would allow disabled veterans who have
honorably served our country to have a free lifetime
permit to Alaska State Parks. The permit will provide
access to developed campsites, parking areas, and
restrooms.
Currently under statute, disabled veterans qualify for
a free annual permit that must be reapplied for each
year. By changing the term of the permit to a lifetime
pass, it will be easier for disabled veterans to take
advantage of this opportunity. In addition, the annual
permit does not currently allow for free parking at
Alaska State Parks. By including parking, disabled
veterans will have greater access to the benefits
provided by our parks.
I believe that those who have served their nation in
the military deserve the utmost respect and have
earned the right to enjoy the beauty of our great
state that they have defended and sacrificed for. I
respectfully ask for your support of this legislation
for the benefit of our disabled veterans.
SENATOR BJORKMAN said he invited Captain Bob Pawlowski, serving
on the Alaska Pioneer Home Advisory Board and active in the AARP
Alaska Veterans' program as well as Phil Hokenson, chair of the
Alaska Veterans Advisory Council to provide testimony.
4:10:07 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL removed her objection; found no further objection
and CSSB 30 was adopted as the working document.
4:10:26 PM
MATTHEW CHURCHILL, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, Provided the sectional analysis for
SB 30, version I.
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 30 State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans
Version I Sectional Analysis
Section 1: Amends AS 41.21.026(d) to change the permit
that allows disabled veterans free use of campsites,
parking areas, and restrooms from an annual permit to
a lifetime permit. Permits will be renewed
automatically every five years with the permit
holder's current address.
Section 2: Defines disabled veteran as one who was
disabled in the line of duty.
Section 3: Provides for an effective date of January
1, 2026.
4:11:09 PM
SENATOR HUGHES said she received a suggestion to consider a card
rather than a sticker. This would permit the receiving veteran
to access the parks without limiting access to a specific
vehicle. She noted the correspondent provided other suggestions
as well.
4:11:52 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN affirmed that he had received that suggestion
and he was open to considerations and ideas. He said a card and
other possibilities for conveying the intended privilege to
veterans and preventing fraud could be considered. He noted that
a pass [sticker] on a vehicle was just one possible way.
4:12:53 PM
SENATOR HUGHES declared a conflict of interest due to her
husband's disabled veteran status and the possibility that she
could benefit from SB 30. She asked whether SB 30 applied to a
specific range [or degree] of disability.
4:13:30 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said the intent was to apply SB 30 for veterans
who are 50 percent disabled. This is in line with the standard
held by Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation for the current free camping pass [for
disabled veterans].
4:14:02 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR declared a conflict of interest due to his own
veterans' disability status and the possibility that he would
benefit from SB 30.
4:14:39 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR shared his concern about "leakage," meaning that
people other than those for whom the benefit was intended take
advantage of it, imposing a significant expense for the state
park system. He related a similar "leakage" example: property
tax audits in Anchorage revealed inappropriate senior tax
exemptions and disabled veteran exemptions. He noted that this
was often unintended, for example, when a veteran passed away
and property transferred to someone else.
4:15:26 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR noted that a vehicle was commonly the means of
accessing state parks and asked for input from DNR regarding the
practicality of a card versus a sticker. He asked whether DNR
issued one pass for one vehicle or passes for multiple cars to
each recipient. He also suggested that applicant veterans be
required to submit resident addresses rather than mailing
addresses.
4:16:55 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL suggested Mr. Gease from DNR would be able to
answer questions.
4:17:00 PM
RICKY GEASE, Director, Division of Parks and Recreation,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anchorage, Alaska, said
the current system for the disabled veteran camping pass was to
issue a vehicle sticker to each qualified applicant. A second
sticker would be issued for parking under SB 30. Additional
stickers for both programs could be issued for additional
vehicles. He said a hanging placard like the handicapped placard
system could be considered, allowing the pass to be transferred
between vehicles.
4:18:27 PM
MR. GEASE offered the following points for consideration:
• Less than seven percent of disabled veterans camping pass
participants come from out of state.
• The current [camping] system includes a five-year pass
valid from 2023 to 2027.
• Approximately 2,400 disabled veterans currently have the
five-year [camping] pass.
• There are about 17,000 disabled veterans who qualify for
the camping pass.
• Estimates suggest that around 5000 veterans in-state would
be interested in the parking pass.
4:19:41 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL restated Senator Dunbar's question about mailing
address versus resident address.
4:19:51 PM
MR. GEASE said a mailing address was necessary to get the pass
stickers to recipients. DNR could also collect resident
addresses, however, a veteran's disability status was what made
them eligible for the pass, not their residency. He said there
were veterans who come from out of Alaska to use the disabled
veteran pass. He said a residency requirement could be added for
the parking pass [SB 30], but that is not a requirement for the
camping pass.
4:20:48 PM
SENATOR HUGHES noted comments about the difficulty of applying
for the passes. She asked where applicants could go to apply;
whether there were provisions for rural residents and how long
it would take to for DNR to respond to applications.
4:21:21 PM
MR. GEASE explained that DNR completed the initial review of
[applicant] documents at the public information centers in
Anchorage or Fairbanks. He said follow-up and renewal could be
done through the mail. Applicants outside Anchorage and
Fairbanks can contact DNR to complete the paperwork.
4:21:59 PM
SENATOR HUGHES asked how long the process took, particularly
when it involved mailing things back and forth.
4:22:10 PM
MR. GEASE said follow-up by DNR was usually quick and the time
[delay] element was mail delivery.
4:22:40 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL restated Senator Dunbar's question about the
definition of qualifying disability. She noted that the sponsor
of SB 30 said 50 percent disability was the standard and she
asked for verification and documentation.
4:23:16 PM
MR. GEASE offered to follow up to provide the committee and the
sponsor with the language DNR used to evaluate eligibility.
4:23:40 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced invited testimony on SB 30.
4:23:55 PM
BOB PAWLOWSKI, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 30. He read from the following written
testimony.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senator Giessel, members of the Committee: Thank you
for the opportunity to comment in support of Senate
Bill 30, State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans. I
am Captain Bob Pawlowski, NOAA (Ret) and a VA
Beneficiary.
Currently I serve as the Chair, Alaska Pioneer Homes
Advisory Board, a board that advises the Governor on
our Pioneer Homes, including the Alaska State Veterans
and Pioneer Home in Palmer. I also serve on the Alaska
Commission on Aging, where I personally focus on our
aging Veteran population, of which 30 percent are of
the Vietnam Era, which ended 50 years ago. This is a
good bill in it offers an opportunity for our disabled
Veterans to fully utilize Alaska's State Parks, versus
just camping without charge. This is particularly
valuable to those disabled seniors who, with age, have
had to decrease their camping given the challenges of
setting up and taking down a camp. This bill affords
them the opportunity to continue to visit our State
Parks and enjoy the amenities, ease of access, and
outdoor activities on a daily basis that for decades
they have enjoyed under their camping permit.
Let me share a personal example of how it will help.
Since 2015, I have volunteered and participated in
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Alaska, a
therapeutic program for disabled Vets that teaches fly
tying, rod building and fly fishing with a group of
their peers. Through camaraderie and focus on the fine
motor and mental skills in tying flies and building
rods, they find new ways to meet their challenges.
And, when they are out together with other disabled
Vets, catching their first fish on their own fly on
their own rod, you see their pride and the value of
the program, And this is but one of many programs in
Alaska that are helping our disabled Vets adapt and
heal by being outdoors .
By offering no charge access to our state parks for
Alaska's disabled Vets, you are enabling them to take
more time to be outdoors and enjoy the Alaska they
have chosen to live and grow old in.
Thank you. I am free to answer any questions.
(Captain Bob Pawlowski, NOAA (Ret) has been active in
military and veteran issues since moving permanently
to Alaska. He remains active with the Military
Officers Association of America, the Navy League of
the United States, and most recently on the AARP
Alaska Veteran Program. He lives in Anchorage with his
wife Paula.)
4:27:49 PM
PHILLIP HOKENSON, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska,
Testified in support of SB 30. He paraphrased the following
letter of support.
[Original punctuation included.]
Senator Giessel, members of the Committee:
I'm grateful for the opportunity to voice support for
SB 30, State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans. My
name is Phil Hokenson and I'm an Army veteran from
Fairbanks. I serve as the Chair of the Alaska
Veterans Advisory Council and a member Alaska Pioneer
Home Advisory Board.
Alaska is often heralded for being home to the highest
per capita population of Veteranswe also have the
youngest veteran population and the highest percentage
of women veterans. But why do so many veterans choose
to relocate to or stay in Alaska once they hang up
their uniform? One reason is that this state is among
the best in the country at supporting our veterans and
acknowledging the value that military veterans bring
to our communities. And that's not only through
education dollars at the University of Alaska or
healthcare dollars through the VA's community care
program or the dollars that military retirees and
disabled veterans spend in our economy, we also
recognize the value they bring as citizens who have
stood up on behalf of their country and who often
continue to serve in many different ways.
While Alaska is a national leader in supporting
veterans in many ways, one place we fall short of a
standard that was set by the National Defense
Authorization Act of 2022 is in providing veterans
with expanded access to the state's parks. That
[National Defense Authorization Act] (NDAA)
established free, lifetime access to national parks
for all military veterans. With SB 30, we have the
opportunity to bring the state closer to that
benchmark by offering free, lifetime state park
permits to disabled veterans.
Providing disabled veterans with this access not only
honors their service but also supports their well-
being by offering them a greater opportunity to enjoy
the pristine wilderness of the Last Frontier and
connect with the land they defended on our behalf. I
urge you to pass SB 30 to continue strengthening
Alaska's reputation as a state that values and
supports our veterans to the utmost.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
4:31:02 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL concluded invited testimony on SB 30.
4:31:34 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL held SB 30 in committee.
4:31:48 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN thanked the committee for hearing SB 30 and
considering the opportunity to honor disabled veterans by
providing them with free parking passes to the state parks and
to smooth the renewal process. He advocated for continuing the
current [camping] sticker system and advocated for a second
sticker to be issued for parking. He reiterated his openness to
ideas for SB 30.
4:32:40 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL anticipated the provision of a definition and
documentation for "disabled" by DNR.
4:33:34 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Giessel adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 4:33 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 30 Ver A Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 Ver I Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 ver A.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 Ver I Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 Summary of Changes Ver A to I.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 Ver A Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB30 ver I.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 30 Written Testimony.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 30 |
| SB 29 Sponsor Statement Version A.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 29 |
| SB 29 Version A.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 29 |
| SB 29 BGCSB Audit 06.22.23.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 29 |
| SB 29 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
SRES 2/3/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 29 |