HR005
Resolve: HR005
Year: 89
Source Bill: HR8
Source Root: HR0008
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 005
Relating to support for public transportation in Alaska, for the Rural Transportation Equity Act of 1989, and opposition to reduction of the Urban Mass Transit Administration's 1990 budget proposal.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS in addition to the transit system found in Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, most of the medium size cities and many rural communities have bus and van lines supported only by state and local resources; and
WHEREAS there is a substantial imbalance in the funding authorized by the Congress for transportation services in urban and rural areas; and
WHEREAS under present law, communities with populations under 50,000 receive less than three percent of the transit funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS the Congress should be concerned about public transportation generally and not only urban transportation; and
WHEREAS in 1989 the Congress offered only $66,200,000 in mass transit funds to rural America while making more than $168,000,000 available to Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS legislation has been introduced in the Congress that would double the share of Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) Section 18 grants for the construction and operation of public transit systems in communities of fewer than 50,000 people; and
WHEREAS the legislation would also establish a state-administered block grant program for rural areas and small cities and seek federal subsidies for "essential bus service" on otherwise unprofitable bus routes; and
WHEREAS a doubling of the funds available would still not represent equity to the rural areas because that doubling would involve only six percent of amounts available under UMTA's formula grant budget; and
WHEREAS the Administration has proposed a 50 percent reduction in UMTA's 1990 budget proposal;
BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives supports the Rural Transportation Equity Act of 1989 and the concept that equity requires the rural areas of the Nation to receive a proportionate amount of the funds made available by the Congress for public transportation; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives opposes the Administration's proposal to decrease the amounts available for public transportation.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Jim Wright, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
HR006
Resolve: HR006
Year: 89
Source Bill: HR10
Source Root: HR0010
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 006
Relating to a Liability Insurance Task Force.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS the state and its political subdivisions, as well as many individuals in the private sector are faced with increasing insurance costs; and
WHEREAS tort reform involves civil procedure statutes, insurance statutes, case law developed by the courts over several centuries, many common-law doctrines, and practices of both the insurance industry and attorneys in the state; and
WHEREAS a comprehensive review of existing statutes, case law, insurance and legal practices, and the relationship between the cost of insurance and the civil justice system is needed in order to determine how the state may more effectively regulate insurance and provide civil justice;
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a Liability Insurance Task Force is established to study state statutes, case law, practices of the insurance and legal fields, and the relationship between insurance costs and civil justice; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall recommend to the legislature any changes to the statutes appropriate and necessary for reducing insurance costs and improving civil justice; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the chairs of the House Judiciary Committee, Labor and Commerce Committee, and Health, Education and Social Services Committee shall be members of the task force, and that the speaker of the house shall appoint as members of the task force an appropriate number of members of the House majority and minority, and an appropriate number of persons who are involved in tort reform issues, or who are involved in insurance or civil justice; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the task force members shall begin July 1, 1989, and that the task force shall terminate January 31, 1990; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a report of its findings and proposed legislation to the legislature by January 31, 1990; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the administrative and legal services of the Legislative Affairs Agency shall be made available to the task force.
HR007
Resolve: HR007
Year: 89
Source Bill: HR11
Source Root: HR0011
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 007
Relating to emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS the recent oil spill disaster caused by the Exxon Valdez tanker accident is of great concern to the citizens of the state as well as the Alaska State House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS serious environmental damage has been done to the fishery resources in the areas affected by the oil spill; and
WHEREAS emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation could be taken to mitigate the damage to these resources;
BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives encourages Exxon Corporation to provide direct funding to the state, local aquaculture associations, or local governments for emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, President Pro Tem of the United States Senate; the Honorable Jim Wright, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Manuel Lujan, Secretary of the Interior; Samuel K. Skinner, Secretary of Transportation; Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr., Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Robert E. Kallman, Director, Minerals Management Service; the Honorable Dennis D. Kelso, Commissioner of Environmental Conservation; the Honorable Don W. Collinsworth, Commissioner of Fish and Game; the Honorable Lennie Boston-Gorsuch, Commissioner of Natural Resources; Laurence Rawl, Chair of the Board of Directors of Exxon Corporation; the mayors of the communities of Valdez, Cordova, Tatitlik, Chenega, the Kenai Borough, and the Kodiak Borough; Howard Weaver, the managing editor of the Anchorage Daily News; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
HR008
Resolve: HR008
Year: 90
Source Bill: HR14AM
Source Root: HR0014
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 008
Denouncing plea negotiations between the federal government and Exxon Corporation.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS the State of Alaska, its resources, and its citizens have incurred substantial damages and costs because of the March 24, 1989, EXXON VALDEZ oil spill; and
WHEREAS it has been the policy of the state to pursue a vigorous effort to recover full, fair, and just compensation for the damages and costs incurred by the state, its resources, and its citizens; and
WHEREAS the state has, in the past, received repeated assurances from the federal government that it will also pursue oil spill compensation vigorously and in full cooperation with the state; and
WHEREAS federal officials have confirmed that the federal government is negotiating with the Exxon Corporation to resolve pending criminal charges related to the oil spill through a plea agreement; and
WHEREAS it appears that as a result of the proposed plea agreement the ability of the federal government to pursue a full recovery of oil spill costs and damages will be substantially restricted; and
WHEREAS, according to the state attorney general, the federal government has demanded that the state agree to be bound by the terms of the plea agreement and the state has refused; and
WHEREAS, according to the state attorney general, federal officials have stated that, in light of the state's refusal to accede to federal demands to be bound by the plea agreement, it will no longer cooperate with the state in pursuing a full, fair, and just recovery for the oil spill damages and costs;
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that on behalf of the people of the State of Alaska, we call upon the federal government to renounce its proposed pact with the Exxon Corporation and to reaffirm its intent to fully cooperate with the state in pursuit of a full, fair, and just recovery for the damages done to the people and the state's resources by the EXXON VALDEZ oil spill.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Richard L. Thornburgh, Attorney General of the United States; Edward S. G. Dennis, Jr., Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, U. S. Department of Justice; Richard B. Stewart, Assistant Attorney General, Land and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
HR009
Resolve: HR009
Year: 90
Source Bill: HR13AM
Source Root: HR0013
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 009
Relating to a ban on smoking and use of alcohol in the chambers and committee rooms of the House of Representatives.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS the Surgeon General of the United States has reported that smoking is hazardous to human health; and
WHEREAS many studies show that tobacco smoke can also be harmful to nonsmokers in the immediate area of smokers; and
WHEREAS the state has shown its concern for limiting tobacco use by minors by prohibiting minors from buying tobacco products and prohibiting persons from selling or giving tobacco products to minors; and
WHEREAS legislators should be role models for the youth of the state and further encourage them not to smoke by personal example; and
WHEREAS current state law declares that smoking in any form is a nuisance and a public health hazard that is prohibited in the House chambers and rooms where public meetings are held except where designated by the House Rules Committee;
BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives respectfully requests the House Rules Committee to
(1) ban all smoking and use of alcohol in the House chambers and House committee rooms when public meetings are in progress;
(2) accommodate the needs of legislators and other persons who are smokers in other suitable ways as determined by the Rules Committee.
HR010
Resolve: HR010
Year: 90
Source Bill: HR16AM
Source Root: HR0016
HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 010
Requesting the Alaska Supreme Court to extend the stay in McDowell v. State.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
WHEREAS the legislature has been called into special session in an effort to resolve the subsistence priority crisis facing the state as a result of the decision in McDowell v. State, 785 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1989), and the legislature remains in session struggling with this difficult issue;
BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives respectfully requests the Alaska Supreme Court to extend the order staying the effect of its decision in McDowell v. State, 785 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1989), until the legislature completes its work on the subsistence priority issue and adjourns from the special session, and, if a measure is adopted, for at least five additional working days to enable the governor and the United States Department of the Interior to determine whether the legislation is consistent with the subsistence priority in 16 U.S.C. 3112 - 3115.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Warren W. Matthews, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court.
LR001
Resolve: LR001
Year: 89
Source Bill: CSSJR13(RES)
Source Root: SJR013
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 001
Requesting the Pacific Salmon Commission to increase Alaska's chinook salmon quota.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS chinook salmon fisheries were placed under a quota in 1985 by the Pacific Salmon Commission to rebuild depressed chinook salmon stocks coastwide by 1998; and
WHEREAS chinook salmon stocks subject to the quota in Southeast Alaska, for which Alaska shares management responsibility, are responding far better than anticipated at this early date; in 1982, eight percent of the indicator chinook salmon stocks met the established escapement goals, while in 1987 that number increased to 42 percent, and from 1982 to 1987 79 percent of all indicator chinook salmon stocks have shown increases in escapement; and
WHEREAS the abundance of chinook salmon in Southeast Alaska waters has significantly exceeded the population-rebuilding projections of the United States-Canada Salmon Treaty, as evidenced by the increase in the daily catch rate during the 1988 season to 108 percent above the daily catch rate during the 1986 season; and
WHEREAS many economic sectors in Southeast Alaska have suffered substantial economic declines under chinook salmon harvest quotas; and
WHEREAS the Southeast Alaska summer chinook salmon troll season has been reduced from 169 days in 1979 to only 12 in 1988; and
WHEREAS longer seasons benefit the Southeast Alaska fishing industry by ensuring higher quality fish products and greater market availability; and
WHEREAS processors are losing markets for chinook salmon and are unable to fill orders due to such short fishing seasons; and
WHEREAS the shortened season results in area closures for chinook salmon fisheries and in disastrous economic effects on specific Southeast Alaska communities; and
WHEREAS treaty agreements have shortened the Southeast Alaska troll season so much that Alaskan hatchery fish cannot be harvested at the rate anticipated; and
WHEREAS due to increased chinook salmon harvests in fisheries not subject to a harvest quota and increased federal hatchery production of chinook salmon the fishermen of Canada, Washington, and Oregon have enjoyed increased harvests above treaty expectations in some of the fisheries harvesting the same chinook salmon stocks taken in Alaska; however, there has not been any increase in the chinook salmon quota in Alaska; and
WHEREAS the Southeast Alaska summer chinook salmon troll season was initially reduced by the state in 1980 prior to treaty implementation so that Alaska has contributed disproportionately more to the coastwide rebuilding program; and
WHEREAS a fair increase in the Southeast Alaska chinook salmon harvest quota can be allowed in order to lengthen the chinook salmon fishing season and soften the adverse socio-economic effects without jeopardizing the 1998 goal for the natural stock rebuilding program by focusing on stocks that are rebuilding faster than anticipated, including hatchery stocks, thus allowing benefits of the rebuilding program to be taken now;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the United States section of the Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission to work, at its February 1989 meeting, to substantially increase the chinook salmon quota for Alaska in order to allow Alaska to share in the increased abundance and harvest of chinook salmon.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to Don W. Collinsworth, David A. Colson, John R. Donaldson, and S. Timothy Wapato, Commissioners, Pacific Salmon Commission.
LR002
Resolve: LR002
Year: 89
Source Bill: CSHCR9(FIN)
Source Root: HCR009
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 002
Relating to Alliance Bank.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the concentration of commercial banks in the state has been affected during the past two years by the closing of six banks; and
WHEREAS the legislature wants to ensure that a viable and competitive banking system exists throughout the state; and
WHEREAS at the beginning of 1987, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation determined that public policy considerations in the state required the financial restructuring of what are now known as the Alliance Bancorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary Alliance Bank; and
WHEREAS these public policy considerations are still present in the banking market and have become more acute due to the subsequent closing of other commercial banks in the state; and
WHEREAS further closure of banks in the state would have a negative effect on the already ailing state economy and would slow its recovery; and
WHEREAS Alliance Bank provides a unique service in the state because it operates an extensive network of branches in the rural and southeast parts of the state; in several locations served by Alliance Bank, there is only one other bank, and the next closest competitor is hundreds of miles away; and
WHEREAS if Alliance Bank were closed, most consumers north of the Yukon River would be forced to travel long distances to find another bank; and
WHEREAS there has been vocal community support in rural Alaska for Alliance Bank, and there have been requests for Alliance Bank to service additional rural communities; and
WHEREAS Alliance Bank, in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, handles over 50 percent of the outstanding loans for rural borrowers of the state; and
WHEREAS Alliance Bank has been, and continues to be, the premier provider of mortgage servicing in the state and is servicing over $1,500,000,000 worth of loans; the failure of Alliance Bank would severely disrupt the servicing of these loans and would cause additional financial strain on government agency loans, including loans from the state Department of Community and Regional Affairs, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, the public employees' retirement system (AS 39.35), and the teachers' retirement system (AS 14.25); and
WHEREAS throughout the liquidation process Alliance Bank has made a significant effort to support real estate values for bank-owned real estate, and this has helped improve the economic climate in the state; and
WHEREAS the failure of Alliance Bank would further delay the economic recovery of the state, and the closure of the bank would result in a loss of jobs for the 460 employees of Alliance Bank and an annual loss of $20,000,000 in wages;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the Governor to support a stable and competitive banking environment in the state by working closely with Alliance Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to ensure that every reasonable approach is taken to continue the operation of the bank.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Willis Kirkpatrick, the Director of the Division of Banking, Securities, and Corporations of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development; to the Honorable L. William Seldman, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and to the Honorable Alan Greenspan, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR003
Resolve: LR003
Year: 89
Source Bill: SCR10
Source Root: SCR010
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 003
Relating to the promotion of Colonel Lars L. Johnson to major general in the Alaska National Guard.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS Colonel Lars L. Johnson was appointed the first adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and served in that position from August 1951 to August 1953; and
WHEREAS during his tenure as adjutant general, Colonel Johnson was the driving force in the establishment of the Alaska Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS as a result of the effort of Colonel Johnson, the Alaska Air National Guard was officially organized on September 15, 1952; and
WHEREAS following his tenure as adjutant general, Colonel Johnson continued to serve the Alaska National Guard as Chief of Staff of the Alaska Air National Guard from 1953 to 1955; and
WHEREAS Colonel Johnson retired as a colonel from the Alaska National Guard in June 1958; and
WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature, representing the people of the state including those Alaskans whose privilege it has been to serve in the Alaska National Guard, desires to recognize Colonel Johnson for the contributions he has made to the Alaska National Guard; and
WHEREAS the rank of major general is appropriate for a person who has filled the position of adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard; and
WHEREAS Colonel Lars L. Johnson is qualified to be promoted to the rank of major general;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Governor to appoint Colonel Lars L. Johnson as a major general in the Alaska National Guard.
LR004
Resolve: LR004
Year: 89
Source Bill: CSHCR5(RES)AM
Source Root: HCR005
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 004
Encouraging citizen participation in state-wide beach cleanup and anti-dumping efforts.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS lost and accidentally and purposely discarded plastic debris, including six-pack yokes, strapping bands, sheeting, packaging material, dunnage, bags, particles, pellets, fishing nets, fishing line, and related fishing gear, are annually killing at least an estimated 1,000,000 sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals, and untold numbers of sea turtles and fish by entanglement in the debris and ingestion of the debris; and
WHEREAS many of the fish and wildlife killed by the debris are resident wildlife of the state, and some of this wildlife are listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 - 1407), including the Steller's sea lion and the northern fur seal, or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 - 1543), including the humpback whale, bowhead whale, and Aleutian Canada goose; and
WHEREAS plastic debris is generally persistent, durable, and nondegradable, and may last for hundreds of years or longer; and
WHEREAS plastic debris deposited on the state's beaches by tidal action, wind, waves, storms, and similar occurrences may also entangle wildlife, and future storms and high tides may wash the plastic back into the sea where it will continue its lethal effect, possibly for hundreds of years; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the problems plastic debris causes to wildlife, garbage-strewn beaches are aesthetically unpleasant, discourage tourism, and are costly to clean, and floating plastics also foul boat propellers, block cooling intake vents, snag fishing equipment, entangle submarines, and endanger divers; and
WHEREAS effective December 31, 1988, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (33 U.S.C. 1901 - 1912) prohibits vessels from dumping plastics at sea and within the navigable waters of the state, although certain public vessels have five years in which to comply with this prohibition; and
WHEREAS enforcement by the United States Coast Guard of these anti-dumping provisions will be difficult, especially since the Coast Guard faces expanding responsibilities and a shrinking budget; and
WHEREAS the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 contains a provision allowing an informant, in the discretion of the court, to receive up to one-half of the penalty assessed against a violator of the Act;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature strongly encourages all residents of the state to participate in Coastweeks '89, a national beach cleanup effort involving many public and private groups concerned about the environment, by taking part in a May 1989 beach cleanup along the 36,000 miles of the state's accessible shoreline; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages those citizens who witness possible violations of the plastics anti-dumping law to contact the Port Operations Department of their local United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Office and, where possible, to provide the Coast Guard with as much of the following information as possible about the occurrence: date, time, location, witnesses' names, ship or vessel's name and number, photographs, and a sample of the discarded plastic.
LR005
Resolve: LR005
Year: 89
Source Bill: SCR17
Source Root: SCR017
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 005
Supporting the development of Hatcher Pass Ski Area.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the state has made a commitment to the development of the tourism industry in Alaska; and
WHEREAS the Hatcher Pass area of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has long been considered a premium location for an international class alpine ski area; and
WHEREAS the potential exists for Hatcher Pass to become an international destination resort with recreational, residential, and commercial facilities; and
WHEREAS several Olympic ski teams have travelled to the Hatcher Pass area to train for the Olympics; and
WHEREAS the Hatcher Pass Management Plan developed by the Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with a citizen advisory committee, recognizes the superb potential for recreational and ski area development; and
WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan entered into a 55-year lease agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for future development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and
WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has prepared a draft Conceptual Development Plan to introduce the citizens of Alaska to the company's ideas for development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and
WHEREAS the Conceptual Development Plan has been submitted for approval to the Department of Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has encouraged and solicited public comment on this draft plan;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the commitment of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to the development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is respectfully requested to encourage the Department of Natural Resources to approve the Conceptual Development Plan for the development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area.
LR006
Resolve: LR006
Year: 89
Source Bill: HJR21
Source Root: HJR021
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 006
Disapproving the Local Boundary Commission recommendation for annexation of territory to the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS, under art. X, sec. 12, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Local Boundary Commission has presented to the legislature its recommendation dated January 18, 1989, entitled "Annexation to the Fairbanks North Star Borough"; and
WHEREAS a recommendation of the Local Boundary Commission presented to the legislature becomes effective 45 days after presentation or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier, unless disapproved by a resolution concurred in by the majority of the members of each house;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the recommendation of the Local Boundary Commission dated January 18, 1989, and entitled "Annexation to the Fairbanks North Star Borough" is disapproved.
LR007
Resolve: LR007
Year: 89
Source Bill: SCR16
Source Root: SCR016
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 007
Commemorating the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the Great Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964, was one of the greatest catastrophic natural events of this century; and
WHEREAS the damages suffered by individuals and communities from the earthquake and resulting tsunami were extensive in many parts of the state as well as along the north Pacific coast; and
WHEREAS the people throughout the state and throughout the nation provided substantial emotional and financial support to those who suffered losses from the earthquake; and
WHEREAS local, state, and federal public officials responded immediately with assistance and support; and
WHEREAS private sector individuals and businesses responded to this tragedy with unstinting generosity; and
WHEREAS there were many known and unknown individual incidents of courage and sacrifice by a loving and caring people in response to conditions created by the earthquake; and
WHEREAS the devastating consequences and efforts of recovery afterwards provided many lessons; and
WHEREAS the importance of these lessons should not be forgotten but must be used to develop a safer human environment; and
WHEREAS 1989 marks the 25th anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature designates 1989 as the "Year of Earthquake Remembrance"; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the Governor's designation of March 1989 as "Earthquake Awareness Month"; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that these designated time periods should be observed appropriately by the citizens of the state.
LR008
Resolve: LR008
Year: 89
Source Bill: SCR23
Source Root: SCR023
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 008
Relating to a Health Care Cost Containment Task Force.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the state is experiencing rapidly increasing costs for group health insurance coverage; and
WHEREAS providing comprehensive group health care at a reasonable cost to state employees is an important concern of the state; and
WHEREAS a complete review of the costs of providing group health care insurance is necessary in order to contain or reduce the cost to the state in an era of declining revenues; and
WHEREAS after reviewing applicable statutes, and practices of the insurance industry, legislation may be necessary to implement long-range methods to contain or reduce the cost of group health insurance for the state and its political subdivisions;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that a Health Care Cost Containment Task Force is established to study state statutes, practices of health insurers, and to determine ways of containing or reducing the cost of group health insurance to the state and its political subdivisions; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall first determine and recommend immediate measures necessary to contain or reduce group health care costs in fiscal years 1989 and 1990; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force will also determine any changes to the statutes appropriate and necessary to contain or reduce group health care costs in the long term; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that members of the task force shall consist of two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, three members representing the executive branch, appointed by the Governor, three members representing unions; one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one appointed by the Governor; the members of the task force shall select a person to act as chair; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the task force members shall begin immediately, that the task force may meet between sessions of the legislature, and that the task force terminates on January 31, 1990; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a report of its findings and proposed legislation to the Governor and the Legislature by January 31, 1990.
LR009
Resolve: LR009
Year: 89
Source Bill: CSSCR22(TRSP)
Source Root: SCR022
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 009
Relating to Project '92.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS Project '92 will be an international celebration in 1992 of the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway by the United States, Canada, and Alaska; and
WHEREAS Project '92 is being promoted as a year long celebration with a dynamic program of events to commemorate the building and use of the Alaska Highway; and
WHEREAS Project '92 offers an unparalleled opportunity to promote a clear and positive image of highway travel to Alaska with emphasis on the unique cultural, scenic, and historical values to be experienced en route; and
WHEREAS Project '92 will bring thousands of additional visitors to Alaska who will have participated in the celebration throughout the Canadian portion of the highway; and
WHEREAS a continuation of the Project '92 celebration along the Alaska portion of the highway with special recognition for visitors at the terminus will greatly benefit the state; and
WHEREAS Project '92 will be the inaugural celebration in Alaska's "Gold Rush Decade Of The '90's"; and
WHEREAS Canada continues to demonstrate a very cooperative relationship with Alaska and promote the state's portion of the highway as the official destination in Project '92;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the efforts of the Great Alaska Highway Society, a nonprofit corporation that has organized to promote Project '92; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to participate in, support, and to the extent possible, promote the celebration of Project '92 on the various Alaska Highway routes and the Alaska marine highway system; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature pledges to assist the Office of the Governor and the Canadian delegation in this unprecedented opportunity to promote the most unique highway in North America.
LR010
Resolve: LR010
Year: 89
Source Bill: HCSCSSJR6(RES)
Source Root: SJR006
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 010
Relating to the interception of Alaska salmon and steelhead on the high seas.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS most salmon and steelhead harvested on the high seas originate in the United States, the Soviet Union, or Canada; and
WHEREAS salmon and steelhead are among Alaska's most important natural resources and are a vital part of the commercial and sport fishing industries of the entire western coast of the United States that contribute billions of dollars to the national economy each year; and
WHEREAS Alaska salmon and steelhead are fully utilized in domestic fisheries, constitute the primary economic base of many coastal and river communities in the state, are a principal component of the subsistence economy of most villages in the state, and play a key role in the state's developing tourist industry; and
WHEREAS high seas harvests of Alaska salmon defeat the state's careful management program for salmon and the rebuilding program for wild stocks and deprive the state of an economic return on its investment in the fishing industry; and
WHEREAS some western Alaska salmon stocks are so severely depressed that special conservation measures have been required, including the elimination or severe reduction of certain directed commercial salmon fisheries on the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Tanana Rivers, and possible additional restrictions on subsistence fisheries may be required; the Yukon-Kuskokwim region in western Alaska is one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the United States, where commercial fishing is the single most important source of cash income, yet produces an average of less than $7,000 per fisherman per year; and
WHEREAS Bristol Bay has the largest sockeye salmon run in the world, but still has significant conservation and management problems facing the fishery; sockeye salmon is of such economic importance that even a small percent of loss due to high seas fishing would devastate the local economy; and
WHEREAS Kodiak is the second largest seafood port in the United States and has been traditionally dependent on fishing, particularly salmon fishing, and salmon fishing in Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula form the economic base for the communities of Southwest Alaska; and
WHEREAS the recent poor strength of salmon runs in Southeast Alaska, including pink salmon returns that were 66 percent below forecasts, has caused severe economic hardship for the salmon fleet of Southeast Alaska and may be attributable to high seas drift net harvests; and WHEREAS salmon is a vital part of the economy of the Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound regions; the forecasted runs for pink salmon in Prince William Sound were 22,370,000 fish, but only 13,500,000 fish actually returned; and uncontrolled harvests of salmon on the high seas create conservation and management concerns and threaten the economic well-being of the commercial, sport, subsistence, and personal use fisheries in the Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound regions; and
WHEREAS poor salmon runs in Alaska in 1988, the increased incidence of net marked salmon and steelhead, and recent reports of large quantities of illegally harvested salmon being sold in Europe and Asia have heightened public concern over high seas interception of salmon and steelhead; and
WHEREAS the illegal harvest and sale of American salmon by foreign fishing fleets are undercutting international sales of salmon harvested by American fishermen and sold by American processors and are having significant adverse economic and social effects on the residents of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California; and
WHEREAS it is estimated that the Japanese land-based and mothership fisheries alone could still be intercepting as many as 2,000,000 Alaska salmon each year; and
WHEREAS there has not been international monitoring of squid fleets on the high seas or enforcement of the prohibition against harvest of anadromous species on the high seas; and
WHEREAS the Japanese, Taiwanese, and South Korean squid fleets now total more than 700 vessels, trail more than 10,000 miles of gill net that is just the right size to capture immature salmon on the high seas, and are virtually unregulated and unmonitored; and
WHEREAS tens of thousands of marine mammals and hundreds of thousands of sea birds die in these gill nets each year; and
WHEREAS Japan has asked the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission to expand Japan's legal salmon fishing areas in the North Pacific Ocean and convert Japan's mothership fleet on the high seas to a land- based fleet and has informed the United States that Japan intends to extend the fishing areas of the Japanese squid fleet farther north; and
WHEREAS Japan has been denied permission to fish within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone as a result of a federal court decision that held that the United States Department of Commerce did not have the authority to issue permits allowing the incidental take of depleted marine mammals; and
WHEREAS the United States and the Soviet Union have recently signed a comprehensive fisheries agreement that calls for joint cooperation in conserving the salmon resources of both nations and have recognized that the harvest of salmon on the high seas is wasteful and irrational and that salmon should be harvested only within a nation's 200-mile exclusive economic zone; and
WHEREAS the Soviet Union has said that elimination of the interception of its salmon by foreign fishermen is one of its top priorities; and
WHEREAS customary international law generally prohibits nations from harvesting anadromous species on the high seas; and
WHEREAS the harvest of nonanadromous species can be accomplished without the harvest of anadromous species, and the cessation of high seas interception of salmon and steelhead stocks can be accomplished without causing economic dislocation; and
WHEREAS customary international law recognizes that all nations have a duty to cooperate in conserving fish stocks on the high seas, including salmon and steelhead stocks; and
WHEREAS the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, that regulates fisheries in the United States' 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, is due for reauthorization by the Congress in 1989; and
WHEREAS the Congress will be holding oversight hearings on the Driftnet Impact Monitoring, Assessment, and Control Act of 1987 that required negotiations with the governments of South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan for the purpose of curbing illegal and unregulated squid fishing operations; and
WHEREAS current United States enforcement activities and observer coverage in both the salmon and squid fisheries are minimal due to serious budget cuts by the Congress; and
WHEREAS the most effective long-term solution for protection of American salmon and steelhead stocks on the high seas is the elimination of high seas fishing for these stocks;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the American section of the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission to oppose expansion of the Japanese salmon fishing areas and to oppose Japan's proposal to convert its mothership fleet on the high seas to a land-based fleet unless certain conditions are met, including, but not limited to, an agreement to cease all high seas directed and incidental salmon fishing by 1992, to allow observers to be present on vessels of the squid fleet and the proposed and existing land-based fleets with at least 50 percent vessel coverage in each such fleet in order to collect scientifically valid data, and to take all steps necessary to cease the direct and incidental take of marine mammals and seabirds; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress not to allow the Japanese to fish for salmon and steelhead within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the United States Department of State to immediately begin negotiating a joint enforcement agreement, that provides for cooperative monitoring of the high seas squid drift net fisheries and for cooperative enforcement of laws and agreements, with the Soviet Union and other cooperating countries in order to prevent illegal fishing and retention of salmon and steelhead in the North Pacific Ocean; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the United States Department of State to begin negotiating with all salmon producing countries for an international treaty that would ban all high seas salmon fishing; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to amend the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 - 1882) to ensure that United States jurisdiction over American anadromous species on the high seas will be effectively enforced to stop interception of salmon and steelhead on the high seas; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the United States Department of State and the Congress to take whatever actions are necessary to control the illegal and unregulated fishing activities of the South Korean, Taiwanese, and Japanese squid fleets; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to expand the Pelly Amendment to
(1) provide for sanctions against foreign nations whose fishermen intercept anadromous species on the high seas or who refuse to cooperate with the United States in developing and enforcing international fishing regulations to prevent interception of anadromous species on the high seas; and
(2) include in the sanctions against those nations embargoes on fisheries and other products imported from those nations; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Congress to provide continued funding for the United States high seas observer program and other salmon research programs and to specifically earmark appropriations for enforcement of high seas conservation agreements by the United States Coast Guard.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable James A. Baker, III, U. S. Secretary of State; the Honorable Edward E. Wolfe, Ambassador for Fisheries and the Ocean, U. S. Department of State; the Honorable Robert A. Mosbacher, U. S. Secretary of Commerce; the Honorable William E. Evans, Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; the Honorable George J. Mitchell, U. S. Senate Majority Leader; the Honorable Jim Wright, Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Clem Tillion, Chairman of the American Section, International North Pacific Fisheries Commission; the Honorable George Deukmejian, Governor of the State of California; the Honorable Leo T. McCarthy, President of the Senate of the State of California; the Honorable Willie Lewis Brown, Jr., Speaker of the Assembly of the State of California; the Honorable Cecil D. Andrus, Governor of the State of Idaho; the Honorable C.L. Otter, President of the Senate of the State of Idaho; the Honorable Tom Boyd, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Idaho; the Honorable Neil Goldschmidt, Governor of the State of Oregon; the Honorable John Kitzhaber, President of the Senate of the State of Oregon; the Honorable Vera Katz, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Oregon; the Honorable Booth Gardner, Governor of the State of Washington; the Honorable Joel Pritchard, President of the Senate of the State of Washington; the Honorable Joseph E. King, Speaker of the House of Representative of the State of Washington; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
LR011
Resolve: LR011
Year: 89
Source Bill: HCR25AM
Source Root: HCR025
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 011
Suspending Uniform Rules 41(b), 24(c), and 35 of the Alaska State Legislature concerning Senate Bill No. 62.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: That under Rule 54 of the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature the provisions of Rule 41(b), Rule 24(c), and Rule 35 of the Uniform Rules, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of Senate Bill No. 62, relating to a one percent salmon enhancement tax. The new title will be: "An Act relating to the salmon enhancement tax; and providing for an effective date."
LR012
Resolve: LR012
Year: 89
Source Bill: HCR21
Source Root: HCR021
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 012
Relating to the twenty-third annual Boys' State.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the twenty-third annual Boys' State will be held June 7 - 16, 1989, at Camp Carrol on Fort Richardson under the sponsorship of the American Legion and cooperating organizations; and
WHEREAS this fine annual program is dedicated to increasing the delegates' awareness of their future roles in state and local government as well as promoting interest and knowledge about the operation of our system of government; and
WHEREAS it is only through an admirable combination of volunteer effort and the enterprising talents of generous individuals who do not receive government or taxpayer monetary support that this week-long youth citizenship exercise known as Boys' State takes place; and
WHEREAS the legislature would like to encourage state and local legislators and other public officials and agencies to volunteer their services and to provide copies of state publications and materials related to the program;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature applauds the sponsors of and participants in the twenty-third annual Boys' State program; commends to the attention of government officials and agencies and private individuals and organizations the opportunity to support and participate in this exercise in youth citizenship; and promises to continue to provide legislative materials, advice, and encouragement to the Boys' State program as it does to similar worthy civic efforts.
LR013
Resolve: LR013
Year: 89
Source Bill: HCR22
Source Root: HCR022
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 013
Relating to the twenty-first annual Girls' State.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the twenty-first annual Girls' State will be held June 4 - 11, 1989, at the University of Alaska, Interior/Western, in Fairbanks under the sponsorship of the American Legion Auxiliary and cooperating organizations; and
WHEREAS this outstanding annual program of the American Legion Auxiliary ranks high among the efforts of several Alaska organizations to bring to the youth delegates an awareness of their future roles in state and local government; and
WHEREAS this week-long youth citizen exercise of Girls' State is made possible by an admirable combination of volunteer service and the free enterprise of generous people and organizations without placing a financial burden on government or on the taxpayer; and
WHEREAS it is consistent with these standards for the legislature to encourage state and local legislators and other public officials and agencies to volunteer their services and provide copies of state publications and materials that form an important part of the program;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature salutes the sponsors of and participants in the twenty-first annual Girls' State program; commends those government officials and agencies and private individuals and organizations who support and participate in this exercise in youth citizenship; and pledges to continue to provide legislative materials, advice, and encouragement to the Girls' State program as it does to similar worthy civic efforts.
LR014
Resolve: LR014
Year: 89
Source Bill: HCSSJR32(F.T.)
Source Root: SJR032
LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 014
Relating to a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Russian discovery of Alaska.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
WHEREAS the year 1991 marks the 250th anniversary of the European discovery of Alaska by an expedition commanded by Vitus Bering; and
WHEREAS the first documented landing of a European on Alaska soil took place at Kayak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, 65 miles southeast of Cordova; and
WHEREAS the first documented European to set foot on Alaska soil was the naturalist, Georg Wilhelm Steller; and
WHEREAS this event, undertaken through sponsorship by the Russian government, stands as one of the earliest episodes in Alaska's recorded history; and
WHEREAS the Bering Expedition Landing Site is on the National Register of Historic Places and is classified as a National Historic Landmark; and
WHEREAS the State of Alaska recognizes its Russian heritage and wishes to build on the foundation of understanding brought about by the recent interchanges between Alaska residents, Alaska's indigenous peoples, and its Soviet neighbors and to promote cooperative exchanges in the areas of trade, tourism, and traditional culture; and
WHEREAS the goodwill and cultural and historical exchanges that may take place in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Russian landing in Alaska will help build strong Alaska-Soviet ties;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor is encouraged to develop a bilateral celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Russian discovery of Alaska with Governor Kobets of Magadan, Soviet Union; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the celebration will take place in 1991 to commemorate the first Russian landing in Alaska at Kayak Island.
COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Nikolai Ivanoich Kashtikan, First Secretary, Chukotka District Communist Party, Soviet Union; Honorable Vyacheslav I. Kobets, Governor of Magadan Territory, Soviet Union; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
