Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo staff for all of your daily support and efforts as we serve our great state of Hawaii.
• Our educators deserve better, and the people of Hawaii deserve a Department of Education that leads with
• </c><00:07:32.720><c> Hawaii</c><00:07:33.360><c> deserve</c> better and the people of Hawaii deserve
• better and the people of Hawaii deserve a<00:07:33.919><c> department</c><00:07:34.240><c> of</c><00
• of acknowledging one of the Department of Health<00:08:04.960><c> employees</c><00:08:05.520><c> who

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:25.439><c> day</c><00:01:25.680><c> and</c> journal of the preceding day and journal of the
• ><c> her</c><00:02:02.399><c> family</c> she's also co-owner of her family she's also co-owner of her
• And his mom, uh, it's her second time here in Hawaii. Tonight, they'll be visiting Hawaii Island.
• </c><00:02:50.239><c> Tonight,</c> second time here in Hawaii. Tonight, second time here in Hawaii.
• Governor's message number 694 withdraws a nomination to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. >>

Bills: SB2169, SB2263, SB2360, SB2359, SB2031, SB2796, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2120, SB2593, SB2751, SB2135, SB2024, SB2872, SB3179, SB2308, SB2392, SB2470, SB2398, SB2902, SB2841, SB2436, SB2806, SB2691, SB2824, SB2645, SB2384, SB2697, SB3153, SB3156, SB888, SB2423, SB2746

Keywords: business competitiveness, economic development, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, business climate, regulatory reform, permitting, economic ranking, state ranking, top 10 states, business climate improvement working group, business revitalization task force, CNBC America’s Top States for Business, Hawaii business climate, workforce development, infrastructure, cost of doing business, tax competitiveness, labor unions, private sector

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, Hawaii Rules of Penal Procedure Rule 40, by adding a sentence at page 21, line four, which states
• any petition shall be filed and determined in accordance with Rule 40 of the Hawaii Rules of Penal Procedure
• Next up is SB 2835 relating to liquor and counters in counties of fewer than 200,000 residents. add a
• </c><00:21:56.280><c> residents</c> SB 2835 relates to liquor and counters in counties of fewer than
• I'm sorry, it also increases the percentage of fines assessed by all county liquor commissions that may

Bills: SB888, SB2479, SB2489, SB2519, SB2521, SB2527, SB2575, SB2591, SB2611, SB2665, SB2667, SB2695, SB2697, SB2713, SB2730, SB2751, SB2765, SB2795, SB2797, SB2806, SB2812, SB2818, SB2835, SB2849, SB2851, SB2896, SB2922, SB2970, SB2972, SB2973

Keywords: SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things, IoT, privacy, data privacy, law enforcement access, police requests, search warrant, judicial warrant, subpoena, emergency disclosure

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a long list of Senate bills, mostly advancing them with either no amendments or committee amendments. Early measures included SB 888, which bars smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a warrant, and SB 2479, which allows certain defendants to seek reduced sentences based on family violence, dating violence, or child abuse history; both were adopted, with SB 2479 amended for technical and procedural changes. The committee also adopted SB 2489 on invasive species provisions in Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases, SB 2519 on Law Enforcement Standards Board deadlines, SB 2521 and SB 2527 on CDL-related exemptions and training/policies for emergency personnel, and SB 2575 on firearm-related mandatory minimum penalties, which was amended to clarify scope and set a far-future effective date. Several transportation and public safety bills were also approved. SB 2591 created a Waikiki refuse-collection pilot program; SB 2611 expanded criminal trespass rules for school premises to weekends and holidays, though one member raised concerns about use of school property as a park; SB 2665 required driver-license renewal applicants with recent citations to complete a road-safety course, later narrowed to moving violations only; SB 2667 restricted towing vehicles from far-left lanes; SB 2695 clarified crosswalk duties; SB 2697 prohibited driving on shoulders except in limited cases; and SB 2812 required driver testing on dangers posed by larger vehicles, with court-ordered timing for re-examination. Most of these measures passed unanimously or with one or more members recording no votes or reservations, but they were still adopted. The committee also advanced SB 2713 on restricting certain pesticide use near elderly care facilities, SB 2730 on warrantless arrest and detention factors for petty misdemeanors and violations, SB 2765 on condominium foreclosure rental income, SB 2795 on flag display rights in housing associations with health and safety carve-outs, SB 2797 on gift card fraud, SB 2806 on real estate listing restrictions, SB 2818 on boating and ocean recreation penalties, SB 2835 on liquor licensing and education funding, SB 2849 on public meeting notice requirements, SB 2851 on a deafness designation for vehicle registration, SB 2896 lowering the commercial driving age to 18, SB 2922 on cooperative association definitions, SB 2970 on state contracting conflicts involving relatives, SB 2972 on temporary Oahu spearing restrictions for certain fish, and SB 2973 on banning jug-line fishing. A few bills drew objections over breadth or penalties, especially the boating and fishing measures, but the committee still adopted the recommendations. SB 2751 on workers’ compensation prescription drug rules was deferred indefinitely, and the meeting ended with the chair noting upcoming joint and committee meetings for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> power on behalf of the people of Hawaii. power on behalf of the people of Hawaii. um<00:43:44.560
• </c><00:55:18.160><c> of</c><00:55:18.559><c> Hawaii</c> very brand new police chief of of Hawaii very
• of Hawaii at Manoa.
• And I also want to state that the testimony by our Hawaii County Police Chief, some of the concerns that
• And I also want to state that the testimony by our Hawaii County Police Chief, some of the concerns that

Bills: HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782

Keywords: HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Facility Maintenance, City and County of Honolulu.
• The city and county of of Honolulu.
• Um, I also sit on the Party of Hawaii.
• On behalf of ACLU of Hawaii, we support this measure.
• </c> ACLU of Hawaii, we support this measure. ACLU of Hawaii, we support this measure.

Bills: SB2363, SB2054, SB2057, SB2377, SB3322

Keywords: public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Hawaii who are hardworking taxpayers of Hawaii who are already<00:10:27.680><c> struggling</c><00
• In fact, um half of Hawaii families.
• </c> or the residents of their counties in. or the residents of their counties in.
• </c> the face to to the people of Hawaii. the face to to the people of Hawaii.
• conferences</c> people of Hawaii at press conferences people of Hawaii at press conferences and<01:42

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the members present, any voting with reservations or objections?
• Of the CPN members votes aye. Thank you.
• Of the members present, aye. Thank you.
• Remove the repeal of the ceiling and insert an expenditure ceiling of $1 million for the automated victim
• Recommendation is adopted. ceiling of $1 million for automated vic- ceiling of $1 million for automated

Bills: HB2583, HB1591, HB1749, HB2423

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii provides a lifeline for families and caregivers across the islands
• They're accompanied today by members of the board of directors, Carol, chief of staff, excuse me, Nick
• , the guidance of a thoughtful board of directors, and the support of members of a membership community
• , the guidance of a thoughtful board of directors and the support of members of a membership community
• He also awarded the Hawaii State Bar Association KI KI Award for outstanding provision of professional

Bills: SCR8, SR10, SCR90, SR85, SCR110, SR103, SCR54, SR52, SCR107, SR101, SCR178, SR173, SR76, SCR40, SR30, SCR145, SR137, SCR62, SCR95, SR90, SCR45, SR44, SCR119, SR112, SCR63, SR57, SCR21, SR18, SCR27, SR24, SCR75, SR69, SCR7, SR7, SCR149, SCR55, SR53, SCR180, SR175, SCR86, SR77, SCR59, SCR41, SR31, HB1678, HB1824, SCR177, SR172, SCR5, SCR85, SR75, SCR139, SR131, SCR146, SR138, SR84, SCR31, SR27, SCR46, SR45, SCR48, SR47, SCR9, SR11, SCR83, SR73, SCR20, SR17, SCR56, SR54, SCR87, SCR39, SR29, SCR142, SR134, SCR203, SR191, SCR200, SR188, SCR196, SR184, SCR194, SR183, SCR114, SR107, SCR166, SR157, SCR96, SR91, SCR172, SR163, SCR109, SR102, SCR50, SR49, SCR64, SR58, SCR184, SR165, SCR81, SR71, SCR19, SR16, SCR22, SR19, SCR32, SR28, SCR57, SR55, SCR58, SR56, SCR103, SR97, SCR159, SR150, SCR163, SR154, SCR169, SR160, SCR68, SR63, SCR105, SR99, SCR112, SR105, SCR198, SR186, SCR11, SR9, SCR132, SR124, SCR189, SR179, SCR26, SR23, SCR93, SR88, SCR117, SR110, SCR164, SR155, SCR165, SR156, SCR170, SR161, SCR168, SR159, SCR173, SCR197, SCR47, SR46, SCR94, SR89, SCR99, SR93, SCR100, SR94, SCR130, SR122, SCR78, SR82, SCR154, SR145, SCR195, SR192, SCR162, SR153, SCR201, SR189, SCR202, SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Hawaii Island hubs The the work of the Hawaii Island hubs have<00:16:52.800><c> been</c><00:16
• </c><00:30:37.919><c> of</c> supported by uh the city and county of supported by uh the city and county
• ; Well in each of the counties and haima &gt;&gt; Well in each of the counties and haima for<00:30:41.360
• /c> do we need the counties to kind of step do we need the counties to kind of step it<01:23:05.840><
• So doesn't get in front of the counties.

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• of the fish.
• So end in the belly of one of the fish.
• But it also would expand the LGBTQ community affirmations in the state of Hawaii.
• </c> for others that is an essential part of for others that is an essential part of Hawaii<00:37:12.160
• Um, in strong support because this bill will save lives and we protect the people of Hawaii.

Bills: HB2139, HB1892, HB1893, HB1890, HB2335, HB2468, HB2091, HB2092, HB1878, HB2297, HB2127, HB1785, HB2345, HB2344, HB1780, HB1891, HB2398, HB1764, HB2564, HB1783, HB2567, HB1934, HB1778, HB1781, HB2621, HB2019, HB1803, HB2454, HB1811, HB1943, HB1589, HB1607, HB1851, HB2490, HB2546, HB2568, HB1972, HB2391, HB2575, HB1896, HB2399, HB2004, HB1894, HB2397, HB2498, HB2560, HB2310, HB2214, HB2167, HB2197, HB2116, HB1879, HB1596, HB2096, HB2298, HB2343, HB2566, HB1518, HB2044, HB2336, HB1603, HB1718, HB1740, HB1616, HB2171, HB2022, HB2347, HB1882, HB1708, HB2086, HB2154, HB2027, HB2179, HB1620, HB1913, HB2159, HB1597, HB2121, HB1864, HB2305, HB2576, HB1713, HB1729, HB1756, HB2122, HB2559, HB1743, HB1733, HB1868, HB1723, HB1711, HB1812, HB2515, HB1724, HB1604, HB2270, HB1722, HB1727, HB1920, HB1593

Keywords: invasive species, Queensland longhorn beetle, agriculture, environmental impact, University of Hawaii, Board of Education, Hawaii public schools, teacher representative, nonvoting member, bargaining unit 5, HSTA, teachers union, education governance, school board, executive session, collective bargaining, public school teacher, policy-making body, student representative, military representative

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my pleasure to recognize Ashley Uhinui, the founder of Bake You a Smile Hawaii.
• Council, Hawaii chapter, and authorship of numerous publications circulated across our country.
• Council, Hawaii chapter, and authorship of numerous publications circulated across our country.
• Hawaii as liaison for Hawaii's sister state partner Goa and the Republic of India.
• Council, Hawaii chapter, and authorship of numerous publications circulated across our country.

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing

Transcript Highlights:

• the state legislature here in Hawaii are part of national organizations that allow us to collaborate
• the state legislature here in members of the state legislature here in Hawaii<00:03:16.879><c> are</
• c><00:03:17.280><c> part</c><00:03:17.440><c> of</c><00:03:17.760><c> national</c> Hawaii are part of
• national Hawaii are part of national organizations<00:03:19.280><c> that</c><00:03:19.599><c> allow<
• </c> belated one from all of us. Good health. belated one from all of us. Good health.

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c> The Hawaii Department of Education in The Hawaii Department of Education in person person
• > purposes</c><00:26:07.200><c> of</c> state to the county for the purposes of state to the county for
• of Hawaii on Zoom the Tax Foundation of Hawaii on Zoom with<00:30:47.200><c> comments</c><00:30:48.399
• </c> University of Hawaii in support on Zoom. University of Hawaii in support on Zoom.
• 35.280><c> Hawaii</c><01:00:35.599><c> Youth</c> uh testimony of the Hawaii Youth uh testimony of the

Bills: HB2116, HB1879, HB2214, HB2310, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB1596, HB2197, HB2498, HB2167

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Bills: SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, military families, family leave, qualifying military exigency