Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii statutes'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> Power</c> Nicholas Alm, Hawaii Ocean Power Nicholas Alm, Hawaii Ocean Power Solutions<00:29:27.760
  • </c> Nicholas Alm here representing Hawaii Nicholas Alm here representing Hawaii Ocean<00:29:34.400><
  • He has plans to put a Hawaii Sports Museum, Hawaii Music Hall of Fame there.
  • </c><00:37:22.359><c> Sports</c> He has plans to put a Hawaii Sports He has plans to put a Hawaii Sports
  • Hawaii Food Product Innovation Network.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills, with most measures drawing broad support and a few generating significant opposition or policy questions. SB 2908 SD1 and SB 2671 SD1 were taken up first; both appeared to have majority support, with SB 2908 receiving seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, and SB 2671 receiving five in support and two comments. SB 3085 SD2, related to film industry operations, drew 11 supporters and no opposition. Georgia Skinner explained that the bill would streamline the approval timeline for productions by reducing delays tied to Land Board review, and she said DLNR supported the effort. Committee members asked about the need for the change and the relationship between the film studio, DLNR, and the approval process. The committee then discussed SB 2907 SD1, which would create an Office of Marine Affairs. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, HTDC, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, ocean industry representatives, and others. The governor’s office supported the bill’s intent but objected to placing the office within the Office of the Governor, urging instead that it be housed at HTDC. HTDC said it was willing and excited to take on the work and described ongoing stakeholder engagement. Members asked about the rationale for the placement and the long-term structure of the office. SB 2353 SD2, concerning the Aloha Stadium district and billboard/naming-rights issues, drew strong opposition overall, with four in support, 23 in opposition, and one comment. Andrew Pereira of the Stadium Authority argued the measure could generate revenue to help maintain and operate the stadium and said the district would remain self-contained; he also emphasized that the development would respect the character of the area. The committee then heard SB 2074 SD1, which had five in support and 26 in opposition; only one support testimony from the Carpenters was heard before the discussion moved on. Finally, SB 2360 SD1, an enterprise zones measure, received 14 supportive testimonies and two comments. Testimony focused on updating the program for modern business models, especially e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, while committee members questioned whether the program overlaps with higher tax burdens and whether businesses receiving subsidies should be monitored for job retention after graduation from the program.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Mar 6, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 24

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, um half of Hawaii families.
  • To the previous speaker's point, this does not raise taxes on Hawaii residents because Hawaii residents
  • </c> the face to to the people of Hawaii. the face to to the people of Hawaii.
  • </c><01:42:41.600><c> And</c> tax cut in Hawaii state history. And tax cut in Hawaii state history.
  • ><c> mourns</c><01:48:03.600><c> the</c> Madam Speaker, Hawaii today mourns the Madam Speaker, Hawaii
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Wed Feb 18, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 17

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But it also would expand the LGBTQ community affirmations in the state of Hawaii.
  • And here in Hawaii, our host lives.
  • At the same time, Hawaii is facing a huge health care and medical professional shortage.
  • For those reasons, I ask Hawaii spirit.
  • Um, in strong support because this bill will save lives and we protect the people of Hawaii.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-31-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And Tiffany Furuiye, she is the advisor of the Hawaii State Student Council.
  • </c> the Hawaii State Student Council. the Hawaii State Student Council.
  • </c><00:01:57.200><c> State</c> Brennan also served on the Hawaii State Brennan also served on the Hawaii
  • And many, many in Hawaii that could use our help. Thank you so much for joining us.
  • And many, many in Hawaii that could use our help. Thank you so much for joining us.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 02-02-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate.
  • Welcome to Hawaii State Linda Jury.
  • Thank you for joining the Hawaii<00:13:35.279><c> Senate.
  • Welcome<00:14:51.920><c> to</c><00:14:52.079><c> Hawaii.
  • </c><00:14:52.775><c> [applause]</c> Welcome to Hawaii. [applause] Welcome to Hawaii.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-EDT, AEN Public Hearings 02-06-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:17.359><c> Farm</c> Next is Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Next is Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm
  • Hawaii<00:05:27.440><c> Aquaculture</c><00:05:28.160><c> and</c><00:05:28.800><c> Aquaponics</c> Hawaii
  • </c><00:05:40.160><c> Hawaii</c> Hawaii H-Plan is in support.
  • of Hawaii Farmers Union.
  • </c> from Hawaii Pest Control Association. from Hawaii Pest Control Association.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Hawaii Realtors in support. Grassroot Institute of Hawaii in support.
  • Hawaii Realtors in support. Grassroot Institute of Hawaii in support.
  • Hawaii Yimi in support. NAP Hawaii in opposition.
  • </c> Hawaii Realtors in opposition. Hawaii Realtors in opposition.
  • </c> worker in Hawaii was at 87%. worker in Hawaii was at 87%.
Summary: The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making. The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, section three amends section 6E-42 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
  • However, it appears to be the incorrect version of the Hawaii Revised Statutes since the section was
  • . statute. statute.
  • Um currently, Act uh HRS 312, Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 312, gives authority to the libraries to
  • c> Statutes</c><05:50:35.960><c> Chapter</c> 312, Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 312, Hawaii Revised
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Feb 10, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 12

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, these students are part of the home program and specifically the Hawaii Youth Program for Excellence
  • </c><00:14:42.560><c> youth</c> and specifically the Hawaii youth and specifically the Hawaii youth program
  • Uh, however, there's a testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office that cautions that the design of
  • That's great that the excess contribution will go to the Hawaii election campaign fund.
  • Every time money is distributed to the Hawaii election campaign fund, it needs to be itemized.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 309 Conference PM - Wed Apr 22, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, over the next 8 years, the average household of three to four in Hawaii would be saving around
  • This relief that we promised to the people of Hawaii will help them now.
  • have sequence 1040-001, new sequence transferring out three temp FTEs and $360,000 in A funds to Hawaii
  • have sequence 1040-001, new sequence transferring out three temp FTEs and $360,000 in A funds to Hawaii
  • New sequence trading off two temp FTEs and $78,000 in A funds to the Hawaii Health Administration.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 325 Conference PM - Wed Apr 22, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All the next bill is a Senate bill, SB 2152, proposing amendment to Article 6, section 3 of the Hawaii
  • </c><00:29:51.040><c> state</c> section 3 of the Hawaii state section 3 of the Hawaii state constitution
  • </c> means various sections of the Hawaii means various sections of the Hawaii campaign<00:35:39.359>
  • So, SB 2494 basically just establishes a statute of limitations of 9 years for a bribery offense.
  • </c> it basically just establishes a statute it basically just establishes a statute of<00:36:56.080>
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-06-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> this, but for the record, Hawaii this, but for the record, Hawaii continues<00:08:45.080><c> to<
  • She was more so a proud daughter of Hawaii nei, and a cornerstone of public service to Hawaii.
  • </c> to Hawaii. to Hawaii.
  • </c> Hawaii Island, and Oahu. Hawaii Island, and Oahu.
  • </c> of Hawaii. of Hawaii. Mahalo,<00:37:13.280><c> Mr.</c><00:37:13.560><c> President.
Bills: HB20, HB276, HB644, HB812, HB816, HB916, HB1131, HB1247, HB1518, HB1525, HB1537, HB1541, HB1546, HB1553, HB1562, HB1565, HB1566, HB1576, HB1577, HB1591, HB1605, HB1612, HB1613, HB1614, HB1618, HB1620, HB1650, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1668, HB1676, HB1707, HB1711, HB1713, HB1715, HB1718, HB1727, HB1749, HB1756, HB1774, HB1776, HB1801, HB1802, HB1805, HB1813, HB1815, HB1831, HB1838, HB1853, HB1854, HB1859, HB1863, HB1871, HB1872, HB1918, HB1920, HB1952, HB1965, HB1966, HB1967, HB1969, HB1972, HB1973, HB1974, HB1975, HB1980, HB1985, HB2005, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB2062, HB2113, HB2114, HB2116, HB2138, HB2139, HB2156, HB2158, HB2159, HB2171, HB2208, HB2268, HB2270, HB2272, HB2273, HB2276, HB2289, HB2310, HB2315, HB2335, HB2338, HB2339, HB2340, HB2343, HB2361, HB2384, HB2387, SB2338, SB2431, SB2438, SB2593, SB2907, SB2671, SB2321, SB3084, SB2401, SB3033, SB2972, SB3032, SB2806, SB3014, SB2108, SB2981, SB2973, SB2423, SB2078, SB2322, SB2397, SB2896, SB2088, SB2347, SB2408, SB2970, SB2851, SB2713, SB2697, SB2312, SB2192, SB2363, SB2530, SB3028, SB2024, SB3007, SB2599, SB2596, SB2662, SB2930, SB3334, SB2378, SB3019, SB3231, SB2240, SB2372, SB2175, SB2046, SB2298, SB2922, SB2835, SB3263, SB2174, SB2128, SB2006, SB2489, SB3134, SB2982, SB2425, SB2849, SB2797, SB2795, SB2575, SB2521, SB2765, SB2386, SB2852, SB2022, SB2117, SB2277, SB2387, SB2688, SB2885, SB3132, SB3219, SB2169, SB2591, SB2090, SB2983, SB888, SB3249, SB2611, SB2429, SB2463, SB3154, SB3131, SB3152, SB3315, SB2448, SB2054, SB2140, SB2520, SB2377, SB2986, SB2010, SB2189, SB2026, SB3010, SB2818, SB2002
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HLT-HHS Informational Briefing 03-06-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> 188</c><00:03:30.959><c> million</c> state of Hawaii received 188 million state of Hawaii received
  • </c> state of Hawaii. state of Hawaii.
  • </c> travel for training in rural Hawaii travel for training in rural Hawaii for<00:14:45.120><c> all
  • rural areas of Hawaii, for 5 years.
  • rural areas of Hawaii, for 5 years.
Bills: HB20, HB276, HB644, HB812, HB816, HB916, HB1131, HB1247, HB1518, HB1525, HB1537, HB1541, HB1546, HB1553, HB1562, HB1565, HB1566, HB1576, HB1577, HB1591, HB1605, HB1612, HB1613, HB1614, HB1618, HB1620, HB1650, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1668, HB1676, HB1707, HB1711, HB1713, HB1715, HB1718, HB1727, HB1749, HB1756, HB1774, HB1776, HB1801, HB1802, HB1805, HB1813, HB1815, HB1831, HB1838, HB1853, HB1854, HB1859, HB1863, HB1871, HB1872, HB1918, HB1920, HB1952, HB1965, HB1966, HB1967, HB1969, HB1972, HB1973, HB1974, HB1975, HB1980, HB1985, HB2005, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB2062, HB2113, HB2114, HB2116, HB2138, HB2139, HB2156, HB2158, HB2159, HB2171, HB2208, HB2268, HB2270, HB2272, HB2273, HB2276, HB2289, HB2310, HB2315, HB2335, HB2338, HB2339, HB2340, HB2343, HB2361, HB2384, HB2387, SB2338, SB2431, SB2438, SB2593, SB2907, SB2671, SB2321, SB3084, SB2401, SB3033, SB2972, SB3032, SB2806, SB3014, SB2108, SB2981, SB2973, SB2423, SB2078, SB2322, SB2397, SB2896, SB2088, SB2347, SB2408, SB2970, SB2851, SB2713, SB2697, SB2312, SB2192, SB2363, SB2530, SB3028, SB2024, SB3007, SB2599, SB2596, SB2662, SB2930, SB3334, SB2378, SB3019, SB3231, SB2240, SB2372, SB2175, SB2046, SB2298, SB2922, SB2835, SB3263, SB2174, SB2128, SB2006, SB2489, SB3134, SB2982, SB2425, SB2849, SB2797, SB2795, SB2575, SB2521, SB2765, SB2386, SB2852, SB2022, SB2117, SB2277, SB2387, SB2688, SB2885, SB3132, SB3219, SB2169, SB2591, SB2090, SB2983, SB888, SB3249, SB2611, SB2429, SB2463, SB3154, SB3131, SB3152, SB3315, SB2448, SB2054, SB2140, SB2520, SB2377, SB2986, SB2010, SB2189, SB2026, SB3010, SB2818, SB2002
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-05-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're happy to have and we welcome members of the HADA group, which is the Hawaii Automobile Dealers
  • Others visiting here this week in Hawaii through a program hosted by the University of West Oahu, where
  • </c><00:03:27.600><c> and</c><00:03:27.840><c> is</c><00:03:28.040><c> a</c> new car dealers in Hawaii
  • </c><00:05:10.880><c> through</c><00:05:11.040><c> a</c> here this week in Hawaii through a here this
  • Governor's Message No. 727 transmits a nomination to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
Bills: HB20, HB276, HB644, HB812, HB816, HB916, HB1131, HB1247, HB1518, HB1525, HB1537, HB1541, HB1546, HB1553, HB1562, HB1565, HB1566, HB1576, HB1577, HB1591, HB1605, HB1612, HB1613, HB1614, HB1618, HB1620, HB1650, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1668, HB1676, HB1707, HB1711, HB1713, HB1715, HB1718, HB1727, HB1749, HB1756, HB1774, HB1776, HB1801, HB1802, HB1805, HB1813, HB1815, HB1831, HB1838, HB1853, HB1854, HB1859, HB1863, HB1871, HB1872, HB1918, HB1920, HB1952, HB1965, HB1966, HB1967, HB1969, HB1972, HB1973, HB1974, HB1975, HB1980, HB1985, HB2005, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB2062, HB2113, HB2114, HB2116, HB2138, HB2139, HB2156, HB2158, HB2159, HB2171, HB2208, HB2268, HB2270, HB2272, HB2273, HB2276, HB2289, HB2310, HB2315, HB2335, HB2338, HB2339, HB2340, HB2343, HB2361, HB2384, HB2387, SB2338, SB2431, SB2438, SB2593, SB2907, SB2671, SB2321, SB3084, SB2401, SB3033, SB2972, SB3032, SB2806, SB3014, SB2108, SB2981, SB2973, SB2423, SB2078, SB2322, SB2397, SB2896, SB2088, SB2347, SB2408, SB2970, SB2851, SB2713, SB2697, SB2312, SB2192, SB2363, SB2530, SB3028, SB2024, SB3007, SB2599, SB2596, SB2662, SB2930, SB3334, SB2378, SB3019, SB3231, SB2240, SB2372, SB2175, SB2046, SB2298, SB2922, SB2835, SB3263, SB2174, SB2128, SB2006, SB2489, SB3134, SB2982, SB2425, SB2849, SB2797, SB2795, SB2575, SB2521, SB2765, SB2386, SB2852, SB2022, SB2117, SB2277, SB2387, SB2688, SB2885, SB3132, SB3219, SB2169, SB2591, SB2090, SB2983, SB888, SB3249, SB2611, SB2429, SB2463, SB3154, SB3131, SB3152, SB3315, SB2448, SB2054, SB2140, SB2520, SB2377, SB2986, SB2010, SB2189, SB2026, SB3010, SB2818, SB2002
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN Public Hearing 03-23-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Shaw, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii. Shaw, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii.
  • Brian Mimoto, Hawaii Farm, was down in support. And we had the Hawaii Cattleman's Council.
  • , Hawaii Farm Brian Mimoto, Hawaii Farm was<00:03:26.640><c> down</c><00:03:28.000><c> in</c><00:03:28.239
  • Hawaii Farm is down in Farm Bureau. Hawaii Farm is down in support. support. support.
  • </c> Hawaii. So available for any questions. Hawaii. So available for any questions.
Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-HHS, HHS Public Hearings 03-23-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Real</c><00:18:39.560><c> Estate</c> Next is DCCA, Hawaii Real Estate Next is DCCA, Hawaii Real Estate
  • </c> using block level data from the Hawaii using block level data from the Hawaii cesspool<00:30:03.320
  • :32:16.679><c> in</c> Hawaii Public Health Institute in Hawaii Public Health Institute in support. support
  • </c><00:32:43.160><c> Action</c> Next we have Hawaii Children's Action Next we have Hawaii Children's
  • </c><00:42:09.760><c> what</c><00:42:09.960><c> young</c> In Hawaii, the gap between what young In Hawaii
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.