Video & Transcript Research : 'Hilo'

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 04-11-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, and then I went to the public defender's office in Hilo.
  • since I've been on Defender Council because of shortages, I think it was either the Kona office or the Hilo
  • since I've been on Defender Council because of shortages, I think it was either the Kona office or the Hilo
  • It was either the Kona office or the Hilo office at one point was not fully there.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because right now, it sounds like just driving from Kona to Hilo could include your trucks, amortization
  • c><01:12:41.159> Co<01:12:41.639> to just driving from Co to just driving from Co to Hilo
  • 43.840> could<01:12:44.159> include<01:12:44.920> your<01:12:45.280> trucks Hilo
  • could include your trucks Hilo could include your trucks amortization<01:12:46.960> fuel<01:12
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • And that was also why the recommendation to include Hilo in a working group, because they, of course,
  • And that was also why the recommendation to include Hilo in a working group, because they, of course,
  • And that was also why the recommendation to include Hilo in a working group, because they, of course,
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees. The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff. The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a consultation and training branch in Hilo that goes out and proactively meets with employers
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 01-31-2025 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • First, I'd like to introduce the students and their advisor as well from my alma mater, Hilo High School
Keywords: 912, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Chair Nicole Lowen, District 7, Matias, Kush, District 1, Hilo, Hamakua, and the secondary representative
  • I'm Chair Nicole Lowen, District 7, Matias, Kush, District 1, Hilo, Hamakua, and the secondary representative
  • I'm Chair Nicole Lowen, District 7, Matias, Kush, District 1, Hilo, Hamakua, and the secondary representative
  • We note that in the last 25 years there has been only one fossil fuel plant built by Hilo Miko Helo.
  • renewables. ...we note that in the last 25 years there has been only one fossil fuel plant built by Hilo
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN Public Hearing 04-10-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Kelly Okada, Caitlyn Mallister, and Arthur Saga of the Hilo Benner Medical Center were also in support
  • Arthur<00:03:19.920> Saga<00:03:20.720> of<00:03:20.879> the<00:03:21.120> Hilo
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions. Early nominees included Falleno Vital for the Boxing Commission, Rebecca Moore for the Board of Nursing, and Alexander Smith and Zachary Johnson for the Board of Public Accountancy. DCCA and board representatives testified in support of each, and the nominees who were present briefly described their qualifications and willingness to serve. The chair noted the unusually large volume of written testimony in support of the boxing nominee and emphasized that these are voluntary positions and nominees had already been vetted through questionnaires and resumes. The committee then heard several nominations to the Hawaii Board of Optometry, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, and the Hawaii Medical Board. Ashley Porter and Katherine Mao spoke in support of their optometry nominations, Nathan Konishi supported his motor vehicle repair board nomination, and Gary Belchure discussed his reappointment to the medical board. A substantial portion of the discussion on the medical board focused on physician shortages, especially on the neighbor islands, and efforts to address them through the Interstate Medical Compact and pending legislation such as SB 1365. Board staff also discussed possible pathways for foreign medical graduates and the need for criminal background checks to fully participate in the compact. The latter part of the hearing shifted to real estate commission nominations, including Audrey Abbe and Denise Lacosta. Testimony and member questions focused heavily on condominium governance, deferred maintenance, reserve studies, insurance costs, and the need for better education and oversight of volunteer board members and property managers. Both nominees said older buildings, rising insurance premiums, and lack of expertise among volunteer boards are major challenges, and they suggested more training, clearer guidance, stronger enforcement against unlicensed property management, and better access to qualified consultants and financing. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda nominee by nominee.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PSM-TCA, PSM Public Hearings 03-24-2025

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So wouldn't it make sense for UH Hilo to also be looking at some of the impacts of invasive trees, since
  • So wouldn't it make sense for UH Hilo to also be looking at some of the impacts of invasive trees, since
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Public Hearing 03-10-2025

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Kaye, are you testifying from Hilo? No, I'm at, uh, in Manoa. Okay.
  • Your background looks like a State Building in Hilo, that's why. Thank you very much.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 72 on pharmacy drew only support, with testimony from the University of Hawaiʻi system, the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists, and others; no questions were raised. HB 237 on peer support programs also received broad support from the Department of Health, DHS, early learning officials, families, and advocates, with testimony emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer mentoring and support for parents, youth, and people with disabilities; no opposition or questions were noted. HB 250, the prior authorization bill, generated the most discussion. SHPDA supported a revised version focused on reporting prior authorization practices and creating a nonbinding working group to develop automation standards, while PCMA, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, and others raised concerns about duplicative pharmacy requirements, unintended consequences, and alignment with federal timelines and reporting. Several medical groups and individual patients supported the measure, describing delays and burdens caused by prior authorization. A committee member asked whether the bill’s working group differed from a similar group in Senate Bill 1449, and the witness said it was intended to be the same. HB 303 on health care preceptors was supported by the Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi, nursing and health care organizations, and the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, which asked that pharmacists’ residency programs be specifically tied to national accreditation standards. HB 341, relating to issuance of SPURS to assist the Hawaii Island Community Health Association, drew support from the health center and related groups. HB 692 on Preschool Open Doors received extensive support from early learning, education, family, labor, and community organizations; testimony stressed the shortage of child care and preschool slots, especially on Kauai, and the need to expand access for families. Committee members asked about adding family child care providers and about licensing/certification barriers, and DHS said the bill was focused on current licensed child care facilities and that certification issues were a separate, broader problem. HB 700 on cognitive assessments also drew strong support, with the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, disability advocates, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers, and others urging use of a validated cognitive assessment tool during annual wellness visits and asking that the age 65 threshold be removed; some witnesses supported keeping the data-collection portion as a pilot and emphasized early detection and reporting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Molokaʻi, we've done expansions throughout the other airports, including my island, both Kona and Hilo
  • > including<00:31:12.840> my "The other airports, including my island, both Kona and Hilo
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely. The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA Public Hearing 04-23-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm pleased to be here today from Hilo.
  • has to do with financing, I'm sure we can find somebody on the Big Island or even in my district in Hilo
  • /c><01:38:16.680> my<01:38:16.840> district<01:38:17.360> in<01:38:17.520> Hilo
  • Island or even in my district in Hilo, that has some financial background that should fill who live
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Matias Kush, District 1, Hilo-Hamakua, using my inside voice for the microphones.
  • It'll be my 10th year chairing the Agriculture and Environment Committee. >> Matias Kush, District 1, Hilo-Hamakua
  • Hisk had funding and there was a lot of research projects that were emphasized for Roxanna Myers for Hilo
  • Hisk had funding and there was a lot of research projects that were emphasized for Roxanna Myers for Hilo
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AEN Informational Briefing 01-14-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm from the Big Island, representing District 4, which stretches from North Hilo through Hamakua, North
  • Yeah, um, you had Hilo listed as I think medium or two or three.
  • had Hilo listed is I think Medi or two had Hilo listed is I think Medi or two or or or three<01:04:08.760
Keywords: 912, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the director and co-founder of the Enliven Cooperative in Hilo, and I'm also a co-founder of the
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in support.
  • Inouye College of Pharmacy in Hilo, and one of our interns just started yesterday.
  • Noi uh College of Pharmacy<01:50:14.400> in<01:50:14.560> Hilo<01:50:15.520> and
  • and one of our interns Pharmacy in Hilo and one of our interns just<01:50:17.360> started<01:
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

LBT Informational Briefing 01-12-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • While the target population of the summer youth are high school students, Hilo Emua gives college students
  • Hilo Emua gives college students and recent graduates paid hands-on experience in public service.
  • We have in Hilo, Kauai, as well as in Molokai.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh the next two are to replace uh AC equipment on Kauai and Hilo that are near the end of life.
  • accomplishments go, in 2025, the division completed the demo for the vacant Uncle Billy's Hotel in Hilo
  • c><05:14:49.600> um ...stabilization and on Hawaiʻi Island for flood mitigation work in the Hilo
  • improved. >> Uh, the reason why I ask is uh we actually just started at our Rainbow Falls area in Hilo
  • and uh it caught a Falls area in Hilo and uh it caught a lot<06:02:19.440> of<06:02:19.520>
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Mar 17, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 33

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I yield to my colleague from Hilo, Representative Leloi. Thank you, Madam Speaker, in support.
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Info Briefing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our reference lab project: we are partnering with Hilo to update a reference lab, and we are hoping to
  • 00:23:29.039> partnering<00:23:29.440> with<00:23:29.760> uh<00:23:30.000> Hilo
  • <00:23:30.799> to<00:23:31.360> update<00:23:31.760> a are partnering with uh Hilo
  • to update a are partnering with uh Hilo to update a reference<00:23:32.400> lab<00:23:33.039>
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAM-EDT Informational Briefing 01-12-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • we're currently discussing with two companies as well as the Department of Transportation to look at Hilo
  • transportation<00:03:33.200> to<00:03:33.440> look<00:03:33.519> at<00:03:33.680> Hilo
  • <00:03:34.080> airport transportation to look at Hilo airport transportation to look at Hilo
Keywords: 912, senate, all