Transcript Highlights:

• California still lacks a coordinated framework for aquatic invasive species.
• TRPA leads the Lake Tahoe aquatic invasive species prevention and control program.
• All motorized craft are currently required to purchase an aquatic invasive species sticker if they are
• The aquatic invasive species didn't get on a plane and come over here and land itself in the Delta.
• The aquatic invasive species didn't get on a plane and come over here and land itself in the Delta.

Summary: The committee heard three water- and environment-related bills. AB 1663, by Assembly Member Wallace, would provide relief for high desert homeowners by allowing permits without mitigation fees for removing or trimming up to 10 Western Joshua trees for health and safety needs, including defensible space. Support came from the California Association of Realtors and the Community Water Systems Alliance, and members discussed balancing conservation with property maintenance. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1772, by Assembly Member Papin, sought to create a statewide framework to prevent the spread of golden mussels through watercraft decontamination standards, reciprocity for certifications, and long-term funding. Testimony in support highlighted Lake Tahoe’s invasive species prevention program as a model, while Recreational Boaters of California expressed caution about funding fairness, reciprocity, and how the system would work if infestations become widespread. After discussion about mandatory decontamination standards and funding, the bill was also passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 2521, also by Assembly Member Papin, would use a watershed-wide water availability analysis from the California Council of Science and Technology to help streamline groundwater recharge permitting and reduce applicant costs. Members raised concerns about protecting existing water rights and ensuring stakeholder input, and the author emphasized the study would be informational rather than binding. The bill passed to Appropriations, and the committee later took add-on votes confirming passage of AB 1663, AB 1772, and AB 2521.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will move into Senate Bill 6189, Aquatic Sports, sponsored by...
• sports sponsored by Bill 6189, Aquatic Sports, sponsored by Senator Bateman.
• This bill changes the date by which this additional PFD for regional aquatics and sports facilities may
• This facility would provide. to support the development of an aquatic center.
• We completed a regional aquatics facility feasibility study in 2022.

Summary: The committee heard several local government bills. Senate Bill 6181, sponsored by Senator Conway, would let county legislative authorities in certain large western Washington counties file a city incorporation petition without collecting resident signatures if the area is fully within an urban growth boundary and has more than 25,000 people. Supporters from Pierce County said the current signature requirement makes incorporation too difficult for large urban unincorporated areas like South Hill, while opponents argued the signature threshold is an important test of community support and raised concerns about boundaries, taxes, and the adequacy of the bill’s details. Senate Bill 6132 would give the Port of Moses Lake additional bonding authority tied to a tax increment financing area to help finish a rail project; the port said rising costs and a pending federal grant made the extra flexibility necessary. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6154, which would give local governments more flexibility in how they use hydraulic project approval permits for culvert replacement. Counties and cities testified that many emergency culvert repairs are expensive and that some sites provide little fish habitat benefit, so they want the option to redirect equivalent resources to higher-priority fish passage projects elsewhere in the watershed. A few commenters supported the bill as a practical way to improve habitat and flood resilience, while one remote witness objected to the broader legal framework for salmon habitat projects. Senate Bill 6189 would extend from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 the deadline for creating an additional public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities; Olympia, Tumwater, and regional partners said they need more time to complete feasibility and coordination work for a proposed aquatic center. In executive session, the committee took action on several bills. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6037 to Ways and Means, adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5983 to Rules, and passed Senate Bills 5995 and 6013 to Rules without amendments. For Senate Bill 6066, the committee adopted an amendment into a new substitute and passed the bill to the Transportation Committee. The committee did not take action on Senate Bills 5820 or 6064.

Transcript Highlights:

• sports sponsored by Bill 6189, Aquatic Sports, sponsored by Senator Bateman.
• This bill changes the date by which this additional PFD for regional aquatics and sports facilities may
• And then also not only those one-time construction costs, but as we know, aquatic facilities inherently
• This facility would provide. to support the development of an aquatic center.
• We completed a regional aquatics facility feasibility study in 2022.

Bills: SB6132, SB6181, SB6154, SB6189, SB5903, SB6037, SB5983, SB5995, SB6016, SB5820, SB6064, SB6077, SB6101, SB6013, SB6066

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development, city incorporation, local governance, municipalities, state law, government structure, culvert replacement, fish passage, hydraulic project approval, Department of Fish and Wildlife, stream crossing, bank stabilization, flood control, erosion control, emergency permit, expedited permit

Summary: The committee heard several local government bills. Senate Bill 6181 would let county legislative authorities in certain large western Washington counties file city incorporation petitions without first gathering resident signatures, if the proposed area is fully within an urban growth boundary and has more than 25,000 people. Senator Conway and Pierce County officials said the change would give dense unincorporated areas like South Hill another path to a public vote on incorporation, while opponents argued it bypasses the 10% signature threshold and that the bill lacks details on boundaries and other incorporation issues. No action was taken during the hearing. Senate Bill 6132 would give the Port of Moses Lake additional bonding authority tied to a tax increment financing area so it can finish a rail project and preserve federal funding. Senator Warnick and port representatives said the bill is narrowly tailored to one port and needed because costs have risen. Senate Bill 6154 would let local governments seek exceptions from hydraulic project approval timelines and allow emergency culvert repair dollars to be redirected to higher-priority fish passage projects elsewhere in a watershed. Thurston and Snohomish county officials, along with city public works staff, supported the bill as a way to maximize fish habitat benefits and manage limited resources, while one remote commenter objected to the underlying fish habitat rationale. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6189, which extends from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028 the deadline for certain cities and counties to create an additional public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Olympia, Tumwater, and regional supporters said more time is needed to complete feasibility, financing, and interlocal work for a regional aquatic center. In executive session, the committee did not act on SB 5820 or SB 6064, but advanced SB 6037, SB 5983, SB 5995, SB 6013, and SB 6066 with proposed substitutes or amendments as applicable, sending them to Ways and Means, Rules, or Transportation as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs on each island that focus on monitoring, detection, and control of high-risk division of aquatic
• </c><01:05:40.760><c> vessels</c><01:05:41.599><c> Pathways</c><01:05:42.000><c> and</c> from aquatic
• vessels Pathways and from aquatic vessels Pathways and organisms organisms organisms $260,000<01:05:
• </c> $250,000 a $30,000 a year for aquatic $250,000 a $30,000 a year for aquatic invasive<01:06:03.880
• </c> control of high risk division of aquatic control of high risk division of aquatic resources<01:06

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> resources can reduce the risk of aquatic resources can reduce the risk of aquatic invasive<00:37
• I'm the aquatic invasive species specialist for Ottertale County.
• </c> Minnesota. 1100 of them have an aquatic Minnesota. 1100 of them have an aquatic invasive<00:44:18.160
• And doing for aquatic invasive species.
• </c><01:18:11.120><c> invasive</c> I can continue, reduce aquatic invasive I can continue, reduce aquatic

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California still lacks a coordinated framework for aquatic invasive species.
• TRPA leads the Lake Tahoe aquatic invasive species prevention and control program.
• And that those vessels are then clean to enter a body of water and not transmit the aquatic invasive
• All motorized craft are currently required to purchase an aquatic invasive species sticker if they are
• The aquatic invasive species didn't get on a plane and come over here and land itself in the Delta.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Brady began to work for Dive Guys, um, doing aquatic lakeweed removal.
• Joseph Anderson was 18 when he began working for your Lake Aquatic Plant Management, uh, just not even
• </c><00:01:10.240><c> It</c> doing uh aquatic lakeweed removal.
• It doing uh aquatic lakeweed removal.
• </c> began working for your Lake Aquatic began working for your Lake Aquatic Plant<00:01:28.159><c> Management

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill protects agricultural landowners from municipal ordinances that require them to maintain vegetation
• House Bill 4588 by Oliverson, relating to the regulation of aquatic vegetation management by the Parks
• This bill deals with aquatic vegetation; mechanical harvesters are messing it up.

Bills: HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HCR77, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HJR5, HJR2, HB1399, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1672, HB1722, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB1445, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2558, HB2742, HB1695, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB2217, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB421, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB2775, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3376, HB3826, HB3770, HB1831, HB2614, HB3113, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2341, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, SB1415, SB1058, SB487, SB1499, SB513, SB1697, SB1197, SB1437, SB1809, SB836, SB1879, SB1145, SB963, SB1038, SB1147, SB914, SB711, SB1409, HB3707, HB589, HB1360, HB2337, HB2391, HB718, HB23, HB2436, HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HCR77

Keywords: Information Resources, Department governance, cybersecurity, state assistance, procurement training, technology resources, advisory committees, water fund, Texas water supply, constitutional amendment, state revenue, infrastructure, parental rights, child upbringing, government interference, Texas legislation, science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• spreadsheet and bill represent, and specifically today we were highlighting some work around our aquatic
• The bill also does not include water use fee increases as proposed or the aquatic invasive species, or
• invasive species prevention work aquatic invasive species prevention work and<00:07:08.000><c> uh</c
• </c> fee increases as proposed or the aquatic fee increases as proposed or the aquatic invasive<00:08
• </c> rivers, streams from the harm of aquatic rivers, streams from the harm of aquatic invasives.<00:

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Aquatic resources were added. Barrier was added.
• Speaker, gentlemen, aquatic resources refers to wetland streams, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water
• And it was due to those poor practices; it was due to the native vegetation and grasslands being devastated
• So you're not getting the trees back as quickly, or vegetation back as quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funds to the division of aquatic funds to the division of aquatic resources<00:03:55.440><c> of<
• Brian Nielsen, administrator for Division of Aquatic Resources.
• </c> of Aquatic Resources. of Aquatic Resources.
• We are working with Division Aquatic Resources on coral restoration sites across the state.
• We are working with Division Aquatic Resources on coral restoration sites across the state.

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 50 milligrams per liter is the threshold at which we start to see detrimental impact to aquatic life
• So 50 milligrams per liter is the threshold at which we start to see detrimental impact to aquatic life
• Uh, going up to 230 milligrams per liter at a chronic rate is considered toxic to aquatic life, and then
• </c> uh detrimental impact to aquatic life. uh detrimental impact to aquatic life. um<00:15:03.680><c
• toxic to uh aquatic life and then<00:15:14.560><c> above</c><00:15:15.680><c> um</c><00:15:16.720><c

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud Aquatic Center. I'll continue on to section 48.
• Cloud Aquatic Center.
• Cloud Aquatic Center.
• Cloud Aquatic Center.
• Cloud Aquatic Center. the St. Cloud Aquatic Center.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quality standards and to the protection and preservation of Vermont's lakes and ponds, watersheds, and aquatic
• quality standards and to the protection and preservation of Vermont's lakes and ponds, watersheds, and aquatic
• Vermont's lakes and ponds,<00:09:46.160><c> watersheds,</c><00:09:46.959><c> and</c><00:09:47.279><c> aquatic
• </c> ponds, watersheds, and aquatic ponds, watersheds, and aquatic ecosystems. ecosystems. ecosystems

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's tradeoffs between terrestrial and aquatic species.
• for native fish passage, reducing sediment and pollutants in urban waterways, and planting native vegetation
• for native fish passage, reducing sediment and pollutants in urban waterways, and planting native vegetation
• Specifically, managed grazing reduces vegetation that can fuel catastrophic wildfires.
• They also store significant amounts of carbon in soil and in vegetation.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Katie Allen, who's the deputy supervisor of forest practices and aquatic resources at the Department
• So Katie Allen, who's the deputy supervisor of forest practices and aquatic resources at the Department
• are the only three mechanisms by which the board can amend rules pertaining to water quality and aquatic
• a key part of the agreement, the changes primarily will emerge out of this program pertaining to aquatic
• resources. ...the changes primarily will emerge out of this program pertaining to aquatic resources

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on the history, implementation, and current challenges of Washington’s Forest and Fish law and related Habitat Conservation Plan. Tribal representatives Jim Peters and David Herrera described the agreement as a negotiated response to Endangered Species Act pressures and salmon habitat concerns, emphasizing that adaptive management and collaboration with industry were central to bringing tribes into the agreement. Former Representative Jim Buck, a co-sponsor of the original legislation, said the law codified a broad compromise to preserve legal certainty for landowners and keep the timber industry viable while meeting federal requirements. Tim Thompson, who served as an independent mediator, said the agreement was a first-of-its-kind collaborative effort built around adaptive management, scientific review, and shared commitments by the parties. Department of Natural Resources staff outlined the program’s structure and implementation. They said the Forest Practices Act and board rules are designed to balance ESA compliance, riparian habitat, Clean Water Act requirements, and timber industry viability. DNR described its roles in permitting, enforcement, adaptive management, and landowner assistance, and said the program has produced major outcomes such as the programmatic HCP, road maintenance and abandonment work, fish passage improvements, and riparian easements. DNR also noted that rule changes can come through adaptive management science, legislative direction, or court-related processes, and said the program remains active and functioning. In the challenges-and-opportunities portion, DNR and industry witnesses said the program is resource-intensive and that future work will require predictable funding, time, and participation. DNR’s Katie Allen said the agency has made progress on State Auditor recommendations and is working on structured decision-making to improve transparency and consensus-building. Washington Farm Forestry Association executive director Elaine O’Neill said small forest landowners have faced unmet promises and that current implementation has become too rigid and less attentive to rural vitality and property rights. Washington Forest Protection Association executive director Jason Spadero said the program has delivered substantial environmental gains but argued that the recent NP rule showed a breakdown in collaboration and science-based balance. Tribal witnesses said the consensus-based process still works when participants stay engaged, but urged recommitment from the principal parties and better accountability at the leadership level. Members asked about whether consensus is still functioning, how the original agreement was intended to work, and what should be done to restore trust and collaboration; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• 10:32.160><c> appropriation</c><00:10:32.720><c> for</c><00:10:32.880><c> the</c><00:10:33.040><c> aquatic
• </c> annual appropriation for the aquatic annual appropriation for the aquatic invasive<00:10:34.160>
• </c><00:27:05.520><c> invasive</c> to skip over the aquatic invasive to skip over the aquatic invasive
• Moving on to local aids, the aquatic invasive species prevention aid was reduced by 50%.
• The aquatic invasive species aid reduction also has an interaction with property tax refunds, which are

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:35.800><c> protection,</c><00:08:36.960><c> which</c> um, relating to aquatic protection,
• And hoping that the Department of Aquatic Resources to set coral goals for Oahu and build a framework
• And hoping that the Department of Aquatic Resources to set coral goals for Oahu and build a framework
• </c> available science in managing aquatic available science in managing aquatic resources. resources
• Moving on to the next measure, HB 2599 relating to aquatic protection.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's tradeoffs between terrestrial and aquatic species.
• for native fish passage, reducing sediment and pollutants in urban waterways, and planting native vegetation
• Specifically, managed grazing reduces vegetation that can fuel catastrophic wildfires.
• Managed grazing reduces vegetation that can fuel catastrophic wildfires and helps create more fire-resilient
• They also store significant amounts of carbon in soil and in vegetation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Bills: S2500, S2502, S2504, S7028, S2506, S2508, S2510, S2512, S2514, S2516, S2518, S0482, S0678, S0984, S1016, S1074, S1706, S7030

Keywords: budget, appropriation, education funding, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure, local government, Appropriations Act, funding, education, rural development, economic assistance, collective bargaining, state employees, labor relations, impasse resolution, negotiations, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.