Transcript Highlights:

• ofc><00:20:07.760><c> eachc><00:20:08.080><c> typec><00:20:08.400><c> thatc><00:20:08.559><c>
• hadc><00:20:08.880><c> thatc> broken down of each type that had that broken down of each type that
• demonstratingc><00:43:30.400><c> thec><00:43:30.720><c> typec><00:43:30.880><c> ofc> infographic
• demonstrating the type of infographic demonstrating the type of assistance<00:43:31.520><c> wec><00
• c> type businesses.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:59:07.839><c> typec><00:59:08.000><c> ofc><00:59:08.280><c> thingsc><00:59:09.280><c> so
• onc><01:05:44.760><c> thec><01:05:44.920><c> typesc><01:05:45.160><c> ofc><01:05:45.319><c>
• datac><01:05:45.720><c> withinc> depending on the types of data within depending on the types of
• ><c> doingc><01:09:47.640><c> thesec><01:09:47.880><c> typesc><01:09:48.120><c> ofc><01:09:48.799
• /c><01:36:26.600><c> wec><01:36:26.840><c> havec><01:36:27.400><c> soc> type of infrastructure

Bills: HF1060, HF1062

Keywords: sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:46.240><c> Thisc><00:01:46.479><c> isc><00:01:47.600><c> uhc><00:01:47.680><c> the
• c><00:03:18.480><c> Uhc><00:03:18.640><c> Ic><00:03:18.800><c> meanc><00:03:18.879><c> toc>
• However, with respect to mixed martial<00:22:50.080><c> artsc><00:22:50.480><c> typesc><00:22:50.799
• ><c> ofc><00:22:51.120><c> competitions,c><00:22:51.919><c> youc> martial arts types of competitions
• , you martial arts types of competitions, you know,<00:22:52.640><c> onec><00:22:52.880><c> ofc><

Bills: SB2045, SB2354

Keywords: combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land. They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whenever you<00:46:32.760><c> havec><00:46:32.960><c> thec><00:46:33.120><c> typec><00:46:33.360
• ><c> ofc><00:46:33.560><c> fraudc><00:46:34.560><c> typec><00:46:34.840><c> ofc> you have the
• type of fraud type of you have the type of fraud type of um<00:46:36.160><c> fraudc><00:46:37.360>
• to which<00:59:43.080><c> typec><00:59:43.240><c> ofc><00:59:43.360><c> servicec><00:59:43.680
• c> which type of service you're getting. which type of service you're getting.

Bills: HF4338

Keywords: human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review, postpayment review, surety bond, compliance training, case management, targeted case management

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.240><c> ofc><00:26:59.679><c> differentc><00:27:00.240><c> typesc><00:27:00.480><c> ofc>
• a variety of different types of a variety of different types of technology<00:27:01.320><c> soc><00
• what the statute would would allow for again<00:43:28.559><c> whatc><00:43:28.720><c> typec><00:
• 06.960><c> thec><01:37:07.360><c> typec><01:37:07.520><c> ofc><01:37:07.679><c> Stadiumc><01:
• 37:08.000><c> wec><01:37:08.159><c> getc><01:37:08.320><c> Ic> stadium the type of Stadium we get

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:18:09.679><c> Ic><00:18:09.840><c> Ic><00:18:10.160><c> wantc><00:18:10.240><c> toc><
• :05.040><c> typec><00:36:05.359><c> ofc> states that allow this type of states that allow this type
• Um, it's also crucial to pair<01:09:45.199><c> thesec><01:09:45.520><c> typesc><01:09:45.759><c>
• ofc><01:09:45.920><c> improvementsc><01:09:46.480><c> withc> pair these types of improvements with
• pair these types of improvements with accessible<01:09:47.600><c> pedestrianc><01:09:48.239><c> signals

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> inc><00:03:46.480><c> ac><00:03:46.640><c> wayc><00:03:46.720><c> thatc><00:03:46.959><c
• c><00:03:56.480><c> Ic><00:03:57.200><c> oftenc><00:03:57.680><c> sayc><00:03:57.840><c> arec
• type<00:04:50.720><c> arec><00:04:50.960><c> onc><00:04:51.199><c> thec><00:04:51.360><c> ground
• c><00:04:52.320><c> umc><00:04:52.479><c> butc><00:04:52.639><c> thatc> type are on the ground
• . um but that type are on the ground. um but that we're<00:04:53.040><c> alsoc><00:04:53.360><c> making

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on several policy areas the legislator expects to work on in 2026, especially higher education, child care, and government trust issues. On higher education, she said the committee will likely remain budget-heavy but she hopes to expand the North Star Promise program to more middle-income Minnesotans, noting the current $80,000 income cutoff is below the state median and that the program has been a “game changer” for enrollment and access. She also revisited House File 2617, a child care licensing bill that did not advance in full but had some pieces included in the children and families budget. She described it as an effort to modernize licensing so providers are treated more like educators, with less focus on rigid rules and more on helping them focus on children’s care and development while still maintaining safety. She said child care remains her top issue for 2026, along with broader affordability concerns such as food, rent, mortgage payments, health insurance, and prescription drugs. The conversation also touched on a bill she has to impose a one-year waiting period before former legislators can register as lobbyists, which she framed as a perception and trust issue rather than a legal conflict of interest. She said the goal is to reassure the public that lawmakers are serving constituents rather than preparing for lobbying jobs after leaving office. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in this interview-style discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> systemsc><00:01:22.280><c> andc><00:01:22.439><c> wellc><00:01:22.720><c> repairsc><00:01
• ><c> isc><00:01:25.920><c> abovec><00:01:26.360><c> thec><00:01:26.479><c> safec><00:01:27.000
• 38.720><c> thisc><00:01:38.880><c> billc><00:01:39.159><c> targetsc><00:01:39.560><c> waterc>
• c> isc><00:01:54.560><c> whyc><00:01:55.560><c> uhc><00:01:55.680><c> housec><00:01:55.920><c
• ><c> typesc> people's uh participation in these types people's uh participation in these types of<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c> ac><00:11:15.760><c> letterc><00:11:16.240><c> fromc><00:11:16.800><c> thec> DBED has uh received
• And<00:11:21.200><c> uhc><00:11:21.280><c> wec><00:11:21.640><c> arec><00:11:22.160><c> uhc><
• c><00:11:35.440><c> So,c><00:11:35.600><c> wec><00:11:35.760><c> standc><00:11:36.080><c> in<
• So, it have to be some other<00:17:35.360><c> typec><00:17:35.760><c> ofc><00:17:36.000><c> ac>
• c> other type of a vehicle.

Bills: SCR184, SCR169, SCR47, SCR57, SCR170, SCR163, SCR189

Keywords: SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination

Summary: The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management. One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states. After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> andc><00:03:42.239><c> sawc><00:03:42.400><c> ac><00:03:42.440><c> lotc><00:03:42.600><c>
• c><00:03:58.680><c> Uh,c><00:03:58.760><c> itc><00:03:58.920><c> wasc><00:03:59.200><c> ac>
• If you started mixing the different<00:04:07.440><c> typesc><00:04:07.680><c> ofc><00:04:07.760><
• c> plastic,c><00:04:08.320><c> itc><00:04:08.440><c> limitedc> different types of plastic, it limited
• different types of plastic, it limited your<00:04:09.000><c> use.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 2576 was heard in committee and laid over for possible inclusion. Chair Hansen described the bill as a straightforward pesticide-container measure tied to open burning, explaining that empty pesticide containers should be rinsed and handled as solid waste rather than burned. He also noted he was not moving his A1 amendment, which had been drafted in hopes of including paraquat-ban language, and said he wanted members to consider what could be done rather than what could not. Members asked about the history and mechanics of pesticide-container recycling, including what the containers were turned into and how residue was removed. Hansen said the earlier recycling program used triple-rinsing and then shredding the plastic into products like curbs and some park benches, with the material intended for non-human-contact uses. Department of Agriculture staff and the bill author explained that pesticide labels govern disposal, that there is not uniform label language prohibiting burning, and that collection programs already exist through ag dealers and the department. Vice Chair Harder raised concerns that the bill was another regulation on agriculture and asked about penalties and enforcement. Hansen said any penalties would come from existing Pesticide Control Act authority, not new penalties in the bill, and that enforcement would be complaint-driven through the Department of Agriculture rather than counties. Assistant Commissioner Peter Chesnik said the language was developed in response to a Senate request and that a fiscal note may still be associated with related paraquat-ban language. After discussion, Hansen renewed his motion and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:23.840><c> Wec><00:02:24.080><c> seekc><00:02:24.319><c> toc><00:02:24.480><c> make<
• c> lawsc><00:02:28.080><c> toc><00:02:28.319><c> governc><00:02:28.640><c> ourc><00:02:28.879
• c> willc><00:05:10.880><c> bec><00:05:10.960><c> inc><00:05:11.120><c> yourc><00:05:11.360><c
• ><c> likec><00:08:16.560><c> ac><00:08:16.960><c> gatorc><00:08:17.440><c> typec><00:08:17.759
• ><c> ofc> the caskets onto like a gator type of the caskets onto like a gator type of vehicle<00:08

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Rabbi Deborah Wexler of Pikesville, and journalized the prayer without objection. The chamber also recognized several visitor groups, including Maryland Realtors Day, Maryland March for Change participants advocating for infant and maternal health, and students, faculty, and staff from Avalon School. Senators briefly highlighted upcoming committee meetings and caucus events, including a Legislative Black Caucus press conference, Aviation Day, and a reminder about protocol dues. On legislation, the chamber read Senate Bill 955 on real property, condominiums, and homeowners association election rules and referred it to the Rules Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Senate Bill 888 was announced as reassigned to the Rules Committee. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 46 concerning state veteran cemeteries, where Senator Simon offered a floor amendment. Senator from District 7 explained the bill was prompted by concerns about how caskets are moved at veteran cemeteries, describing a practice he found disturbing and saying the issue should be addressed separately from the bill. The amendment and the amended report were both adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The Senate then handled a brief procedural exchange when a senator asked about speaking on the reassigned bill, and the presiding officer ruled the matter out of order because it had already been reassigned. After additional committee announcements, the Senate remained in session with 40 members present and then moved to recess until noon in the House chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50.320><c> AIc><00:00:50.600><c> standsc><00:00:50.920><c> forc><00:00:51.440><c> andc><00:00
• <00:00:52.760><c> isc><00:00:52.920><c> ac><00:00:53.320><c> seriesc><00:00:53.800><c> ofc><00
• 01:05.199><c> keyc><00:01:05.400><c> wordc><00:01:05.640><c> isc><00:01:06.080><c> mimicc><00
• thisc><00:04:58.720><c> typec><00:04:58.880><c> ofc><00:04:59.120><c> Technologyc> argue that
• this type of Technology argue that this type of Technology can<00:05:00.720><c> doc><00:05:01.199>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bec><00:01:08.159><c> noc><00:01:08.479><c> signc><00:01:09.600><c> uhc><00:01:09.760><c
• typesc><00:12:43.680><c> umc><00:12:43.760><c> byc><00:12:44.079><c> hunters.
• c><00:12:45.360><c> Umc><00:12:46.079><c> inc><00:12:46.320><c> inc> age or sex types um by hunters
• or experiences and uh depending<00:18:25.440><c> onc><00:18:25.679><c> whatc><00:18:25.919><c> type
• type of weapons the depending on what type of weapons the hunters<00:18:27.440><c> choosec><00:18:27.679

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.760><c> typesc><00:03:26.080><c> ofc><00:03:26.239><c> crimesc> with.
• typec><02:10:24.400><c> ofc> life brings someone some type of life brings someone some type of gratification
• ><02:10:27.040><c> typec><02:10:27.199><c> ofc> gratification or relief or some type of gratification
• :07.120><c> typesc><02:51:07.359><c> ofc><02:51:07.520><c> instances.
• type that you know taking you know that type of<03:37:27.359><c> crimec><03:37:27.920><c> addingc

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:09:48.959><c> Anyc><00:09:49.200><c> questionsc><00:09:49.519><c> forc><00:09:49.760><c
• ><c> wantc><00:09:56.240><c> toc><00:09:56.399><c> thankc><00:09:56.560><c> youc> >> Um
• c><00:24:16.240><c> typec><00:24:16.480><c> things.
• c><00:24:16.720><c> Soc> officials and and those type things.
• So officials and and those type things. So >> yes,<00:24:17.279><c> sir.

Bills: SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273, SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273

Keywords: education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, ad valorem tax, road funding, local government, referendum, Choctaw County, HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments

Transcript Highlights:

• transformed<00:15:21.320><c> thec><00:15:21.480><c> typec><00:15:21.680><c> ofc><00:15:21.880>
• <c> carec><00:15:22.160><c> thatc><00:15:22.320><c> theyc> transformed the type of care that they
• transformed the type of care that they provide<00:15:23.079><c> andc><00:15:23.240><c> thec><00:
• is a is another immune<00:41:24.760><c> cellc><00:41:25.079><c> typec><00:41:25.319><c> calledc
• ><00:41:25.520><c> macrofagosc> immune cell type called macrofagos immune cell type called macrofagos

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:18:34.320><c> umc><00:18:35.039><c> inc><00:18:35.440><c> ac><00:18:35.679><c> spacec
• :30.720><c> medicalc><00:51:31.200><c> advicec><00:51:31.760><c> typec> really I think more medical
• advice type really I think more medical advice type of<00:51:32.240><c> things,c><00:51:32.480><c>
• 04:13.039><c> upc><01:04:13.760><c> somec><01:04:14.000><c> typec><01:04:14.240><c> ofc><01:04
• :14.799><c> itc> I wonder if it opens up some type of it I wonder if it opens up some type of it opens

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:00:36.000><c> Ifc><00:00:36.160><c> youc><00:00:36.320><c> needc><00:00:36.559><c> further
• ><c> Clappingc><00:00:46.160><c> andc><00:00:46.399><c> otherc><00:00:46.640><c> disruptionsc
• c><00:00:48.559><c> Thankc><00:00:48.719><c> youc><00:00:48.879><c> toc><00:00:49.039><c> our
• <00:27:04.799><c> typesc><00:27:05.039><c> andc> adopt rules specifying the types and adopt rules
• specifying the types and regularity<00:27:05.760><c> ofc><00:27:06.000><c> traumainformedc><00:27

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:17.200><c> Ic><00:13:17.519><c> havec><00:13:18.079><c> uhc><00:13:18.480><c> ac> For
• > somec><00:41:08.960><c> typec><00:41:09.119><c> ofc> they're all going to need some type of they're
• all going to need some type of attention.<00:41:10.079><c> Asc><00:41:10.240><c> youc><00:41:10.319
• seek certain advisory council should seek certain type<01:05:59.680><c> ofc><01:06:00.079><c> skills
• c><01:06:02.240><c> areasc> type of skills.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.880><c> arec><01:45:29.040><c> thec><01:45:29.199><c> typec><01:45:29.360><c> ofc><01:45:
• typec><01:59:39.040><c> ofc> where I'm from and uh so these type of where I'm from and uh so these
• c><02:00:21.760><c> Ic><02:00:22.080><c> thinkc><02:00:22.239><c> theyc> their type of fishing
• events, that type<02:03:18.960><c> ofc><02:03:19.040><c> thing.
• c> havec> type of thing.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.