Video & Transcript Research : 'Native education'
Page 112 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- programs, including after-school teacher training and migrant education programs.
- , and passed a new voucher program designed to destroy public education entirely.
- I'm a retired military spouse, mother of three college students, and a proud native.
- Good morning Madam Chair, Honorable Members, Michael Friend, Native Californian.
- We are closing education, so children that need special education.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Nov 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We both serve the K-12 education services and we partner with school districts. education services and
- It's actually also educating people.
- I am a San Diego native, a California native.
- I am a San Diego native, a California native. I've worked in the local news space.
- I am a San Diego native, a California native.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access.
Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix.
Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe our community can benefit from financial education, one-on-one guidance, counseling, and effective
- c> I am testifying in support of HB 1428, and I believe our community can benefit from financial education
- Housing and Community Development in support, Kohala Community Land Trust in support, C Council for Native
- Housing and Community Development in support, Kohala Community Land Trust in support, C Council for Native
- advancement and support native Hawaiian advancement and support Maui<00:04:53.440>
Chamber <00
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously.
HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted.
HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- In-based learning is a culturally rooted form of education that connects people, especially students,
- In-based learning is a culturally rooted form of education that connects people, especially students,
- Using your culture and land-based practices can help Native Hawaiian youth feel more connected, proud
- Hawaiian youth feel more can help Native Hawaiian youth feel more connected,<00:07:33.039>
proud< - And we feel on native Hawaiian families.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 190, asking the Department of Health to convene a demolition waste reduction work group, drew only written testimony; the Department of Health provided comments in opposition and the Department of Attorney General Services supported it. HCR 91, on requiring insurers and managed care providers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices, received supportive testimony from SHIPA and an amputee youth advocate who described the high cost and importance of sports prosthetics. HCR 174, on examining the availability and use of land-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and a youth council that described land-based learning as culturally rooted and rehabilitative. HR 171, on assessing the social and financial effects of mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors, received support from SHIPA, the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, and kidney care and dialysis groups. HCR 146, on the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP, drew support from disability, hunger, and public health groups, with DHS explaining it could implement the project but would need to do manual certification work until its new system is ready.
During decision-making, the committee deferred HCR 190 because the Department of Health said it could not carry out the work group without an appropriation. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 as is. HCR 174 was recommended for passage with amendments to clarify that the resolution would request continued use of land-based learning programs and to reflect existing work already underway. HCR 171 was recommended for passage with amendments to correct a statute description. HCR 146 was recommended for passage with amendments to add language that DHS should apply for and implement the project when capable, acknowledging current system limitations. All recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 18th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been ongoing for years, and we were all talking about education.
- I mean, our children, our grandkids, are there to be educated.
- I'm also an educator.
- The leaders are all non-Native.
- All of the educational assistants are Zuni people.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Victor Young, and I am a native Floridian, native to Tampa, Florida.
- So, Victor Young, and I am a native Floridian, native to Tampa, Florida.
- Education is in my blood.
- higher education governance, public service at the, And reform, firsthand experience in higher education
- Education is in my blood.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise.
The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida.
Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, Estella Blanc with the Arizona Education Association and educators. Mr.
- The bill undermines education experts. It directs the State Board of Education...
- talking about sex education.
- Educators who simply don't even feel comfortable talking about sex education.
- It is not sex education.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a reimbursement program for school safety training and equipment, maintain an approved list of training programs meeting AZPOST standards, and allow eligible schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they complete approved training and meet notification/confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure meant to help school employees stop bleeding and save lives in emergencies, emphasizing that no school would be required to participate and that no new state appropriation was needed.
Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued the bill would normalize armed staff in classrooms, create confidentiality problems for parents and law enforcement, and expose students and staff to additional risk. They also said teachers are not trained as trauma responders and that the bill’s immunity and secrecy provisions could reduce accountability. Supporters, including Arizona Citizens Defense League and other proponents, said the bill adds guardrails to existing law, focuses mostly on first aid and de-escalation training, and gives schools an option to prepare staff for emergencies. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the instruction is not sex education. Opponents, including the Arizona Education Association and Reproductive Freedom for All, said the bill politicizes science, creates fragmented instruction, and could lead to questions that inevitably touch on sex education while failing to address broader student health needs. Supporters, including Arizona Right to Life, a school board president, and a biology teacher, argued the bill is simply about age-appropriate, medically accurate science and parental transparency. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements and replacing the term ongoing training with continuing education and the annual training
- from the initial education requirements<01:14:51.239>
and <01:14:51.719>replacing <01:14 - and the annual training education and the annual training requirements<01:14:58.199>
a <01:14: - <01:56:40.760>
of Peter Warner Prince Whipple natives of Peter Warner Prince Whipple natives - <01:58:03.880>
countrymen <01:58:04.880>and <01:58:05.199>by of their native
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/10/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- criminal justice training and education criminal justice training and education which<00:17:06.360
- <00:57:47.280>
and <00:57:47.520>policy and education and policy and education and - My native name is Spirit Bird Woman.
- One in three Native women will be raped in her lifetime, and the vast majority of perpetrators are non-Native
- <01:15:35.080>
um complicated systems that a native um complicated systems that a native um
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Nov 13th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have many returning home for cultural activities, education, and community building.
- And so we support education and any type of partnerships with the local communities.
- AHS-eligible Native Americans and Alaska Natives and non-Native populations enrolled in Cibola County
- American or Alaskan Native in need of health care.
- The other thing Is that when we have problems, this was within the education department.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Apr 30, 2025, 9:00AM HST - Day 59
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:07:23.200>
and support they need in their education and support they need in their education - <01:11:08.000>
in expanding healthc care education in expanding healthc care education in - ,<01:48:30.960>
cost <01:48:31.199>of potholes, education, cost of potholes, education - food hubs, farmer trading, our native food hubs, farmer trading, our native crop<02:32:18.880>
- that we can really look at Native that we can really look at Native Hawaiians,<06:35:27.280>
- that we can really look at Native that we can really look at Native Hawaiians,<06:35:27.280>
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for my education today with educator fellows. I've learned a lot.
- education program?
- Thank you for my education today with educated, educator fellows.
- education program?
- an education degree.
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer.
The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The more permanent that the education is for students developing as they go through their educational
- I'm a native of Palm Beach County.
- We value education in our family.
- Education has always been a passion for me.
- In 2023, I earned my PhD in education.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience.
After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Feb 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 23
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So giving kids access to life-saving education in school will help so many families, particularly Native
- access. giving kids access to life-saving giving kids access to life-saving education<00:42:31.079><
- <00:42:34.520>
native <00:42:34.839>Hawaiian families particularly native Hawaiian - families particularly native Hawaiian families<00:42:35.839>
or <00:42:36.040>students < - <00:46:32.559>
Hawaiian con constituents the native Hawaiian con constituents the native Hawaiian
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 10th, 2025 at 08:35 am
Transcript Highlights:
- However, not all of our local education agencies are seeing that, or not all of the local education agencies
- thinking. education.
- Public higher education institutions.
- That is not the case for higher education, adult education, and early childhood education and care.
- So the first one is looking at the workforce education, the growth of our health professional education
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They don't follow the law, and so we need to have education.
- I studied Native Hawaiian teen suicide. It’s a huge problem in Hawaiʻi.
- partner violence and like native partner violence and like native Hawaiian<00:32:56.360>
teens - <00:33:25.919>
Hawaiian them away from like native Hawaiian them away from like native Hawaiian - First of all, we need to educate young people.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition.
Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And as the Native American Legislative Caucus know that we stand side by side with you, we ask for an
- From education to advocacy, to arts, to sports, politics, and beyond.
- From building the Transcontinental Railroad to leading in fields like technology, education, and the
- We have come such a long way as I hear from our Native American Caucus members, LGBT Caucus members..
- He was passionate about educating people on the injustices he endured during incarceration.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file.
On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0.
The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 107 May 1st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- higher education. higher education.
- 00:25:01.600>
meeting <00:25:01.760>in Education Committee will be meeting in Education - violence compared to non-native violence compared to non-native populations,<01:44:46.159>
increasing - 44:52.560>
less Native survivors are significantly less Native survivors are significantly less - How do we programs and the education.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several committee and floor announcements about upcoming hearings. The chamber then took up House Resolution 1006, a resolution honoring Colorado law enforcement officers. The resolution was read at length and supported by Representatives Woo and Clifford, who emphasized officers’ service, public safety role, and the need for community trust. Several members spoke in favor, including Representative Bacon, who tied the resolution to broader discussions of policing, transparency, body cameras, and community relationships. The resolution passed unanimously, 60-0, with five excused.
After the resolution, the House received committee reports and then considered Senate Bill 143, which renames the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee to honor Senator Faith Winter. Supporters, including Representatives Wilford and Garcia, said the change recognizes Winter’s commitment to youth leadership and civic engagement and does not alter the committee’s function or create new costs. The bill passed on a voice vote. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 124, which updates the automated protection order notification system by requiring the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System, in addition to CBI, to provide information needed for notifications.
The House then considered House Bill 1421, concerning prohibiting certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and creating the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Sponsors said the bill is aimed at preventing non-lawyer ownership and fee-sharing arrangements that could let outside investors influence legal strategy, while clarifying that it does not interfere with court regulation of the profession. Supporters from the business community argued it addresses profit-driven incentives in litigation, while one member objected to the late-night committee process and the number of amendments. The Judiciary Committee report was adopted, and the bill was then debated further as the transcript ended.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- be our Native Hawaiian beneficiaries seeking<00:04:04.319>
to <00:04:04.480>enforce <00 - <00:33:23.679>
our products um trying to educate our products um trying to educate our visitors - <00:38:00.960>
and standpoint and from an education and standpoint and from an education and - We have two Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners who testify that this is not consistent with Native
- We have two native considerations.
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays.
Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement.
The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced.
The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Mike Fine has dedicated his career to strengthening public education in California.
- California's public school students will inherit an education system far better than he found it due
- I am rising on behalf of the California Native American Legislative Caucus to ask for an aye vote on
- I am rising on behalf of the California Native American Legislative Caucus to ask for an aye vote on
- Will offer education, will offer civil engagement.