Transcript Highlights:

• attorney general was asked for attorney general was asked for assistance<01:49:57.679> that
• <01:55:19.599> general said, "This isn't the attorney general said, "This isn't the attorney
• the attorney general would be doing? the attorney general would be doing?
• c> lawsuit our attorney general in another lawsuit our attorney general in another lawsuit that<02
• fossil<02:12:01.679> fuel attorney general against the fossil fuel attorney general against

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > attorney<00:03:04.959> that<00:03:05.200> I an attorney, practicing attorney that
• Um family law attorney. ahead. Um family law attorney.
• I've done some criminal defense cases, assisting attorneys and writing motions, jury selection, jury
• > motions, assisting attorneys and writing motions, assisting attorneys and writing motions, jury
• attorney that I am today. attorney that I am today.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning. The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga. Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a senior assistant attorney general and the chief of the Department of Justice client ... chances
• I am a senior assistant<00:48:09.199> attorney<00:48:09.600> general<00:48:10.000> and
• <00:48:10.239> the<00:48:10.480> chief assistant attorney general and the chief assistant
• I am an assistant attorney general on the third floor, so I just came down one flight.
• I am an assistant attorney general<03:57:44.718> on<03:57:44.958> the<03:57:45.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the MAP Act will improve the Attorney General Office's ability to investigate and prosecute Medicaid
• Medical Assistant Protection or MAP Act. Medical Assistant Protection or MAP Act.
• ,<00:05:33.800> 17 and our staff has seven attorneys, 17 and our staff has seven attorneys
• Attorney General's office. Attorney General's office.
• hospitals in general. hospitals in general.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all the red states, all the red attorney all the red states, all the red attorney generals<00:48
• On behalf of us, the citizens of the United States, Donald Trump orders the attorney general to file
• The governor goes to court, and our attorney general goes to court.
• would have listened to our attorney would have listened to our attorney general<00:51:12.960>
• >> Lots. >> Okay. >> And fortunately, you know, we have a robust attorney general and Lopez.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• written establishes two ways to assist written establishes two ways to assist with<00:13:54.800>
• And generally these no trespass court.
• seems to me as a just as a general seems to me as a just as a general proposition,<00:47:48.960>
• An attorney for the those cases.
• You've just heard from the attorney You've just heard from the attorney about<01:09:50.640> why

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the attorney general. Now, we've been told time and time again, "Oh, we've done so much.
• It's the attorney general. Now, we've been told time and time again, "Oh, we've done so much.
• It's the attorney general. Now, we've been told time and time again, "Oh, we've done so much.
• It's the attorney general. Now, we've been told time and time again, "Oh, we've done so much.
• It's the attorney general. Now, we've been told time and time again, "Oh, we've done so much.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our attorney general, I don't remember who was attorney general at the time, but I mean, we spent $350,000
• Our attorney general, I don't remember who was attorney general at the time, but I mean, we spent $350,000
• Our attorney general, I don't remember who was attorney general at the time, but I mean, we spent $350,000
• Our attorney general, I don't remember who was attorney general at the time, but I mean, we spent $350,000
• <01:16:55.600> um by our attorney general why he was um by our attorney general why he was

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• superintendent, Because educators, I'm a second-generation superintendent, second-generation teacher
• I'm the attorney for the district. My name is Evetta Whitby.
• as well as the Attorney General.
• The next report was referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general, and it was for Boonville
• or the attorney general.

Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports and heard responses from several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District was cited for using operating funds for an end-of-year employee awards banquet and for unauthorized credit card charges that caused a small loss; district officials said the current administration had strengthened controls, stopped the banquet practice, and improved monthly credit card reconciliation. Members questioned whether the prior officials were still employed, whether the credit card issue was an outside hack, and how teacher appreciation could continue without using district funds. Forest City School District was cited for spending about $33,000 on an off-campus staff celebration and entertainment event; district representatives said the money came from long-standing Pepsi-related donation funds, that the event was intended to recognize staff and growth, and that they would change practices and receive training going forward. Members discussed whether those funds were private donations or operational funds, and staff said the district’s accounting treatment made them subject to the constitutional restriction at issue. The committee also reviewed several other findings. Conway School District was referred for an ongoing investigative report involving misuse of district funds and resources by former maintenance employees. Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000, tied to a resigned high school secretary and sponsor receipts not deposited. Westside School District had about $30,000 in credit card charges lacking documentation or business purpose, including charges by the superintendent, personal purchases, and items shipped to personal addresses; the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney. Boonville School District was cited for paying a board member’s son more than the statutory limit for seasonal groundskeeping without the required exemption, and DESE later denied the exemption request. After discussing those cases, the committee filed the remaining eight findings en masse and then filed the 89 reports with no findings. Members noted that most school districts audited had clean reports and encouraged districts to continue good practices while learning from the findings discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are all from the general fund.
• And related to that on line 50, there's an appropriation to the Office of the Attorney General related
• <00:26:20.360> the<00:26:20.440> cost Attorney General related um to the cost Attorney
• every year thereafter from the general every year thereafter from the general fund. fund. fund.
• attorney in the in the uh AG's office. attorney in the in the uh AG's office.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m an assistant county attorney at the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office.
• I'm an assistant county attorney in Merrimack County.
• attorney general or any Prosecuting attorney general or any Prosecuting officer<02:20:17.600>
• I’m an assistant county attorney in Merrimack County.
• County attorney in ERS I'm an assistant County attorney in Marat<05:25:57.200> County<05:25:57.958

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In general, Californians don't support this.
• Researchers find that it can be traced into the third generation.
• Thank you. ...that are going to, you know, trickle for generations.
• Aquino also mentioned revenue generation.
• Our CLC immigration attorneys provide support to over 1,000 children.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. me or my staff know, and we can assist you.
• If you are having trouble registering, please see our assistant clerk, Benjamin Barnes. and he'll assist
• The county attorney. Ernie writes the contract.
• I mean, generally, why do we not do this for others?
• On June 19, 1865, unit Union General Gordon Granger read General Orders No. 3, announcing to the people

Bills: HB336, HB554, HB849, HB 1033, HB1338, HB 1246

Keywords: law enforcement, sheriff, constable, contracts, county governance, HB 554, fireworks, Juneteenth, Juneteenth holiday, retail fireworks permit, Texas Occupations Code, Local Government Code, county commissioners court, drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service, fire safety, holiday sales, seasonal fireworks sales, Fourth of July, Independence Day

Transcript Highlights:

• What would the attorney general do?
• <00:02:08.160> that attorney general power to enforce that attorney general power to enforce
• What would the attorney<00:02:17.599> general<00:02:18.080> do? attorney general do?
• attorney general do?
• <00:02:23.840> prosecute attorney general has power to prosecute attorney general has power

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on healthcare affordability in Minnesota and several related bills the senator said he is advancing this session. He described rising costs for Medicare beneficiaries, individual market purchasers, and hospitals, warning that federal changes to premium tax credits and Medicaid funding would worsen access and financial strain across the state. He said his goal is a comprehensive response to protect access to care, especially for safety-net and rural providers. A major topic was Senate File 3769 on the 340B drug pricing program. The senator said the bill would empower the attorney general to enforce federal 340B requirements after pharmaceutical companies allegedly failed to provide discounted drugs to safety-net hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and North Memorial. He said the measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support, after a nearly two-hour floor debate and significant lobbying by drug კომპანიies, and argued it could have an immediate effect by restoring hospital revenue and lowering medication costs for patients. He also said 340B is part of a broader effort to stabilize HCMC and other struggling hospitals. The senator also discussed Senate File 3859, which would create a Minnesota vaccine advisory council to provide science-based recommendations after he said the federal advisory process had been undermined. He emphasized that the proposal would not require vaccinations, but would help counter misinformation and require insurance coverage for recommended vaccines. In addition, he supported Senate File 3650, a bipartisan bill to ban direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, arguing that such ads raise costs and can steer patients away from appropriate medical advice. No additional votes or committee actions were taken in the interview itself beyond the senator’s description of the 340B bill’s passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• "And the town of Denning is also being referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general.
• and attorney general.
• and attorney general.
• There are 13 reports that are being referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General.
• So we are still in reports that are referred to the Prosecuting Attorney and Attorney General.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• superintendent, ...because educators, I'm a second-generation superintendent, second-generation teacher
• as well as the attorney general.
• The next report was referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general, and it was for Boonville
• or the attorney general.
• or the attorney general.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee met to review education audit reports, beginning with approval of the minutes and then hearing several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District addressed two findings: use of operating funds for an end-of-year employee banquet and unauthorized credit card charges that resulted in a small loss. District officials said they had changed credit cards, increased monthly review and reconciliation, stopped using operating funds for off-campus celebrations, and would limit future meals and events to district business. Members questioned whether the prior administration was still involved, whether the charges were from an outside hacker, and how the district would continue teacher appreciation without violating state law. Forest City School District then discussed a $33,000 off-campus staff celebration funded through what the district described as long-standing Pepsi-related funds. The district said it believed the money was discretionary private donation revenue, but audit staff said the funds were treated as operating funds because they were in a general fund account and subject to constitutional limits. The district said it would stop using the fund that way, provide staff and board training, and ensure future expenditures comply with the law. Members also asked about the lack of a formal board vote, the amount remaining in the account, and whether the event was meant to recognize staff growth and service. The committee next reviewed additional findings: Conway School District’s former maintenance employees allegedly misused district funds and resources, with a separate investigative report still pending; Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000; Westside School District had about $9,500 in credit card charges that could not be substantiated, along with weak internal controls and some personal charges; and Boonville School District paid a board member’s son more than $5,000 for groundskeeping without the required exemption, which DESE later denied. The committee filed the reports as reviewed, including eight other findings not referred for prosecution and 89 audits with no findings, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN 2019 VINE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE A VICTIM CENTER SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY TO ASSIST VICTIMS LOCATED
• FOR EXAMPLE, AN ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY MAKES ABOUT AS MUCH AS AN ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY IN THE COMMUNITIES
• SOME OF THEM FACE A DIFFICULT AND THEY RELY ON ASSISTANCE TO KEEP A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS.
• THERE ARE 40 TRUST FUNDS GENERATED FROM TRAFFIC, PARKING TICKETS, AND FILING FEES.
• THIRTY DAYS TO PAY GENERALLY SPEAKING THEN DHS WILL SEND THEM A LETTER.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:22.039> general<00:33:22.519> with you an Lopez attorney general with you an
• general Chase suzumoto Deputy attorney general Chase suzumoto and<00:33:38.200> we<00:33:38.320
• <00:45:31.720> General<00:45:32.079> wants rid of the or the Attorney General wants
• work<00:47:45.400> with the attorney general and then work with the attorney general and
• to<01:00:49.559> stay generally need that assistance to stay generally need that assistance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes. The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project. The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, as for SB 223, Attorney General, aloha.
• Attorney General, aloha. Thanks for being with us today. Attorney General, aloha.
• I am Deputy Attorney General Hiroki, and I'm here on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General
• Thank you, Deputy Attorney General.
• Thank you, Deputy Attorney General.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an Orange County Deputy District Attorney.
• To quote our own Attorney General, the progress our state has made is undeniable, but it is hardly finished
• It took away generations of a foundation of hope.
• today representing the district attorney is Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero with the San Diego
• I can't speak to them because I'm not a district attorney, but the district attorney can speak to circumstances

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.