Transcript Highlights:

• Um and I can almost<00:10:14.959> guarantee<00:10:15.440> you<00:10:15.680> none
• <00:10:15.839> of<00:10:16.000> them<00:10:16.160> live almost guarantee you none
• I can guarantee it. I've done it my whole life.
• <00:31:27.120> I<00:31:27.360> can<00:31:27.440> guarantee<00:31:27.919>
• I can guarantee I've term for certain.

Bills: HB61, HB176, SB12

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we developed, in a prototype way, a money-making system. money-back guarantee.
• This fall we are taking our money back guarantee and going full college.
• Here's my concern when you talk about a money-back guarantee. I have concerns over that. Okay.
• Because I don't think we should be using tax dollars to make guarantees because there's maybe 10% of
• They have the process now to where they can get a CDL in four weeks and they will even also guarantee

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• representatives here have asked if we're giving this money to you folks to fix these mistakes, and we're not guaranteed
• representatives here have asked if we're giving this money to you folks to fix these mistakes, and we're not guaranteed
• I'm only here to present to you facts of the case. mistakes uh and we're not guaranteed to mistakes uh
• and we're not guaranteed to get<00:48:31.400> them<00:48:31.640> back<00:48:31.839>
• There's no way to tell what the future will result in if we cannot guarantee, and we don't have an estimate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients. Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims. Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• personal loan guarantee program. personal loan guarantee program.
• Uh, it's a federal employee personal loan guarantee program.
• This is a guaranteed loan program, so it's guaranteed back by our federal government.
• loan program so This is a a guaranteed loan program so it's<00:35:00.880> guaranteed<00:35:01.640
• back by our federal it's guaranteed back by our federal government. government. government.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• federal law, but a guarantee that the state of Hawaii will backstop you if your rights are violated
• that compliance will happen guarantee that compliance will happen under<00:39:35.920> federal
• <00:39:36.240> law,<00:39:36.520> but<00:39:36.680> a<00:39:36.720> guarantee
• <00:39:37.200> that under federal law, but a guarantee that under federal law, but a guarantee
• And there's never a guarantee. Like, we'll do our best to get it approved.

Bills: SB2607, SB2031, SB2043, SB2623, SB2876, SB2396, SB2964, SB2089

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it is not a guaranteed funding source. >> Okay.
• Title Guarantee of Hawaii, Mona OP in support. Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in support.
• Um, my other question is, I guess overall, do you foresee this, um, helping us to, uh, guarantee faster
• Um, my other question is, I guess overall, do you foresee this, um, helping us to, uh, guarantee faster
• a you know permit for water guarantee a you know permit for water availability.<02:02:42.080> Um,

Bills: HB1719, HB1742, HB1737, HB2049, HB1725, HB1726, HB1738, HB1799, HB1700

Keywords: housing crisis, manufactured homes, factory-built housing, zoning, relocatable housing units, farm employee housing, agriculture, Hawaii Revised Statutes, agricultural districts, land use, regulation, renewable energy, community development, housing, affordable housing, real estate, state regulation, building codes, construction, permitting

Summary: The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making. The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now let's have some professionals, maybe some actual math teachers, look at the numbers, and I can guarantee
• Now let's have some professionals, maybe some actual math teachers, look at the numbers, and I can guarantee
• Now let's have some professionals, maybe some actual math teachers, look at the numbers, and I can guarantee
• Now let's have some professionals, maybe some actual math teachers, look at the numbers, and I can guarantee
• Now let's have some professionals, maybe some actual math teachers, look at the numbers, and I can guarantee

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, Immigration Court is a very serious matter, and you are not guaranteed an attorney because
• <01:05:23.400> an matter um and you are not guaranteed an matter um and you are not guaranteed
• I just want to reiterate that these people have due process rights that are guaranteed to them, and this
• <01:05:55.279> to process rights that are guaranteed to process rights that are guaranteed
• to them and and this measure guaranteed to them and and this measure is<01:06:35.559> a<01:06

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, colleagues, it does so in a manner that fully protects Proposition 98 and our constitutional guarantee
• It makes no changes to the calculation of the minimum guarantee.
• Nothing in this act is intended to change the calculation or funding of the minimum guarantee under Section
• Legislature, and to make clear to the public that nothing in here is going to diminish the constitutional guarantee

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to detail, and sense of humor—very critical when a school district is facing fiscal crisis—have guaranteed
• You see, when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, that guaranteed freedom for all slaves in this
• You see, when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, that guaranteed freedom for all slaves in this
• You see, when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, that guaranteed freedom for all slaves in this

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He found himself in prison because of a system that is designed to guarantee to the maximum extent humanly
• system that is prison because of a system that is designed<00:03:43.360> to<00:03:43.680> guarantee
• <00:03:44.239> to<00:03:44.480> the<00:03:44.640> maximum designed to guarantee
• to the maximum designed to guarantee to the maximum extent<00:03:45.599> humanly<00:03:46.080

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:02 Attendance Roll Call: 00:06 SB 10 (Sen. McDaniel): 00:56 SB 51 (Sen. Nemes): 08:30 Adjournment: 17:23, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power during the 60 days before a gubernatorial election and until a new governor is sworn in, effectively limiting pardons for 90 days in a four-year term. Sponsor Senator McDaniel argued the measure was a response to abuses of the pardon power and said it would force accountability before voters. Senator Herron raised a concern about a possible chilling effect on pardons but supported the bill after asking about the historical example cited. The committee voted unanimously 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then took up Senate Bill 51, which would freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older who reside in their homes, with the assessment resuming if the home is sold, vacated, or the owner moves to a nursing home or with family. Senator Neis described the bill as relief for seniors on fixed incomes facing rising property taxes, and he walked through the fiscal impact as a budgeted-revenue issue rather than an actual loss of current revenue. Several members spoke in support, saying constituents frequently raise concerns about being priced out of their homes and that the bill would help seniors remain in their communities. During the roll call on SB 51, Senator Chambers Armstrong said he wished the bill were means-tested but supported it because of its importance to low-income seniors; Senator Bledsoe also explained his support, citing senior homeowners in Fayette County; and Senator McDaniel said it complemented broader housing efforts and should go to the people for a vote. The committee reported SB 51 with favorable expression, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our RGs are not subject to rate filing and are not covered by the guarantee fund.
• okay, so that makes sense, because I said in 17, it's got those little... little bitty thing and I guarantee
• We serve on the board of the Texas Certified Self-Insured Guarantee Association. the Texas Self-Insurance
• Group Guarantee Fund, and we nominate five members to the governing committee of the Texas Auto Insurance

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , or as close as we can to guarantee, that there's safe contact there and maintain that bond despite
• , or as close as we can to guarantee, that there's safe contact there and maintain that bond despite
• , or as close as we can to guarantee, that there's safe contact there and maintain that bond despite
• , or as close as we can to guarantee, that there's safe contact there and maintain that bond despite
• Guarantee, or as close as we can to guarantee, that there's safe contact there and maintain that bond

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My bill, H.R. 3668, would guarantee we protect the environment, ensure we protect public health, and
• > safety<00:53:30.960> of Congress can't guarantee the safety of Congress can't guarantee
• I guarantee you you would be incarcerated. I guarantee you, because you can indict a ham sandwich.
• <02:35:22.800> be I guarantee you you would be I guarantee you you would be incarcerated.
• I<02:35:25.120> guarantee<02:35:25.760> you I guarantee you I guarantee you because<02:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, December 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been receiving treatment since then, and my job was guaranteed back if I complete treatment and
• But although my job was guaranteed back, my reputation will not be guaranteed, all because I was arrested
• I have been receiving treatment since then and my job was guaranteed back if I complete treatment and
• obviously complete the fit for duty test but although that my job was in although that my job was guaranteed
• back my reputation will not be guaranteed all because I was arrested instead of given treatment at the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness. Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• us, many of our plans may be put on hold because CalHome now is completely out of money, with no guarantee
• us, many of our plans may be put on hold because CalHome now is completely out of money, with no guarantee
• The very simple amendment that we ask for, a guarantee of 10% of funds for CalHome, will not only gain
• So this bill provides residents that have been displaced by disaster with guarantees of transparent communication
• There is no guarantee that those timelines line up.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, permanent supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of existing deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters argued the state needs major new subsidy to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, while many organizations and local governments testified in support. Habitat for Humanity opposed unless the bond explicitly reserved 10% for CalHome; members discussed that issue and broader negotiations over possible amendments. After quorum was established, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would limit local governments from using SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements as a reason to stall or condition planned transit projects. The author and supporters from LA Metro and the building trades said the bill would prevent opposition to future transit stops from undermining transit expansion, jobs, and climate goals. Several groups that had initially opposed or been neutral, including cities and housing advocates, withdrew opposition after amendments; the League of California Cities moved to no position pending review. The bill passed the committee as amended to Senate Local Government on a do-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating an Infrastructure Partnership Financing Program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements tied to housing projects. Supporters said both bills would improve project feasibility and reduce late-stage cost surprises; there was little opposition, though some local government representatives sought continued discussion on implementation details. Both measures were approved on do-pass motions to Senate Appropriations and held on call. The committee also took up SB 908, which streamlines permitting for energy-code-compliant window replacements and limits added aesthetic requirements, with the new-construction portion narrowed to San Francisco; it received support from housing and decarbonization groups and was moved to Appropriations on a do-pass motion, also held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• The BFA has operated for more than 30 years without the state ever having to pay on a guarantee, maintains
• And even under a modeled worst-case scenario that assumes all guaranteed debt is triggered, the debt
• 20.960> loan treasurer that with the existing loan treasurer that with the existing loan guarantees
• already in place, the state guarantees already in place, the state is<01:05:23.359> currently
• that are mainly intended to guarantees that are mainly intended to be<01:05:39.119> used<01:05

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or basically what would need to guarantee that they would play their games at the new...
• Or basically, what would need to guarantee that they would play their games at the new...
• When I say that, we could guarantee that we can construct a stadium; that's pretty much all the guarantee
• <00:53:21.559> that<00:53:21.720> we<00:53:21.920> can could we we guarantee
• is I'm making no all the guarantee is I'm making no commitments<00:53:28.640> that<00:53:29.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state. The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation. HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's be honest, tips aren't guaranteed.
• That's why tips are gifts, not a guarantee, not wages.
• No worker should guarantee, not wages.
• Without it, IDEA becomes words on paper with no meaningful guarantee.
• meaningful guarantee. Let us be clear. meaningful guarantee. Let us be clear.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• without a guarantee that it comes<00:42:52.560> back.
• And to be clear, members, we cannot guarantee that it would come back.
• And to be clear, members, we cannot guarantee that it would come back.
• And to be clear, members, we cannot guarantee that it would come back.
• And to be clear, members, we cannot guarantee that it would come back.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all