Transcript Highlights:

• In Hawaii, in 1820 Hawaiian history.
• I feel we need a bill for all of Hawaii. I feel we need a bill for all of Hawaii.
• allow for really large systems.
• systems over time. systems over time.
• does university system control Monaca? does university system control Monaca?

Bills: HB1817, HB2056, HB2616, HB1718, HB1842, HB1740, HB1919, HB1616, HB1774, HB1984, HB1603, HB2171

Keywords: fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing

Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is requesting the University of Hawaii to allow Olelo Hawaii E Pathway under the Niihau dialect
• And this is requesting the University of Hawaii to allow Olelo Hawaii E Pathway under the Niihau dialect
• And this is requesting the University of Hawaii to allow Olelo Hawaii E Pathway under the Niihau dialect
• We have HCR 53, requesting the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to conduct a system-wide associate
• We have HCR 53 requesting the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to conduct a system-wide associate

Bills: HCR122

Keywords: Olelo Hawaii, micro-credentials, Hawaiian language, Niihau dialect, language revitalization, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Hawaiian Affairs first took up HCR 122, which requests the University of Hawaii to allow an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi E Pathway under the Niʻihau dialect. Testimony was generally supportive, and the chair noted agreement with the House author to mirror amendments already made in the Senate version, including technical, non-substantive changes and a micro-credential reference. Both committees voted to pass HCR 122 with amendments. The committee then heard HCR 181, affirming the legislative intent of HRS 302A-1116 regarding the Department of Education’s authority to create temporary positions. DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi testified that the department follows statutory requirements and consults with the Attorney General, while several members expressed concern that the department’s interpretation could allow repeated annual renewals and undermine the budget process. Members discussed the need to make the bill more explicit that temporary positions may not exceed one year. The committee ultimately adopted the proposed SD1 and passed HCR 181 with amendments. The committee also considered HCR 42 on recognizing cheerleading as a title sport, HCR 53 on a UH associate degree completion audit, HCR 110 on refining campus roles within the UH system, HCR 111 on clarifying UH system and campus responsibilities, and HCR 118 HD1 on strengthening menstrual health education and adopting a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. HCR 42 and HCR 53 were passed with technical/non-substantive amendments, HCR 110 and HCR 111 were passed unamended, and HCR 118 HD1 was passed with amendments reflecting the Senate version. Testimony on HCR 118 strongly supported standardized menstrual health education, with speakers emphasizing student demand and existing school infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:58.240> Um, for Water Month in Hawaii. Um, for Water Month in Hawaii.
• uh you know create a uh a great system uh you know create a uh a great system for<00:16:13.680><
• the Hawaii Reforestation Investment Hoi. the Hawaii Reforestation Investment Hoi.
• I'm with the University of Hawaii.
• I'm with the University of Hawaii.

Bills: HCR31

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, Hawaii, livestock, environment, sustainability, ecosystem services, Paniolo traditions, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii County Council Member Jen Kajiwara, in support.
• Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters in support.
• Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters in support.
• Uh<00:21:02.080> Hawaii<00:21:02.440> Regional<00:21:02.840> Council<00:21:03.200
• > of<00:21:03.280> Carpenters Uh Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters Uh Hawaii Regional

Bills: SCR48

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee met on SCR 48, which declares that affordable housing credits are perpetual and remain valid until redeemed, and asks counties to recognize them without expiration dates. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers saying the resolution clarifies the intent of the 2024 act and provides clear parameters for the credits. No one testified in opposition or offered questions. The committee then took up SCR 48 for decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is. The measure passed with one member voting with reservations. The chair noted this was the committee’s final hearing of the year and thanked advocates, stakeholders, staff, and IT support before adjourning. The transcript also included portions of the Transportation Committee and a joint Transportation/Housing hearing. Transportation advanced SCR 31 on school bus driver licensing and workforce improvements, SCR 132 urging Honolulu to prioritize the rail extension, SCR 145 on studying a demerit point system, and SCR 110 SD 1 on evaluating state-owned logistics facilities for housing projects. SCR 110 drew support from labor groups, with a request to add labor representation to the working group. The committees adopted recommendations on those measures, including SCR 110 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• welfare system. welfare system. well<00:00:48.960> minors<00:00:49.840> and<00:00:
• > Association executive director, Hawaii Association executive director, Hawaii Association of
• Hawaii. Um, this bill is fundamentally Hawaii.
• this bill along and we as the Hawaii this bill along and we as the Hawaii Association<00:07:34.560
• options in the court system. options in the court system.

Bills: SB3123

Keywords: conditional gifts, private education, scholarships, donor conditions, Hawaii education law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up three measures in decision-making. SB 2678, which would create a Judiciary working group to improve family court processes and youth access to legal representation in the child welfare system, was recommended for passage with amendments. The amendments would clarify that members with lived experience are those who have navigated the state child welfare system, replace an actively serving guardian ad litem with a former GAL, allow co-chairs to invite additional experts, and provide compensation for lived-experience members. The committee report would also recommend a $20,000 appropriation, and the motion passed without objection. SB 2528, a Campaign Spending Commission proposal to expand the partial public financing program and raise expenditure limits, was also recommended for passage with amendments and adopted without objection. The committee’s changes would increase the public-funds match to 4:1, raise the maximum public funding available to 20% for statewide executive offices and 25% for legislative and certain county offices, blank out the appropriation in the bill, and instead recommend $7.2 million in the committee report. Technical amendments would also rename the program for consistency and set the bill’s effective date to March 22, 2075. In a joint Judiciary/Education hearing, SB 3123 drew extensive testimony in support from the Governor’s office, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Hawaiian Council, Kamehameha Schools, and many private-school and community representatives. Supporters said the bill would clarify that donor-funded scholarships, grants, and tuition-free educational programs are charitable gifts rather than contractual obligations, giving donors and schools greater certainty and preserving educational access. Some members questioned whether the bill could affect Kamehameha Schools’ admissions practices or allow schools to avoid donor conditions; witnesses responded that the measure is intended to clarify donor intent, not change admissions, and that an opt-out clause would preserve the ability to create contractual agreements if the parties choose. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration, with no final vote reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This way we can make Hawaii a free state. But I'm here for indebt too in terms of Hawaii tourism.
• This way we can make Hawaii a free state. But I'm here for indebt too in terms of Hawaii tourism.
• tourism in Hawaii as well.
• tourism in Hawaii as well.
• tourism in Hawaii as well. And thank you tourism in Hawaii as well.

Bills: SB2187

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• Mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such

Bills: SB2042, SB2892, SB1163, SB2076, SB2116, SB2122, SB99, SB2088, SB2114, SB2117, SB2118, SB2245, SB2386, SB2079, SB2043, SB2155, SB2268, SB2932, SB3240

Keywords: feral chickens, chickens, animal control, humane disposition, wildlife management, Honolulu, City and County of Honolulu, appropriation, general funds, fiscal year 2026-2027, urban wildlife, poultry, nuisance animals, Act 169, Hawaii, privacy, geolocation, abortion, data protection, internet browser

Bills: SB2042, SB2892, SB1163, SB2076, SB2116, SB2122, SB99, SB2088, SB2114, SB2117, SB2118, SB2245, SB2386, SB2079, SB2043, SB2155, SB2268, SB2932, SB3240

Keywords: feral chickens, chickens, animal control, humane disposition, wildlife management, Honolulu, City and County of Honolulu, appropriation, general funds, fiscal year 2026-2027, urban wildlife, poultry, nuisance animals, Act 169, Hawaii, privacy, geolocation, abortion, data protection, internet browser

Transcript Highlights:

• review and clarify the roles, responsibilities, and functions of the University of Hawaii system in
• And you know, it's it creates this challenge with our whole energy system here in Hawaii to a lot of
• Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission in support.
• Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and support. Chair. Vice chair.
• Hawaii State Public Library System in opposition. I'll read with you.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• , um prepaid healthcare here in Hawaii, um prepaid healthcare here in Hawaii, but<00:31:46.799>
• because our system lacks basic support. because our system lacks basic support.
• Hawaii Worker Center, we organize the over 70% of workers in Hawaii that are not organized.
• two<01:25:43.760> lines<01:25:44.080> 13 of Hawaii systems on page two lines 13 of
• Hawaii systems on page two lines 13 page<01:25:44.960> five<01:25:45.280> lines<01:25:45.520

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• We uh Retail Merchants of Hawaii.
• We also have the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra in support and the Hawaii Public Library System in support
• We also have testimony in support from the Hawaii Chamber Music Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa
• University of Hawaii at Monoa and Serco University of Hawaii at Monoa and Serco Pacific.<00:24:23.039
• Uh, from the Hawaii Youth Symphony. Oh, Hawaii Youth Symphony. Aloha. Uh, Rep.

Bills: HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566

Keywords: arts integration, fine arts education, public schools, cultural education, student engagement, school coordinators, Hawaii education, Hawaii Cultural Trust, income tax credit, arts funding, cultural preservation, charitable contributions, HB2532, Hawaiian flag, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, flag display, condominium, condo association, planned community association, cooperative housing corporation

Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.

Transcript Highlights:

• [applause] >> Well, he's properly attired for the Hawaii climate. Any further introductions?
• with regard to establishing a Hawaii with regard to establishing a Hawaii dementia<00:04:05.519>
• And approximately 31,000 to Hawaii.
• I chose to speak about every one Hawaii.
• The only announcement people of Hawaii.

Bills: SB2445, SB2125, SB2355, SB2834, SB3237

Keywords: pedestrian, fines, traffic laws, economic vulnerability, safety, walking, public transportation, teacher licensing, teacher shortage, emergency hire, unlicensed teacher, out-of-field teaching, licensed teachers, charter schools, Department of Education, DOE, Board of Education, licensure requirements, teacher certification, alternative licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:04.080> to<00:08:04.240> amend<00:08:04.639> my Hawaii system and I'm
• going to amend my Hawaii system and I'm going to amend my proposed<00:08:05.280> amendment<00
• , Green Party of Hawaii, Food Basket, Inc., Hoy Food Hawaii, and Hawaii Islands Food Bankani.
• Charities, Hawaii, Green Party of<00:29:43.520> Hawaii, of Hawaii, of Hawaii, Food<00:29:45.520
• >> uh Hawaii Farmers Union and Hawaii Food >> uh Hawaii Farmers Union and Hawaii Food Plus

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1737, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• Kramer has built strong partnerships with organizations such as Climb High and Hawaii and the Pacific
• and the Pacific Fleet and Hawaii and the Pacific Fleet Submarine<00:06:56.240> Museum.
• Please join me in congratulating Lorelei, the 2025 Hawaii Association Secondary School Administrator
• as the 2025 Hawaii Association Secondary School<00:08:21.880> Administrator<00:08:22.720>
• <00:09:16.760> Association Lorelei, the 2025 Hawaii Association Lorelei, the 2025 Hawaii Association

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• DCR will incorporate the system-wide DCR will incorporate the system-wide recommended<00:04:35.720
• health-centered, trauma-informed health-centered, trauma-informed approach.<00:10:27.840> They
• , impacted by the justice system, or supporting the system, or providing care for those in and out of
• the system itself.
• , or uh system, or supporting the system, or uh providing<00:24:28.840> care<00:24:29.080>

Bills: SR185, HB2452, HB2329, HB2272, HB2273, HB2335, HB1656, HB2207, HB2289, HB1854, HB2581, HB20, HB2296, HB1707, HB2297, HB1890, HB2241, HB2474, HB1688, HB2546, HB1574, HB1546, HB2218, HB1163, HB1514, HB1749, HB2385, HB1576, HB1974, HB2022, HB1973, HB2005, HB1894, HB1515, HB1718, HB1591, HB2475, HB1721, HB1864, HB1946, HB1920

Keywords: Department of Education, capital improvement program, performance audit, infrastructure, transparency, state bonds, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, bond authorization, state debt limit, constitutional debt limit, Article VII Section 13, Hawaii bonds, state borrowing, public finance, capital improvement projects, supplemental appropriations, judiciary appropriations, refunding bonds, reimbursable bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• county of Hawaii, Dr. Kimo Alamido. county of Hawaii, Dr. Kimo Alamido.
• the community college system, if we want to create better opportunities for our children here in Hawaii
• for our children here in Hawaii. for our children here in Hawaii.
• The elections commission or health care system or the welfare system.
• No offense system or the welfare system.

Bills: HCR1, HCR2, SB2001, SB2002, SB2003, SB2004, SB2005, SB2006, SB2007, SB2008, SB2009, SB2010, SB2011, SB2012, SB2013, SB2014, SB2015, SB2016, SB2017, SB2018, SB2019, SB2020, SB2021, SB2022, SB2023, SB2024, SB2025, SB2026, SB2027, SB2028, SB2029, SB2030, SB2031, SB2032, SB2033, SB2034, SB2035, SB2036, SB2037, SB2038, SB2039, SB2040, SB2041, SB2042, SB2043, SB2044, SB2045, SB2046, SB2047, SB2048, SB2049, SB2050, SB2051, SB2052, SB2053, SB2054, SB2055, SB2056, SB2057, SB2058, SB2059, SB2060, SB2061, SB2062, SB2063, SB2064, SB2065, SB2066, SB2067, SB2068, SB2069, SB2070, SB2071, SB2072, SB2073, SB2074, SB2075, SB2076, SB2077, SB2078, SB2079, SB2080, SB2081, SB2082, SB2083, SB2084, SB2085, SB2086, SB2087, SB2088, SB2089, SB2090, SB2091, SB2092, SB2093, SB2094, SB2095, SB2096, SB2097, SB2098, SB2099, SB2100

Keywords: recess, legislative session, Hawaii State Legislature, 2026, Governor address, joint session, legislature, Hawaii, state of the state, Banyan Drive, Waiakea peninsula, Makaokū, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HCDA, Hawaii Community Development Authority, community development district, redevelopment, urban renewal, blight

Bills: HB1800, HB2095

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that they have the water system sure that they have the water system then<00:08:05.680>
• You know, in Hawaii, commissions have a You know, in Hawaii, commissions have a history<00:20:44.320>
• amends the membership of the Hawaii amends the membership of the Hawaii Community<00:30:55.520><
• <00:31:24.960> Uh 252 session laws of Hawaii 2025. Uh 252 session laws of Hawaii 2025.
• <00:31:57.360> Community director of the Hawaii Community director of the Hawaii Community

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, we have a new microphone system Finally, we have a new microphone system in<00:05:02.639
• of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• We're in of Hawaii Farmers Union.
• Hawaii Farmers in support. Hawaii Farmers in support.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau in support in person. Hawaii Farm Bureau in support in person.

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Prideware Hawaii on Not present. Um Prideware Hawaii on Zoom.
• or... >> Uh, here in Hawaii or, or— >> Uh, here in Hawaii or, or— >> Like in general?
• Uh, we have Hawaii Kids Can in support. >> Vice Chair, with Hawaii Kids Can.
• So for our people of Hawaii, for kids in Hawaii, supporting Hawaii and having a future for them, you
• 42.400> Hawaii<02:07:42.719> and<02:07:42.960> having Hawaii, supporting the Hawaii

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account