Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> nowc><00:02:12.160><c> andc><00:02:12.440><c> Ic><00:02:12.560><c> guessc> going to get
• <00:42:03.040><c> andc><00:42:03.280><c> typec><00:42:03.480><c> ofc><00:42:03.640><c> disposal
• c><00:42:04.240><c> processingc> location and type of disposal processing location and type of disposal
• likec><04:40:00.120><c> 20c><04:40:00.680><c> typesc><04:40:00.920><c> ofc> I have a question
• ><c> notc><05:37:07.638><c> thec> ...big to fit into, or are not the type of equipment that you would

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• :58.319><c> ofc> um this type of um this type of some<00:45:00.160><c> sortc><00:45:00.319><c> of
• ><c> morec><04:13:47.920><c> executivec><04:13:48.399><c> typec> to the ones that are more executive
• type to the ones that are more executive type roles<04:13:48.960><c> whenc><04:13:49.199><c> you're
• ><c> typesc><05:03:02.320><c> ofc><05:03:02.560><c> noticesc><05:03:02.958><c> andc><05:03:03.200
• ><c> informationc> these types of notices and information these types of notices and information out

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:10.799><c> Isc><00:01:10.960><c> therec><00:01:11.119><c> anyonec><00:01:11.280><c>
• ><c> there'sc><00:01:18.240><c> noc><00:01:18.320><c> onec><00:01:18.479><c> toc><00:01:18.560
• c><00:02:39.840><c> Soc><00:02:40.000><c> Ic><00:02:40.239><c> wasc><00:02:40.319><c> veryc
• does Maui public works department that does uh<00:25:49.840><c> thisc><00:25:50.080><c> typec><00
• ><c> workc><00:25:52.240><c> andc> uh this type of of uh of work and uh this type of of uh of work

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then voted on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 71, asking the Coalina Golf Club to work with the Department of Transportation to prevent golf balls from reaching Fington Highway, drew no opposition in testimony; a member thanked the golf club for cooperating after a constituent’s windshield was struck, and the measure was passed unamended. HCR 19 HD1, supporting Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, received only DBED testimony in support and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 163, urging the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, was supported by DBEDT and the foundation itself, which said it would welcome such a festival subject to funding and staff resources; it was passed unamended. In the later joint session, HCR 70 on accelerating sustainable aviation fuels received support from the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, while DOT said it is already working on clean fuels through its greenhouse-gas reduction efforts and that the resolution would mainly require a more targeted progress report; the measure passed, with one no vote in the joint committee vote. HCR 123, on a restricted parking zone pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods, had no oral testimony and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 57, on a traffic mitigation and calming study in Waipahu, also had no testimony and was passed unamended. HCR 112, urging Honolulu to adopt a pedestrian-first policy, drew broad support from public health, planning, bicycling, and student witnesses, though one testifier urged coordination with existing county plans; it passed unamended. HCR 177, encouraging a summer streets pilot program, also passed unamended. For HCR 203, urging Maui County to prioritize planning for the Kihei North-South Collector Road, the chairs proposed technical amendments to correct the responsible agency from the Planning Department to the Public Works Department, and the measure passed with those amendments. Across the meetings, the committee repeatedly noted when there were no further questions or testimony, and each resolution was adopted by the committee after the stated recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:02:01.120><c> myc><00:02:01.240><c> namec><00:02:01.360><c> isc><00:02:01.520><c> Ryanc
• c><00:02:15.320><c> Ic><00:02:15.640><c> amc><00:02:16.040><c> alsoc><00:02:16.360><c> ac>
• c><00:07:56.040><c> toc><00:07:56.080><c> bec><00:07:56.200><c> ablec><00:07:56.360><c> toc><
• that type<00:08:50.920><c> ofc><00:08:51.080><c> activity.
• c> type of activity. type of activity.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:11 Discussion SB 97 01:06 Vote SB 97 12:42 Discussion SB 189 14:11 Vote SB 189 18:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> forc><00:01:01.320><c> thec><00:01:01.440><c> murderc><00:01:01.920><c> ofc><00:01:02.160
• ><c> pointc><00:04:12.400><c> that'sc><00:04:12.560><c> thec><00:04:12.720><c> typec> is apology
• at this point that's the type is apology at this point that's the type of<00:04:13.000><c> rhetoric<
• c><00:04:33.680><c> toc><00:04:33.720><c> bec><00:04:33.800><c> ablec><00:04:33.919><c> toc><
• c><00:05:05.160><c> ac><00:05:05.360><c> Nazic><00:05:05.680><c> andc><00:05:05.800><c> ac>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:15.880><c> Ic><00:03:16.040><c> willc><00:03:16.280><c> leavec><00:03:16.519><c> the
• /c><00:03:47.360><c> itc><00:03:47.840><c> ac><00:03:47.959><c> felonyc><00:03:48.400><c> ifc
• c><00:09:44.880><c> So,c><00:09:45.280><c> Ic><00:09:45.480><c> Ic><00:09:45.560><c> wantc>
• 56.320><c> ofc><00:15:56.560><c> softwarec><00:15:57.200><c> typec><00:15:57.680><c> technicians
• c> uh capable of software type technicians uh capable of software type technicians as<00:15:58.480>

Keywords: 00:36 Roll Call 02:26 SB 291 07:42 SB 291 Vote 10:39 SB 94 19:53 SB 94 Vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum and began by noting several personal matters, including prayers for Senator Higdon’s family emergency and for Senator Smith’s daughter. The committee then heard Senate Bill 291, sponsored by Senator Storm, which would expand efforts to combat copper theft and related disruptions to broadband and telecommunications infrastructure. Storm said the bill builds on prior legislation by creating a statewide licensing and oversight system for recyclers, requiring licensing through the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission, and using the LeadsOnline database to connect law enforcement statewide. Testimony from representatives of River Metals Recycling and Charter Communications supported the bill as a public safety measure, while acknowledging added operational costs and compliance changes for recyclers. Members discussed the impact of copper theft on service outages, including a local example where theft disrupted internet service and affected homes, businesses, schools, and first responders. Senator Wheeler explained his vote by emphasizing the harm to children and businesses and the seriousness of the problem. The committee voted favorably on SB 291, with eight ayes, and reported it with the recommendation that it pass. The committee then took up Senate Bill 94, sponsored by Senator Wilson, with a committee substitute. The bill amends Kentucky’s motor vehicle franchise law to revise compensation for dealers’ warranty and qualifying repair work, establish more objective standards for reimbursement, and create a uniform process for labor-time disputes. Wilson and witnesses from the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation described the measure as the product of extensive negotiation among dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers, aimed at updating compensation rules for increasingly complex vehicles and helping retain technicians. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted unanimously to report SB 94 favorably with the committee substitute attached.

Transcript Highlights:

• ofc><00:01:09.119><c> orderc><00:01:09.360><c> onc><00:01:09.600><c> thisc><00:01:09.840><c>
• c><00:01:41.920><c> Uhc><00:01:42.159><c> myc><00:01:42.320><c> namec><00:01:42.400><c> isc
• ><c> havec><00:01:53.439><c> ac><00:01:53.600><c> subc><00:01:53.920><c> onc><00:01:54.079><c
• Um who requested it, why um all of those<00:07:56.639><c> thosec><00:07:57.039><c> typesc><00:07:
• those types of things and every those those types of things and every person<00:07:59.199><c> inc>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:16 Discussion SB 158 01:12 Vote SB 158 04:06 Discussion HB 794 05:20 Vote HB 794 08:20 Discussion SB 183 09:44 Vote SB 183 17:46, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Hawaiic><00:04:02.360><c> forc><00:04:02.480><c> onec><00:04:02.600><c> thing,c> Miss Hawaii
• ><c> ac><00:04:05.960><c> personc><00:04:06.240><c> whoc><00:04:06.360><c> understandsc><00:04
• ><c> typec><00:09:43.360><c> ofc> communities, uh your your type of communities, uh your your type
• c> GMsc><00:09:54.080><c> atc><00:09:54.160><c> thec><00:09:54.280><c> veryc><00:09:54.600><c
• ><c> isc><00:10:43.560><c> ac><00:10:43.920><c> hugec><00:10:44.560><c> andc><00:10:44.760><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard several governor’s message nominations for health-related boards and commissions. Kanwardeep Kaleka was considered for the Substance Abuse Kauai Service Area Board; he said his work as a psychiatrist and family physician on Kauai motivates him to improve mental health and addiction services. Kunani Dryer was considered for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances; he emphasized 26 years of personal recovery, harm reduction experience, and representation of rural, LGBTQIA+, and Native Hawaiian communities. Olivia Kim was considered for the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; testimony highlighted her experience in nursing leadership, long-term care, and LPN workforce issues. Trisha Lynn Yamashita was considered for the Kauai Subarea Health Planning Council; she described her hospice leadership, public health and palliative care background, and focus on data-informed, community-centered planning. Emily Dong was considered for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel Wastewater Treatment Plants; she stressed wastewater’s public health importance and the need to strengthen the operator workforce pipeline. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health and several organizations and individuals, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, the Kauai mayor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and others. Committee members generally praised the nominees’ credentials and community ties, and repeatedly noted the value of lived experience, rural perspective, and workforce expertise. One nominee, Olivia Kim, was not present and was deferred to a later meeting for decision-making. At the end of the hearing, the committee took up the governor’s messages and recommended advise and consent for GM707, GM537, GM545, GM724, and GM790, with Senator Fevella excused and no objections recorded. GM662 was deferred to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:20 p.m. in Room 225 because the nominee could not attend. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:16.600><c> havec><00:01:16.759><c> anyc><00:01:16.960><c> guestsc><00:01:17.200><c> thatc
• ><c> onc><00:01:22.720><c> thec><00:01:22.880><c> agendac><00:01:23.320><c> isc> recognize first
• ><c> 126c><00:01:24.799><c> sponsoredc><00:01:25.240><c> byc><00:01:25.400><c> senatorc> Thank
• notify those people before research and notify those people before that<00:15:52.079><c> typec><00:
• <00:15:53.079><c> madec><00:15:53.360><c> ifc> that type of decision would be made if that type of

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00 Senate Bill 126 (Sen. McDaniel): 01:21 Senate Bill 37 (Sen. Elkins): 12:23 Adjournment: 21:06, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two bills. Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Senator McDaniel, proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power during the final 60 days before a gubernatorial election and through the transition period, with the stated goal of giving voters more time to learn about executive clemency decisions. McDaniel said the measure was intended to increase accountability and noted it would need approval by both chambers and then placement on the 2026 ballot. Senator Haron raised concerns about whether the proposal could chill pardons and asked about the timing; McDaniel responded that 60 days was chosen because of early voting and the need for public notice. The committee adopted a substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression; several members voted aye, Senator Haron passed, and Senator Adams later asked to be recorded as voting aye before adjournment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Elkins, which would amend Kentucky law on indigent burials to allow cremation as an option instead of requiring burial, and would require consultation with the county coroner before a decision is made. Elkins described it as a local control measure and said he was working with Rabbi Litman on a possible accommodation for Jewish indigent decedents, since the Jewish community strongly prefers burial and has offered to assume costs in those cases. Questions focused on how long officials must make a bona fide effort to notify a spouse or next of kin and whether the bill would affect current practices; Elkins said it would not change existing policy on that point and suggested a possible floor amendment for additional issues. Rabbi Litman testified in support, explaining the religious importance of burial and the community’s concern about cremation. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed with a favorable expression, though Senator Herron and Senator Tichenor expressed reservations and voted no or passed, citing constituent concerns and the possibility that family members may later seek a burial place to visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:54.799><c> Andc><00:01:55.040><c> whereasc><00:01:55.439><c> afterc><00:01:55.759><c
• ><c> President,c><00:02:30.480><c> andc><00:02:30.720><c> wasc><00:02:30.879><c> ac><00:02:31.040
• c><00:07:14.720><c> byc><00:07:14.880><c> ac><00:07:15.039><c> lencyc><00:07:15.680><c> thatc
• ><c> typec><00:23:55.280><c> ofc> using computers, phones, or any type of using computers, phones
• , or any type of electronic<00:23:56.159><c> device.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:59.200><c> Uh,c><00:01:59.600><c> seec><00:01:59.840><c> nonec><00:02:00.960><c> member
• 02:48.720><c> commentsc><00:02:49.040><c> andc><00:02:49.200><c> Ic><00:02:49.360><c> knowc><
• have a blend of different<00:41:52.079><c> typesc><00:41:52.400><c> ofc><00:41:52.640><c> properties
• c><00:41:53.280><c> rightc><00:41:54.240><c> soc> different types of properties right so different
• types of properties right so um<00:41:55.680><c> asc><00:41:56.160><c> ac><00:41:57.280><c> company

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of economic development, tourism, and tax measures. SB 2411 drew broad support from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Chamber of Commerce, and Retail Merchants, with one technical amendment suggested to change a partnership term from six to seven years. Members asked about implementation and annual costs, and the department said it would follow up with cost information. HB 2583 HD1, relating to economic development and a loan loss program, also received support, but DBED noted the state already has the CBED loan program and suggested the proposal could be placed under that existing framework rather than creating a new program. HB 1612, based on business revitalization task force recommendations, was supported by DBED and several business and advocacy groups, including the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Grassroot Institute. Testimony emphasized improving Hawaii’s business climate and using a ranking/reporting tool to measure progress, while one senator questioned whether the bill would simply fund another study instead of direct improvements. HB 1613, relating to HTDC, was supported by HTDC, the Chamber of Commerce, and startup and industry representatives who said a permanent marketing/branding specialist would help attract tech talent, founders, and investors; a member asked why the position was not in the budget, and HTDC said federal NIST funding uncertainty affected the request. HB 1614, also on economic development, was supported by HTDC and business groups, and members discussed whether the state was missing federal funds due to lack of matching dollars; HTDC said it was difficult to know, but matching funds could help leverage more federal grants. The committee then took up HB 2590 on taxation for creative industries. The Motion Picture Association and Hawaii Film Alliance strongly supported the bill, saying it would correct GET treatment for payroll service companies, restore motion picture and TV production as manufacturing, and repeal a 2022 provision affecting qualified expenses; the Department of Taxation said it would provide revenue-impact information later. Finally, HB 1950 HD1 on the transient accommodations tax drew strong support from DBED, HTA, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, hotel and resort groups, and others, who argued for a dedicated tourism marketing fund and said the state needs more stable, long-term marketing investment. The Tax Foundation opposed the special fund approach, arguing it would reduce legislative flexibility. Members pressed witnesses on the appropriate percentage for the fund, with HTA suggesting 10% to 12% of TAT collections, and the discussion focused on how marketing spending relates to visitor spending, tax revenue, and long-term tourism competitiveness.

Transcript Highlights:

• 58.160><c> usc><00:00:58.320><c> notc><00:00:58.600><c> fearc><00:00:58.840><c> toc> blessing
• c><00:01:07.400><c> inc><00:01:07.520><c> thec><00:01:07.600><c> namec><00:01:07.840><c> ofc>
• 33:30.280><c> typesc><00:33:30.600><c> ofc><00:33:30.720><c> benefits.
• c><00:33:31.400><c> Ic> able to have these types of benefits.
• I able to have these types of benefits. I support<00:33:32.000><c> it.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:59.320><c> toc><00:02:59.400><c> getc><00:02:59.560><c> bigc><00:03:00.040><c> orc><00:03
• ><c> MPRc><00:04:02.600><c> ranc><00:04:02.800><c> ac><00:04:02.880><c> storyc> today.
• and deserves to have additional scrutiny.<00:07:12.080><c> Thisc><00:07:12.360><c> typec><00:07:
• This type of comprehensive review<00:07:13.640><c> wouldc><00:07:13.800><c> trulyc><00:07:14.160>
• <c> isc><00:07:23.680><c> 280c><00:07:24.280><c> cowsc><00:07:24.680><c> orc><00:07:24.800><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:04:37.600><c> Blessedc><00:04:38.000><c> arec><00:04:38.160><c> you,c><00:04:38.400><c>
• :04:48.639><c> grantc><00:04:48.960><c> thatc><00:04:49.199><c> wec><00:04:49.840><c> whomc><
• c><00:04:55.280><c> Godc><00:04:55.600><c> blessc><00:04:55.840><c> thesec><00:04:56.160><c>
• counties,c><00:57:06.960><c> uhc><00:57:07.119><c> otherc><00:57:07.520><c> typesc><00:57:07.839
• ><c> ofc> cities, counties, uh other types of cities, counties, uh other types of local<00:57:08.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> requirementc><00:05:23.400><c> onc><00:05:24.400><c> somec><00:05:24.720><c> placesc><00
• c><00:05:27.080><c> Soc><00:05:28.080><c> ifc><00:05:28.240><c> Ic><00:05:28.479><c> couldc
• c><00:07:26.240><c> doc><00:07:26.400><c> itc><00:07:26.560><c> onc><00:07:26.639><c> thec><00
• c><00:27:19.200><c> linesc><00:27:19.679><c> ofc><00:27:20.279><c> typec><00:27:21.279><c> is
• c> but putting a few more lines of type is but putting a few more lines of type is not<00:27:21.679

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see that DD has five, 1915(c) waivers, long-term care has four waivers.
• But you can in 1915(c)s, which is...
• Age or disability types, but you can in 1915(c)s, which is why you have people who are eligible but not
• Yeah, just by sentence type. Just by sentence type.
• Is that because of the type of crimes associated with the longer dates?

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs. The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers. In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> typec><00:54:02.480><c> ofc><00:54:02.920><c> domatorc><00:54:03.520><c> orc><00:54:03.640
• ><c> somec> space to some type of domator or some space to some type of domator or some type<00:54:
• 05.240><c> I'mc><00:54:05.400><c> assumingc> type of cell space so I'm assuming type of cell space
• the authority to mix different<01:07:59.640><c> typesc><01:07:59.839><c> ofc><01:08:00.400><c> populations
• c><01:08:01.400><c> evenc><01:08:01.760><c> atc> different types of populations even at different

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> isc><00:02:03.799><c> recommendingc><00:02:04.799><c> uhc><00:02:04.920><c> whatc><00:02
• c><00:02:55.879><c> andc><00:02:56.040><c> upc><00:02:56.200><c> toc><00:02:56.400><c> 5%c>
• c><00:03:32.000><c> doc><00:03:32.159><c> thatc><00:03:32.280><c> inc><00:03:32.360><c> ac>
• :19.160><c> typesc> abusive partner and we work with types abusive partner and we work with types of
• ><c> thatc><00:19:14.559><c> isc><00:19:14.760><c> Ic><00:19:14.880><c> canc><00:19:15.120><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:46:01.119><c> assistancec><00:46:01.599><c> typec><00:46:01.920><c> projectc> state-led public
• ><c> EMACc><00:48:19.520><c> uhc><00:48:19.760><c> typec><00:48:20.079><c> relationshipc><00:
• type relationship with our states<00:48:21.200><c> thatc><00:48:21.359><c> arec><00:48:21.520><c
• :23.440><c> ofc><01:06:23.599><c> ac><01:06:23.839><c> pre-eploymentc><01:06:24.640><c> typec
• ><01:06:25.280><c> uhc><01:06:25.440><c> thanc><01:06:25.599><c> inc> more of a pre-eployment type

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:10:17.279><c> 2c><00:10:17.560><c> pmc><00:10:17.959><c> we'rec><00:10:18.200><c> herec><00
• 00:35:11.240><c> ofc><00:35:11.400><c> thec><00:35:11.520><c> typesc><00:35:11.720><c> ofc> the
• general statistics of the types of the general statistics of the types of cases<00:35:12.200><c> that
• push legislature's intent to um to push forward<01:15:50.600><c> thesec><01:15:50.840><c> typesc
• forward these types of of dual line forward these types of of dual line initiatives<01:15:53.880><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.