Transcript Highlights:

• First, we'll have Robert Phillips from the San Pasqual Band, and then Ryan Crowe, who's legal counsel
• My name is Robert Phelps, and I am a member of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and a retired
• I'm Ryan Kroll, counsel for San Pasqual, and I just will be quite brief, but I do want to echo what Robert

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts. Roberts. Roe. Roe. Rosecrants. Schreiber. Shaw here. Smith. Rosecrants. Rosecrants.
• Representative Roberts is recognized to present the Doctor of the Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, received an invocation focused on grief and remembrance, and heard several special presentations recognizing a brave child, visiting groups, and multiple student-athlete teams and school groups in the galleries. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. The main business was consideration of the Joint Committee report on Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, presented by Chairman Caldwell-Trey. Most of the floor time was spent on extended questions about the budget’s major features. Caldwell-Trey explained the bill as a largely flat or modestly increased budget that includes a $200 million transfer to a new sovereign wealth fund, $225 million in set-asides, a $12.5 million “dream accounts” program for newborns, and funding tied to teacher pay, education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and health agencies. Members questioned the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, the reduction in state contributions to the OPRS pension system, Medicaid assumptions, emergency management funding, veterans’ services, child care, school counselors, and the lack of funding for some requested items such as National Board Certified Teacher stipends and veterans’ facility maintenance. Caldwell-Trey defended the budget as transparent, early, and designed to preserve cash reserves while supporting core services. No final vote on the appropriations report is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The House also heard explanations that the limits bills would be run later in committee, and that the budget negotiations were still ongoing with the Senate and governor on some related items. The session ended with the queue closed after the budget questioning, and the transcript cuts off during additional remarks from Representative Timmons.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Delegate Ken Robinson and Delegate Denise Roberts, we welcome our constituents, the Sassy
• Denise Roberts, we welcome our Denise Roberts, we welcome our our<01:10:43.240><c> constituents,</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• Susan Roberts Emery in support.
• We uh respectfully request uh Um Susan Roberts Emery in support. Um Susan Roberts Emery in support.

Bills: SB3326

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes. The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to yield to Robert. Oh. Oh, I would yield. That motion is not in order yet at this time.
• We have to yield to Robert. Oh. Oh, I would yield. That motion is not in order yet at this time.
• We have to yield to Robert. Oh. Oh, I would yield. That motion is not in order yet at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Bishop, the agency's director for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, also known as
• Texas is celebrating its 15-year anniversary, fulfilling the mission of General Robert M.
• My name is Robert Vela.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• 04.600><c> you</c> spill thank you for your time thank you spill thank you for your time thank you Roberts
• Robert Souza, individual in opposition. county so thank you for theity to county so thank you for theity
• <c> Victor</c><01:23:17.800><c> Ramos</c><01:23:18.360><c> individual</c><01:23:18.960><c> in</c> Robert

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• The senior management group, president and chairman Walter Montgomery and colleagues Robert Kimmel, Dean
• Montgomery president and chairman Walter Montgomery and<00:10:25.600><c> colleagues</c><00:10:26.160><c> Robert
• <00:10:26.480><c> Kimmel,</c><00:10:27.279><c> Dean</c><00:10:27.600><c> Gala,</c> and colleagues Robert
• Kimmel, Dean Gala, and colleagues Robert Kimmel, Dean Gala, Paula<00:10:28.880><c> Zel,</c><00:10:29.360

Transcript Highlights:

• Bernie O'Heda, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, on behalf of Sheriff Robert Luna, in support.
• Chair, Bernie O'Heda, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, on behalf of Sheriff Robert Luna, also
• Bernie Ojeda, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Robert Luna, in support
• Bernie Ojeda, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Robert Luna, in support

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and heard several bills in subcommittee format. AB 1546, which would increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders by allowing a third DUI within 10 years to be charged as a wobbler, requiring a fifth DUI to be a felony, and lengthening ignition interlock and license revocation periods, drew strong support from law enforcement and district attorney groups and opposition from public defenders and reform advocates who argued the bill would further criminalize substance use and mental health issues. No vote was taken because there was no quorum at the time. AB 1595, aimed at standardizing post-conviction procedures for wrongful conviction claims and clarifying courts’ authority to consider new evidence, was supported by innocence and public defender organizations and opposed by district attorneys, who said existing habeas law is already clear and that the bill would add complexity and burden courts. AB 292, which would impose mandatory jail time for repeat felony domestic violence offenders within seven years, was supported by sheriffs, prosecutors, probation officers, and local governments, but opposed by domestic violence survivor advocates and public defender groups who warned it would not deter abuse and could criminalize survivors and divert resources from services. AB 1816, allowing courts to extend probation up to one additional year for sex offenders who have not completed required treatment, drew support from probation and law enforcement groups and opposition from public defenders and civil liberties advocates concerned about longer supervision, technical violations, and barriers such as poverty and treatment access; the committee later took a roll call and passed the bill 3-1, with one member not voting, sending it to Appropriations. After quorum was established, the committee also passed AB 1627, which would bar people with misconduct in immigration enforcement from becoming California peace officers, and AB 1927, which would create a misdemeanor for falsely impersonating a bail agent to solicit bail, both on due pass motions to Judiciary/Appropriations as amended. AB 1854, a shield-law measure expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers, patients, and related businesses from out-of-state legal process, was supported by the Attorney General’s office and reproductive rights groups and opposed by anti-abortion and family policy organizations; it was moved on a due pass motion to Judiciary. The committee then heard AB 1872, which would make repeat adult swatting offenses a felony/wobbler and require restitution for property damage, with support from law enforcement, prosecutors, and civil liberties advocates and opposition from public defenders and justice reform groups who argued the bill would not deter conduct and could disproportionately affect people with mental illness or undocumented status. A motion to advance AB 1872 was made, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Robert Fenz, farmer from Kula, and I was a member of the Hawaii State Hemp Task Force and the Hemp
• </c><00:48:11.720><c> Um</c><00:48:12.640><c> Robert</c><00:48:12.960><c> Fenz,</c><00:48:13.440><c>
• Um Robert Fenz, farmer the committee.
• Um Robert Fenz, farmer from<00:48:14.240><c> Kula,</c><00:48:14.960><c> and</c><00:48:15.280><c> I</c

Bills: SB3302 , SB2061 , SB2050 , SB2102 , SB2694 , SB2089 , SB847

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard. A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I have Korb O'Connor, Joan Willshire, and Robert Woodlick. could I request those sometime in the
• :53:25.080><c> Joan</c><00:53:25.400><c> Willshire,</c><00:53:26.160><c> and</c><00:53:26.560><c> Robert
• </c> O'Connor, Joan Willshire, and Robert O'Connor, Joan Willshire, and Robert Woodlick.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we did have one tribal member, Robert Blake, who owns Solar Bear.
• :52.239><c> member,</c> did um have uh one tribal me member, did um have uh one tribal me member, Robert
• </c><01:44:54.880><c> Um,</c> Robert Blake, who owns Solar Bear.
• Um, Robert Blake, who owns Solar Bear.

Bills: HF3830 , HF3688

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• gallery, I've got a good friend of mine who made the trek up from Wesboro, retired Brigadier General Robert
• from Wesboro, retired<00:59:11.839><c> Brigadier</c><00:59:12.400><c> General</c><00:59:12.799><c> Robert
• </c><00:59:13.200><c> Dean</c> retired Brigadier General Robert Dean retired Brigadier General Robert

Transcript Highlights:

• >> My name is Robert Pickering. I live here halftime and in Phoenix.
• &gt;&gt; My<01:13:14.159><c> name</c><01:13:14.239><c> is</c><01:13:14.400><c> Robert</c><01:13:14.719
• </c> &gt;&gt; My name is Robert Pickering. &gt;&gt; My name is Robert Pickering.

Bills: SB2936 , SB2850 , SB2851 , SB2521

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we served together on the Stevenson Middle, Robert Lewis Stevenson Middle School, AP, and our both
• served together on the Stevenson Middle served together on the Stevenson Middle uh<00:08:00.160><c> Robert
• Lewis</c><00:08:00.800><c> Stevenson</c><00:08:01.280><c> Middle</c><00:08:01.520><c> School</c> uh Robert
• Lewis Stevenson Middle School uh Robert Lewis Stevenson Middle School AP<00:08:03.199><c> and</c><00

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Robert Freeman.
• record<00:40:06.240><c> my</c><00:40:06.359><c> name</c><00:40:06.520><c> is</c><00:40:06.720><c> Robert
• <00:40:07.000><c> Freeman</c><00:40:07.480><c> I'm</c><00:40:07.640><c> the</c> record my name is Robert
• Freeman I'm the record my name is Robert Freeman I'm the vice<00:40:08.119><c> president</c><00:40:08.520

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Robert Harris. Mr. Robert Harris: Good afternoon. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Representative Shimizu.
• the Hawaii state ethics<00:12:36.279><c> commission</c><00:12:37.240><c> Mr</c><00:12:37.519><c> Robert
• Robert Harris: Good afternoon. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Representative Shimizu.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’d like to thank the other state senators who are co-sponsoring this bill: Bobby Joe Champion, Robert
• co-sponsoring this bill Bobby Joe<00:37:41.079><c> Camp</c><00:37:41.720><c> Champion</c><00:37:42.720><c> Robert
• </c><00:37:43.079><c> Farnsworth</c> Joe Camp Champion Robert Farnsworth Joe Camp Champion Robert Farnsworth

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Helen Roberts from the nonpartisan fiscal staff.
• excited to be here thank you<00:04:55.960><c> I'm</c><00:04:56.120><c> Helen</c><00:04:56.400><c> Roberts
• </c><00:04:56.759><c> from</c><00:04:56.919><c> the</c> you I'm Helen Roberts from the you I'm Helen
• Roberts from the nonpartisan<00:04:57.880><c> fiscal</c><00:04:58.280><c> staff</c> Jeff<00:05:01.840

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Robert Bierman, Apple Valley, 56A.
• Robert Bierman, Apple Valley, 56A.
• Robert Bierman, Apple Valley, 56A.
• Robert Bierman, Apple Valley, 56A.

Committee: House Education Policy