Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Yamamaica from Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• </c> Irish Barber, president of the Hawaii Irish Barber, president of the Hawaii Film<00:22:34.880><c
• </c> and TV shows bring tourists to Hawaii. and TV shows bring tourists to Hawaii.
• </c> spent $1 billion that year in Hawaii. spent $1 billion that year in Hawaii.
• </c> and Attraction Association of Hawaii. and Attraction Association of Hawaii.

Bills: SB2278, SB2908, SB2987

Keywords: light pollution, outdoor lighting, fully shielded, Hawaii Revised Statutes, environmental protection, night sky, lighting fixtures, local control, exemptions, athletic facilities, wildlife conservation, Hawaiian culture, 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Tourism and Economic Development and Technology heard several measures on February 12, 2026. HB 1950 would dedicate 15% of transit accommodations tax revenue to a new state-led marketing and branding special fund and require an annual tourism management plan. HTA and DBEDT supported the bill as providing predictable funding for marketing and tourism management, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special fund structure as limiting legislative flexibility. Members discussed the size of the allocation and whether a tourism emergency fund would still be needed; the bill later advanced with amendments that removed some provisions and blanked out the 15% figure for further discussion, and it passed with amendments. HB 2268 would add film production marketing and promotion to HTA’s powers. The governor’s office, HTA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, and several industry groups supported the measure, arguing that film and TV exposure drives tourism and generates significant spending and tax revenue, while one individual testified in opposition. In questions, HTA said it would use existing staff and did not have a separate cost estimate. The committee amended the bill to specify that film productions are primarily filmed in Hawaii and deferred the date to continue discussion; it then passed with amendments. The committee also heard HB 2156, which would raise filing thresholds for general excise tax and transit accommodations tax filers. The Department of Taxation said the change could increase administrative burden if more filers shift from mandatory electronic filing to paper filing, while the Tax Foundation noted the filing threshold issue is separate from e-filing requirements. The bill was moved forward with a deferred date. HB 1946, concerning time-share registration renewals and amendments, drew support from ARDA and other industry testimony, with no opposition noted; DCCA was said to be in talks with the industry. It was also advanced with technical amendments and a deferred date.

Transcript Highlights:

• joining them, as was mentioned by the Senator from Puna, we have the executive director from the Hawaii
• And the reason for this is because she has been a wonderful resident and supporter of EMS and of Hawaii

Bills: HB20, HB463, HB469, HB649, HB963, HB1163, HB1334, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1518, HB1519, HB1523, HB1524, HB1546, HB1548, HB1550, HB1553, HB1573, HB1574, HB1576, HB1588, HB1591, HB1618, HB1619, HB1628, HB1642, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1696, HB1700, HB1705, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1716, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1749, HB1752, HB1753, HB1768, HB1782, HB1800, HB1804, HB1810, HB1823, HB1839, HB1842, HB1854, HB1858, HB1864, HB1870, HB1875, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1894, HB1897, HB1898, HB1920, HB1929, HB1946, HB1959, HB1961, HB1962, HB1973, HB1974, HB2001, HB2005, HB2020, HB2021, HB2022, HB2023, HB2062, HB2078, HB2093, HB2095, HB2096, HB2097, HB2101, HB2137, HB2152, HB2207, HCR137, HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message No. 810 withdraws a nomination to the Advisory Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism
• the advisory Board of Directors<00:01:20.640><c> of</c><00:01:20.760><c> the</c><00:01:20.880><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:01:21.280><c> Tourism</c> Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority

Bills: HB20, HB463, HB469, HB649, HB963, HB1163, HB1334, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1518, HB1519, HB1523, HB1524, HB1546, HB1548, HB1550, HB1553, HB1573, HB1574, HB1576, HB1588, HB1591, HB1618, HB1619, HB1628, HB1642, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1696, HB1700, HB1705, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1716, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1749, HB1752, HB1753, HB1768, HB1782, HB1800, HB1804, HB1810, HB1823, HB1839, HB1842, HB1854, HB1858, HB1864, HB1870, HB1875, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1894, HB1897, HB1898, HB1920, HB1929, HB1946, HB1959, HB1961, HB1962, HB1973, HB1974, HB2001, HB2005, HB2020, HB2021, HB2022, HB2023, HB2062, HB2078, HB2093, HB2095, HB2096, HB2097, HB2101, HB2137, HB2152, HB2207, HCR137, HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Association of Hawaii. Association of Hawaii.
• </c> Melissa Pavlicek for the Hawaii Melissa Pavlicek for the Hawaii Automobile<00:04:23.800><c> Dealers
• For Hawaii specifically, while we don't have the data for 2025, we do know that in 2024 Hawaii residents
• </c> crypto kiosk operator here in Hawaii crypto kiosk operator here in Hawaii with<00:10:33.400><c>
• </c> Dave Erdman, Retail Merchants of Hawaii Dave Erdman, Retail Merchants of Hawaii in<00:30:39.680>

Bills: HB1511, HB1535, HB1642, HB1753, HB1810, HB2282, HB2614

Keywords: consumer protection, unsolicited mail, unsolicited email, junk mail, spam email, deceptive marketing, misleading solicitation, high-pressure sales, vehicle warranty, auto warranty, service contract, home warranty, license renewal, registration renewal, government impersonation, affiliation disclosure, direct mail, email marketing, consumer fraud, refund

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yes, performance bonds.
• went through the County of Hawaii, Hawaii County.
• went through the County of Hawaii, Hawaii County.
• </c> in Hawaii. in Hawaii.
• Hawaii? Hawaii?

Bills: SB2024, SB896, SB2613, SB494, SB2391, SB2125, SB2614, SB2615, SB3262, SB3325, SB3118

Keywords: charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139

Bills: SCR74, SR68, SCR108, SCR76, SCR150, SR141, SCR69, SR64, SCR25, SR22

Keywords: no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, auditor, state and county agencies, government accountability, emergency declarations, easement, submerged lands, drainage, Kahala Hotel, Oahu, state land regulations, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, H.B. No. 1971

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> other West Hawaii legislators, Rep. other West Hawaii legislators, Rep.
• Nishiguchi and the Hawaii State Student Nishiguchi and the Hawaii State Student Council<00:21:11.919>
• </c><00:24:42.400><c> And</c> with the Hawaii Student Association.
• And with the Hawaii Student Association.
• And on the cultural Ireland and Hawaii.

Bills: HB1751, HB1752, HB1636

Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, shopping carts, abandoned carts, cart retrieval, cart impoundment, county enforcement, municipal ordinance, retail businesses, grocery stores, wholesale stores, membership stores, private clubs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Testimony via Zoom by the Hawaii Testimony via Zoom by the Hawaii Coalition<00:17:43.560><c> for
• Testimony in support from Hawaii Testimony in support from Hawaii Disability<00:19:24.240><c> Rights<
• </c><00:19:27.400><c> Hawaii</c> Testimony in support by Hawaii Hawaii Testimony in support by Hawaii
• </c> Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
• Hawaii Constitution." And then you go on Hawaii Constitution."

Bills: SB2109, SB2151

Keywords: emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

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><c> 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><c> Administrator</c><00:08:22.720><c>
• </c><00:09:16.760><c> Association</c> 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:

• It has a bond bill capacity totaling approximately $392.5 million for three bond issues.
• So with this, the bonds. So with this, the bonds, that's different than capital outlay.
• with the last bond sale, has started taking a little bit of a different approach to selling the bonds
• How often do we do general obligation bonds? Chair, how often do we do general obligation bonds?
• The bonds are paid off.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• It appears to have to do with whether or not there's an outstanding bonded indebtedness.
• Is there a bond related to all MRAs, Mr.
• , Representative, so in the MRA statute, what we call a property tax abatement is referred to as a bond
• But in the development of our abatement program, we have used what are the bond sections of the original

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• And what I'm saying is, are we doing this in Hawaii?
• </c><00:31:59.279><c> SAR</c> Johnson. the director of the Hawaii SAR Johnson. the director of the Hawaii
• ,</c> apartment building in Hilo, Hawaii, apartment building in Hilo, Hawaii, which<00:43:24.400><c>
• </c> awardee shall be selected by a Hawaii awardee shall be selected by a Hawaii leadership<00:55:06.559
• ,</c><00:55:32.559><c> and</c> service, uh friend of Hawaii, and service, uh friend of Hawaii, and profiles

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Allison Shafer from the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Water Safety Plan Lead Writer.
• When school lets out, the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii offers keiki a fun, educational, safe place to
• One of the students before us today will be named the State of Hawaii Youth of the Year and will go on
• One of the students before us today will be named the State of Hawaii Youth of the Year and will go on
• </c><00:39:16.320><c> Innovation</c> there's going to be a Hawaii Innovation there's going to be a Hawaii

Bills: HR209, SB3131, SB2494, SB2447, SB2727, SB2145, SB2143, HR22, HCR22, HR97, HCR105, HR138, HCR146, HCR16, HCR35, HCR40, HR3, HCR4, HR161, HCR171, HR109, HCR117, HR33, HCR33, HR141, HCR149, HR190, HCR200, HR193, HCR203, HR194, HCR204, HR196, HCR206, HR197, HCR207, HR191, HCR201, HR12, HCR10, HR148, HCR157, HR184, HCR194, HR195, HCR205, HR192, HCR202, HR173, HCR183, HR179, HCR189, HR181, HCR191, HR21, HCR21, HR23, HCR24, HR60, HCR66, HR113, HCR121, HR145, HCR153, HR74, HCR82, HR77, HCR85, HR90, HCR98, HR27, HCR36, HR165, HCR175, HR187, HCR197, HR5, HCR6, SB2054

Keywords: entertainment, comedy, youth wellness, cultural identity, Hawaiian culture, mental health, public service, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, campaign finance

Transcript Highlights:

• receipt of message number seven informing the House that an arbitration award was issued for the Hawaii
• of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and we would like to extend a special mahalo to the Hawaii

Bills: SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, SB3320, SB2798, SB2110, SB3007, SB2615, SB2095, SB2101, SB3138, SB2756, SB3229, SB2969, SB3286, SB3238, SB2557, SB3140, SB2014, SB3097, SB3096, SB3069, SB99, SB2930, SB2268, SB2543, SB3022, SB3109, SB3215, SB3152, SB3156, SB3234, SB3053, SB3067, SB2673, SB411, SB2041, SB2919, SB2532, SB2152, SB2721, SB2446, SB2601, SB2239, SB2804, SB3324, SB2802, SB2577, SB2320, SB2706, SB2595, SB2781, SB2961, SB2433, SB2657, SB2340, SB3045, SB3203, SB2861, SB3245, SB2803, SB3204, SB3025, SB2138, SB2645, SB3082, SB2109, SB2261, SB3332, SB2811, SB2567, SB2125, SB2866, SB83, SB874, SB2386, SB3137, SB3132, SB2175, SB2272, SB2271, SB847, SB3302, SB2089, SB2102, SB2050, SB2694, SB2487, SB2061, SB709, SB3083, SB2151, SB2852, SB2471, SB2568, SB2253, SB2697, SB2429, SB2929, SB3032, SB2057, SB148, SB2353, SB2075, SB2907, SB2074, SB3219, SB3218, SB2367, SB3048, SB17, SB3253, SB2376, SB3103, SB2999, SB3255, SB1166, SB3157, SB2698, SB3029, SB2146, SB2470, SB3040, SB3076, SB2575, SB3294, SB2438, SB2530, SB2688

Keywords: lead-free, lead in drinking water, drinking water, water infrastructure, public water system, plumbing, pipe fittings, solder, flux, fixtures, cast iron pipe repair, nonpotable water, Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Health, water quality, lead exposure, lead contamination, water utilities, backflow preventer, fire hydrant

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we have Randy Wong, as well as Wailana Contic from the Hawaii Youth Symphony, as well as others who
• Youth Symphony, as well from the Hawaii Youth Symphony, as well as<00:15:05.880><c> others</c><00:15
• But I want to thank the advocates from the Hawaii Youth Symphony and the many individuals who testified
• Youth Symphony and the many the Hawaii Youth Symphony and the many individuals<00:39:10.320><c> who<
• Thank you. of the Filipino community to Hawaii and our country.

Bills: SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, SB3320, SB2798, SB2110, SB3007, SB2615, SB2095, SB2101, SB3138, SB2756, SB3229, SB2969, SB3286, SB3238, SB2557, SB3140, SB2014, SB3097, SB3096, SB3069, SB99, SB2930, SB2268, SB2543, SB3022, SB3109, SB3215, SB3152, SB3156, SB3234, SB3053, SB3067, SB2673, SB411, SB2041, SB2919, SB2532, SB2152, SB2721, SB2446, SB2601, SB2239, SB2804, SB3324, SB2802, SB2577, SB2320, SB2706, SB2595, SB2781, SB2961, SB2433, SB2657, SB2340, SB3045, SB3203, SB2861, SB3245, SB2803, SB3204, SB3025, SB2138, SB2645, SB3082, SB2109, SB2261, SB3332, SB2811, SB2567, SB2125, SB2866, SB83, SB874, SB2386, SB3137, SB3132, SB2175, SB2272, SB2271, SB847, SB3302, SB2089, SB2102, SB2050, SB2694, SB2487, SB2061, SB709, SB3083, SB2151, SB2852, SB2471, SB2568, SB2253, SB2697, SB2429, SB2929, SB3032, SB2057, SB148, SB2353, SB2075, SB2907, SB2074, SB3219, SB3218, SB2367, SB3048, SB17, SB3253, SB2376, SB3103, SB2999, SB3255, SB1166, SB3157, SB2698, SB3029, SB2146, SB2470, SB3040, SB3076, SB2575, SB3294, SB2438, SB2530, SB2688

Keywords: lead-free, lead in drinking water, drinking water, water infrastructure, public water system, plumbing, pipe fittings, solder, flux, fixtures, cast iron pipe repair, nonpotable water, Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Health, water quality, lead exposure, lead contamination, water utilities, backflow preventer, fire hydrant

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Food Industry Association. Hawaii Food Industry Association.
• Uh, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii in<00:17:38.240><c> support</c> in support in support upstream
• </c><00:23:49.360><c> Hawaii</c> Aloha. Terry Napia from Hawaii. Hawaii Aloha.
• Terry Napia from Hawaii. Hawaii Island. Island. Island.
• Realtors,</c> Hawaii Yi, Hawaii Yi, in support.

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii um list. Hawaii um list.
• </c><00:50:01.520><c> Hawaii</c> pathways to careers for Hawaii Hawaii pathways to careers for Hawaii
• </c> of Hawaii. of Hawaii.
• . bonds. bonds.
• Bond bond services, bond sales, &gt;&gt; right?

Bills: SB1, SB4, SB6, SB9, SB16, SB17, SB20, SB22, SB28, SB29, SB36, SB41, SB45, SB77, SB85, SB87, SB96, SB98, SB110, SB126, SB139, SB143, SB164, SB167, SB171, SB186, SB188, SB195, SB197, SB198, SB204, SB205, SB206, SB207, SB209, SB210, SB211, SB217, SB219, SB220, SB225, SB231, SB237, SB238, SB241, SB244, SB246, SB247, SB272, SB294, SB315, SB346, SB364, SB366, SB367, SB386, SB392, SB403, SB415, SB427, SB431, SB437, SB457, SB459, SB469, SB471, SB478, SB484, SB489, SB502, SB503, SB507, SB508, SB510, SB516, SB517, SB518, SB519, SB521, SB535, SB543, SB550, SB564, SB568, SB570, SB575, SB577, SB578, SB590, SB607, SB616, SB621, SB634, SB644, SB647, SB649, SB652, SB655, SB656, SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2178, SB2101, SB2373, SB2905, SB3231, SB3296, SB2704, SB3162, SB2885, SB2174, SB3256, SB2333, SB2713, SB2100, SB3012, SB2805, SB2102, SB2478, SB2103, SB3233, SB2678, SB2461, SB2645, SB3247, SB2005, SB2022, SB2083, SB2128, SB2130, SB2240, SB2306, SB2547, SB2603, SB2756, SB2782, SB2818, SB2944, SB2982, SB2986, SB3022, SB3031, SB3032, SB3035, SB3053, SB3288, SB2435, SB2970, SB2938, SB3110, SB3251, SB3322, SB2068, SB2268, SB3046, SB2526, SB2231, SB2448, SB2567, SB3095, SB3264, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2119, SB2137, SB2209, SB2180, SB2949, SB2431, SB2410, SB3199, SB3245, SB2274, SB2277, SB2175, SB2080, SB2799, SB2491, SB2310, SB2489, SB2925, SB2709, SB17, SB2227, SB2887, SB2006

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, industrial hemp, Hawaii, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, organic waste

Transcript Highlights:

• They're here representing the Hawaii State Future Farmers of America.
• They're here representing the Hawaii State Future Farmers of America.
• Welcome to your Hawaii State Center.
• </c> the Hawaii Future Farmers America. the Hawaii Future Farmers America.
• </c> Welcome to your Hawaii State Center. Welcome to your Hawaii State Center.

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2178, SB2101, SB2373, SB2905, SB3231, SB3296, SB2704, SB3162, SB2885, SB2174, SB3256, SB2333, SB2713, SB2100, SB3012, SB2805, SB2102, SB2478, SB2103, SB3233, SB2678, SB2461, SB2645, SB3247, SB2005, SB2022, SB2083, SB2128, SB2130, SB2240, SB2306, SB2547, SB2603, SB2756, SB2782, SB2818, SB2944, SB2982, SB2986, SB3022, SB3031, SB3032, SB3035, SB3053, SB3288, SB2435, SB2970, SB2938, SB3110, SB3251, SB3322, SB2068, SB2268, SB3046, SB2526, SB2231, SB2448, SB2567, SB3095, SB3264, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2119, SB2137, SB2209, SB2180, SB2949, SB2431, SB2410, SB3199, SB3245, SB2274, SB2277, SB2175, SB2080, SB2799, SB2491, SB2310, SB2489, SB2925, SB2709, SB17, SB2227, SB2887, SB2006

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, industrial hemp, Hawaii, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, organic waste

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> How many other uh companies in Hawaii How many other uh companies in Hawaii produce<00:22:45.520
• </c> important recognition for Hawaii important recognition for Hawaii construction<00:28:44.320><c>
• </c> development for the state of Hawaii. development for the state of Hawaii.
• </c><00:45:36.800><c> Uh</c> Hawaii Community Foundation said. Uh Hawaii Community Foundation said.
• </c> on in Hawaii. on in Hawaii.

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.