Video & Transcript Research : 'Japan relations'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAM-EDT Informational Briefing 01-12-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have a question on Table 15, but not related to this. performance bond.
  • So we wanted to redirect that money to other roof-related projects.
  • So I other roof related projects.
  • that reallocation to other roof related that reallocation to other roof related projects.<01:36:
  • that money for like other roof related that money for like other roof related projects<01:37:03.600
Keywords: 912, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rental car companies will still be liable for issues relating to car rental and maintenance.
  • So essentially, when you want to purchase one from Japan, for instance, they have to be like 20 years
  • I have two K-vehicle vehicles and a third currently on a boat coming from Japan.
  • Rental car-related claims make up less than 0.5% of all auto claims.
  • Rental car related claims make up less than 0.5% of all auto claims.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills covering motor vehicle sales, registration, title processing, dealer regulation, and several local matters. Chair Cyrro noted that Senate Bill 2414 had been postponed at the sponsor’s request, though public testimony would still be accepted. The hearing then heard testimony on measures including S. 2367, which would make an insurer primary for losses caused by an insured driver in a rental car; H. 3698 and related bills on codifying registration of 25-year-old imported Japanese kei vehicles; H. 3701 on requiring lienholders to release titles within seven days; H. 3690 on capping dealer documentation fees; and H. 3641 on requiring education for class two motor vehicle dealers. Testimony also addressed e-titling and e-signatures, peer-to-peer car sharing, temporary license plates, duplicate plates, general registration plates for motor vehicle distributors, and a bill to ban tinted license plate covers. Supporters of the rental-car insurance bill argued Massachusetts is an outlier compared with 47 other states and said the change would improve fairness, competition, and consumer understanding without raising premiums. Dealers and industry groups generally supported e-titling/e-signature modernization and the inspection-related bill, but urged safeguards to preserve title, registration, and insurance verification. The Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposed the doc-fee cap, saying documentation fees are a disclosed cost-recovery tool that varies by dealership. Representatives and advocates for kei vehicles said the RMV’s 2024 reversal showed the need to codify the rules in law, while opponents of the RMV’s approach described it as arbitrary and harmful to owners and importers. Supporters of the dealer-education bill said it would curb unregulated “curbstoning” and help ensure proper title handling and consumer protection. Several local and specialty bills also drew testimony. Hatfield officials supported a local bill allowing golf carts on certain town roads under strict safety rules, and Representative Ayers testified for a bill banning tinted license plate covers to aid toll collection, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Senator Lovely and other advocates supported the “Easy ID” license plate proposal, saying it would improve vehicle recognition in crime and child-abduction investigations. The committee took no votes during the hearing and adjourned after public testimony concluded.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 19th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 2786 by Turner relating to the frequency with which.
  • HB 2796 by low relating to a permissible uses.
  • HB 2805 by De La Yella, relating to civil actions related to ground.
  • AB 2897 by Holt, relating to the state of.
  • HB 2936 by Dunn, relating to the asset forfeiture proceedings.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDT Public Hearing 03-25-2025

Economic Development and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • can tap into some of these investment funds that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan
  • can tap into some of these investment funds that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan
  • can tap into some of these investment funds that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan
  • President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan said we're going to bring $1 trillion for infrastructure
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, agriculture, and gaming. It first took up a measure to support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity through the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, with testimony from DBEDT, HTDC, and APE Hawaii in support. Witnesses said the proposal aligns with federal and university partnerships, could help small and medium-sized businesses, and could support use of industrial sites such as the Mililani Technology Park. The committee then considered a resolution asking DBEDT to sponsor a Michelin Guide for restaurants statewide; testimony was mixed, with support for culinary recognition but concerns about cost and uncertainty over the return on investment. The committee amended that measure to require review and evaluation of the cost and benefit before sponsorship. The committee also heard a resolution directing the Agribusiness Development Corporation to assume routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala ditch. ADC testified that it would need to meet with stakeholders, assess the damage, and likely spend the first year determining needed repairs before seeking additional capital funding; members noted a prior $10 million appropriation and asked that the committee report reflect a transfer of those funds to ADC. The measure was moved forward as is, with that comment for the report. The most extensive discussion centered on a resolution to establish a tourism and gaming working group within DBEDT. Supporters included DBEDT, Aloha Halawa District Partners, labor representatives, the stadium authority, and Boyd Gaming, who described it as a first step to gather data and recommendations before any gaming policy decisions. Opponents argued the gaming industry should not help write the rules, warned about problem gambling and outside corporate influence, and urged the committee to reject the measure. The committee ultimately passed the resolution with an SD1 and technical amendments, and members said they would keep the issue open for further discussion, including possible inclusion of AHDP in the working group. The committee also heard and advanced a separate resolution urging the stadium authority to finalize the new Aloha Stadium contract and continue work on the entertainment district, with testimony both supporting the project and opposing it in favor of more housing. The committee voted to pass the stadium resolution as well.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/06/2026)

State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also relates to the convention of the states.
  • I think this question relates to what you just said.
  • Uh what relates to what you just said.
  • current laws law does this relation current laws law does this relation fill?
  • We more uh tried to relate to the that.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 7th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assembly Bill 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, an act related to trespass.
  • Assembly Bill 2753 by Assembly Member Soria, an act relating to elections.
  • However, cases involving... ...and an act relating to juveniles.
  • Assembly Bill 1544 by Assembly Member Krell, an act relating to courts.
  • Assembly Bill 2595 by Assembly Member Papin, relating to vehicles.
Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assembly Bill 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor and relating to public notice.
  • consider to be like the Hawaii of Japan.
  • Assembly Bill 1916 by Assembly Member Lee and related to courts.
  • Assembly Bill 2559 by Assembly Member Ward, an act relating to solid waste.
  • Assembly Bill 2559 by Assembly Member Ward, an act relating to solid waste.
Keywords: 988, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Insurance Apr 1st, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • services by reverse auction, to provide for implementation and effective dates, and to provide for related
  • Consultants or advisors who receive compensation related to PBM procurement activities between 2016 and
  • We can try to negotiate, find the best deal, depending on what our mix is, whether it's government-related
  • , private-related, or cash pay.
  • Why does the United States pay three times more than the UK, Japan, Finland, Australia, Austria, and
Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 1 with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 938 by Rep. Turner, which would overhaul pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation by setting a flat administration fee, requiring dispensing fees and NADAC-based reimbursement, mandating rebate pass-through, giving the Department of Insurance access to PBM data, and creating a reverse-auction process for PBM procurement. Turner said the bill is intended to level the playing field for independent pharmacies, improve transparency, and reduce hidden PBM practices. The committee adopted amendment set 1444 without objection, and Turner said additional conceptual amendments were still being worked on. Supporters included independent pharmacies and the PBM Accountability Project; opponents included union plan representatives, benefits consultants, and PBM/insurance industry witnesses who warned of higher costs, ERISA preemption problems, and likely litigation. After extended questioning on cost, preemption, and vertical integration, the committee reported HB 938 with amendments. The committee then considered House Bill 870, also by Rep. Turner, dealing with formulary placement and cost-sharing for generic drugs and biosimilars and limiting certain utilization management practices. Amendment set 1540 was adopted, revising and tightening technical definitions. Turner and a representative of the Association for Accessible Medicines argued the bill would help lower-cost generics and biosimilars gain market share and reduce patient costs, citing examples such as insulin and Humira biosimilars. Opponents from Louisiana Blue said the bill would force coverage based on wholesale acquisition cost rather than net cost, would raise premiums for fully insured members, and would mandate coverage of drugs that are not always the lowest net-cost option. Rep. Jordan again raised ERISA and preemption concerns, and committee members discussed whether the bill would interfere with tiering and plan design. After closing comments and a motion by Rep. Glorioso, HB 870 was reported with amendments, and the committee adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next up, we have HB 309, relating to fish ponds.
  • Next up, we have HB 505 relating to Red Hill.
  • Navy base, 7th Fleet, Japan, in summer 2007.
  • Navy base, 7th Fleet, Japan, in summer 2007.
  • <02:58:16.560> to members next we have HB 505 relating to members next we have HB 505 relating
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Jan 15th, 2026

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in 14 nations and territories including the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Japan
  • 00:05:46.000> Germany, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Japan
  • Liberia,<00:05:48.160> Nigeria,<00:05:49.199> Puerto<00:05:49.520> Rico, Japan
  • , Liberia, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, South<00:05:50.320> Korea,<
Keywords: 920, all
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures. The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed. Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Health amplifying RNA technology has been rolled out recently in Japan on the citizens of Japan.
  • that, and it would be detrimental to our state's economy through the loss of biotech research and related
  • And I heard something about 38,000 deaths related to that. In 2022, it was 35.
  • Are you saying only 55 people died or had death related to the COVID-19 vaccine in 2022?
  • So, it's not just about the scope and not related to the agreement.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Info Briefing - Thu Apr 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:29:48.240> when<00:29:48.480> the when those relation when the when those relation
  • We passed Japan. Now we're the fourth largest economy in the world.
  • <01:17:18.320> We<01:17:18.480> passed<01:17:18.719> Japan.
  • We passed Japan. Now passed the UK. We passed Japan.
  • You can see that in Japan.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And then we focused on retail... ...market access and how that relates to cannabis use and related public
  • And by extension, how does that relate to cannabis-use-related public health and safety outcomes, such
  • to neighborhood—characteristics that are related to why a retailer is located there and related to the
  • That 6% relates to about 45 more drivers statewide in a given year. relates to a modest increase in the
  • That 6% relates to about 45 more drivers statewide in a given year. ...relates to about 45 more drivers
Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

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

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • This comes from allowing schools that have low ADMs to hire teachers that might be related to board members
  • find teachers to come to rural Oklahoma, and it's even harder when a school board member might be related
  • to where my Kids, my oldest goes to school, and there are teachers that wear all sorts of church-related
  • To be personal, when we brought our firstborn home when we were stationed in Japan, we didn't know what
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

State Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Section 7 is for program payments related to fraud that allows data sharing as well.
  • The bill also strengthens the authority for state agencies to share data with one another related to
  • The final recommendation is related to budget savings.
  • This division represents multiple boards in actions related to licensure and regulatory oversight of
  • **Laura Sales**: Sure, my name is **Laura Sales**, and I'm the Director of Government Relations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:35.120> to Section 7 is program payments related to Section 7 is program payments related
  • compliance-related compliance-related work<00:13:56.760> with<00:13:57.000> payroll<00
  • DCYF biennium related to the DCYF implementation<00:14:36.000> office.
  • > state<00:21:27.720> government, Article 7 relating to state government, Article 7 relating
  • Sure, my name's Laura Sales, and I'm the Director of Government Relations.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Special Committee on COVID 19 April 9, 2020

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8tQ_IM11lI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, This video was aired on Olelo Channel 49 on April 9th, 2020. Footage courtesy of Olelo Community Media. Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 a.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Mr. Scott Murakami, Director 12:00 p.m. Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness Mr. Scott Morishige Behavioral Health Services Administration Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director Partners in Care Ms. Laura E. Thielen, Executive Director 1:00 p.m. Releasing of incarcerated persons Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master 2:00 p.m. Department of Public Safety Mr. Nolan Espinda, Director Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely via video or teleconference. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Friday, March 27, 2020 The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 on Oahu and will go out live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be live-streamed via http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=13. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov. -End of Agenda-, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

FIN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Canadian economy and Japanese economy will increase, especially Japan.
  • Japan, it was negative last year and will increase 1.2%.
  • East, but we do see a decrease from international, especially from Japan and Canada.
  • It is mainly because they are side by side tourism-related.
  • <00:30:19.960> and International especially from Japan and International especially from Japan
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.