Video & Transcript Research : 'Native Hawaiian values'
Page 12 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's pretty fascinating because what the Native Americans felt was sacred to them.
- You know, I currently live in a one-bedroom, one-bath home that's valued at $250,000.
- That's valued at $250,000.
Keywords:
insurance, wildfire, flood damage, natural disasters, property coverage, water projects, appropriation, New Mexico, finance authority, infrastructure, New Mexico Finance Authority, funding, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- [clears throat] As a mahu Native Hawaiian person myself, I strongly urge you to pass this measure.
- We support HB 1858 with the following amendments: Please provide an exemption for Native Hawaiian and
- Please provide an exemption for Native Please provide an exemption for Native Hawaiian<01:06:06.799
- And just to repeat what is in our testimony, I think it's important as far as the Native Hawaiian seat
- And just to repeat what is in our testimony, I think it's important as far as the Native Hawaiian seat
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments.
Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure.
A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaiian community.
- <00:39:39.200>
And <00:39:39.440>so <00:39:39.920>the native Hawaiian community - And so the native Hawaiian community.
- <00:39:48.000>
Gaming the Native Hawaiian community. - Gaming the Native Hawaiian community.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, technology, and related policy issues. Testimony generally came from state agencies and industry groups, with DBED, HTDC, and others mostly supporting measures that would create working groups, promote advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, encourage a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, support Taiwan’s international participation, and explore import substitution. One measure on a tourism and gaming working group drew strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, which argued it would signal support for gambling and could worsen social harms, while other witnesses supported it as a way to gather data before any policy decisions. The committee also heard support for relocating the Pearl City Post Office to improve traffic and safety, and for a resolution to focus HTDC on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
Several items were amended before action. The committee agreed to amend the tourism and gaming working group resolution to narrow and clarify its purpose, and to amend the Taiwan resolution to add the president of the Republic of China as a recipient. The import-substitution resolution was also amended to add a definition, include language about avoiding new import dependencies such as LNG, and direct state and utility purchasing power toward substituting imports. A resolution on HCR 211/HR 203 was rewritten to address lowering fire insurance rates and mitigating fire risk in Puna lava zones, but decision-making on that item was deferred to a later hearing so the new language could be posted publicly.
The committee voted to adopt several measures, including HCR 57/HCR 152, HCR 156/HR 151, HCR 19/HR 115, and HCR 33/HR 32, with some passed as amended and others passed as is. HCR 192 was adopted with amendments despite reservations from some members, and HCR 209/HR 2011 was adopted with amendments. The committee also recessed for decision-making during the hearing and later adjourned after completing action on the agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Mar 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 40
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what the resolution is talking about, not the East-West Center or Native Hawaiian nonprofits.
- their cause. and also tell Native their cause. and also tell Native Hawaiian<01:03:27.599>
who - Um, I am all for studying ways that we can improve the life of our Native Hawaiians, which we owe our
- Hawaiian peoples so deserve.
- Hawaiians, which um we Hawaiians, which um we owe<01:11:33.679>
our owe our owe our Aloha<01:11
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Jan 21, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 1 Opening Day
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for being here and thank you for the work that you do for Native Hawaiian.
- <00:50:16.480>
Hawaiian. - Native Hawaiian culture and rights are preserved, and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands waitlist is
- Native<01:36:27.520>
Hawaiian <01:36:28.080>culture <01:36:29.120>and <01:36:29.440 - >
rights <01:36:29.840>are Native Hawaiian culture and rights are Native Hawaiian culture
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-TRS, EDT-AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Jacob on behalf of Alaska, Hawaiian Jacob on behalf of Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines.<00:03:08.239><
- Hawaiian? Hawaiian?
- supporting ecology studies for Hawaiian supporting ecology studies for Hawaiian green<00:42:32.400
- actually have higher than market value actually have higher than market value lease<00:56:35.359
- Natural Resources and the Hawaiian Natural Resources and the Hawaiian Invasive<01:33:07.440>
Keywords:
biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229.
The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor.
A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Tue Jan 6, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And how you guys plan on resolving this matter so that us native Hawaiian or anybody else who got to
- And so I do believe that I'm coming with a unique perspective of safeguarding, of course, Native Hawaiian
- > has<01:31:04.080>
worked Native Hawaiian, someone who has worked Native Hawaiian, someone - as<01:31:21.920>
as native Hawaiian rights and as as native Hawaiian rights and as as particularly - very sensitive issue I am not native very sensitive issue I am not native Hawaiian<01:33:52.880>
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But first up is the 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certification, and Natasha has our lead
- Thank you for the opportunity to present our policy brief on Senate Memorial 9 regarding the 520 Native
- I'm just proud of the fact that we value that and are doing this.
- Catherine's Native American and to go to high school at St.
- We've really valued having her.
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states.
Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards.
In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Feb 12, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 18
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- native Hawaiian culture with richness of native Hawaiian culture with Traditions<00:20:56.679>
from - Her unwavering dedication has shaped opportunities for Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander
- Her unwavering dedication has shaped opportunities for Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander
- <00:23:45.120>
Hawaiians <00:23:46.120>and on asian-americans native Hawaiians and - on asian-americans native Hawaiians and Pacific<00:23:46.840>
Islanders <00:23:47.679>where
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Was that the traditional Hawaiian protocol in Hawaiian was switched one day?
- Was that the traditional Hawaiian protocol in Hawaiian was switched one day?
- Was that the traditional Hawaiian protocol in Hawaiian was switched one day?
- the chair of the board is Native O.
- would be against replacing Hawaiian would be against replacing Hawaiian protocol<00:25:20.360>
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition.
Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at nearly two times the rate, and the deaths of Native
- <00:33:31.200>
Hawaiian rate and the deaths of native Hawaiian rate and the deaths of native - <02:02:54.239>
Hawaiian <02:02:54.719>actor I'm a 16-year-old native Hawaiian actor - I'm a 16-year-old native Hawaiian actor and<02:02:55.719>
a <02:02:55.960>proud <02:02: - On behalf of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, we stand on our written testimony.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I bring forward the Mahu LGBTQIA+ communities, Native Hawaiian, just all of these various communities
- I bring forward the Mahu LGBTQIA+ communities, Native Hawaiian, just all of these various communities
- I bring forward the Mahu LGBTQIA+ communities, Native Hawaiian, just all of these various communities
- You know, because you have been involved with the LGBTQIA+ as well as the Native Hawaiian communities
- <00:09:40.120>
Hawaiian as well as the Native Hawaiian as well as the Native Hawaiian communities
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard several governor’s message nominations for health-related boards and commissions. Kanwardeep Kaleka was considered for the Substance Abuse Kauai Service Area Board; he said his work as a psychiatrist and family physician on Kauai motivates him to improve mental health and addiction services. Kunani Dryer was considered for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances; he emphasized 26 years of personal recovery, harm reduction experience, and representation of rural, LGBTQIA+, and Native Hawaiian communities. Olivia Kim was considered for the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; testimony highlighted her experience in nursing leadership, long-term care, and LPN workforce issues. Trisha Lynn Yamashita was considered for the Kauai Subarea Health Planning Council; she described her hospice leadership, public health and palliative care background, and focus on data-informed, community-centered planning. Emily Dong was considered for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel Wastewater Treatment Plants; she stressed wastewater’s public health importance and the need to strengthen the operator workforce pipeline.
Testimony in support came from the Department of Health and several organizations and individuals, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, the Kauai mayor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and others. Committee members generally praised the nominees’ credentials and community ties, and repeatedly noted the value of lived experience, rural perspective, and workforce expertise. One nominee, Olivia Kim, was not present and was deferred to a later meeting for decision-making.
At the end of the hearing, the committee took up the governor’s messages and recommended advise and consent for GM707, GM537, GM545, GM724, and GM790, with Senator Fevella excused and no objections recorded. GM662 was deferred to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:20 p.m. in Room 225 because the nominee could not attend. The committee then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA, WLA DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a Native Hawaiian Alohi Nakachi.
- And I'll just say that Native Hawaiian communities are standing by to help DOCAR enforce these rules.
- <01:34:39.360>
are that Native Hawaiian communities are that Native Hawaiian communities are - Uh, we're a Native Hawaiian organization.
- fire chief of each county, a native fire chief of each county, a native Hawaiian<02:33:37.920>
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt.
Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 279 WG Info Briefing - Mon Dec 1, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They want to get Hawaiians back on their land.
- They want to get Hawaiians back problem.
- They want to get Hawaiians back on<00:22:59.760>
their <00:23:00.000>land. - So, these projects benefit the Hawaiian.
- When you take a Native Hawaiian off the list and you put them into a home that is keeping our workforce
Summary:
The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands.
DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance.
The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects.
Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- A highlight for me was attending the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce's Hōlomuʻa Business Fest
- <00:16:12.520>
and <00:16:13.160>uh Native Hawaiians and and women and uh Native Hawaiians - Are you going out to Native Hawaiian groups?
- For Native Hawaiian, veteran, small boat.
- > a<00:21:40.000>
10%, you're a Native Hawaiian, you get a 10%, you're a Native Hawaiian,
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately.
A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/4/26 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace, and
- Whereas this year's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander...
- <00:14:31.800>
Hawaiian, <00:14:32.640>and <00:14:32.760>Pacific <00:14:33.200>- > Islander Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month.
- <00:18:23.360>
Thank <00:18:23.600>you, values in the years ahead.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then recognized guests from Taiwan, including the Director General of Taiwan’s Midwest office and a vice consul. Members then read a resolution honoring Minnesota’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan and highlighting trade, agricultural exchanges, cultural ties, and Taiwan’s support for Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution reaffirmed support for the Taiwan Relations Act, encouraged continued negotiations toward a bilateral trade agreement and a tax agreement to avoid double taxation, and supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC, and INTERPOL. It also emphasized shared democratic values, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and support for Minnesota businesses referring to Taiwan as Taiwan.
Several members participated in reading the resolution, including Representatives Lee, Vang, Lee XP, Presnell, Nash, and Mueller. After the resolution reading, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker for photographs, and the motion prevailed, sending the House into recess.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Native Hawaiians are not a box to check.
- Native Hawaiians are not a box to check.
- Native Hawaiians are not a box to check.
- <00:27:36.080>
Hawaiian from the Council of Native Hawaiian from the Council of Native Hawaiian - Commerce,<00:27:41.679>
and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and Native Hawaiian Chamber
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
off serving native Hawaiian well first off serving native Hawaiian well first off there's<00:- > their native Hawaiians and support their native Hawaiians and support their rights<00:19:08.520
- by native Hawaiians businesses owned by native Hawaiians through<00:39:41.800>
marketing <00:39 - native Hawaiian owned businesses support native Hawaiian owned businesses much<00:40:17.240>
like - <01:26:44.040>
Hawaiians financial support to native Hawaiians financial support to native
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 410, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ biennium operating budget. OHA asked for a modest increase over its base budget, including $1.2 million to fund 13 new full-time positions for a strategy and implementation team tied to its long-term plan, with emphasis on housing, education, health, and economic resilience. OHA also described a broader effort to work directly with executive branch departments to improve outcomes for Native Hawaiians. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals speaking in favor and one testifier expressing strong frustration about Native Hawaiian rights and access to resources. The chair noted there were 38 additional written/supporting testimonies and three in opposition. Members asked about OHA’s funding sources and public land trust revenues; OHA said it is not receiving the full 20 percent share, described a public land trust working group and system issues, and said a related bill would seek funding to begin an inventory. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then considered House Bill 304, which would make the Hawaiian version of a law binding when the law was originally drafted in Hawaiian and later translated into English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language and looks to the original language for legislative intent. The Attorney General supported the intent but recommended narrowing the bill with a proviso to avoid ambiguities, limiting it to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were not later amended, codified, recodified, or reenacted in English. Public testimony was generally supportive, though one speaker raised broader sovereignty concerns. Members questioned how many laws would be affected and whether the proposed amendment would undercut the bill; the Attorney General said the amendment was meant to address uncertainty in interpretation. No final action was reported.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 603, which would direct OHA to administer a Native Hawaiian business marketing program to promote Native Hawaiian-owned businesses through marketing and technical assistance. OHA supported the concept, saying a label or branding program could help consumers identify and support Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, but requested that funding be redirected to a working group to study program design, implementation, enforcement, and long-term viability. The chair noted four supportive testimonies had been received, and a member asked OHA to confirm that its programs serve all Hawaiians, not only those eligible for homelands; OHA said it serves all Hawaiians in the state. The transcript ends before any vote or further action on HB 603.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 11, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 29
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I just saw walked in former Hawaiian Homes commissioner and longtime Nanakuli Neighborhood Board chair
- I just saw walked in former Hawaiian Homes commissioner and longtime Nanakuli Neighborhood Board chair
- I just saw walked in former Hawaiian Homes commissioner and longtime Nanakuli Neighborhood Board chair
- Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership has worked tirelessly to combat invasive species, restore native
- Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership has worked tirelessly to combat invasive species, restore native
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And Native Hawaiians were still waiting sometimes for generations to receive the land that was promised
- spent 37 years on the Hawaiian spent 37 years on the Hawaiian homeland's<00:29:33.919>
weight - We're building a health care system that reflects our values.
- We're building a health care system that reflects our values.
- A future that puts our shared values into action: the values of aloha, ʻohana, and kuleana.