Transcript Highlights:

• Michelle Costa here on behalf of the Judiciary.
• First up, we have the Judiciary.
• Judiciary uh with comments you uh oh Judiciary uh with comments you uh oh please please please I<00:28
• </c><00:48:15.480><c> on</c> recommendation from the Judiciary on recommendation from the Judiciary on
• </c> modify the bill to allow the Judiciary modify the bill to allow the Judiciary to<00:48:26.280><c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the amendment to Senate Bill 1038 from Judiciary be adopted.
• I move the Judiciary Committee amendment to Senate Bill 1133 be adopted. Thank you.
• I move the Gowan floor amendment to the Judiciary amendment to SB 1133 be adopted.
• I move the Judiciary amendment as amended to Senate Bill 1133 be adopted.
• President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration SCR 1001 relating to

Transcript Highlights:

• And now the Judiciary Amendment, please.
• The Judiciary Amendment, please. Madam Chair, I move that the amendment in my name be adopted.
• Seeing none, the question before you is the adoption of the Judiciary Amendment to SB 1004.
• The question before you is the adoption of the Judiciary Amendment to SB 1004.
• The Judiciary Committee has under consideration Senate Bill 1049 and respectfully recommends the bill

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, welcome everyone to the Judiciary Committee hearing this Thursday morning, March 20th, at 9:45
• </c><00:09:58.480><c> for</c><00:09:58.640><c> as</c> nominees have come to judiciary for as nominees
• Okay, welcome everyone to the 10:00 a.m. agenda of the Judiciary Committee on this Thursday the 20th.
• First up on STR 153, SR 123 is Rodney Miley, administrator for the judiciary, in support.
• Uh, first up from the judiciary.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 666, the nomination of Rose Kea to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from business and community members, and Kea described her background as a real estate broker, small business owner, and nonprofit volunteer leader, saying her experience with workplace equity and women-owned businesses would help the commission. Senators questioned her about the connection between her background and the commission’s work, and about how she would respond to current threats to women’s rights; she said the commission should serve as a unifying and leading force for gender equity. The committee later voted to advise and consent, with the chair’s recommendation adopted. The committee also considered SCR 128 and SR 107, which sought information on state lands leased to the federal government. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the resolutions as drafted, saying the AG does not maintain the lease inventory and that the request should instead go to the agencies that manage the land, such as DLNR, DOE, and DOT. The committee amended the measures to ask the AG to determine whether there are constitutional or other legal impediments to continued leasing or new leases, including whether nominal lease amounts violate law, and then passed both with amendments. Next, the committee took up STR 153 and SR 123, which request the County of Maui to complete the transfer of the Hoie roads, including Hoie Road F, to resolve jurisdictional ambiguities. The judiciary administrator testified in support, and the measures were passed, with the committee adopting the chair’s recommendation. Finally, the committee heard STR 179 and SR 149 on reviewing the Hawaii Revised Statutes for gender-neutral language. The LGBTQ+ Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women supported the effort, though the women’s commission asked for more time and a set date to dissolve the work group. The committee amended the resolutions to assign the review to the Legislative Reference Bureau, with consultation from the LGBTQ+ Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, civil rights experts, and law-related organizations, and set interim and final reporting deadlines before passing the measures with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 896 was referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, and House Bill 898
• Speaker, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration reports that we have enrolled House Bills
• Speaker, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration reports that we have transmitted enrolled
• Senate Bill 1369 is referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
• Senate Bill 1369 is referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the Senate Committee's Committee, then Senate Judiciary
• Committee, then Senate Finance Committee, Senate Bill 1330. then Senate Judiciary Committee, then Senate
• The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet at 1:30. We have three presentations this afternoon.
• President, just for clarification, Senator Cervantes, what time is the Judiciary Committee meeting?
• Just for clarification, Senator Servantes, what time is Judiciary Committee meeting? Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome everyone else to Senate Judiciary.
• I served by the House Judiciary at one time. I hear you. Thank you, Mr.
• So I served for 20 years in the House on the Judiciary Committee.
• So how about you being a good, smart liberal, you go on Judiciary.'
• Well, when he called me smart, you know, I had to go on Judiciary.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• January 28, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal for the proceedings
• January 28, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and
• Senate Bills 1232 and 1233 will both be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee, while Senate Bill
• thereto will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• thereto will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this bill comes to us from, having been passed out of Judiciary A.
• Uh, that audit was done, came back, and um, working with the Administrative Office of Courts, Judiciary
• Um just a a little out of Judiciary Aid.
• </c> Uh judiciary a uh had a presentation. Uh judiciary a uh had a presentation.
• </c><00:14:08.399><c> a</c> that's repealing that law in judiciary a that's repealing that law in judiciary

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the judiciary committee. from the judiciary committee.
• Senate bill number 178 from judiciary.
• Senate bill number 179 from judiciary.
• Senate bill number 237 from judiciary.
• House bill from the judiciary committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate file eight, sponsored judiciary.
• Senate file 10, sponsored judiciary.
• Senate file 11, burials of judiciary.
• . judiciary. judiciary.
• . judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections having under consideration HB 2028, relating to.
• President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration HB 2028, relating to
• President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration HB 2028 relating to
• President, pro tem, I move that the Judiciary Committee amendment to HB 2028 be adopted.
• There is a Judiciary Committee amendment. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved
• House Joint Memorial 10 will be referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for enrolling
• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, Fifth order of business.
• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have printed House
• House Bill 654, by the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, is an act relating to police dogs

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 942 pages long, and it details thousands of acts of counterfeiting, deceit, illegal compensation
• It's 942 pages long, and it details thousands of acts of counterfeiting, deceit, illegal compensation
• Deceit, illegal compensation, bulk identity theft, and perjury.
• The bill prohibits compensating petition circulators on a per-signature basis.
• House Bill 40-07, a bill to be entitled in act relating to compensation for health care services for

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0. The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship. The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce and Judiciary. HB 2966, dangerous crimes of each children.
• HB 2972, Judiciary. HB 2973, property. Ways and Means. HB 2978, appropriation.
• Commerce and Judiciary. HB 2966, dangerous crimes of each children.
• HB 2972, Judiciary. HB 2973, property. Ways and Means. HB 2978, appropriation.
• HB 2972, protect judiciary. HB 2973, property. Ways and Means. HB 2978, appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I do support but I want to ask and just or comment why the judiciary is excluded from this.
• appeared that they're excluded and if I'm wrong on that, I'm wrong, but I believe it did exclude the judiciary
• </c><00:18:26.559><c> is</c> and just or comment why the judiciary is and just or comment why the judiciary
• So, I'm not sure exclude the judiciary.
• Gregory Msakian, and we will be striking the entire section so that the legislature and the judiciary

Committee: House Legislative Management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional. The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage. After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Committee on Judiciary and Elections, having under consideration the matter of the governor's
• It stipulates that an independent municipal advisor must receive compensation from the school district
• Senate Bill 1215, enacting Sections 23-901 and 23-901.09 as a statute related to workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, welcome everyone to the Judiciary Committee meeting hearing this morning on Tuesday, the 10th
• And we'll apply the ban only to compensated officers for both grantees and contractors per Hano and the
• /c><00:51:57.200><c> ban</c><00:51:57.599><c> only</c><00:51:57.839><c> to</c><00:51:58.240><c> compensated

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 727 is referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
• House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee will meet Thursday, February 19th...
• The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee will meet Thursday, February 19th...
• The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee will meet Thursday, February 19th...
• The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee will meet Thursday, February 19th...

Transcript Highlights:

• It's referred to the committee on judiciary.
• It's referred to the committee on<00:07:21.520><c> judiciary.
• It's referred to the committee on<00:08:06.240><c> judiciary.
• President, the judiciary committee worked through this.
• worked</c><00:13:24.240><c> through</c> um judiciary committee worked through um judiciary committee