Video & Transcript : 'collaborative practice' :
Page 133 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- meetings, 102 subcommittee meetings, and a number of joint subcommittee meetings, with ongoing collaboration
- They do help collaborate and help Arizona provide knowledge and leadership as connected and automated
- We're closely collaborating with them, so I can't really speak to any details on that particular topic
- Those are something that our industry takes very seriously, and we work and collaborate with law enforcement
- This would allow the permitting authority to determine that it is not practical or necessary to meet
Summary:
The committee held a work session on autonomous vehicles, beginning with an overview from the Washington State Transportation Commission on the state’s five-year AV work group. The commission described its 2018 legislative mandate, the 35-member executive committee and seven subcommittees, and the resulting 29 recommendations and “roadmap to the future.” The presentation emphasized six policy “building blocks” for Washington: agency readiness, public outreach, equity, safety, testing and pilots, and a path to deployment. It also noted current Washington law requires AV testing companies to self-certify with the Department of Licensing, carry $5 million in liability insurance, report collisions and violations, and notify local law enforcement before testing; three companies are currently certified.
State regulators from California and Arizona then outlined their AV frameworks. California described its long-running permit system for testing with and without a safety driver and for commercial deployment, its current rulemaking to expand use cases to heavy-duty trucks and passenger shuttles, and new requirements for mileage, operational assessments, and more detailed crash and incident reporting. California also said it is creating a new enforcement tool allowing citations to be issued to manufacturers for moving violations by AVs. Arizona described its executive-order-based approach, later codified by statute, which allows testing and driverless operations through self-certification, law enforcement interaction plans, quarterly meetings with companies, and reporting of crashes or near misses; Arizona also said it tracks crashes monthly and has not recorded fatalities attributed to AVs.
Industry representatives from Waymo, Zoox, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that AVs can improve safety, accessibility, and mobility while creating jobs. They described extensive sensor systems, community outreach, first-responder engagement, and current operations in multiple cities. Waymo cited more than 127 million rider-only miles and said its data show large reductions in injury-causing and pedestrian crashes; Zoox said it operates in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Seattle and stressed its purpose-built electric robotaxi and local jobs; AVIA said its members have driven more than 145 million autonomous miles and that 26 states now expressly authorize driverless operations. Members asked about public education, crash and fatality tracking, enforcement, weather, school zones, first-responder interactions, and labor impacts.
Labor and public-safety witnesses from the Teamsters, firefighters, and driver unions opposed commercial AV deployment without stronger safeguards. They argued Washington should not be an unregulated testing ground, especially for heavy trucks and hazardous materials, and warned of job losses for drivers, taxi and rideshare workers, and related occupations. Firefighters and driver representatives raised concerns about AVs interfering with emergency scenes, blocking responders, and creating risks in dynamic roadway incidents. Committee members also asked for comparisons to human-driven vehicles, data on citations and crashes, and more information on how AVs interact with pedestrians, first responders, and workers.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This is current practice in state hospitals.
- We're just codifying that standard practice as a requirement to make it explicitly clear.
- I'm a cardiologist by training and practice.
- and make what's considered evidence-based practices that should be standard across the board.
- I have been an attorney in the CPS arena for the majority of my practice.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 26th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- needs of pregnant and parenting women, prevent overprescribing and ensure appropriate prescribing practices
- And of course, we've dedicated recently a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or Nurse Practitioner who is
- Regional collaboration, so we're in partnership with the community in Rio Arriba to share strategies
- We've integrated into our clinical practice here in our offices and we want more folks to come in as
- And now that's become the best practice and lots of folks are moving in that direction and we do our
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Budget Negotiations Media Availability - 04/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean do you feel generally broadly like the collaboration between House DFLers and House Republicans
- </c> generally broadly like the collaboration generally broadly like the collaboration between<00:05:
- You know, I learned from Speaker Hortman that it is the tradition and the practice to negotiate a bonding
- That is a perspective that the House DFL caucus has as a practical reality of a tied house.
- reality of a caucus has as a practical reality of a tied<00:15:00.399><c> house.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 6th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For decades, it's been a standard practice to integrate the cost of repairing this damage into rates,
- A recent court decision, Rogers v. the City of Redlands, disrupted this long-term, long-standing practice
- SB 922 clarifies the law to uphold the well-established practice.
- SB 922 clarifies the law to uphold the well-established practice of integrating road maintenance costs
- He collaborated with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and the National Center for Missing
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- has made significant strides in the areas of modernizing its data systems, streamlining licensing practices
- has made significant strides in the areas of modernizing its data systems, streamlining licensing practices
- So that is, to me, very unfair practice.
- So that is, to me, very unfair practice.
- That's one of the best practices that we had in the Obama administration to really have dedicated resources
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- sounds like you are also willing to maybe look at language that allows us to be more of a voluntary collaboration
- And thank you again, Senator Massullo, for being so collaborative with me in your conversations and with
- Requiring registration is normal business practice.
- And in practice, what we’re concerned about is that the project can technically comply while protecting
- And in practice, what we're concerned about is that the project can technically comply while protecting
Keywords:
negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards.
The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence.
Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Implement runoff control practices like manure haul out, buffer zones, and composting systems.
- This bill supports proven practices to reduce phosphorus pollution and restore impaired water bodies
- and provides farmers with practical tools and financial support to operations while reducing runoff.
- Yes sir, Representative Curry, I do feel like this shows our collaborative efforts together to try and
- and assessment practices.
Keywords:
redistricting, election, Texas legislature, district composition, political representation, congressional redistricting, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. House, Congressional districts, district map, district boundaries, gerrymandering, voting rights, election law, apportionment, representation, special committee, PLANC2308, redistricting plan, elections
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Myers, I worked at a school that was trying to engage in restorative justice practices
- That collaboration after students graduate is kind of a cohort.
- This is Hennepin County's practice, and I know it can look different depending on which county you're
- These meetings demonstrate how much work is being done by these 13 districts for best practices for the
- While broader reforms will take time, House File 51 is a practical, achievable step in the right direction
Keywords:
HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- tasked with executing VA's electronic health record modernization program, strengthening VA's collaboration
- This administration may define collaboration as standing silently on the sidelines while they dismantle
- It looks like it's suboptimal and it's certainly not a best practice that the entire VA is benefiting
- What practices got us in the ditch, and it's not going to be just the vendor or the consultants, it's
- probably going to be because we allowed additional requirements to creep in, but what practices have
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:50:19.920><c> on</c> recognizes the practical strain on recognizes the practical strain on immigration
- practices Inconsistent certification practices have<00:55:30.800><c> led</c><00:55:30.960><c> to</c>
- </c><01:28:25.199><c> and</c> suppression of cultural practices and suppression of cultural practices
- Next, Matt Prellberg, Palamua Collaborative, in support.
- in</c> Prellberg Palamua Collaborative in Prellberg Palamua Collaborative in support.<01:50:10.080><c
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1768, which would prohibit state and county law enforcement agencies and officials from entering into federal immigration-enforcement agreements under 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) and from assisting in certain immigration enforcement actions except in limited circumstances. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi all testified in strong support, arguing the bill would protect due process, reduce fear in immigrant communities, preserve trust in local police, and keep local resources focused on public safety. Testifiers said cooperation with immigration enforcement can chill court attendance, crime reporting, and cooperation with police, and they emphasized that the bill would not stop federal enforcement or affect other deputization agreements for environmental or other criminal matters. Committee members asked whether any 287(g) agreements currently exist in Hawaiʻi; testifiers said they were unaware of any and believed the bill would maintain the status quo. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up House Bill 1548, which would reduce the maximum sentence for misdemeanors from one year to 364 days and allow people previously sentenced to one year to seek sentence modification. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and the William S. Richardson School of Law immigration clinic all supported the measure, saying the one-day change could prevent severe immigration consequences such as detention, removal, and bars to relief that can be triggered by a sentence of 365 days or more. Testifiers stressed that the bill would not change criminal liability or public safety, but would align Hawaiʻi law with similar reforms adopted in other states. Members questioned whether the change would affect citizens or create an automatic immigration process; witnesses responded that the issue is the federal immigration consequence tied to the maximum sentence, not actual time served, and that citizens would not face that consequence. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 1548, with no final vote shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 01:10:17.160><c> the</c><01:10:17.360><c> vast</c> practical reality is that the vast practical reality
- So thank you and I will collaboration.
- , collaborative way.
- </c> that a bill about restorative practices that a bill about restorative practices was<01:39:41.160
- So, um I thank you collaborative way.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Very well practiced. Okay, any questions for the speaker? All right, seeing none.
- For example, if you want to graduate, you have to explain certain DEI practices.
- That practice has stopped. They no longer do it.
- That practice has stopped. They no longer do it.
- And so as HB 2641 takes a practical... ...as HB 2641 takes a practical and responsible step by prohibiting
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting.
Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control.
The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Since 2019, the state has invested $590 million to advance climate-smart agriculture practices, resulting
- These practices were ...27.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- Each practice and grant program was validated and overseen by staff within our Office of Agricultural
- Those farmers that adopt climate-smart agriculture practices have then gone on to participate in our
- We always make sure that each practice is grounded in a quantifiable greenhouse gas reduction.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It equips people with practical knowledge and offers modest financial support and turn that knowledge
- It equips people with practical knowledge and offers modest financial support and turn that knowledge
- It equips people with practical knowledge and offers modest financial support and turn that knowledge
- It equips people with practical knowledge and offers modest financial support and turn that knowledge
- </c> County supports a collaborative County supports a collaborative evidence-based<01:34:22.080><c>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/07/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> effective collaboration. effective collaboration.
- I don't think it's practical, but I think that there should be a target.
- </c> This bill addresses a practical This bill addresses a practical regulatory<01:09:24.359><c> issues
- </c><01:13:12.080><c> solution</c> We believe this is a practical solution We believe this is a practical
- . collaborative. collaborative.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- uh Carla and Marino who have practices uh Carla and Marino who have submitted<00:08:21.680><c> written
- And when we renew it, it's a it's a very<00:25:54.720><c> collaborative</c> very collaborative very collaborative
- So um we collaborate across district 5.
- So um we collaborate across um<00:43:14.240><c> districts</c><00:43:15.040><c> 1568</c><00:43:16.000>
- We collaborate across Districts 1, 5, 6, and 8, downtown, Chinatown, to Ewa Beach and Waikiki.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies.
Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hua Collaborative in support. Hawaiʻi Appleseed in support. Michael's Development in support.
- Hua Collaborative in support.
- HPM Collaborative in support. Maui Chamber of Commerce in support. Limby Hawaiʻi with comments.
- </c><00:35:58.560><c> in</c> and support h M collaborative in and support h M collaborative in support
- It's the practical solution, and it will work.
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a series of housing bills. HB 1432 and HB 1428 drew support from HHFDC, and HB 1428 also received testimony from Hawaiian Community Assets, which said housing counseling funding is needed to meet demand for financial education tied to affordable housing, and that such counseling can help reduce evictions, prevent foreclosure, and stabilize households. HB 833 on community land trusts received broad support from HHFDC, county housing officials, community land trust representatives, and a local developer; testimony emphasized keeping housing affordable in perpetuity, but also asked for clearer access to financing, longer repayment terms, and inclusion of additional land trusts in the bill. Peter Savio argued that community land trusts are the best way to control demand and keep housing tied to local incomes.
The committee also heard HB 19 on the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, which HHFDC said should be made permanent because the pilot has been successful, with 81 units in the program and $7.4 million of the $10 million allocation already committed. HHFDC said the fund helps stalled for-sale projects by providing state equity that revolved back when homes are sold. HB 529 and HB 432 were also heard; HB 432 would create a subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund for projects above 60% AMI, and HHFDC said this would help finance housing for households at 65% and 80% AMI. The bill drew support from several housing, business, and industry groups.
Several other housing measures were discussed with mixed testimony. HB 419 had HHFDC support, Limby Hawaiʻi opposition, and support from the Grassroot Institute and others; members asked about whether councils approve these projects in one or multiple readings. HB 527 and HB 416 also drew a mix of support and opposition, with questions focused on county approval timelines and whether state-financed projects would still go through normal local review. HB 417 on the rental housing revolving fund prompted questions about how it differs from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund and whether it should be more flexible for mixed rental and for-sale projects. HB 418’s proposed working group was noted as potentially unnecessary because HHFDC said a public working group was already being formed. HB 1411 on housing preference raised questions about what happens if a recipient changes jobs, and HB 374 drew an Attorney General’s Office recommendation to remove a duration requirement to avoid possible constitutional travel issues. HB 373 and HB 1492 were also heard, with strong testimony from Peter Savio in favor of a broader trust-based model for affordable housing. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The second thing is that it takes leadership to ensure coordination, collaboration, and coherence.
- The path forward is a collaborative approach to achieve transformative results.
- <05:30:21.200><c> coherence</c><05:30:22.000><c> and</c> collaboration coherence and collaboration coherence
- </c><05:31:11.958><c> action</c> the framework for collaborative action the framework for collaborative
- </c> doing as well we need more collaboration doing as well we need more collaboration with<05:45:32.360
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.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that a good or bad practice? It's a bad practice. Okay.
- The inclusion of representatives from different groups and agencies enables a collaborative effort that
- effort that is essential collaborative effort that is essential to<00:32:33.519><c> protect</c><00:32
- That's where we feel like somebody should be paying attention to tenants' practices. That's all.
- So really, you know, their practices.
Summary:
The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted.
The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions.
The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication.
Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.