Transcript Highlights:

• Please take<00:11:05.120> a<00:11:05.279> moment<00:11:05.519> to<00:11:05.760><
• > yourself<00:11:08.160> use<00:11:08.399> a<00:11:08.560> knife<00:11:08.959
• <00:11:10.240> When<00:11:10.480> you<00:11:10.640> make<00:11:10.800> dinner
• <00:11:12.160> a<00:11:12.399> cake<00:11:12.560> on<00:11:12.800> someone's
• As me as<01:11:01.760> a<01:11:01.920> teacher,<01:11:02.159> I<01:11:02.320>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.440> So<00:11:03.680> that<00:11:04.160> would<00:11:04.399> be
• as possible<00:11:57.040> for<00:11:57.360> the<00:11:57.839> for<00:11:58.079>
• :11:01.520> just<01:11:01.679> go<01:11:01.760> and<01:11:01.920> collect
• it because<01:11:02.640> it's<01:11:03.120> kind<01:11:03.360> of<01:11:03.440>
• And why should<01:11:07.360> I<01:11:07.520> have<01:11:07.679> to<01:11:07.840>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objection to using<00:11:30.560> previous<00:11:30.800> role<00:11:31.680> hearing
• Five yay,<00:11:32.880> zero<00:11:33.120> nays,<00:11:33.519> and<00:11:33.760>
• So, >> thank<00:11:37.839> you<00:11:38.000> so<00:11:38.160> much.
• <00:11:40.480> And<00:11:40.720> then<00:11:40.959> reissue<00:11:41.440>
• And then reissue for Florida<00:11:41.920> State<00:11:42.160> University<00:11:42.640>

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the<00:11:04.280> original<00:11:04.680> bill<00:11:04.920> was<00:11:05.680>
• That<00:11:38.320> is<00:11:38.480> the<00:11:38.640> only<00:11:39.400> only
• Any<00:11:45.000> questions<00:11:45.520> or<00:11:45.600> discussion<00:11:46.360
• <00:11:47.960> So,<00:11:48.160> this<00:11:48.360> would<00:11:48.600> add
• <00:11:59.200> All<00:11:59.240> right,<00:11:59.400> seeing<00:11:59.640>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> House<00:11:01.200> Bill<00:11:01.440> 521,<00:11:02.480> an<00:11:02.640
• Mr.<00:11:09.760> Speaker,<00:11:10.160> House<00:11:10.399> Bill<00:11:10.800
• <01:11:43.840> has<01:11:44.320> told<01:11:44.640> me<01:11:44.960> and<
• :11:49.280> can't<01:11:49.520> wait<01:11:50.159> to<01:11:50.400> be<01
• My<01:11:53.440> mom<01:11:53.679> dropped<01:11:54.000> out<01:11:54.159> of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow bill and resolution co-sponsorship and vote modifications, approved the previous day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 101, 129, 162, and 170. The clerk then reported second-reading bills and favorable committee reports, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar. The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented as a modernization of Kentucky’s stalking laws and passed 95-0 after debate; a motion to reconsider was tabled. House Bill 220, relating to pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority systems, was amended by House floor amendment 1 to move the effective date back to July 1, 2021 to capture additional employees, then passed 95-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 510, relating to organ donation safety, passed 97-0 after explanation that it would require a pause and restart if anyone in the process believed there were indications of life. House Bill 467, relating to real property, passed 96-0 after adoption of a committee substitute; it creates a process for local governments to identify abandoned or underutilized state-owned property and sets procedures for review, notice, and disposal. House Bill 190, relating to licensed child care centers, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute that adjusts square-footage calculations for certain school-aged child care areas and excludes infants and toddlers. House Bill 141, relating to type 1 diabetes, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute removed an annual distribution requirement and instead made informational materials available in school offices; members spoke in support, including one describing a family experience with the disease. House Bill 518, relating to collection of local business taxes and fees, passed 91-3 after a committee substitute that allows electronic filing while preserving local control, creates an advisory committee, and phases in implementation through July 2029. House Bill 497, relating to post-secondary tuition waivers, was explained as addressing waiver costs to universities and was amended with House floor amendment 3 to expand and clarify eligibility, including up to 128 hours for eligible students and additional provisions for certain groups; discussion was underway when the transcript ended. The meeting also included committee reports on bills covering wildlife depredation, light pollution, limited commercial driver’s licenses, prison educational programs, civil rights, respiratory care, dietitians, temporary structures, controlled substances prescribing authority, the Athletic Trainer Compact, children of military families, local boards of education, youth health services, and class sizes for exceptional children and youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trying<00:11:44.839> to<00:11:44.920> be<00:11:45.040> as<00:11:45.320>
• Um providing<00:11:49.600> files<00:11:50.280> and<00:11:50.640> and<00:11:51.240
• It<00:11:56.760> seems<00:11:57.160> like<00:11:57.320> there's<00:11:57.640
• What<01:11:22.960> What<01:11:23.240> What<01:11:23.360> happens<01:11:23.840>
• ><01:11:27.000> Department<01:11:27.440> of<01:11:27.520> Health,<01:11:27.800><

Bills: HB2614, HB1660, HB1704, HB1563, HB1573, HB1777, HB1749

Keywords: cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh Madam Chair,<00:11:01.120> I'd<00:11:01.279> like<00:11:01.360> to<00:11:
• 01.519> turn<00:11:01.600> it<00:11:01.760> over<00:11:01.839> to<00:11:02.000
• Um<00:11:05.120> thank<00:11:05.279> you<00:11:05.440> very<00:11:05.680> much
• Um um<00:11:10.800> would<00:11:11.120> like<00:11:11.360> to<00:11:11.760> invite
• Can<01:11:13.120> you<01:11:13.280> blame<01:11:13.520> someone<01:11:13.840>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:00.959> I<00:11:01.079> second<00:11:01.320> the Senator Dort Mr President I
• been<00:11:02.240> moved<00:11:02.519> and<00:11:02.720> seconded<00:11:03.240
• :03.440> are<00:11:03.600> no<00:11:03.760> objections<00:11:04.279> from
• are no objections from the members the<00:11:05.320> Senate<00:11:05.600> will<00:11:05.800
• until the Senate will stand adjourned until 11:30<00:11:07.959> a.m.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> and<02:11:00.280> the<02:11:00.440> new<02:11:00.679> name<02:11
• c><02:11:06.199> makes<02:11:06.520> it<02:11:07.040> complete<02:11:08.040>
• > Mr<02:11:08.960> Speaker<02:11:09.880> i<02:11:10.079> y<02:11:10.400><
• 11:12.360> gentle<02:11:12.639> woman<02:11:12.840> from<02:11:13.040> Texas<
• ><02:11:44.920> career<02:11:45.440> with<02:11:45.880> 20<02:11:46.880> years

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that uh members<00:11:03.960> uh<00:11:04.440> vote<00:11:04.960> to<00:11:05.400
• > to<00:11:05.520> bring<00:11:05.920> this<00:11:06.200> to<00:11:06.320
• leadership<00:11:09.080> at<00:11:09.360> Department<00:11:09.680> of<00:11:09.760
• it<00:11:34.000> is<00:11:34.120> a<00:11:34.200> duty<00:11:34.520> that
• We have<00:11:40.200> about<00:11:40.520> half<00:11:40.840> of<00:11:40.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• had<00:11:21.680> a<00:11:21.800> little<00:11:22.000> over<00:11:22.240> $2
• <00:11:23.040> billion<00:11:24.040> as<00:11:24.160> far<00:11:24.360> as
• :25.440> on<00:11:25.720> line<00:11:26.000> N9<00:11:26.639> House<00:11
• :50.079> by<00:11:50.279> such<00:11:50.440> an<00:11:50.639> amount<00:11
• :52.839> laps<00:11:53.200> amount<00:11:53.920> uh<00:11:54.040> to<00:11

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<01:11:58.960> I'm<01:11:59.199> not<01:11:59.440> sure<01:11:59.679> how
• <03:11:03.359> to<03:11:03.520> seek<03:11:03.840> informant<03:11:04.479>
• :11:09.040> this<03:11:09.359> is<03:11:09.520> a<03:11:09.840> situation
• So<03:11:18.720> in<03:11:18.960> other<03:11:19.120> words,<03:11:19.359> if
• 11:30.080> I<04:11:30.319> I<04:11:30.800> love<04:11:31.040> the<04:11:31.279

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:56.880> The<00:11:57.120> OIG<00:11:57.600> bill<00:11:57.839> has
• :00.719> that<01:11:00.960> there<01:11:01.199> is<01:11:01.440> a<01:11:
• :11:14.080> are<01:11:14.320> here<01:11:14.560> and<01:11:14.800> up<01:
• :11:20.560> only<01:11:20.800> the<01:11:21.040> people<01:11:21.199> who
• <01:11:22.000> to<01:11:22.159> carry<01:11:22.320> holders<01:11:22.719> can

Bills: HF3477, HF3480, HF3781, HF3357, HF3737, HF3664, HF3621

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment

Summary: The committee first attempted to approve minutes from February 24 and March 3, but members identified multiple spelling errors in names, so approval was held and the motion withdrawn. The committee then took up House File 3477, a bill by Representative Long proposing a civil remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal actors. An author’s amendment (A4) was adopted to remove a subdivision and clarify retroactivity. In discussion, members raised concerns about Supremacy Clause and immigration-related issues; the author responded that the bill applies evenly to state and federal actors and is meant to enforce constitutional rights, not immigration law. After debate, the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register failed on a 6-7 vote, with one member excused. The committee next heard House File 3480, authored by Representative Howard, which would commission an independent economic impact study of Operation Metro Surge. An A2 amendment was adopted to add a dollar amount for the study and clarify timing. Representative Howard said the study would help the legislature understand statewide impacts and noted reported harm to businesses, child care, schools, and local governments. Testimony in support came from Laura Santiago, reading a statement from Christopher Gomez of Willmar, who described ICE agents entering his family’s restaurant, the detention and deportation of family members, and resulting business losses. Rachel Ser, Minneapolis emergency management director, cited a preliminary city assessment estimating major impacts including food insecurity, lost wages, business revenue losses, hotel cancellations, and rental assistance needs. Some members questioned the cost and usefulness of the study, while others said suburban and greater Minnesota communities also wanted the data. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:28.480> turn<00:11:28.720> your<00:11:28.880> camera<00:11:29.120> on<
• 31.560> have<00:11:31.720> turned<00:11:32.040> it<00:11:32.320> on<00:11
• it's<00:11:41.560> not<00:11:42.440> you<00:11:42.560> have<00:11:42.639> a<
• /c><00:11:42.839> camera<00:11:43.320> cover<00:11:43.839> like<00:11:44.079>
• > your camera<00:11:49.000> oh<00:11:49.160> there<00:11:49.240> we<00:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:02.640> I<01:11:02.840> can<01:11:02.960> know<01:11:03.120> that<
• > know<01:11:14.400> Bia<01:11:14.840> is<01:11:14.920> a<01:11:15.040>
• > need<01:11:22.199> and<01:11:22.360> what<01:11:22.560> those<01:11:22.719
• <01:11:30.000> dealers<01:11:30.440> and<01:11:30.679> trained<01:11:31.040>
• c> read<01:11:35.960> this<01:11:36.120> as<01:11:36.320> being<01:11:36.640

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Higher Education Study Committee held an organizational meeting and received an update from the university and community college systems on implementation of recommendations from the governor’s higher education task force. The systems said the task force report contained about 40 recommendations, and they have focused first on operational items while continuing to work on larger policy issues, including better alignment of public higher education with workforce and economic development needs. The committee also discussed reporting requirements under the amended law and whether quarterly reports are required or whether annual updates are sufficient unless the committee requests more. A major topic was expanding Early College and dual-enrollment opportunities. The chancellors reported strong growth in Early College participation, significant student and family savings, and state scholarship support that they described as producing a strong return on investment. They said the goal is to build clearer pathways so students can earn college credit, reduce debt, and stay in New Hampshire for postsecondary education. They also noted ongoing work to simplify admissions and transfer processes, including about 100 transfer pathways between the systems, direct-admit efforts for community college and university students, and continued development of transfer equivalency tools. Members pressed the systems and the Department of Education on direct outreach to high school students, especially juniors, so students would know they are eligible for direct admission and other opportunities. The main obstacle discussed was access to student contact information, with officials saying the issue may involve contract limits with the College Board and possibly statutory constraints on sharing data. Department of Education staff said they are meeting with the systems and vendors to determine what changes are needed. Committee members urged faster action so students and families can receive letters or other notices about in-state options, affordability programs such as Granite Guarantee, and pathways to community college and university enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:15.760> And<01:11:16.239> so<01:11:16.719> with<01:11:16.960> all<
• :11:24.320> the<01:11:24.640> amendments<01:11:25.120> that<01:11:25.280> are
• I'm<01:11:27.120> sure<01:11:27.199> you'll<01:11:27.440> hear<01:11:27.920>
• mahalu<01:11:54.960> for<01:11:55.040> the<01:11:55.280> opportunity<01:11:
• My<01:11:57.120> name<01:11:57.280> is<01:11:57.440> Kahal<01:11:58.080> Abad

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2185, which would add protections for sports officials. The Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, HSTA, HGA, school administrators, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, the Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association, and several individuals testified in support. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and recommended amendments, especially on the bill’s civil-action provisions and criminal language, saying the measure should be made more consistent and narrowed to clarify who is covered. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the increased criminal penalties but said its concerns were limited to that portion of the bill. The chair repeatedly noted the committee’s education-policy focus and limited discussion of legal issues. The committee then took up HB 2621 on student misconduct. The Department of Education testified and answered questions about its student discipline data, explaining that much of the information is kept in the department’s internal Infinite Campus system and is not public, but that some additional information could be added to the annual report while still protecting student privacy. Members discussed whether the department tracks incidents consistently across schools and whether more public reporting would help identify where violence or discipline issues are occurring. The department said it was not seeing an increase in suspensions in the data it had, though it acknowledged internal data showed more detail than the annual report. HB 2179, concerning DOE and e-pipes, drew comments from the Department of Education, support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and other individuals. The committee then heard HB 2534, which would recognize robotics in schools as an interscholastic sport. The Department of Education offered comments, the State Public Charter School Commission supported the bill, and multiple students and robotics participants testified in strong support, arguing that robotics provides STEM opportunities, competition, and career pathways, and that formal recognition and funding would help sustain teams and compensate mentors. No votes or final actions were taken on the bills in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:01.040> And<01:11:01.199> I<01:11:01.440> just<01:11:01.600> want<
• <01:11:04.480> SD1<01:11:05.360> uh<01:11:05.760> we<01:11:06.000> are
• also doing<01:11:06.800> that<01:11:07.040> one<01:11:07.280> tomorrow<01:11:08.159
• And<01:11:15.679> everything<01:11:15.920> that<01:11:16.239> was<01:11:16.400><
• <01:11:22.480> here<01:11:22.640> in<01:11:22.719> conference<01:11:23.040><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:23.560> that<01:11:24.320> they're<01:11:24.640> the<01:11:24.760> birth<
• birth rate would<01:11:25.480> change<01:11:25.840> and<01:11:25.960> turn<01:11
• And but<01:11:28.960> right<01:11:29.160> now<01:11:29.880> we<01:11:30.040>
• :32.240> our<01:11:32.480> on<01:11:32.680> our<01:11:32.760> birth<01:11
• We have a high<01:11:34.160> we<01:11:34.320> have<01:11:34.520> a<01:11:34.600>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:03.519> the<00:11:03.639> bill<00:11:03.959> file<00:11:04.920> I<00
• > time<00:11:10.399> I<00:11:10.519> will<00:11:10.720> open<00:11:11.000
• :11:27.680> let<00:11:27.760> me<00:11:27.959> see<00:11:28.440> yep<00:11
• 11:38.600> welcome<00:11:39.040> representative<00:11:39.880> Aaron<00:11:40.240
• good<00:11:47.440> morning<00:11:47.800> members<00:11:48.200> of<00:11:48.600>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> these<00:11:00.320> old<00:11:00.639> laws<00:11:01.040> so<00:11
• um can<00:11:05.160> be<00:11:05.320> on<00:11:05.480> the<00:11:05.680> table
• look<00:11:08.959> at<00:11:09.279> things<00:11:09.680> of<00:11:09.839>
• c> any<00:11:10.519> questions<00:11:11.279> of<00:11:11.480> M<00:11:12.040
• c><01:11:01.360> the<01:11:01.520> work<01:11:01.679> you<01:11:01.880> guys<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.