Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair Chang and members of the Senate Committee on Housing. My name is AJ Samorin.
• If not, I'd like to welcome Vice Chair Hashimoto and Senator Aino to this meeting.
• aino to this chair Hashimoto and Senator aino to this meeting<00:03:30.120> are<00:03:30.239>
• Okay, we'd also like to welcome Senator Kuha. Okay, that brings us to the end of our agenda.
• Senator Kino votes aye. Senator Kuha votes aye. Senator FLL is excused.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted. HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Elefante, Chair. Would you be open to putting in a delayed implementation date?
• Senator Alante with reservation. Senator K with reservations. Senator Dort no. Measure is adopted.
• Senator Alante with reservation. Senator K with reservations. Senator Dort no. Measure is adopted.
• Senator Alante: Aye. Senator Dort: Aye. Measure is adopted. Thank you.
• Vice chair goai Senator alaan hi Senator Vice chair goai Senator alaan hi Senator can<01:46:17.560>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fukunaga, hi. Senator Kim, reservations. Senator AA, hello.
• <00:18:25.919> Senator Senator hi. Senator Kim. Hi. Senator Senator hi. Senator Kim. Hi.
• Senator Kua. Hi, Senator Deort. No. Senator Kua. Hi, Senator Deort. No.
• Senator Kim. yes. Senator Fukunaga. Hi. Senator Kim.
• Senator Fukunaga. Hi. Senator Kim. Hi. Senator Fukunaga. Hi. Senator Kim. Hi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other questions, Senator?
• Jen Senator hi Senator sorry hi uh Jen Jen Senator hi Senator sorry hi uh Jen had<00:31:41.639> a<
• Senator Kaga? Senator Kim? A no. The recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Fukunaga, excuse. Senator Hashimoto, I. And Senator Fevella, excuse me. It is adopted.
• fukunaga<01:24:29.960> excuse<01:24:30.960> Senator Senator fukunaga excuse Senator

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item on the agenda is Senate File 1842. Senator Balden, we do have quorum.
• file<00:07:56.879> 1842<00:07:57.879> as Senator Guston moves Senate file 1842 as Senator
• up we have Senate file m Mr chair next up we have Senate file 2043<00:08:25.759> Senator<00:08
• :15:37.440> Senator 1536 Senator 1536 Senator rasmon<00:15:40.319> welcome<00:15:40.600
• <00:25:21.320> Johnson metf Senator Sean uh yes Senator Johnson metf Senator Sean uh yes Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang. Senator DeCoite. Senator Dela Cruz here. Senator Elefante here.
• Senator Fevella here. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara present.
• Senator Kanuha. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim. Senator Lee. Senator McKelvey excused.
• Senator Moriwaki present. Senator Richards here. Senator San Buenaventura.
• Senator Wakai present, Mr. President. Senator Kanuha. Senator Kidani. Senator Kim. Senator Lee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. The Chair, your recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. The Chair, your recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. The Chair, your recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. The Chair, your recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• fukunaga I Senator I I vote Yes Senator fukunaga I Senator RH<00:33:13.840> I<00:33:14.080>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years. HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice. HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us is Senator Fevella.
• Good afternoon, Senator Fevella. I'm J.
• Hello, Chair, Vice Chair, and Senator Fevella.
• Senator Yara, I. Senator Marwa, excuse me, and Senator FLL, I.
• Members, the recommendation is to move this as a Senate Draft 1.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology met on March 12 in Room 224 at the Hawaii State Capitol and heard testimony on several labor, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, collective bargaining, and related measures. On House Bill 202, which would revise the definition of the adequate reserve fund for calendar year 2026 and beyond, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strongly supported the bill, saying it would protect the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance trust fund. The department explained that the reserve standard had been lowered from 1.5% to 1% in 2010 and argued that restoring it would better prepare the fund for future shocks. Questions focused on whether the change would affect employers’ costs and whether the trust fund had recovered fraud losses from the pandemic; the department said some fraud had been recovered and additional fraud tools were now in place. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and a defective date, and adopted the recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 477 on the Hawaii Employment Security Law, which the department supported as a modernization of the UI system but asked to amend for clarity, especially on registration-for-work language. The committee accepted those requested amendments and recommended passage with amendments. It then took up House Bill 1026 and House Bills 1027 through 1039, covering emergency appropriations for public employment cost items and collective bargaining for units 1 through 14. Testimony from the Budget and Finance director, United Public Workers, the University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, UHSC, and others was generally in strong support, with one opposition noted on HB 1038. The committee moved all of those measures together and recommended passage with amendments. In its later decision-making agenda, the committee approved several previously heard bills with technical amendments and defective dates, including House Bill 423 on workers’ compensation, House Bill 480 on workers’ compensation, House Bill 162 on collective bargaining arbitration procedures, House Bill 164 on indebtedness to the state, and House Bill 1152 on tax administration. House Bill 214, relating to government and school resource officers, drew discussion about labor shortages and whether the bill should help train existing school resource officers into law enforcement roles; the committee still passed it with amendments. House Bill 874 on child performers was amended to require trust accounts for certain minors’ earnings and place oversight with DLIR’s Wage Standards Division, and House Bill 159 on qualified community rehabilitation programs was passed with amendments after the committee blanked the $850,000 cap for further discussion. All recommendations were adopted without recorded opposition, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxson, Senator West.
• Senator Middleton? Senator Cook? Senator Gutierrez? Senator Nichols? Senator Paxson? Senator West?
• Senator... Senator Middleton? Senator Cook? Senator Gutierrez? Senator Nichols? Senator Paxson?
• Senator Middleton? Senator Cook? Senator Gutierrez? Senator Nichols? Senator Paxton? Senator West?
• Senator Middleton, Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton, Senator West.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deart, does that answer your questions, Senator Alan?
• "Yes, Senator Dort, thank you, Chair. Yes, um, yes, Senator Dort, thank you, Chair.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. All right, mahalo.
• no vote okay with that said yes Senator no vote okay with that said yes Senator Chang<01:15:40.080

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Vice Chair Senator Aino, Vice Chair Senator Richards also, Senator Shimabukuro, Senator Pila,
• Senator: Hi.
• Senator Decoit aye. Senator Roads? Senator A no? Chair, four in favor. Motion adopted.
• Senator Deco I s rhs hi Senator a hi CH Senator Deco I s rhs hi Senator a hi CH you<01:03:30.240>
• Senator Kino votes aye. Senator Kanuha votes aye. Senator Fevella votes aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator McEwen. So, Senator McEwen moves the A2 amendment. Any discussion?
• Thank you, Senator McEwen. So, Senator McEwen moves the A2 amendment. Any discussion?
• Senator Grunhagen, uh, so an employer can institute policies, rules, guidance, um, as to when breaks
• Chair, Senator.
• Bruner and you and Senator ... thank you. Senator Grunhagen.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The Senate will come to order. Senator Murphy: Mr.
• President, I impose a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call.
• :48.399> file Senator Champion moves at Senate file Senator Champion moves at Senate file number
• author Senator Nelson moved that Senate author Senator Nelson moved that Senate file<00:09:18.839
• moves Senator friends Senator friends moves Senator friends Senator friends moves that<00:10:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang. Senator DeCorte here. Senator Dort here. Senator Dela Cruz here.
• Senator Elefante here. Senator Fevella excused. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard.
• Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara present. Senator Kanuha. Senator Keohokalole. Senator Kidani.
• Senator Kim. Senator Lee. Senator McKelvey excuse. Senator Moriwaki present. Senator Rhoads.
• Senator Richards present. Senator San Buenaventura here. Senator Wai Mr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > wesland at is Senate file 2384 Senator wesland at is Senate file 2384 Senator wesland which<00:
• Lucero you Senator Carlson sen Senator Lucero you Senator Carlson sen Senator Lucero um<00:35
• Senator lero any other questions Senator Senator lero any other questions Senator Gran<00:46:20.760><
• luo thank you um too that's good Senator luo thank you um Senator Senator Senator sosinski<01:04:17.480
• <01:43:16.880> uh<01:43:17.440> Mr Senator Senator par thank you uh Mr Senator Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Lang Senator bar hi Senator Senator Lang Senator bar hi Senator Carlson<00:34:52.240> no
• Senator Carlson no Senator sadinski nope Senator Carlson no Senator sadinski nope Senator jaskowski
• :34:58.960> Senator jaskowski I Senator I hi Senator jaskowski I Senator I hi Senator fate<00:
• nope<00:52:12.559> Senator no Senator swattin nope Senator no Senator swattin nope Senator
• Senate file 1730 Senator A2 amendment to Senate file 1730 Senator Senator<00:52:42.520> Karan

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um so Senator Balon moves that Senate um so Senator Balon moves that Senate file<00:36:24.880>
• As I've heard Senator Abeler say a few times here, the legislature writes the rules, and I know as a
• As I've heard Senator Abeler say a few times here, the legislature writes the rules, and I know as a
• As I've heard Senator Abeler say a few times here, the legislature writes the rules, and I know as a
• As I've heard Senator Abeler say a few times here, the legislature writes the rules, and I know as a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Johnson Stewarts bill Senate Senator Johnson Stewarts bill Senate file Senator Johnson Stewart
• <01:18:41.280> icorn<01:18:41.840> Senator thank my co-author Senator icorn Senator
• The idea itself, you know, from even from Senator Green, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Wesenberg and all
• The idea itself, you know, from even from Senator Green, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Wesenberg and all
• The idea itself, you know, from even from Senator Green, Senator Kunesh, and Senator Wesenberg and all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all