Transcript Highlights:

• you referring to the mediation funding or other Red Board funding, or just so I can have some clarification
• Section two focuses on off-road vehicle state trail pass clarifications.
• 27:09.679> State<01:27:10.239> trail<01:27:10.639> pass<01:27:11.159> clarifications
• vehicle State trail pass clarifications vehicle State trail pass clarifications this<01:27:12.360

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• clock stops as soon as SHIPD responds to a submittal that is incomplete or we need additional clarification
• Um, we require additional clarification and, uh, specific criteria in order to determine these aquifers
• Um we require additional<01:45:28.119> clarification<01:45:29.119> and<01:45:30.159>
• uh<01:45:30.320> specific additional clarification and uh specific additional clarification

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, Madam Chair, just one clarification: so there's two things happening.
• Yeah, Madam Chair, just one clarification: so there's two things happening.
• And I think Missy has a clarification she wants to make about a statement earlier.
• And I think Missy has a clarification she wants to make about a statement earlier.
• And I think Missy has a clarification she wants to make about a statement earlier.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that we use, that we house, and that we publicize is protected, so there would need to be some clarifications
• that we use, that we house, and that we publicize is protected, so there would need to be some clarifications
• <01:53:50.199> uh<01:53:50.360> some<01:53:51.079> some<01:53:51.320> clarifications
• need to be uh some some clarifications need to be uh some some clarifications regarding<01:53:52.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to express my gratitude for the clarification today, Chairman, and also for the valuable discussions
• I do want to express my gratitude for the clarification today, Chairman, and also for the valuable discussions
• I do want to express my gratitude for the clarification today, Chairman, and also for the valuable discussions
• Although I do greatly appreciate the sentiments you expressed and the clarifications that you made around
• I do greatly appreciate the sentiments you expressed and the clarifications that you made around the

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:

• As a point of clarification, I do not know the state, you know, as the bill goes through committee whether
• As<00:02:18.000> a<00:02:18.080> point<00:02:18.400> of<00:02:18.560> clarification
• ,<00:02:19.640> I<00:02:19.720> do<00:02:19.959> not As a point of clarification
• , I do not As a point of clarification, I do not know<00:02:20.840> the<00:02:21.040> state
• Thank you, Senator McEwen, for the clarification.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for that clarification too, very concrete example.
• Thank you for that clarification too, very concrete example.
• Thank you for that clarification too, very concrete example.
• Thank you for that clarification too, very concrete example.
• Thank you for that clarification too, very concrete example.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She then asked for clarification on definitions, saying she was glad to see changes made from the first
• Representative Bonner said the distinction between misuse and fraud needs clarification, especially because
• inspections with those and this is just inspections with those and this is just for<00:52:42.079> clarification
• > me<00:52:43.119> with<00:52:43.240> those<00:52:43.480> pass for clarification
• for me with those pass for clarification for me with those pass through<00:52:43.920> funds<00

Bills: HF1, HF779, HF1034

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate that clarification.
• I appreciate that clarification.
• c><01:11:09.159> that administration I appreciate that administration I appreciate that clarification
• 10.679> note<01:11:11.120> that<01:11:11.320> you<01:11:11.520> do clarification
• I would note that you do clarification I would note that you do currently<01:11:12.560> have<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So my follow-up question, again a clarification question, um, what's to stop a church from putting up
• It's just a clarification to understand when the tax changes actually go into effect, to make it cleaner
• it's<01:15:54.480> just<01:15:54.560> a<01:15:54.679> CL<01:15:54.960> clarification
• <01:15:55.520> to it's just a CL clarification to it's just a CL clarification to understand

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, just, uh, perhaps a point or clarification and, uh, trying to understand the process here, because
• <01:17:45.440> and<01:17:46.080> uh perhaps a point or clarification and uh perhaps
• a point or clarification and uh uh<01:17:47.600> trying<01:17:47.920> to<01:17:48.640>
• Representative Corman asked for clarification on the game plan going forward, saying that he understood
• Representative Harrington asked for clarification because they were talking about sizes here.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on. The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other. Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:46.079> that<00:58:46.240> a and ever just a clarification that a and ever just
• a clarification that a non-amendable<00:58:47.200> species<00:58:47.920> is<00:58:48.680
• <04:13:10.760> on<04:13:10.920> the<04:13:11.080> term um just a clarification
• on the term um just a clarification on the term Companion<04:13:12.000> Animal<04:13:12.880><
• Representative Haskins, could you give me a clarification, please?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• just clarification on my statement. just clarification on my statement.
• Chairman, and I appreciate that clarification.
• Chairman, and I appreciate<01:04:40.400> that<01:04:40.559> clarification.
• I was appreciate that clarification.
• I guess I'd like some clarification.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So maybe if you have some clarification So maybe if you have some clarification there<00:13:51.600
• We can go back to that other clarification I think you were asking for, but— Representative Heintzeman
• And I'm disappointed that we haven't had clarifications on either of the two issues I've just asked.
• And I'm disappointed that we haven't had clarifications on either of the two issues I've just asked.
• I'm asking for clarification here. >> I have a point of parliamentary inquiry on the location of the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up a motion to suspend the rules so House File 5140 could be recalled from committee, given second and third readings, and placed on passage. Representative Long and Representative Greenman argued the bill was an urgent, comprehensive gun violence prevention package that had already passed the Senate and should be acted on immediately in response to recent shootings, including Annunciation School, Burnsville, and Accent Signage. They said families, students, survivors, doctors, and community members had been pressing legislators to act, and Greenman described the bill as including mental health, intervention, anonymous threat reporting, bans on weapons of war, ghost guns, and binary triggers. Representative Heintzeman opposed the urgency motion and focused on specific bill language, arguing that parts of the proposal were unclear or overly broad. He questioned whether the language on protruding grips would effectively ban all handguns, whether the penalties section could turn lawful gun owners into felons for possessing multiple noncompliant items, and whether the firearms assembly language could criminalize routine cleaning and reassembly of guns. He said these issues should have been addressed in committee and argued members needed clearer answers before voting on urgency. Greenman responded that the language was intended to target additional protruding grips, not ordinary handgun grips, and said she was willing to adopt an amendment to clarify that point. On the penalties and assembly questions, she said the bill was aimed at certifying existing weapons, banning ghost guns, and preventing harm, and repeatedly urged members to vote for the urgency motion so the full bill could be considered. The exchange remained focused on the motion to suspend the rules and on the substance of the gun violence prevention package; no final vote or other action is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will do a clarification vote. Everybody freeze. minority of the committee.
• We will do a clarification vote. We will do a clarification vote.
• We're doing a clarification vote.
• We're doing<06:51:51.840> a<06:51:52.000> clarification<06:51:52.558> vote.
• There are no PIs on a clarification vote. You should be in your seats to vote. All right.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cordelli said, in clarification, that the bill would become law within 30 days.
• He said they always make it work one way or the other. clarification that this would become law clarification
• Representative Brown then asked for clarification, saying she was looking at the current law.
• Just one more clarification, please. Just one more clarification, please.
• I just am trying to understand and get clarification.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened hearings on SB 69, including a germane amendment on school board votes to accept or reject gifts and donations, and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Prime sponsor Rep. Glenn Cordelli said the literacy program was modeled on earlier HB 671, would be funded through gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements to the governor and legislature. Members questioned changes from the earlier bill, including the move away from center-based language, the lack of a dollar threshold for school board action on donations, anonymous gifts, and whether the amendment preserved enough evaluation data. Testimony on the donation provisions raised concerns about broad language, timing, and public-meeting requirements. Rep. Timothy Han and Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association both noted that school districts already have policies and asked how the bill would work for routine donations, anonymous gifts, and situations that might require non-public discussion under right-to-know law. Wilson cited examples such as field-trip scholarships, backpack drives, and sports uniforms, and said the association was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails. Rep. Han said school boards may need to discuss some gifts in non-public session and that the bill should better address those circumstances. On the early literacy amendment, Wilson and others questioned whether the program was sufficiently developed, whether it was appropriate to rely on a primarily online model for very young children, and how it would interact with special education services and IEPs. A representative from Waterford.org, Rob Riley, testified in support, saying the program would be supplementary, adaptive, and family-engagement based, and that Waterford could provide devices and internet access for families who need them. He said the program would work alongside school districts and IEP teams rather than replace existing services. No vote was taken during the hearing; the chair said the committee would later exec the bills and try to get reports in for the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for taking the time for clarification for the process that you described with the logistics
• Thank you for taking the time for clarification for the process that you described with the logistics
• Is that clarification that this is an added digitization of that historical signing of the book process
• Paul Smith, Clerk of the House, just here to provide a couple of points of clarification.
• um again uh as clarification um again uh as representative<05:22:40.520> Reed<05:22:40.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's just really a technical clarification and cleanup for a form.
• So it's just really a technical clarification and cleanup for a form. Any questions or comments?
• Representative: Senator Hall, I think you kind of answered this, but just for clarification, marriage
• Representative: Senator Hall, I think you kind of answered this, but just for clarification, marriage

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call. Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate. Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Draheim, just for clarification on your A50, that was only to restrict the ability of the
• And And Senator Draheim,<00:42:22.360> just<00:42:22.640> as<00:42:22.760> clarification
• <00:42:23.520> on<00:42:23.640> your Draheim, just as clarification on your Draheim
• , just as clarification on your A50,<00:42:24.920> that<00:42:25.080> was<00:42:25.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if I could get that clarification, that would be helpful. Thank you, Mr.
• So, if I could get that clarification,<01:03:38.720> that<01:03:38.800> would<01:03:38.920
• clarification, that would be helpful. clarification, that would be helpful.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all