Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 170, an act relating to status offenses. Senator Storm. Senator from Taylor.
• Finally, and importantly, we address secure detention of status offenders.
• The bill prohibits the secure detention of children under 14 for status offenses.
• And so some of them were kids who had status offenses.
• And so some of them were kids who had status offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, in order status up to 24 years.
• We also have Lazine Chain, executive director for the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.
• Yes, Cheney, executive director for the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.
• Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. I'm sorry if I mispronounced your first name.
• Yes, Cheney, executive director for the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine Squire, on behalf of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, in support
• keep student and family immigration data private, prohibited discrimination based on immigration status
• , provided guidance on responding to bullying or harassment based on immigration status, and directed
• We need to send a strong message that all students, regardless of immigration status, should be supported
• I don't say this a lot in this committee, but frankly, I think in a lot of ways the status quo is working

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• is all of that is in the funded status is all of that is in there<00:10:56.040><c> um</c><00:10:56.160
• a expectancy um if they're going to have a Survivor<00:28:49.200><c> marital</c><00:28:50.320><c> status
• </c><00:28:51.480><c> so</c><00:28:51.720><c> they</c><00:28:51.960><c> they</c> Survivor marital status
• um so they they Survivor marital status um so they they look<00:28:52.279><c> at</c><00:28:52.480><c
• The police and fire plan here is repeating the plan's 90% funded status, not expected to improve or get

Transcript Highlights:

• They will have the same employment status, same job status, same unions, and same salaries and benefits
• They will have the same employment status, same job status, same unions, and same salaries and benefits
• They will have the same employment status, same job status, same unions, and same salaries and benefits
• c><00:23:35.000><c> on</c><00:23:35.200><c> the</c><00:23:35.400><c> vaccine</c><00:23:36.000><c> status
• </c> state workers got on the vaccine status state workers got on the vaccine status where<00:23:37.080

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, that's immigration status. First of all, that's racial<00:37:34.640><c> profiling.
• Um, regardless of your immigration status, you have rights to due process.
• And so if lawmakers don't status is.
• as the constitution immigration status as the constitution requires.<00:56:56.480><c> Thank</c><00:56
• or the misuse of immigration status or the misuse of immigration status<03:41:32.160><c> verification

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places. Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii. A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Conscientious objector status does not apply. Okay, thank you. Yeah, actually, okay.
• the Pledge of Allegiance, and it's a federal law, then I would be concerned with their employment status
• how they want to their employment status how they want to take<04:21:53.439><c> care</c><04:21:53.560
• Well, I mean, I guess if we're measuring against the status quo, I would say certainly it's better for
• Well, I mean, I guess if we're measuring against the status quo, I would say certainly it's better for

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• This is strictly for our officers' equal protection, equal safety, and equal status.
• At its core, AB 204 proposes a significant expansion of authority by granting peace officer status to
• That peace officer status cannot be negotiated between a county and the union.
• That peace officer status cannot be negotiated between a county and the union.
• We're not, as a state, leading in resolving this, and we cannot do it by keeping the status quo.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is strictly for our officers' equal protection, equal safety, and equal status.
• At its core, AB 204 proposes a significant expansion of authority by granting peace officer status to
• That peace officer status cannot be negotiated between a county and the union.
• That peace officer status cannot be negotiated between a county and the union.
• We're not, as a state, leading in resolving this, and we cannot do it by keeping the status quo.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, if you're filing a 990, it means that you already have received tax-exempt status from the
• </c> already have received tax exempt status already have received tax exempt status from<00:26:38.799
• It updates a prior appropriation from 2023 for funding for the Sunni Lee memorial statue or memorial
• </c><01:25:37.679><c> And</c> uh, statue or memorial or painting.
• And uh, statue or memorial or painting.

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• that that or on a divided<00:18:25.760><c> highway</c><00:18:27.200><c> that</c><00:18:27.520><c> statue
• </c><00:18:27.919><c> if</c><00:18:28.080><c> you</c> divided highway that statue if you divided highway
• that statue if you violate<00:18:28.559><c> that</c><00:18:28.880><c> while</c><00:18:29.200><c> you're
• It's a relatively innocuous bill that's designed to keep the status quo and avoid further intrusions
• It's a relatively innocuous bill that's designed to keep the status quo and avoid further intrusions

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:40:29.280><c> or</c><00:40:29.760><c> zip</c> background, economic status, or zip background
• , economic status, or zip code.<00:40:31.440><c> Many</c><00:40:31.760><c> provisions</c><00:40:32.240
• :20.240><c> definition</c><00:48:20.960><c> of</c><00:48:21.359><c> familial</c><00:48:22.000><c> status
• </c> adding a definition of familial status adding a definition of familial status to<00:48:22.640><c
• of the term parent for the purposes of the school bullying statute with individuals with familial status

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:12:07.279><c> you</c><00:12:07.440><c> know,</c> And there are other statue, you know, And there
• are other statue, you know, and<00:12:08.320><c> police</c><00:12:08.720><c> do</c><00:12:08.959><c>
• </c><00:37:34.960><c> of</c><00:37:35.119><c> Women,</c> State Commission on the Status of Women, State
• So, we'd like to change that reference to a person who has a status described in section 706-662.5B11
• </c><01:40:55.280><c> described</c> to a person who has a status described to a person who has a status

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• > there's</c><00:21:50.720><c> um</c><00:21:50.919><c> we</c><00:21:51.080><c> go</c> it's in the Statue
• but there's um we go it's in the Statue but there's um we go through<00:21:51.520><c> that</c><00:21
• The witness said that the regulation does treat people differently based on related or unrelated status
• um but that related or unrelated status um but that is<00:58:24.960><c> one</c><00:58:25.039><c> of<
• </c> based on an occupant's tax status based on an occupant's tax status doesn't<02:02:52.119><c> do<

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Summary: The House Municipal and County Government subcommittee met on February 19, 2025 to gather additional information on House Bill 432, which concerns recovery houses. The first witness, State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi, said his office had worked with stakeholders for more than a year on the bill’s definition changes and supported the revised definition. He explained that the bill removes vague language such as “safe, healthy, family” and instead relies on fire-code requirements and certification standards, including a primarily non-transient dwelling unit and living as a single household. He distinguished recovery houses from boarding or rooming houses and from other congregate settings such as group homes or transitional housing, saying those other uses do not currently have the same exemptions. Members questioned Tumi about fire safety, inspections, smoke alarms, egress, and whether sprinklers should be required. He said recovery houses are inspected by the fire marshal’s office and local fire departments, with annual inspections under state fire code provisions, and that operators must work with a certifying body. He described the inspection process as checking alarms, extinguishers, heating systems, cooking equipment, street numbers, and no-smoking rules, and said new houses are generally given time to obtain certification. He also said he would prefer sprinklers everywhere but believed mandating them for these existing structures would likely shut down many recovery houses and significantly harm the recovery community. Bill McKenny of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association then testified in support of HB 432. He said recovery housing is an important step after treatment and that the 2024 code changes and the bill help align state law with federal disability law. He emphasized that certification through a recognized organization gives code officials confidence that standards are being monitored, and warned that if a recovery home loses certification it would lose the waiver from sprinkler requirements and could be treated more like a boarding or rooming house. No vote or final action was taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of African Americans, the Commission on the Status of Latinos and Latinas, The Commission on the Status
• of African Americans, the Commission on the Status of Latinos and Latinas, and the Commission on the
• Status of Black Men and Boys.
• Just steps from here on the front lawn stands a statue. State House.
• Do you know anything about the status of a working group?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for those of you that have a copy of your status report that we submitted as part of our materials
• </c><00:03:51.080><c> report</c><00:03:51.480><c> that</c> have a copy of your status report that have
• I would also note that in the status report from March 2026, attachment number three lists the focus
• </c> I would also note that in the status I would also note that in the status report<00:08:36.400><c
• </c> documentation to verify a child's status documentation to verify a child's status in<00:19:46.400

Bills: HF3877 , HF3714 , HF3750 , HF3024

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• in 1599 with the goal already in statued in 1599 with the goal of<01:05:44.319><c> keeping</c><01:05
• So status quo is simply not working.
• So status quo is simply not working.
• So status quo is simply not working.
• I'm almost done, so there seems to be a desire for the status quo—not every council, but some, many,

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• the cost per square foot to repair our state-owned buildings depending on the building condition status
• The blue bar graph also reflects the percent of state-owned buildings within each building status category
• </c> buildings within each building status buildings within each building status category<00:02:58.159
• I was wondering if you could update the committee on the status of that.
• I was wondering if you could update the committee on the status of that.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• 52.800><c> financial</c> Hawaiian Electric's Current financial Hawaiian Electric's Current financial status
• 54.160><c> to</c><00:12:54.360><c> obain</c><00:12:54.959><c> financing</c><00:12:55.440><c> is</c> status
• the ability to obain financing is status the ability to obain financing is extremely<00:12:56.320><c
• 24:00.120><c> the</c><00:24:00.240><c> Utilities</c><00:24:00.760><c> Credit</c><00:24:01.240><c> status
• </c> costs from the Utilities Credit status costs from the Utilities Credit status if<00:24:02.440><c

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

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:

• am amazed at how this country that stands for liberty and justice for all, this country that has a Statue
• </c><00:23:12.559><c> of</c><00:23:12.720><c> liberty,</c> country that has a statue of liberty, country
• that has a statue of liberty, how<00:23:14.000><c> this</c><00:23:14.400><c> country</c><00:23:15.200
• Potato Head statues popping up all... will be keeping Melbourne, his family, will be keeping Melbourne
• Potato Head statues popping up all across Rhode Island.