Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><00:49:12.559><c> amendment</c><00:49:13.040><c> that</c><00:49:13.359><c> we</c><00:49:13.599
• Therefore,<00:49:15.599><c> leaving</c><00:49:16.079><c> the</c><00:49:16.319><c> amendment</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:23.920><c> move</c><00:49:24.160><c> on</c><00:49:24.720><c> with</c><00:49:25.040><c> the
• Thank<00:49:25.920><c> you,</c><00:49:26.240><c> Mr.</c><00:49:26.640><c> Speaker.
• ><c> family</c> issues.<04:49:12.080><c> Thank</c><04:49:12.240><c> you,</c><04:49:12.480><c> Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.600><c> subsection</c><00:49:04.200><c> would</c><00:49:04.360><c> make</c><00:49:04.600
• This subsection would make it unlawful<00:49:05.360><c> to</c><00:49:05.520><c> use</c><00:49:05.800>
• </c><00:49:18.240><c> to</c><00:49:18.440><c> state</c><00:49:19.200><c> or</c><00:49:19.400><c> imply
• 00:49:23.120><c> without</c><00:49:23.560><c> the</c><00:49:23.680><c> express</c><00:49:24.280><c> written
• c> of</c><00:49:25.480><c> the</c><00:49:25.600><c> given</c><00:49:25.960><c> venue,</c><00:49:26.760

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:49:41.200><c> and</c><00:49:41.440><c> there's</c><00:49:41.680><c> also</c><00:49:41.920><c>
• 49:43.520><c> is</c><00:49:43.760><c> is</c><00:49:44.480><c> ever</c><00:49:44.800><c> involved</c><
• ><00:49:49.680><c> serious</c><00:49:50.160><c> moving</c><00:49:50.480><c> violation</c><00:49:51.040
• c> taken</c><00:49:55.040><c> back</c><00:49:55.280><c> by</c><00:49:55.680><c> by</c><00:49:56.000><
• Um, knock<00:49:58.000><c> on</c><00:49:58.160><c> wood,</c><00:49:58.400><c> I've</c><00:49:58.640><

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480><c> so</c><00:49:01.079><c> thank</c><00:49:01.280><c> you</c><00:49:01.480><c> for</c><00:49
• /c><00:49:06.960><c> senator</c><00:49:07.359><c> may</c><00:49:07.640><c> Quade</c><00:49:08.280><c>
• you madam<00:49:08.760><c> chair</c><00:49:08.960><c> and</c><00:49:09.280><c> um</c><00:49:09.440><
• 49:10.480><c> for</c><00:49:10.680><c> coming</c><00:49:10.920><c> and</c><00:49:11.119><c> testifying
• and and<00:49:12.440><c> bringing</c><00:49:12.799><c> those</c><00:49:13.000><c> specifics</c><00:49

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.319><c> that</c><00:49:00.640><c> was</c><00:49:00.800><c> built</c><00:49:01.200><c> with</c><00
• portion.<00:49:03.440><c> Um,</c><00:49:03.920><c> they</c><00:49:04.240><c> are</c><00:49:04.400><c
• Um, they are building both, but but<00:49:06.000><c> the</c><00:49:06.640><c> financial</c><00:49:07.119
• ><c> portion</c><00:49:07.440><c> is</c><00:49:07.680><c> built</c><00:49:07.920><c> on</c> but the financial
• </c><00:49:10.079><c> And</c><00:49:10.880><c> um</c><00:49:11.680><c> I</c><00:49:11.920><c> do</c><

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• c> with</c><00:49:32.720><c> teleah</c><00:49:33.000><c> health</c><00:49:33.280><c> as</c><00:49:33.359
• health as a whole and<00:49:34.200><c> 3%</c><00:49:34.839><c> what</c><00:49:34.920><c> is</c><00:49
• :35.079><c> that</c><00:49:35.680><c> in</c><00:49:36.680><c> numbers</c><00:49:37.200><c> I</c><00:49
• /c><00:49:38.240><c> you</c><00:49:38.359><c> on</c><00:49:38.520><c> numbers</c><00:49:38.920><c> I<
• :49:48.079><c> chair</c><00:49:48.839><c> a</c><00:49:49.040><c> question</c><00:49:49.280><c> for</c

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<01:49:01.040><c> you,</c><01:49:01.920><c> Robert</c><01:49:02.560><c> Benz</c><01:49:
• </c><01:49:06.159><c> This</c><01:49:06.320><c> is</c><01:49:06.480><c> Robert</c><01:49:06.960><c> Benz
• :49:32.560><c> at</c><01:49:32.639><c> least</c><01:49:33.199><c> for</c><01:49:33.760><c> those</c><
• 49:39.920><c> would</c><01:49:40.159><c> die.
• c><01:49:59.199><c> had</c><01:49:59.440><c> to</c><01:49:59.600><c> go</c><01:49:59.840><c> into</c>

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; I<00:49:29.680><c> Love</c> &gt;&gt; I Love &gt;&gt; I Love &gt;&gt; I<00:49:32.000><c> Mchuan
• &gt;&gt; Hi.<00:49:38.079><c> I</c><00:49:38.559><c> Papus</c><00:49:39.520><c> conflict</c> &gt;&gt;
• :49:45.920><c> Rothus</c> &gt;&gt; I Rothus &gt;&gt; I Rothus &gt;&gt; I<00:49:47.599><c> Salazar</c>
• &gt;&gt; I Salazar &gt;&gt; I Salazar &gt;&gt; I<00:49:49.680><c> Scheler</c><00:49:50.319><c> conflict
• </c><00:49:51.440><c> thank</c><00:49:51.680><c> you</c><00:49:52.160><c> Scott</c> &gt;&gt; I Scheler

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:49:17.280><c> want</c><00:49:17.480><c> to</c><00:49:17.560><c> address</c><00:49:17.840><c> the
• > has</c><00:49:19.720><c> a</c><00:49:19.800><c> system</c><00:49:20.120><c> in</c><00:49:20.240><c>
• in place to ensure<00:49:21.000><c> appropriate</c><00:49:21.600><c> utilization</c><00:49:22.160><c>
• </c><00:49:23.760><c> Larson</c><00:49:24.160><c> referred</c><00:49:24.520><c> to</c> As Dr.
• </c><00:49:57.400><c> They</c><00:49:57.520><c> may</c><00:49:57.640><c> be</c><00:49:57.800><c> very

Bills: HF4207 , HF4338

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:49:03.400><c> you</c><00:49:03.480><c> for</c><00:49:03.600><c> the</c><00:49:03.640><c> opportunity
• <00:49:06.680><c> related</c><00:49:07.160><c> to</c><00:49:07.280><c> the</c><00:49:07.400><c> surety
• We<00:49:09.120><c> understand</c><00:49:09.680><c> and</c><00:49:09.800><c> support</c><00:49:10.120
• 49:14.600><c> bonds</c><00:49:15.280><c> and</c><00:49:15.400><c> maintaining</c><00:49:15.960><c> 90
• <c> of</c><00:49:16.720><c> cash</c><00:49:17.040><c> on</c><00:49:17.160><c> hand</c><00:49:17.800><

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:49:42.400><c> the</c><00:49:42.559><c> attorney</c><00:49:42.880><c> general's</c><00:49:43.280>
• c> very</c><00:49:50.000><c> start</c><00:49:50.240><c> of</c><00:49:50.400><c> a</c><00:49:50.480><c
• <00:49:52.160><c> throughout</c><00:49:52.559><c> the</c><00:49:53.040><c> uh</c><00:49:53.200><c> the
• </c><00:49:54.640><c> So,</c><00:49:54.800><c> we</c><00:49:55.040><c> have</c><00:49:55.119><c> one<
• ><c> I</c><00:49:58.480><c> just</c><00:49:58.800><c> uh</c><00:49:59.040><c> read</c><00:49:59.280><

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> are</c><00:49:01.880><c> they</c><00:49:02.040><c> being</c><00:49:02.280><c> threatened</c> to
• </c><00:49:03.360><c> homes</c><00:49:03.920><c> and</c><00:49:04.560><c> so</c><00:49:04.800><c> on<
• </c><00:49:06.120><c> Is</c><00:49:06.320><c> it</c><00:49:06.960><c> somebody's</c><00:49:07.440><c>
• at you at<00:49:09.480><c> court</c><00:49:09.760><c> and</c><00:49:09.840><c> it</c><00:49:09.960><
• ><c> to</c><00:49:12.400><c> see</c><00:49:12.720><c> kind</c><00:49:12.960><c> of</c><00:49:13.080><

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.719><c> been</c><01:49:49.199><c> uh</c><01:49:49.360><c> the</c><01:49:49.679><c> focus</c><01:49
• :50.000><c> of</c><01:49:50.159><c> many</c><01:49:50.400><c> pieces</c><01:49:50.719><c> of</c> have
• ><c> uh</c><01:49:52.080><c> this</c><01:49:52.320><c> session</c><01:49:52.480><c> of</c><01:49:52.639
• ><c> assembly,</c><01:49:53.600><c> not</c><01:49:53.679><c> the</c><01:49:53.840><c> least</c><01:49
• unanimously<01:49:58.719><c> and</c><01:49:58.880><c> was</c><01:49:59.040><c> signed</c><01:49:59.280

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:49:05.480><c> have</c><00:49:05.600><c> an</c><00:49:05.680><c> additional</c><00:49:06.120><c>
• If you<00:49:07.200><c> would</c><00:49:07.520><c> state</c><00:49:07.720><c> your</c><00:49:07.840><
• </c> My<00:49:16.200><c> name</c><00:49:16.400><c> is</c><00:49:16.560><c> Arnold</c><00:49:16.880><c
• </c><00:49:17.200><c> I'm</c><00:49:17.320><c> the</c><00:49:17.440><c> CEO</c><00:49:17.800><c> of</
• Um<00:49:20.280><c> today</c><00:49:20.800><c> I</c><00:49:21.080><c> come</c><00:49:21.440><c> in</c

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:32.720><c> In</c><00:49:32.960><c> your</c><00:49:33.280><c> review</c><00:49:33.680><c> of
• In your review of the system um<00:49:35.359><c> in</c><00:49:35.920><c> community</c><00:49:36.319><
• ><c> what</c><00:49:39.920><c> is</c><00:49:40.160><c> being</c><00:49:40.480><c> presented</c><00:49
• presented uh in terms<00:49:41.680><c> of</c><00:49:41.839><c> the</c><00:49:42.000><c> offerings</c
• :49:45.839><c> what</c><00:49:46.079><c> it</c><00:49:46.319><c> is</c><00:49:46.480><c> that</c><00:

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:11.599><c> don't</c><00:49:11.760><c> give</c><00:49:11.839><c> us</c><00:49:12.000><c> too
• money</c><00:49:12.480><c> to</c><00:49:13.040><c> fix</c><00:49:13.280><c> our</c><00:49:13.440><c>
• </c> I<01:49:27.440><c> don't</c><01:49:27.600><c> want</c><01:49:27.760><c> to</c><01:49:28.000><c>
• </c> I<01:49:33.840><c> don't</c><01:49:34.000><c> want</c><01:49:34.080><c> to</c><01:49:34.239><c>
• And<01:49:38.080><c> I</c><01:49:38.320><c> don't</c><01:49:38.560><c> want</c><01:49:38.800><c> to</

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:49:00.240><c> Take</c><00:49:00.319><c> it</c><00:49:00.480><c> off</c><00:49:00.640><c> the</c>
• ><01:49:02.639><c> to</c><01:49:02.800><c> the,</c><01:49:03.199><c> uh,</c><01:49:03.360><c> air</c>
• abatement<01:49:05.000><c> fund,</c><01:49:06.000><c> and</c><01:49:06.239><c> I</c><01:49:06.480><c
• 49:08.639><c> to</c><01:49:08.880><c> replace</c><01:49:09.199><c> that</c><01:49:09.520><c> funding.
• We<01:49:18.239><c> do</c><01:49:18.400><c> have</c><01:49:18.560><c> some</c><01:49:18.800><c> staff

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Affairs<00:49:22.599><c> hoha</c><00:49:23.040><c> chair</c><00:49:23.319><c> Vice</c><00:49:23.520><
• ><c> both</c><00:49:27.920><c> s</c><00:49:28.119><c> sp263</c><00:49:29.079><c> and</c><00:49:29.319
• 38.040><c> as</c><00:49:38.160><c> a</c><00:49:38.400><c> way</c><00:49:38.680><c> to</c><00:49:39.400
• :53.960><c> any</c><00:49:54.640><c> um</c><00:49:54.760><c> study</c><00:49:55.160><c> and</c><00:49
• 49:57.119><c> reason</c><00:49:57.520><c> as</c><00:49:57.720><c> well</c><00:49:58.640><c> um</c> are

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.079><c> And</c><00:49:02.400><c> but</c><00:49:02.640><c> I</c><00:49:02.800><c> have</
• c><00:49:02.960><c> I</c><00:49:03.200><c> do</c><00:49:03.359><c> have</c><00:49:03.440><c> a</c> around
• > for</c><00:49:05.920><c> Miss</c><00:49:06.160><c> Hyde</c><00:49:07.119><c> if</c><00:49:07.359><c
• </c><01:49:02.080><c> Institute</c><01:49:02.480><c> for</c><01:49:02.719><c> Health</c><01:49:02.960
• With that rate<01:49:39.520><c> of</c><01:49:39.679><c> return,</c><01:49:40.239><c> why</c><01:49:40.560

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 485<01:49:04.960><c> would</c><01:49:05.199><c> take</c><01:49:05.440><c> away</c><01:49:
• Just a few<01:49:46.480><c> additional</c><01:49:46.880><c> comments</c><01:49:47.199><c> to</c><01:49
• </c><01:49:49.199><c> Um</c><01:49:49.600><c> we</c><01:49:49.760><c> also</c><01:49:50.000><c> believe
• 49:51.040><c> control</c><01:49:51.280><c> issue.
• We actually<01:49:52.239><c> partner</c><01:49:52.560><c> with</c><01:49:52.719><c> many</c><01:49:53.040

Committee: Senate Transportation