Transcript Highlights:

• Our Oahu Island Burial Council meetings, by the way, sometimes run from 10 in the morning until 4:30
• say that yes, I also heard the previous testifier say that the time you spend—and I know previous Oahu
• just so important that kūpuna protection occurs first and foremost, because look at everything in Oahu
• say that yes, I also heard the previous testifier say that the time you spend—and I know previous Oahu
• just so important that kūpuna protection occurs first and foremost, because look at everything in Oahu

Bills: HB1527, HB1823, HB2490, HB2223, HB2325, HB2104, HB2593, HB2592, HB1927, HB1553, HB1964, HB1918, HB1990

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• communities that are Makai Watch communities where the program is active, places like Pukahere on Oahu
• what would you entire State yes okay so what would you so<00:36:38.520><c> for</c><00:36:38.880><c> Oahu
• </c><00:36:39.640><c> almost</c><00:36:39.920><c> all</c><00:36:40.079><c> of</c><00:36:40.240><c> Oahu
• </c><00:36:40.680><c> is</c> so for Oahu almost all of Oahu is so for Oahu almost all of Oahu is already

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And hoping that the Department of Aquatic Resources to set coral goals for Oahu and build a framework
• And hoping that the Department of Aquatic Resources to set coral goals for Oahu and build a framework
• And hoping that the Department of Aquatic Resources to set coral goals for Oahu and build a framework
• > build</c><00:10:18.160><c> a</c><00:10:18.240><c> framework</c><00:10:18.760><c> that</c> uh for Oahu
• and build a framework that uh for Oahu and build a framework that includes<00:10:19.320><c> water</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the heart of Oahu. Um, the department offers comments.
• My husband has Alzheimer's, and we had an early diagnosis for him because we were able to go to Oahu
• And I see Shan Sonata, are you present on Zoom for Oahu HHSC providing comments?
• present</c><01:16:45.280><c> on</c><01:16:45.520><c> Zoom</c><01:16:45.760><c> for</c><01:16:46.000><c> Oahu
• </c><01:16:46.960><c> HHSC</c> you present on Zoom for Oahu HHSC you present on Zoom for Oahu HHSC providing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• an hour, we have no shelters whatsoever when it gets to be a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane here on Oahu
• an hour, we have no shelters whatsoever when it gets to be a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane here on Oahu
• an hour, we have no shelters whatsoever when it gets to be a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane here on Oahu
• an hour, we have no shelters whatsoever when it gets to be a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane here on Oahu
• Oahu Bankers Association, in support and standing on its testimony.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining hearing procedures, including a two-minute limit for live testimony, a request not to repeat written testimony, and a reminder about decorum. The first bill heard was SB 697, which would create a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for expenses to retrofit residences with wind-resistive devices. The Insurance Division said it supported the concept but noted it may need an appropriation or outside expertise to develop certification standards, while the Department of Taxation said the bill should retain a third-party certification requirement if the Insurance Division cannot administer the credit. The Hawaii Insurers Council supported the bill, and the Tax Foundation suggested a subsidy-style program would be more efficient than a tax credit and criticized the bill’s 100% credit structure. A testifier in support argued the measure would help homeowners fortify houses against hurricanes and reduce shelter demand; written testimony from several others, including HIEMA, was noted as supportive. The committee then moved through SB 76, which would require the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to provide commercial property coverage after two private-market denials, and SB 83, which would require insurers to give advance written premium-change notices and explanations to common-interest community policyholders and the insurance commissioner, along with a report on premium increases. For SB 76, the State Insurance Division stood on its written comments, and testimony in support came from Michael Honda, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and Jessica Herzog. SB 83 drew more extensive discussion: the Insurance Division supported the need for better transparency, while the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the bill, arguing that agents—not insurers—typically communicate with AOAO boards and that the measure could worsen an already difficult market. Insurance Division staff acknowledged widespread complaints from condo associations about lack of transparency and said the division had received many calls about premium increases and nonrenewals. The discussion on SB 83 expanded into broader concerns about condo insurance, nonrenewals, surplus lines, and the difficulty of getting timely explanations for large premium increases. Committee members and testifiers described older buildings struggling to fund repairs and upgrades while facing steep insurance costs, and some urged the committee to craft baseline statutory protections for unit owners. The Insurance Division said surplus lines serve a critical gap-filling role and warned against regulating that market in a way that could slow access to coverage. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Cure Oahu Mioo in support. Mihoko, you present. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• ,</c><00:03:55.840><c> we</c><00:03:56.000><c> have</c><00:03:56.159><c> Cure</c><00:03:56.720><c> Oahu
• Next, we have Cure Oahu you very much.
• Next, we have Cure Oahu Mioo<00:03:58.239><c> in</c><00:03:58.400><c> support.
• Next we have Mihokoto Cure Oahu in support. Here's 10 minutes testimony in support. Thank you."

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization is in support. NESTY is in support.
• The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization is in support. NESTY is in support.
• The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization is in support. NESTY is in support.
• Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization in support. Hawaii Bicycling League in support.
• Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization in support. Hawaii Bicycling League in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Transcript Highlights:

• And um also Arya Castillo, who was just confirmed to the Board of Registration for the Island of Oahu

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Bills: HB2315, SB2471, HB306, HB1692, HB1842, HB2171, HB2207, HB2343, HB2296, HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, HCR200, HCR144, HCR33, HCR154, HCR165, HCR186, HCR206, HCR166, HCR31, HCR85, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR137, HCR179, HCR32

Keywords: vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC

Transcript Highlights:

• very much thank you uh next up we have very much thank you uh next up we have kir<00:21:24.880><c> Oahu
• 33.960><c> kir</c> of the committee mioko on behalf of kir of the committee mioko on behalf of kir Oahu
• 00:21:35.360><c> to</c><00:21:35.520><c> stand</c><00:21:35.799><c> on</c><00:21:35.960><c> our</c> Oahu
• just wanted to stand on our Oahu just wanted to stand on our testimony<00:21:36.600><c> and</c><00:21

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 918, relating to labeling, drew support from the Department of Health, INDA (the nonwoven fabrics industry), and Hawaii Realtors. INDA said the bill aligns with do-not-flush labeling laws in other states but raised a concern about the six-month compliance deadline tied to FIFRA approval. In response to committee questions, witnesses explained that the bill is aimed mainly at disinfecting wipes, that most products are already labeled nationally, and that the proposed timing issue could be addressed by using Oregon’s approach. No vote was taken on the measure during the portion shown. The committee also heard HB 1482, relating to controlled substances. HPD supported the bill, and Aloha Green Holdings and the Department of Health both said they supported the intent but recommended technical amendments. Their testimony focused on clarifying the treatment of Delta-8 THC, distinguishing synthetic or artificially derived cannabinoids from naturally occurring forms, and avoiding confusion in the hemp law. Members asked whether Delta-8 would show up on drug tests; witnesses said it would test positive for THC and would not be distinguished from Delta-9. The bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. HB 981, relating to attorney’s fees, drew opposition from a law firm representing homeowners and associations, which argued the bill would limit access to legal services, favor developers and contractors, and make settlement harder. The witness suggested instead using existing consumer-protection fee-shifting concepts, and committee members explored whether a capped fee award or a broader attorney-fee rule would be more appropriate. The committee then took up HB 807 and HB 336, both relating to condominiums. HB 807 received support from the Green Infrastructure Authority and the Hawaii Bankers Association, while one testifier urged deferral over unresolved questions about commercial PACE financing; the bank association asked for more time to work with HGIA, and the chair indicated decision-making could be deferred to allow that discussion. On HB 336, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as removing checks and balances, while the Hawaii Workers Center and others supported it as a step toward clearer enforcement of health and safety issues in condominiums and rental housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, Maran Suji and support; President Shan Sonada of Oahu Region, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
• /c><00:05:43.199><c> Shan</c><00:05:43.600><c> sonada</c><00:05:44.280><c> of</c><00:05:44.479><c> Oahu
• </c> support president Shan sonada of Oahu support president Shan sonada of Oahu region<00:05:45.319>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a long calendar of health-related measures, beginning with SB 297, a proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom. Supporters included medical, labor, and advocacy groups, while opponents, including Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Christian Coalition, argued the term “reproductive freedom” was too vague and could be misunderstood. Testimony on SB 350, a similar constitutional amendment protecting contraception, also drew strong support from medical and advocacy groups and opposition from religious organizations; one witness said the measure was especially important to protect reproductive care and contraception. Several bills focused on health system administration and public health. SB 1438 on home care agencies, SB 1439 on nuisances, SB 1441 on transferring the AAHU regional health care system to the Department of Health, SB 1442 on children’s mental health services, SB 1443 on the Department of Health, SB 1444 on general excise tax, and SB 1445 on youth mental health all received mostly supportive testimony from state agencies and community organizations. On SB 1445, the Hawaii State LGBTQ Commission asked that LGBTQI+ and Native Hawaiian youth be specifically considered in mental health services. SB 1450, creating an intensive mobile team pilot for houseless individuals with serious brain disorders, drew support from state agencies and providers; a street medicine advocate said the pilot could help address sustainability, insurance, and service delivery on the streets. The committee also heard testimony on access and workforce measures, including SB 1596 on nursing, SB 1565 on acupuncture, SB 1564 on Medicaid, SB 1418 for an emergency DHS appropriation, SB 1417 on crimes against protective services workers, SB 1411 on Medicaid third-party liability, SB 1399 on a family resilience pilot program, SB 1398 on trauma-informed care, SB 1281 on telehealth, and SB 1279 on telepharmacy. Most of these measures drew broad support from agencies, provider groups, and advocacy organizations. On SB 1281, HMSA opposed the bill as written, warning about audio-only telehealth and federal rule changes, while other health groups supported it as important for rural, kupuna, and disabled residents. On SB 1417, a Honolulu Police Department captain supported stronger protections for DHS workers but could not provide complaint data and said he would follow up later. The hearing ended with the chair noting quorum and asking whether the committee was ready for decision making; no votes or final actions were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The court convenes in locations across Oahu, from Waianae to Ko Olina, at community centers and public
• The court convenes in locations across Oahu, from Waianae to Ko Olina, at community centers and public
• That's why we're seeking funding for three additional social worker positions here on Oahu to expand

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason they're using Central Oahu is because in Central Oahu, you already have large, medium,

Keywords: 910, house, all