Transcript Highlights:

• I saw I heard Senator Avar move for consent." "Second." "Senator Bartzell seconds that.
• >> Senator Apprentice. >> Senator Apprentice.
• >> Some move. >> Senator Avar, second of Senator Bzil.
• >> Oh,<00:33:46.880> Senator<00:33:47.200> P. >> Oh, Senator P.
• >> Consent. >> Senator Avar moves consent. Second. >> I'll give that one to Senator Apprentice.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:28.320> Tim the environment committee um Senator Tim the environment committee um Senator
• Um,<00:09:50.000> Senator<00:09:50.480> Shots,<00:09:51.120> Senator<00:09:51.440
• > Herono, Um, Senator Shots, Senator Herono, Um, Senator Shots, Senator Herono, Representative
• many behind me um including Senator many behind me um including Senator Richards<00:10:55.920>
• let's go to the next person and Senator let's go to the next person and Senator Go.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Brandon Elefante from the state Senate co-chair.
• So, specific to OOTC, some of the findings and resolutions that we're suggesting.
• Um in slide OCC triplec findings and resolutions resolutions resolutions uh<00:26:08.400> what
• Oh. >> I have no questions at this time. >> Senator, Senator, Senator. >> Okay. Sorry.
• And I also know that you and I both chair public safety in the Senate and House.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Present with me is Senator Kurt Fevella.
• <00:59:02.480> also<00:59:02.880> is uh Senator Fibella's question also is uh Senator
• Do you have any questions, Senator Kola?
• If you guys Senator I feel the same way.
• Thank you so much, Senator. Senator. Senator.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:22.400> specifically, Democrats in the Senate specifically, Democrats in the Senate
• <00:04:36.240> standing our legislators, our senators standing our legislators, our senators
• And Senator Rest is right. They will die. People will die because of these provisions.
• <00:07:48.560> They<00:07:48.800> will And Senator Rest is right.
• They will And Senator Rest is right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• The Senate and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution multiple times.
• continuing resolution out of the Senate continuing resolution out of the Senate and<02:18:08.399

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:59.919> Mura um seclusion data um that Senator Mura um seclusion data um that Senator
• Thank you. >> Uh, thank you, Senator.
• Um ensuring the Senate last session.
• the bill that passed through the Senate. the bill that passed through the Senate.
• Um, and it did pass off the Senate floor, I believe, with Senator Man, who was responsible for the K-

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Following this hearing, the Senate Following this hearing, the Senate Education<00:12:49.920>
• <00:26:23.840> right are being worked on concurrently right are being worked on concurrently
• And I commend Senator Ward for 292.
• <01:52:21.040> Ward, brought forth by repres Senator Ward, brought forth by repres Senator
• Senator Ward, thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:35.280> who<01:32:35.520> was peaceful conflict resolution who was peaceful
• conflict resolution who was willing<01:32:36.000> and<01:32:36.320> able<01:32:36.800><
• Our next meeting is October 15th at 2 p.m. in this room, Minnesota Senate Building 1500.
• 35:47.040> this<01:35:47.120> room,<01:35:47.440> Minnesota<01:35:47.840> Senate
• at 2 p.m. in this room, Minnesota Senate at 2 p.m. in this room, Minnesota Senate Building<01:35

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's bonding tour season at the Senate. Today, senators start the second leg of the bonding tour.
• Brainerd, Ely, Cloquet, or other northeastern areas of the state, you might just see a bus full of senators
• It might not be your version of a perfect day, but for some, like Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, I just
• could have been a Zoom call, Senator could have been a Zoom call, Senator Carla<00:01:29.840>
• prisons to airports andmies, senators prisons to airports andmies, senators see<00:02:07.439>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Harrell here, Vice Chair Bradley, Senator Bracy. Davis here.
• Senator Burgess, Senator Calatayud here. Senator Davis, Senator Leak, a quorum is present.
• Let's go ahead and have our Vice Chair, Senator Bradley.
• I'm sorry, you're recognized, Senator Dick. Thank you.
• Senator Lee: Just real quick.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Garcia, Senator Osgood, Senator Polsky here. Senator Simon, Senator Smith here.
• Senator Wright here. Senator Yarborough, you're a quorum is present. Mr. Chair, thank you.
• Senator Garcia and Senator Simon are excused from today's meeting.
• Thank you, Senator. We are in...
• Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those trade-offs were considered by senators as part of the new federal impact on motans and economic
• One place senators saw they could improve upon was the state's SNAP error rate, which was around 9% in
• trade-offs were considered by senators trade-offs were considered by senators as<00:01:13.280>
• > they<00:02:06.159> could One place senators saw they could One place senators saw they could
• c> >> Veronica Marshall, Senate Media >> Veronica Marshall, Senate Media Services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. Um, I'm Matt Lehey.
• And thank you for having us this morning, senators. Good morning, senators.
• Senator McConi, you may—Province Lake in your neck of the woods had a cyanobacteria warning for over
• <00:27:35.679> had<00:27:35.840> brought uh Senator Mcconanki, you had brought uh Senator
• Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Energy and Natural Resources.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Burgess, Senator Jones, Senator Chair Reef, send it to trim them here. Quorum present.
• Senator Burgess, Senator Jones are both been excuse for today.
• Senator Wright was down there.
• Yes, sir. >> Well, Senator Wright senator to now center Sharif Tim Low as it is an incredible honor and
• Through Senate Bill, 1420, we were renamed.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bernard. Here. Senator Burton. Here. Senator Roussan. Here. The quorum is present, Mr.
• Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance by Senator Bernard.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will be voting no. >> Thank you, Senator Burton, Senator Smith, you're recognized for debate. >>
• Senator Smith comments. Yes, Senator Mayfield. >> You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Arrington. >> Senator Obama, Senator Deciglie. Yes, senator Harrell. Yes. Senator polsky.
• Senate Bill. 164.
• Senator Polsky moves. business before the committee? Okay. Senator Polsky moves. We adjourn.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senators Garcia and Simon are excused.
• Tory, please call the roll. >> Senator Bernard, their Senator Bradley here, Senator Garcia excuse, Senator
• Pizzo Senator Simon excuse, Senator Yarborough here, Vice Chair Smith here chair Martin. >> Here is
• Yes, we would have a conversation. >> Yes, Senator Pizzo, you're recognized.
• Senator Bernard moves. We adjourn. This meeting is adjourned.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> SENATOR BERMAN. SENATOR CALATAYUD. SENATOR DAVIS. SENATOR LEEK. SENATOR OSGOOD.
• SENATOR PASSIDOMO. SENATOR TRUMBULL. VICE CHAIR SENATOR HARRELL. CHAIR SENATOR BURTON.
• SENATOR CALATAYUD?
• SENATOR HARRELL? >> Senator Harrell: THANK YOU. THIS IS INTERESTING.
• ABSOLUTELY. >> Chair: SENATOR OSGOOD. >> Senator Osgood: I WILL GO BACK TO SENATOR DAVIS' QUESTION BECAUSE

Keywords: 999, senate, all