Transcript Highlights:

• Any with reservations?
• &gt;&gt; Uh,<03:15:50.160><c> reservations.</c> &gt;&gt; Uh, reservations.
• &gt;&gt; Reservations. &gt;&gt; Reservations. &gt;&gt; Reservations. &gt;&gt; Reservations.
• Um, any with reservations? >> Actually, I will be with reservation.
• </c> Um, any uh with reservations? Um, any uh with reservations?

Bills: HB676

Keywords: HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees

Summary: The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language. HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments. HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• information about this population of folks in our communities, not only in rural Minnesota, the reservations
• </c><00:04:38.800><c> is</c><00:04:39.000><c> divided</c> uh the Leech Lake reservation is divided uh
• the Leech Lake reservation is divided into<00:04:39.680><c> three</c><00:04:40.199><c> districts</c>
• It's located smack dab in the middle of the Leech Lake Reservation, so if you're driving down Highway
• </c><00:37:02.839><c> and</c> going to different reservations and going to different reservations and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any with reservations? reservations? reservations?
• Recommendation is Any with reservations?
• Recommendation is Any with reservations?
• Any<01:44:50.280><c> with</c><01:44:50.480><c> reservations?</c> Any with reservations?
• Any<01:47:30.040><c> with</c><01:47:30.240><c> reservations?</c> Any with reservations?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reservations. Reservations. Reservations.
• Any members voting no with<01:59:09.520><c> reservations.</c> with reservations. with reservations.
• Any members voting no with<02:02:34.320><c> reservations?</c> with reservations? with reservations?
• Any members voting no with reservations?<02:03:16.320><c> Reservations.
• Chair, your reservations? Reservations.

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• While we are aware of the strong Guard and Reserve components, which number nearly 14,000 individuals
• How do you identify those soldiers that are actually entering transition in the Reserve?
• I should tell you that the Guard and Reserve are not the Guard and Reserve that I grew up with. 9/11
• In Massachusetts today, that's not true with respect to the treatment of the Guard and Reserve.
• They're no longer the Guard Reserve that I grew up with.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• falls the why do you reserve money falls the person?
• /c><00:54:54.640><c> approval</c><00:54:55.280><c> for</c> reserved spots per CMS's approval for reserved
• </c><00:55:15.280><c> for</c> The SCCL waiver, plus 225 reserved for the SCCL waiver, plus 225 reserved
• /c><01:02:43.599><c> if</c> that you've got a slot reserved if that you've got a slot reserved if there's
• You'd have your slot reserved. Um, and then you'd sort of hang out there.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has no reserves. It has no fund balance. It has no capital reserve or expendable trust funds.
• It has no reserves. It has no fund balance. It has no capital reserve or expendable trust funds.
• , like other reserves.
• </c> reserve accounts. reserve accounts.
• They have reserve funds.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Excess reserves, surplus, plus...
• Our reserves are not accessible. Our reserves are not excess funds.
• Does a carrier see additional risk maybe in not being able to have a higher reserve?
• What we're talking about is not reserves.
• It's surplus over and above anything that is required in reserves.

Bills: HB2073, HB2403, HB2587, HB2607, HB1170, HB1570, HB1710, HB1750, HB1834, HB2441

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, failure to register, criminal justice, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, nonprofit, grant funding, pilot program, financial support, community development, child care, childcare, subsidy rates, rate regions, market rate survey

Transcript Highlights:

• Tuition that is coming from our tuition reserves. Um, so we are, we have reserves.
• Tuition that is coming from our tuition reserves. Um, so we are, we have reserves.
• </c> put in reserve for future debt service. put in reserve for future debt service.
• Um, so how much in reserve do you have now? About 12 million. You got 12 million in reserve.
• ,</c><02:54:45.040><c> and</c> use their resources, your reserves, and use their resources, your reserves

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, they are using their reserves as they face federal funding cuts.
• <00:04:52.320><c> are</c><00:04:52.520><c> using</c><00:04:52.880><c> their</c><00:04:53.000><c> reserves
• </c> Currently, they are using their reserves Currently, they are using their reserves as<00:04:53.760
• </c> amendment updates the budget reserve amendment updates the budget reserve account account account
• reserve.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have 990s that are reported to us, that are food banks, whether they are right outside of the reservations
• have 990s that are reported to us, that are food banks, whether they are right outside of the reservations
• have 990s that are reported to us, that are food banks, whether they are right outside of the reservations
• have 990s that are reported to us, that are food banks, whether they are right outside of the reservations
• This up to matter because if they need the help up in the reservations, that they need the help in Hibbing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• SCA 5 creates the Equalization Reserve Account to address that disparity in a fiscally responsible, stable
• The Equalization Reserve Act, ERA, which is this measure, The Equalization Reserve Act, ERA, which is
• It's simply the establishment of a reserve account that can...
• So really, this bill is 100% about establishing the reserve account.
• The Treasurer will hold the investment pool money, the reserve account money.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, which would create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. The author and supporters argued the measure would create a stable, endowment-style funding source using only interest earnings, while charter school advocates opposed it, saying the bill would exclude charters and could raise equal protection concerns. After the quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate money in politics. The author argued that unlimited independent expenditures have increased corporate influence and dark money in elections, while there was little testimony in opposition. The resolution was approved and referred onward. The committee also considered two consent items, AB 1736 and AB 2421, which were approved together without debate. ACA 7 generated the most extensive discussion. The measure would revise the state constitution’s application of Proposition 209 in education, with supporters saying it would allow race-conscious tools to address persistent racial inequities in student outcomes and resource allocation, especially for Black students. Opponents argued it would weaken Proposition 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail politically and in court. After lengthy debate, the measure was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat on the UC Board of Regents, with supporters emphasizing student representation and opponents absent. Finally, AJR 29, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration, was approved and sent onward. All measures on the agenda were ultimately advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, this would create a strategic reserve of digital assets.
• And now generally, a strategic reserve is something that you need.
• We had a strategic reserve of oil. That makes sense.
• What makes you think we need a reserve of crypto? What makes it strategic for our economy?
• reserve.

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Noting reservations for Senator Senura. Are there any other reservations or objections?
• there any other reservations or there any other reservations or objections?
• Are there any objections or reservations?
• Seeing none, the reservations?
• Thanks for being here. reservations? Seeing none, the reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll support the motion to send to the floor, but reserve my right to change that there. Thank you.
• I too have some reservations about this naturally, and so I will support to go to the floor, but I also
• reserve the right to change my vote.
• Well, I'm not going to reserve my right. I'm going to vote no here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Well, I'm not going to reserve my right. I'm going to vote no here. So just to let you know.

Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 and February 10 minutes. It then introduced RS 33209, a transportation cleanup measure that would update the highway distribution account statute to reflect current practice and adjust funding for local bridge inspections from a fixed $175 amount to $300,000 for fiscal year 2027. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. Next, the committee introduced RS 33409, which would impose a $75 one-time late fee for failing to timely register a vehicle in Idaho. Sponsors said the bill is intended to encourage timely registration and align with the state’s existing late fee for driver’s licenses. Members asked whether back registration fees could still be collected; the sponsor said the $75 fee would apply only once, though back time could still be collected. The motion to introduce passed. The committee then heard House Bill 532, which would create uniform identity-verification standards across driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and titling so DMV records use the same information and create a one-person, one-record system. The bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation without opposition. Finally, House Bill 629 was heard, allowing vehicle registration to be provided in either electronic or printed form instead of requiring a mailed copy. Law enforcement testified to safety and verification concerns about relying on phones during traffic stops, while the sponsor argued the change would save mailing costs and mirror existing digital practices for insurance and hunting/fishing licenses. Despite several members expressing reservations, the committee voted to send HB 629 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with one member recorded as opposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll support the motion to send to the floor, but reserve my right to change that there. Thank you.
• I too have some reservations about this naturally, and so I will support it to go to the floor, but I
• also reserve the right to change my vote.
• Well, I'm not going to reserve my right. I'm going to vote no here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Well, I'm not going to reserve my right. I'm going to vote no here, so just to let you know.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from the February 4 and February 10 meetings. It then introduced RS 33209, a transportation cleanup bill that would update the highway distribution account language to reflect current practice and increase funding for local bridge inspections from the gas tax, with the sponsor saying the change would bring the statute in line with existing policy and rising costs. RS 33409 was also introduced; it would create a $75 late fee for failing to timely register a vehicle in Idaho, intended to encourage prompt registration and mirror a similar late fee for driver’s licenses. The committee then heard House Bill 532, which would align identity verification standards across driver’s license, registration, and titling records so the DMV uses consistent information and maintains a single record for each person. The bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation without opposition. House Bill 629 would allow vehicle registration to be carried either electronically or on paper instead of requiring a mailed copy, with the sponsor saying it would save mailing costs and improve convenience. HB 629 drew the most discussion. The Idaho Sheriffs’ Association testified in opposition, citing officer-safety concerns about drivers reaching for phones during traffic stops and noting that paper registrations are easier to inspect and that the current paper form includes an insurance certification. Several members raised questions about whether the bill was either/or or fully digital, and about possible future technology options. Despite reservations from some members, the committee voted to send HB 629 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; one member requested to be recorded as voting no. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cockran, with reservations. Representative Garcia, no vote.
• I'm going to have a reservation. That makes sense. Um, chair for the vote.
• Representative Cockran, with reservations. Representative Garcia, no vote.
• Representative Cochran, with reservations. Representative Garcia, no vote.
• With reservations. reservations. reservations. &gt;&gt; Representative<00:52:41.400><c> Garcia.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 11, urging Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, drew support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and Pride at Work Hawaii, both of which backed the measure as a statement of equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ people. A member also reminded testifiers to keep signs and statements relevant to the measure. SCR 22, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Ahu and Aliʻa, had no testimony. SCR 58, calling for a progressive enforcement framework for parking violations in DLNR boating and ocean recreation lots, drew strong support from multiple testifiers who argued that towing is overly punitive, costly, and unfair to beach and harbor users; they favored warnings or smaller citations instead of towing and raised concerns about signage, contract oversight, and the cost of proposed enforcement technology. One member asked about whether DLNR could use HPD or other officers for citations, and the discussion focused on staffing and enforcement authority. The committee then heard SCR 60 SD1, requesting an update on the “Breaking Cycles” study on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was not present, but the Corrections Reform Working Group strongly supported the resolution, saying the study reflects extensive community outreach and should not be shelved. Testifiers urged the committee to use the report to examine alternatives to a new jail, including diversion, pre-trial reform, probation reform, and renovations to existing facilities, and one testifier suggested amendments to add experts in those areas and technical assistance from the Prison Policy Initiative. Another testifier described Maui’s use of wraparound reentry services, prosecutorial discretion, and programming as an example of reducing incarceration without expanding jail capacity. SCR 184, asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine anti-discrimination laws as applied to algorithmic and automated decision systems, had no in-person testimony, with the chair noting one support and one comment submitted. The final measure, SCR 89 SD1, which would create an advisory committee under the Hawaii correctional system oversight commission to develop recommendations on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu, also had no testimony from the department, but the Corrections Reform Working Group supported it as a way to ensure community input into jail planning. A later testifier echoed concerns about building a large new jail and urged the committee to consider alternatives to incarceration and to include people with expertise in diversion, pre-trial reform, and probation reform. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone wishing to vote reservations or no?
• </c><00:52:47.040><c> or</c> anyone wishing to vote reservations or anyone wishing to vote reservations
• </c><00:55:20.720><c> or</c> anyone wishing to vote reservations or anyone wishing to vote reservations
• Members voting reservations or no?
• Members voting reservations pass as is. Members voting reservations are<00:57:15.680><c> no.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to University of Hawaiʻi programs, audits, and workforce development. Testimony on SCR 50, which urged establishment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Maui campus, was strongly supportive, with witnesses citing the state’s nursing shortage and Maui’s acute physician and nurse shortages. The committee later recommended passage with a technical HD1 amendment, and the measure was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee also heard SCR 137, SCR 138, and SCR 142, all involving proposed audits. SCR 137 sought a performance audit of the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation; the Foundation opposed it, and the chair recommended deferral after noting the legislative auditor’s view that the office lacks jurisdiction over the private nonprofit. SCR 138 proposed a management and performance audit of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy, and SCR 142 proposed an audit of the UH Mānoa athletics department. UH representatives provided comments on both, with athletics explaining existing NCAA-required financial audits, internal performance evaluations, and a strategic plan that includes self-review. The committee ultimately recommended passage of SCR 138 and SCR 142 with technical HD1 amendments. For SCR 192, which proposed a veterinary medicine expansion working group, UH and other witnesses discussed the idea of exploring a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, but the chair said a community college is not the appropriate venue for a doctoral program. The committee recommended substantial HD1 changes removing Windward Community College from the title and shifting the effort to the UH system level, adding the UH president or designee and a Hilo campus representative to the working group; the amended resolution was adopted. The committee also heard SCR 193, calling for community colleges to identify bachelor’s degree and workforce pathways aligned with regional needs, and SCR 203, which sought exploration of an Alzheimer’s disease research center and federal funding requirements; both drew supportive comments and no opposition. The meeting recessed briefly for lack of quorum, then reconvened for decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• the end of the following rate collection year, the rate must be set at the rate for the three-month reserve
• The previous substitute had a three-month reserve, and that's in addition to maintaining the four-year
• versus the three-month reserve.
• versus the three-month reserve.
• terms of a forward-looking rate, and then as well as wanting to make sure that rate also captures a reserve

Bills: SB6014, SB5972, SB5869, SB5874

Keywords: pregnancy accommodations, pregnant workers, workplace accommodations, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, lactation, breastfeeding, express milk, maternity leave, childbirth, pregnancy discrimination, employment law, labor and industries, L&I, confidential records, public records exemption, health care certification, workplace standards, employee rights, employer obligations

Transcript Highlights:

• Any voting members voting with reservations? Any members voting no with reservations?
• any members voting no with reservations any members voting no with all<00:21:49.960><c> others</c><00
• Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no?
• Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no? All voting aye?
• Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no? All others voting aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.