Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:51.280> you've very conservative stress test you've very conservative stress test you've
• Welcome to the test fire station.
• Please begin with your test phone. >> Mr. Blumenshine. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• Welcome to the test fire station.
• Welcome to the test fire station.

Bills: HF3900

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not require applicants to be tested on any changes in county traffic ordinances.
• <01:23:52.719> test<01:23:53.040> the a written safety exam. test the a written safety
• exam. test the applicant's<01:23:53.679> knowledge<01:23:54.000> of<01:23:54.239> state
• The bill does not require applicants to be tested on any changes in county traffic ordinances.
• <01:24:24.000> on applicants do not have to be tested on applicants do not have to be tested

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's an 8-week period when our end users test the platform from front to back.
• that is a and data validation testing that is a five-week<00:48:44.480> effort.
• We also have to have Microsoft certify the financials component and finish some end-user testing.
• We also have to have Microsoft certify the financials component and finish some end-user testing.
• That's where all of our end users, our case workers, and so forth will work with the vendor to test the

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: Legislative leaders opened the hearing by focusing on statewide technology issues affecting agencies, including rising IT costs, cloud migration, cybersecurity risks, procurement delays, and the need for better coordination across government systems. They said the meeting was intended to hear from agency directors about current challenges and possible legislative solutions. The ITS director described the state’s IT structure as decentralized but increasingly moving toward shared services. He highlighted recent legislative and executive actions on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, procurement modernization, and data sharing, including House Bill 1491, Senate Bill 2426, Senate Bill 2267, House Bill 958, and an executive order on AI. He said ITS has worked with large agencies on a cloud center of excellence, a procurement modernization advisory council, and a state data exchange, and noted plans for a master contract, potentially with OpenAI, that could be available to all public entities. He also emphasized cybersecurity, saying the state is seeking a secure operations center and a broader “cyber maturity” approach after recent incidents. On procurement, he said the goal is to speed up purchasing while keeping it safe, and on optimization he pointed to potential savings from consolidating duplicate agreements, such as multiple Microsoft enterprise contracts. In response to questions, he said exceptions to centralization would be based on business and technical architecture and regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, CISA, or FERPA, rather than ad hoc decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The historic test year, along with the concerns about due process that are raised by the regulators,
• The historic test year, along with the concerns about due process that are raised by the regulators,
• The historic test year, along with the concerns about due process that are raised by the regulators,
• The historic test year, along with the concerns about due process that are raised by the regulators,
• But there's no requirement that they have to ignore the test year.

Bills: SB2033, SB2487, SB2497, SB2471, SB2829

Keywords: renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking

Summary: The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m. The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted. A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The testing is not done by the colleges. The testing is done by the FAA through third parties.
• Uh, and they are given written tests, and then they're given an oral practical that takes about a day
• The testing is it is uh pretty rigorous.
• The testing is not done by the colleges.
• uh and then they're given written tests uh and then they're given an<00:50:41.760> oral<00:50

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force meeting began with approval of the July 14 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association. Association leaders described general aviation airports as important to rural access, commerce, emergency response, tourism, agriculture, and workforce development, and cited statewide economic impacts they said exceed $1.6 billion and support more than 9,400 jobs. They thanked the legislature for prior airport funding and said it had helped airports with basic operations and repairs. The association asked lawmakers for four things: continued appropriations for general aviation airports; relief or a more workable process for required financial audits, which they said can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more and sometimes exceed a small airport’s annual budget; a regularized statewide appropriations process for airport infrastructure needs, which they said total about $100 million and are currently addressed unevenly; and funding for the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act to support scholarships and aviation workforce training. Members of the task force asked follow-up questions about the audit burden, the difference between financial and safety audits, and the difficulty of finding audit firms. The presenters said they would bring specific ideas back on audit reform. Eastern Kentucky University then presented on its aviation program. EKU leaders thanked the committee for prior support, including a $25 million appropriation for a new flight school building at Central Kentucky Regional Airport, and said the project is expected to break ground in 2026. They reported strong enrollment growth, with 502 aviation majors, most of them Kentuckians, and said the program has expanded flight hours and job placement. EKU also outlined plans to add an air traffic control program in response to Senate Bill 87 and the national shortage of controllers, saying it could train students to FAA standards if the university receives the needed investment in simulators, equipment, space, and faculty. They also discussed the need to replace an aging fleet of training aircraft, saying the current planes are decades old and costly to maintain, and that newer aircraft would improve training quality and reduce student costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're testing this recipe in the schools now.
• this the recipe Schools they're testing this the recipe in<00:12:26.320> the<00:12:26.440>
• Since I had interest in warehouse work and could start without completing all of my GED tests, I was
• Since I had interest in warehouse work and could start without completing all of my GED tests, I was
• <00:36:53.280> that<00:36:53.440> you all for uh passing the test that you all for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will go into place, actually not even for the Senate, until the 2030 election, so plenty of time for testing
• will go into place, actually not even for the Senate, until the 2030 election, so plenty of time for testing
• will go into place, actually not even for the Senate, until the 2030 election, so plenty of time for testing
• Senate, until the 2030 election, so plenty of time for testing it, for getting any kind of bugs out of
• it, and that will be tested on the Minnesota House of Representatives, not on the Minnesota Senate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding both Chris and I are kind of the test pilots for the LBA office.
• It's my understanding both Chris and I are kind of the test pilots for the LBA office.
• It's my understanding both Chris and I are kind of the test pilots for the LBA office.
• And I are kind of the test pilots for the LBA office.
• So you're going to see that request to extend for uh uh testing that our office still has uh uh testing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , research on groundwater modeling and sampling, and independent testing and verification of water data
• , research on groundwater modeling and sampling, and independent testing and verification of water data
• facility, environmental<00:20:34.880> monitoring<00:20:35.280> and<00:20:35.520> testing
• , environmental monitoring and testing, environmental monitoring and testing, research<00:20:36.480
• <00:20:39.039> and sampling and independent testing and sampling and independent testing and

Bills: HB2241, HB2316, HB1566, HB1926, HB1673, HB1948, HB2602, HB1598, HB2334, HB2451, HB2243

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to meet the shoe on the another foot test.
• This has to meet the shoe on the another foot test.
• This has to meet the shoe on the another foot test.
• This has to meet the shoe on the another foot test.
• This has to meet the shoe on the another foot test.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to speak in support of Senate File 542, which creates a test case for housing development
• support of Senate file 542 which creates support of Senate file 542 which creates a<00:05:24.600> test
• c> for<00:05:25.280> Housing<00:05:25.639> Development<00:05:26.160> by A test
• fear that without these types of tests fear that without these types of tests without<00:14:08.320
• ><00:30:33.799> testimony<00:30:34.440> that<00:30:34.600> I go into the full test

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there are tests that each person takes that has to be passed.
• U, and then there's tests that they have to take for that.
• takes that tests that each each person takes that has<00:49:34.640> to<00:49:34.800> be
• U and then there's tests hours 18 hours.
• U and then there's tests that<00:49:47.280> they<00:49:47.520> have<00:49:47.680> to

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hydroxy, however you pronounce it, the 7-HO, um, that is either, uh, that can be taken via a blood test
• And there's no requirement for them to have it tested before they sell it as we do other products.
• <00:44:45.240> of can be taken via a blood test of can be taken via a blood test of somebody
• for them to they there's no requirement for them to have<00:45:26.280> it<00:45:26.400> tested
• before they sell it as we have it tested before they sell it as we do<00:45:28.480> other<00:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0. Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• No. 66, being original Senate File 28, an act relating to elections, clarifying the procedure for testing
• to elections, clarifying the procedure to elections, clarifying the procedure for<00:38:25.920> testing
• <00:38:26.320> voting<00:38:26.640> machines<00:38:26.960> and for testing voting
• machines and for testing voting machines and electronic<00:38:27.760> voting<00:38:28.079>
• electronic voting systems, specifying electronic voting systems, specifying that<00:38:29.760> test

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Line Item 52: information technology to develop, test, and implement emerging... ...information
• So my understanding for this request is basically that they're trying to create a testing environment
• ROI would be on that, but just the intention is to create a safe environment for them to be able to test
• I just want to find out whether or not this to develop... ...test and implement emerging information
• through a clear blood test or through a PET scan in connection with the Cancer Center at UNM.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We created clear licensing requirements, testing standards, packaging rules, potency limits, age restrictions
• Regulation and testing, age gating of 21 overs, taxes.
• Regulation and<00:37:46.880> testing,<00:37:47.839> age<00:37:48.160> gating<00:
• overs, and testing, age gating of 21 overs, taxes.<00:37:51.040> I<00:37:51.359> have<
• That would help to protect our kids, that would make sure people had safe, regulated, tested products

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These grant increases, as well as the increase in access to affordable testing, treatment, risk-reduction
• The test is whether the amendment to the amendment expands the scope of the amendment by introducing
• So in April 2020, when there was no testing available, no testing available, I noticed that my voice
• The state finally opened up the first drive-up testing that was available.
• And they did a test. Immediately, he's like, "You've got COVID."

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 49 is from Senator Koran's Senate File 2489 and has to do with testing of the voting system.
• It requires five days' notice of public testing of equipment.
• It deletes some obsolete language and specifies that tests must be for each question in the contest.
• <00:23:40.240> has<00:23:40.480> been ballots after a con test has been ballots after
• a con test has been instituted.<00:23:41.679> Those<00:23:41.919> are<00:23:42.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:22:46.120> um they had a plan for some sort of um they had a plan for some sort of um testing
• designated foreign trade zone area, Agri-Business Development Corp. will be able to come on site, test
• able to come business will allow will be able to come on<00:23:16.120> site<00:23:16.480> test
• certain<00:23:17.200> equipment<00:23:18.159> and<00:23:18.440> then on site test
• certain equipment and then on site test certain equipment and then they<00:23:19.000> ftz<00:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000. The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing. Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• SP 1526 relates to the drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory.
• It extends the lapse date for funds appropriated out of the Drug and Alcohol Toxicology Testing Laboratory
• years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for the establishment and maintenance of a drug and alcohol toxicology testing
• The legislature finds that counties with smaller populations may be better suited to test pedestrian-friendly
• The legislature finds that counties with smaller populations may be better suited to test pedestrian-friendly

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.