Transcript Highlights:

• In the gallery, we have seated with my staff attorney Shan Aronson, Karen O'Keefe, director of state
• <00:08:07.159> policies<00:08:07.759> at<00:08:07.919> the director of State
• policies at the director of State policies at the marijuana<00:08:08.879> policy<00:08:09.759
• Welcome to the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
• Welcome to the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, members, today we have two very special guests from Hawaii Island.
• So, we have four other states in our Union that have a full-time legislature.
• Other states would be California, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
• It was using the Hawaii Prince Golf Course as a potential site, which was thrown off early.
• It was using the Hawaii Prince Golf Course as a potential site, which was thrown off early.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Communication No. 1 transmits notice to the Governor of five Senate bills proposing amendments to the Hawaii
• State Constitution that passed third reading in the Senate.
• 20.879> the Senate bills proposing amendments to the Senate bills proposing amendments to the Hawaii
• <00:02:21.400> state<00:02:21.720> constitution<00:02:22.280> that<00:02:22.480>
• pass Hawaii state constitution that pass Hawaii state constitution that pass third<00:02:22.959

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um you see I'm a to the United States.
• It was we got to to the United States.
• I got food stamps, um, I got state I got food stamps, um, I got state insurance,<00:10:13.920>
• And I'm Hawaii in the nursing program.
• financial interests with the state ethics commission.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first deferred HB 239, which would have narrowed the definition of child abuse or neglect by excluding cases where a caregiver is unable to provide certain needs solely because of poverty or lack of resources. The chair said other similar bills were still alive and expressed concern that carving out a specific category of abuse could hinder monitoring of children being harmed for other reasons. The committee then took up several decision-making items. HB 420, dealing with the contractor repair act and construction defect claims, was recommended for passage with extensive amendments that would clarify statutes of repose and limitations, define substantial completion, remove homeowner expert-report requirements, delete class-action limits, set timelines for inspections, mediation, and settlement procedures, and add non-retroactivity language; it passed unanimously. HB 732, concerning special management area minor permits for certain single-family residences, was also passed with amendments after the committee removed the provision that would have expanded minor-permit eligibility for homes under 3,500 square feet. HB 1017, repealing the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, passed with amendments to make it effective upon approval. HB 958, which restricts children under 15 from riding class 3 electric bicycles and raises the helmet age requirement, passed with technical amendments only. The committee also considered Governor’s Message 689, the nomination of Melissa Sautello to the Commission on the Status of Women. After testimony in support and questions from members about financial disclosure and her views on women’s sports and transgender participation, the committee voted to advise and consent to the nomination. The nomination passed, and the committee adjourned after noting that a full Senate vote would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in each of our counties, uh, on Hawaii County we have a civil defense.
• Then the Hawaii Military Affairs Council... The Hawaii Military Affairs Council. Okay.
• We have the Hawaii Military Affairs Council in support. Are they here?
• Nandita Sharma, Hawaii J20 Plus, in support.
• Bill Ko, Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights, in support. Carol Hayashino in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions, beginning with STR 51, which asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate creating and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Governor’s Recovery and Resiliency Unit supported the measure but suggested changing the working group membership so each county mayor, or designee, could appoint the representative instead of naming county civil defense administrators. Members questioned whether any county had requested that change, and the testifier said it was a recommendation based on their experience, not county consultation. The committee also heard STR 40, urging the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to focus more on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, but there was no one present to testify. STR 65, on finalizing a contract for the new Aloha Stadium and advancing the stadium entertainment district, received support from the Stadium Authority, DAGS, and Aloha Stadium District Partners, all saying they were already working hard on the project. STR 78 SD1, encouraging the East-West Center to expand international engagement, was supported by the East-West Center. STR 30, asking the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to allow use of restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs, drew strong support from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, which described a shortage of ball fields and said the site would be well suited for recreation. The committee then heard STR 24 SD1, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to keep references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites; multiple veterans and advocacy groups testified in support. STR 195 and STR 196, supporting broader relationships with Sweden and Norway, respectively, had limited or no testimony. After recessing briefly for decision-making, the committee voted to adopt all of the measures as introduced, without amendments, with members voting in favor and some members excused on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirty-plus million people in the state of Texas, and 150 people have the opportunity and the privilege
• My name is Colonel Frank Court, Jr., United States Marine Corps, retired.
• Will last for many, many years to come and help many, many people across the state.
• To represent West Houston in the United States Congress, I served 18 years, but nothing compares with
• From Tyler, Texas, thank you for your service and your sacrifice to the great state of Texas.

Bills: HR33, HR138, HR200, HR243, HR267, HR307, HR353, HR383, HR443, HR446, HR449, HR451, HR453, HR457, HR459, HR460, HR461, HR462, HR464, HR466, HR467, HR474, HR475, HR477, HR479, HR481, HR482, HR483, HR484, HR486, HR487, HR490, HR491, HR497, HR502, HR505, HR509, HR510, HR511, HR512, HR513, HR515, HR516, HR527, HR531, HR532, HR541, HR542, HR547, HR548, HR549, HR550, HR555, HR557, HR564, HR568, HR574, HR575, HR576, HR577, HR578, HR580, HR584, HR586, HR587, HR588, HR589, HR594, HR595, HR597, HR599, HR606, HR607, HR608, HR609, HR610, HR611, HR612, HR613, HR615, HR616, HR617, HR619, HR620, HCR65, HCR119, HR434, HR447, HR450, HR454, HR455, HR458, HR463, HR476, HR478, HR488, HR489, HR492, HR496, HR499, HR522, HR523, HR524, HR533, HR534, HR535, HR536, HR537, HR539, HR546, HR552, HR553, HR554, HR556, HR579, HR582, HR598

Keywords: autism, neurodiversity, awareness, acceptance, public health, HR 138, H.R. 138, House Resolution, Texas House, 89th Texas Legislature, Susan Christian, Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events, MOSE, retirement resolution, congratulatory resolution, ceremonial resolution, Houston, special events, city events, civic events

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:33:24.799> has in other states and other states it has in other states and other states
• The state of Hawaii is a one-state school board, right? So, you know, it's all over the place.
• > Hawaii<01:39:03.880> is<01:39:04.040> a<01:39:04.199> one-state<01:39:04.840
• > school state of Hawaii is a one-state school state of Hawaii is a one-state school board<01:
• of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3554, an act relating to state government, designating the month of January as Snow Professionals
• As a person who is from Hawaii originally, I particularly appreciate snow removers, and um recognizing
• As a person who is from<00:01:37.800> Hawaii<00:01:38.160> originally,<00:01:38.840>
• I<00:01:39.040> particularly from Hawaii originally, I particularly from Hawaii originally

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3554, designating January as Snow Professionals Appreciation Month, was taken up on the floor. Representative Nash introduced the bill and offered an A1 amendment to broaden the recognition to both public and private snowplow drivers; Representative Hollins supported the amendment, and it was adopted by voice vote. Nash and Hollins then spoke in favor of the bill, describing it as a way to recognize the people who keep roads clear during winter. After the amendment was incorporated, the bill received its third reading with no further discussion. The House then took a roll call vote, including remote votes, and passed House File 3554 as amended by a vote of 133 yeas and 0 nays. The title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• definition of historic property to require that the property meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaii
• Hang on. registration on the Hawaii register of registration on the Hawaii register of historic<00:00
• of Hawaii.
• water or on the state lands.
• language that would exempt the state language that would exempt the state counties<00:15:45.519>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which OHA has long worked towards but, as we know, you know, conditions, it's harder to live in Hawaii
• , which OHA has long worked towards but, as we know, you know, conditions, it's harder to live in Hawaii
• <00:04:34.639> information you know state-of-the-art information you know state-of-the-art
• you know conditions it's harder to live you know conditions it's harder to live in<00:05:08.880> Hawaii
• So there continues to be in Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met in decision-making sessions on March 18 and considered several House bills. On HB 576 HD2, the chair proposed an amendment clarifying that the bill would not apply to transfers of Hawaiian Homes lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, including lease conditions for 99-year terms; the committee adopted the recommendation to pass with amendments, with one no vote. On HB 606, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments and a committee report requesting a $50 million appropriation; that recommendation was also adopted, again with one no vote. HB 1408 was recommended for indefinite deferral, and no discussion was recorded before adjournment. In a later portion of the meeting, the committee heard testimony on HB 410, which was described by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as its budget request. OHA testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance its strategic plan, reduce disparities affecting Native Hawaiians in health, housing, economic development, and education, and improve transparency and data-driven oversight. The committee noted additional support and opposition testimony counts on other measures, including HB 871 and HB 1091, and then moved into decision-making. The committee ultimately adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 410 HD1 unamended, HB 871 HD1 unamended, and HB 1091 HD1 as is. Senator Ihara was noted as excused for part of the later voting. The meeting concluded with no further testimony or discussion and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, in support.
• is in good standing with the state is in good standing with the state provides<00:21:55.360>
• staff together with OC and the state staff together with OC and the state survey<00:30:51.840>
• property or, in the future, state property.
• property or, in the future, state property.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several water, land, and natural resources measures. SB 5 would narrow the definition of historic property to properties eligible for the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or with important Native Hawaiian or ethnic cultural value. The State Historic Preservation Division said the bill would tighten the definition and could reduce or streamline reviews, while one testifier warned it could add another layer of review and delay. Support and opposition were both noted. SB 19 would appropriate funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to establish positions, and it drew strong support from DLNR and multiple ocean and reef advocates. SB 145, concerning declarations of water shortage and emergency, was supported by the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Board of Water Supply, which said rulemaking would improve transparency and public input. The chair also noted broader public concern about water use and pricing, especially on Maui. SB 44 would prohibit commercial sale of parrotfish caught by spearing and ban spearing them at night; DLNR supported the measure, while several fishers and gathering-rights advocates opposed it, arguing it would restrict traditional gathering and that resource management should focus on fish populations rather than methods. The committee noted 26 communications in support and opposition combined. SB 427 would bar the state from leasing or extending public land leases to parties in arrears, out of compliance with environmental obligations, or convicted of a crime, and would require gubernatorial certification for certain federal leases. DLNR said existing law and BLNR procedures already address compliance and cure periods, while supporters argued the bill would help ensure accountability for contaminated or poorly managed lands. The committee also began SB 457, dealing with submerged land reclamation and leasing of submerged/tidal lands; DLNR again said current statutes and BLNR protocols were already adequate, describing existing review and enforcement practices for shoreline structures and easements. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to Jamestown State Hospital?
• We're going to talk today about our SNAP program, the State Library, our dementia coordination, and any
• Plus, having somebody that's in a smaller state size, close to what our state size is, that's not necessarily
• They can take it to state district court.
• And what are other states around us doing?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a student at SAC State, and I oppose AB715.
• I'm also a lecturer at Sac State.
• I was a state employee doing the water supply forecast for this state, so I'm very heavily invested in
• Baolo from Ethnic Studies at Sac State.
• of Israel or criticism of the state of Israel.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my pleasure to introduce a group of undergraduate students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Welcome to your Hawaii State Senate.
• dhhl welcome tangan and Jamila Peko from dhhl welcome to<00:02:06.280> your<00:02:06.479> Hawaii
• <00:02:06.920> state to your Hawaii state to your Hawaii state senate<00:02:09.920> thank
• The hearing on SP 1365 will be conducted today at 1 p.m. in Room 211 at the State Capitol.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, he will also be providing an offering of invocation to the Hawaii County Council in June.
• /c><00:02:06.079> County<00:02:06.560> Council<00:02:07.040> in to the um uh Hawaii
• County Council in to the um uh Hawaii County Council in June.<00:02:08.080> So<00:02:08.399><
• Joining us today in the gallery are members of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association.
• gallery are members of the Hawaii gallery are members of the Hawaii Automobile<00:03:33.840>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have people from out of state coming to Hawaii to be housed here? >> We only have very few.
• I think we the state Hawaii is one of only six states in the nation that have us called it a unified
• I think we the state Hawaii<00:43:42.160> is<00:43:42.319> one<00:43:42.480> of<
• ><00:43:43.680> the Hawaii is one of only six states in the Hawaii is one of only six states in
• In this state however that's the state. In this state however that's not<00:50:23.440> happening.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last year, the state, county, FEMA, the Red Cross, Hawaii Community Foundation, the Council
• the state DNA of the state and the state legislature<01:10:53.480> support<01:10:54.280> and
• Hawaii county is to state with this and Hawaii county is to some<01:11:20.080> degree<01:11:20.560
• /c><01:33:37.600> lot<01:33:37.719> on<01:33:37.880> Maui the state of Hawaii and
• a lot on Maui the state of Hawaii and a lot on Maui and<01:33:38.840> when<01:33:38.920> he

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:16.760> projects working group to address state projects working group to address state
• And this is requesting state agencies to utilize bi-level lighting systems in all newly constructed state
• <00:05:40.440> buildings language from DAGS that state buildings language from DAGS that state
• of Hawaii.
• of Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study. The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints. In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• administrator for the Hawaii administrator for the Hawaii postsecondary<00:01:34.960> education
• this is a problem across state this is a problem across state government<00:59:38.760> but
• hurricane relief fund hhf uh Hawaii hurricane relief fund Hawaii<01:10:40.719> Property<01:10
• :41.000> Insurance Hawaii Property Insurance Hawaii Property Insurance Association<01:10:43.239
• So I'm eagerly awaiting whatever legislation... to hit Hawaii um but as far as an to hit Hawaii um but

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer. Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing. For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This requires the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to require certain owners and occupants
• It establishes a state reserve parking space enforcement line for parking spaces reserved for persons
• securing of moing lines in State securing of moing lines in State Commercial<00:04:55.880> Harbor
• State Hospital to an appropriate Oahu Regional Health Care System.
• statutory uh to the statute to state statutory uh to the statute to state that<00:08:02.360>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Judiciary committee met in decision-making mode and took up a long list of measures, mostly recommending passage with or without amendments. Early actions included S.B. 414, which was amended to blank the appropriation, draw funds from the major disaster fund, and change the effective date to 2050, and S.B. 223, which would require fire breaks in hazardous fire areas and create or expand wildland fire prevention and protection programs with blank appropriations for FY 2026 and 2027. The committee also advanced S.B. 1009 on state reserve parking space enforcement, S.B. 1149 on reported hate crime definitions and reporting, S.B. 402 on mooring-line requirements for certain vessels, S.B. 1441 on the Oahu regional health care system transfer, S.B. 1442 on child and adolescent mental health responsibilities, S.B. 1478 on harbor evacuation orders, and S.B. 493 on written notice for emotional support animal sales or verifications. Members generally raised little opposition, and most measures were adopted without reservations. Some bills drew brief discussion or committee-report notes, including S.B. 1149, which referenced a Hawaii Civil Rights Commission report encouraging policy-level hate crime data reporting, and S.B. 1442, which was amended with a far-future effective date and a committee-report note about whether mental health services should be expressly subject to funding. S.B. 1441 was substantially revised to require a memorandum of agreement between the Oahu Regional Health Care System and the Department of Health by November 30, 2025, with patient care to begin by December 31, 2025, and a report to the legislature before the 2026 session. The committee also considered several finance and energy-related measures. S.B. 897 on the wildfire liability trust fund prompted questions about whether costs would be passed to consumers; the response was that the proposal contemplated cost sharing and that some amounts were still blank. S.B. 1395 and S.B. 1396 were amended to remove special-fund structures, direct revenues into the general fund, and require the governor to include equivalent amounts in the executive budget for climate-related projects. S.B. 501 was amended to expand step-in agreement provisions for future PPAs and establish a fund outside the State Treasury, and S.B. 1589 was amended so private donations to the stadium authority would go into the NID special fund for stadium infrastructure and sod, with members discussing accountability and the source of stadium-related consultant spending. The committee adopted the recommendations on all measures considered, with some members noting reservations on a few bills, and one item, S.B. 1418, was deferred.