Transcript Highlights:

• isc><00:13:03.200><c> ac><00:13:03.680><c> classc><00:13:04.000><c> Ac><00:13:04.240><c> misdemeanor
• c><00:13:05.360><c> It'sc> >> riot is a class A misdemeanor.
• c> classc><00:13:22.959><c> Cc> Disorderly conduct is a class C Disorderly conduct is a class C misdemeanor
• 13:30.639><c> ac><00:13:31.040><c> classc><00:13:31.360><c> Cc><00:13:31.600><c> misdemeanor.
• c><00:13:32.720><c> Andc><00:13:33.360><c> umc> And it is a Class C misdemeanor.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:00.800><c> toc><00:42:01.920><c> allowc> classes limit your discretion to allow classes
• Low misdemeanor, high misdemeanors,<00:57:36.799><c> orc><00:57:37.119><c> misdemeanorc><00:57:37.760
• ><c> asc><00:57:37.920><c> ac><00:57:38.079><c> whole,c> misdemeanors, or misdemeanor as a whole
• c><01:53:01.520><c> Ic> misdemeanors and low misdemeanors. I misdemeanors and low misdemeanors.
• c><01:53:31.199><c> Umc><01:53:31.599><c> titlec> misdemeanor, high misdemeanor.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• class A misdemeanor instead of copying the DUI penalties.
• class A misdemeanor instead of copying the DUI penalties.
• class A misdemeanor instead of copying the DUI penalties.
• class A misdemeanor instead of copying the DUI penalties.
• class A misdemeanor instead of copying the DUI penalties.

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:04 HB 168 discussion: 01:39 HB 168 vote: 21:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 168, sponsored by Representative Ken Fleming, known as “Keegan’s Law.” The bill was presented with a committee substitute that made a wording change from “is involved” to “causes” in one section, which the sponsor said was intended to better focus on the operator of a motorboat or vessel. The bill was prompted by the death of Heather Yelton’s 12-year-old son, Keegan, in a jet ski accident, and she testified that the investigation was delayed and no blood test was taken, leaving the family without answers about whether alcohol or drugs were involved. Representative Fleming said the bill would do two main things: allow law enforcement to seek a blood test after a serious boating injury or fatality, subject to probable cause and a judge-issued warrant, and require 911 dispatchers to notify State Police so Kentucky Fish and Wildlife can respond more quickly to water-related incidents. Committee members asked about how probable cause would work if field sobriety tests were passed, whether the bill’s penalties align with existing DUI laws, and whether the bill would affect driver’s licenses. Fleming said the bill incorporates DUI-style penalties for boating offenses but would not suspend a driver’s license because boating does not require one. Several members expressed sympathy and support for the goal of the bill, while some raised concerns about the severity of the penalty structure and how it might interact with existing laws. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Director of Law Enforcement Jeremy McQuary said the agency would enforce the law as written. After discussion, the committee voted to pass House Bill 168 out of committee, making it eligible for consideration on the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> misdemeanorc><00:41:09.920><c> applicationc> dealing with the misdemeanor application dealing
• ><c> misdemeanorc><00:41:15.040><c> forc><00:41:15.280><c> failurec> new class C misdemeanor for
• failure new class C misdemeanor for failure failing<00:41:16.160><c> toc><00:41:16.319><c> provide
• misdemeanorc><00:44:17.599><c> forc><00:44:17.760><c> smokingc> of a class A misdemeanor for smoking
• of a class A misdemeanor for smoking marijuana<00:44:18.880><c> inc><00:44:19.119><c> ac><00:44:

Bills: HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114, HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• ac><00:10:37.040><c> misdemeanorc><00:10:37.720><c> asc> if we raise it to a misdemeanor as if
• ><c> thatc> opposed to a class C felony would that opposed to a class C felony would that make<00:10
• 10:45.760><c> thatc><00:10:46.200><c> misdemeanorc> the one difference is that misdemeanor the one
• :11:00.720><c> thatc><00:11:00.880><c> overc> misdemeanor we would prefer that over misdemeanor we
• :11.000><c> misdemeanorc><00:13:12.000><c> butc> going to bring it up to misdemeanor but going to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> violationc><00:24:12.080><c> levelc> misdemeanors and violation level misdemeanors and violation
• ><c> prejudicec><00:31:52.039><c> inc><00:31:52.559><c> Classc><00:31:52.840><c> Bc> would dismiss
• with prejudice in Class B would dismiss with prejudice in Class B misdemeanor<00:31:53.519><c> orc
• ><00:31:53.760><c> violationc><00:31:54.200><c> levelc><00:31:54.799><c> offensesc> misdemeanor
• misdemeanorc><00:51:26.319><c> uhc> of a A or misdemeanor uh of a A or misdemeanor uh and<00:51:28.240

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's taking it from a uh class C, I think it's a class C felony, which would actually— >> Misdemeanor
• c><00:14:50.160><c> it'sc><00:14:50.399><c> ac><00:14:50.560><c> classc><00:14:50.800><c> C
• c><00:14:51.040><c> felony,c> class C, I think it's a class C felony, class C, I think it's a class
• :14:54.320><c> Misdemeanor.
• c> >> misdemeanor. Misdemeanor. >> misdemeanor. Misdemeanor.

Bills: HB10, HB33, HB35, HB42, HB74, HB102, HB107, HB10, HB33, HB35, HB42, HB74, HB102, HB107

Keywords: body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, law enforcement, public disclosure, investigation, transparency, juveniles, nonviolent offenses, intervention program, juvenile detention, youth services, volunteer firefighters, cancer compensation, death benefits, line of duty, first responders, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:34.280><c> class,c><00:07:34.800><c> andc> but they don't fall into this class, and but they
• don't fall into this class, and someone<00:07:35.400><c> whoc><00:07:35.720><c> isc><00:07:36.080
• /c> misdemeanor and another one who misdemeanor and another one who committed<00:13:39.760><c> anc>
• Um this is a misdemeanor,<00:35:58.280><c> andc><00:35:58.440><c> thec><00:35:58.520><c> judgec
• ><00:35:58.840><c> stillc><00:35:59.080><c> hasc><00:35:59.320><c> ac> misdemeanor, and the judge

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cindy Munn, Employer Coalition of Louisiana, Sherr Tollbert to Save Our Benefits, C.
• Munn with Turner Industries, C. Munn with Latrium, and Tracy Thompson with CVS Health. Mr.

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lFg9jQehW8, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 49 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5589?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Monday, March 30, 2020 Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 1:00 p.m. Office of the Governor Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff 1:30 p.m. Department of Budget and Finance Director Craig Hirai 2:00 p.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Scott Murakami 2:30 p.m. Department of Human Services Director Pankaj Bhanot, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• c> forc> uh misdemeanor to a class C felony for uh misdemeanor to a class C felony for those<01:08:
• So, that's a serious jump from a misdemeanor to a class C felony, yeah?
• c> misdemeanor to class six felony? misdemeanor to class six felony?
• :25:25.480><c> Classc><01:25:25.800><c> Cc> and what you can do with a Class C and what you can do
• <c> misdemeanorc><01:38:22.840><c> crimec><01:38:23.200><c> ofc> mindful that a misdemeanor crime

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Class D misdemeanor. It was a class C felony. Class C. Okay.
• 59.440><c> classc><01:54:59.840><c> Ac><01:55:00.239><c> misdemeanor.
• c> a class A misdemeanor. a class A misdemeanor.
• c><02:47:48.399><c> whatc> class A misdemeanor is the same as what class A misdemeanor is the same
• D felony versus now a class C misdemeanor or a class A misdemeanor.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><00:42:37.680><c> thec><00:42:37.920><c> classc><00:42:38.079><c> ofc><00:42:38.319><c>
• 2025c><00:42:39.040><c> throughc> compared to the class of 2025 through compared to the class of
• :43:30.320><c> forc><01:43:30.560><c> classes.
• 04.560><c> forc><01:44:04.880><c> classesc><01:44:05.360><c> upc><01:44:05.520><c> untilc><01
• :44:05.920><c> thec><01:44:06.159><c> firstc> change for classes up until the first change for classes

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:15:37.920><c> stuffc><00:15:38.079><c> likec> misdemeanors, violations, stuff like misdemeanors
• ><c> bec><00:15:46.800><c> ac><00:15:46.959><c> classc><00:15:47.120><c> Cc> something that's
• going to be a class C something that's going to be a class C felony<00:15:47.680><c> orc><00:15:47.920
• ,c><00:16:13.279><c> pettyc><00:16:13.600><c> misdemeanors,c><00:16:14.480><c> Ic> or 60 misdemeanor
• , petty misdemeanors, I or 60 misdemeanor, petty misdemeanors, I think<00:16:14.800><c> itc><00:16:

Bills: SB2418, SB2568, SB2661

Keywords: drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> misdemeanorc><00:52:09.359><c> andc><00:52:09.599><c> violationsc> certain petty misdemeanor
• , non-violent misdemeanors, and non-violent class C felonies subject to conditions.
• , non-violent misdemeanors, and non-violent class C felonies subject to conditions.
• <01:29:18.800><c> pettyc><01:29:19.199><c> misdemeanorc><01:29:19.920><c> misdemeanorc> nonviolent
• :39:52.880><c> orc><01:39:52.960><c> pettyc><01:39:53.199><c> misdemeanorc> a misdemeanor or petty

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• C first degree and that becomes a class C first degree and that becomes a class C felony no no no no
• C felonies and class D looking at Class C felonies and class D looking at Class C felonies and class
• misdemeanor and the between the a class misdemeanor and the between the a class misdemeanor and the
• C felony that's where could be a class C felony that's where could be a class C felony that's where
• A misdemeanor in the the the the class A misdemeanor in the the the the class A misdemeanor in the class

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2011 just adds detention contracted employees of county juvenile facilities to the list of protected classes
• Currently, we have it on page 6, line 5. mailed by first-class mail to the last address or shall be sent
• So, if the email didn't go through, we'd still have the backup of first-class mail with a with return

Bills: SB1638, SB504, SB2072, SB1283, SB1216, SB1655, SB2011, SB1643, SB1446, SB1256, SB1258, SB1441, SB1224, SB1448, SB1496, SB1597, SB1621, SB1827, SB2066, SB2104

Keywords: Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, fraudulent conveyance, property rights, title theft, real estate law, law enforcement, probate procedure, agent residency, legal process, statutory language, gender neutral, SB 1216

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><01:08:13.120><c> 3c> Class C felonies probation from 4 to 3 Class C felonies probation from
• :08.600><c> receivec><01:26:09.200><c> thec> of a misdemeanor would receive the of a misdemeanor
• ><c> classc><01:40:58.720><c> forc><01:40:58.840><c> candidates.
• /c><01:45:59.400><c> thec> >> Class B.
• <c> offensesc><01:53:29.520><c> punishablec> misdemeanors or for offenses punishable misdemeanors

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> forc><00:24:36.520><c> ac><00:24:36.720><c> classc><00:24:36.960><c> Cc><00:24:37.200><c
• c> inc> which for a class C felony is 5 years in which for a class C felony is 5 years in prison<00
• a petty misdemeanor all the way to from a petty misdemeanor all the way to a<00:26:59.399><c> class
• :32:52.080><c> misdemeanorc><01:32:53.080><c> ac><01:32:53.199><c> fullc> felony C to a misdemeanor
• a full felony C to a misdemeanor a full misdemeanor<01:32:54.159><c> demeanorc><01:32:55.159><c> um

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :20:34.400><c> forc><00:20:34.880><c> ac><00:20:35.520><c> misdemeanorc> district court for a misdemeanor
• district court for a misdemeanor um<00:20:38.799><c> uhc><00:20:38.960><c> classc><00:20:39.200>
• <c> Ac><00:20:39.440><c> misdemeanorc><00:20:40.400><c> sexualc> um uh class A misdemeanor sexual
• c> somebodyc><00:56:01.280><c> forc><00:56:01.520><c> ac><00:56:01.680><c> misdemeanor.
• /c><00:56:05.760><c> ofc><00:56:05.920><c> ac> misdemeanor, that is not enough of a misdemeanor,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all