Transcript Highlights:

• SB 997 would provide North Fork King's GSA with authorities comparable to those already available to
• I authored this bill because I... ...based on the best available science.
• in 2023—so this was in 2022, and in 2023—it stated here that after a thorough review of the best available
• There's been development of metrics that are now publicly available so we can...
• There's been development of metrics that are now publicly available so we can actually track progress

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• like to talk about and introduce who we are, who DDPA is, and then the second portion will be the available
• Among our member providers, these are the programs that are available.
• Kristen approached, there may be some information regarding what services are available for people with
• And then it says available services for seniors.
• The available services for seniors in Arkansas are really the same as the services I mentioned earlier

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is being passed out and is available online.
• The amendment is in your folder and available online.
• The amendment is in your folder and available online.
• The amendment is in your folder and available online.
• The amendment is being passed out and is available online.

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• AGAIN WHILE THE NUMBERS MAY SEEM MINUSCULE TO WHAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE AND WHAT WE PROVIDED A WE EXPECT
• SO HERE ON THIS SLIDE SIMILAR TO THE STATE AWARD TRACKER WE DO HAVE THIS MAP AVAILABLE AS WELL FOR OUR
• I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY, ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FROM
• YOUR CONSTITUENTS WE HOPE YOU WILL CONTACT US SO WE CAN GET YOU THE BEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE.
• TODAY AT&T FIBER IS AVAILABLE IN FLORIDA IN MORE THAN 2.6 MILLION LOCATIONS.

Transcript Highlights:

• While some areas are curtailing new residential and commercial development due to a lack of available
• Maybe that water is available. It also includes things like surface water desalination.
• We're available. answer questions. Thank you. I'm just here for questions. Thank you.
• Declining because the water is too expensive or not available to pool.
• So there are other funding opportunities that are not available for developing new supply.

Bills: SB7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The volume of requests greatly exceeded the federal funds available.
• The volume of requests greatly exceeded the federal funds available.
• The volume of requests greatly exceeded the federal funds available.
• The volume of requests greatly exceeded the federal funds available.
• have critically important data available have critically important data available to<01:48:28.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request for equipment assistance far exceeds availability.
• The request for equipment assistance far exceeds availability.
• The request for equipment assistance far exceeds availability.
• The request for equipment assistance far exceeds availability.
• I am available to answer any questions you might have.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm available for questions.
• I'm available for questions.
• offered amendments and I'll be available offered amendments and I'll be available to<00:53:35.920
• I'm available for questions.
• this issue thank you and I'm available this issue thank you and I'm available for<00:57:19.599><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• more profitable and hopefully encouraging more daycare centers to be built and increasing the availability
• The idea is expanding the availability of child care.
• But again, having child care available... ...having child care available is, again, a greater good than
• Representative Gise, are these kids already available to SNAP benefits? Yes, yes, they are.
• And we have another group in Seminole that has food, too, available.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS ENSURES THERE WILL BE CREDITS AVAILABLE TO PROJECT OWNERS AND THAT THE ENVIRONMENT WILL SEE A NET
• ALLOWING FOR THE PURCHASE OF MITIGATION CREDITS OUTSIDE OF THE AREA BECAUSE THERE IS NO CREDITS AVAILABLE
• THAT WE'VE SUFFICIENTLY PAVED OVER CERTAIN AREAS AND THAT WHEN THERE IS NO MORE CREDITS AVAILABLE IN
• NUMBER TWO WE CURRENTLY PROBABLY HAVE SOME PLACES WHERE THERE ARE NO CREDITS REALLY AVAILABLE IN THOSE
• NEAR OUR DISTRICT NEAR THE SPACE CENTER IS THAT I WAS IN WANTING TO HAVE SOME KIND OF MECHANISM AVAILABLE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as open educational resources available as open educational resources so<00:14:32.920> we've<
• resources we have available.
• share of whatever available resources we have<01:13:48.639> available<01:13:49.600> so<
• During the pandemic, so some of this was to ease us into not having that funding available.
• <01:32:05.880> for feet of facility space available for feet of facility space available for

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number four is that the committee reports be available to all members electronically and to the public
• Both branches would make summaries more available to the public.
• Number 27, online access: bills and resolves available to the public.
• All that's going to be made available to the public via online on bills and resolves.
• And available to the public, all that's going to be made available to the public via online on bills

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The conference committee on legislative rules, led by House Chair Michael Moran and Senate Chair Senator Creem, reviewed the many differences between House and Senate versions of the rules and reported that the branches had agreed on 24 of 52 disputed items. Members said they were moving closer to a final compromise, with several provisions already settled and others still being negotiated offline. The discussion emphasized transparency, committee administration, and ways to move bills through the process earlier in the session. Items agreed to included committee name changes such as adding fisheries to Agriculture and changing elder affairs to aging and independent, adopting House language on joint rules, making committee reports and bill/resolution materials available electronically and online, allowing public access to summaries, and several technical or administrative updates. The committee also agreed on rules for executive sessions, temporary employees, committee travel, favorable/unfavorable reporting, joint petitions, home rule expiration, and special commission meetings. Some provisions were tabled for further discussion, including Mason’s Rules, notice and posting timelines, hearing scheduling, in-person hearings, bill reporting deadlines, and several other administrative topics. A few issues remained unresolved, especially who should draft bill summaries, how to handle notice periods for hearings and postings, and how to structure committee votes and reporting deadlines. The committee also discussed Rule 35, agreeing in principle to a public hearing and broader public comment on rules review, which members said would improve transparency. At the end of the meeting, members praised the work of the committee and staff, said there was “light at the end of the tunnel,” and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm available for questions. Members, any questions? ...concur with that.
• I'm available for questions. Members, any questions? Okay, thank you, Israel.
• The sponsor intends to concur, and with that I'm available for any questions.
• With that, I'm available for any questions. ...or taxable improvement.
• With that, I'm available for any questions. Members, any questions?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m available for questions, members. Any questions? ...concur with that.
• I’m available for questions, members. Any questions? Okay, thank you, Israel.
• The sponsor intends to concur, and with that I’m available for any questions.
• With that, I’m available for any questions. ...or taxable improvement.
• With that, I’m available for any questions. Members, any questions? For a call?

Summary: The caucus reviewed several bills on its calendar, mostly focused on Senate amendments and whether sponsors intended to concur. HB 2114 would alter Motorcycle Safety Fund distributions and motorcycle registration rules, including a Senate change requiring at least one registered owner to be licensed in Arizona; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2729 would continue several boards and agencies, including the Board of Nursing, Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, Board of Physician Assistance, Department of Economic Security, and Board of Pharmacy; the sponsor also intended to concur. Members discussed two agriculture property inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105. HB 2104 would change rules for agricultural property classification and inspections, while HB 2105 would add notice and reporting requirements for inspections; both had Senate amendments that changed inspection timing and exemptions. Some members raised concerns about county assessors’ workload, opposition from county organizations, and possible inequities and insurance or disaster-related consequences for agricultural property owners. HB 2477, the Arizona Education Savings Plan bill, drew the most discussion. The Senate amendment combined the 529-related provisions with several treasurer-related restrictions and investment rules, and members questioned the policy implications of allowing 529 funds to roll into Roth IRAs. HB 4117 would create or expand criminal penalties for interfering with religious worship, and some members expressed concern about civil liberties and equality issues, while the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2311 would require AI service disclosures to minors and, after substantial Senate amendments, to all account holders in some cases; members asked about effects on schools and government systems, and some noted concerns about the expanded scope and AG enforcement limits. The caucus also heard SCR 1004, which would prohibit photo enforcement traffic programs after December 31 subject to voter approval, though existing programs could continue under certain conditions; law enforcement concerns were noted. SB 1110 would establish a home confinement and electronic monitoring program in the Department of Corrections. SB 1618 would revise the Military Affairs Commission’s membership and duties, but one member objected to adding defense-industry representation and warned about military-industrial-complex influence. The meeting ended with the chair noting that only the bills that had gone through rules were on the agenda and adjourned the caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what funds are available at this point or would be in a special session.
• I think there's a multi-pronged approach that's available here, but I think all of that would be helpful
• <00:03:38.159> at<00:03:38.319> this you know funds are available at this you know
• funds are available at this point<00:03:38.720> or<00:03:38.959> would<00:03:39.200>
• , but I approach that's available here, but I think<00:04:20.720> all<00:04:21.040> of<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:50.640> for<00:21:50.880> any you know are available for any you know are available
• Um I'm available for any questions. Um I'm available for any questions.
• I'll be available for any questions.
• I'll be available for any questions.
• I'm available for questions. Thank you. I'm available for questions. >> Thank you very much.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused. The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused. In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations. The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• inserted instead so I'm I'm available inserted instead so I'm I'm available for<00:01:22.560>
• VP Jango is available via Zoom.
• I'm also available for technical questions on behalf of SEAR.
• I'm also available for technical questions on behalf of SEAR.
• I'm available to answer questions to you. Andani N... not here.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• supporting this resolution and available supporting this resolution and available for<00:12:47.839
• Um, so I'm available for questions.
• I'd be I'm available for questions.
• Available for any questions. Thank you. Available for any questions. Thank you.
• Available testimony offering comments. Available for<01:18:41.640> questions.

Bills: SB2960, SB2347, SB2272, SB3137, SB3132, SB2271, SB2804, SB2175, SB2487

Keywords: homeowners insurance, disaster recovery, replacement cost value, state of emergency, policyholder rights, insurance extensions, tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, SB2272, Act 105, home health licensing, home health agency, home health services, Department of Health, DOH, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh it's available online at create.
• They're going to be posting and making this available, including the webinars that we did, available
• They're going to be posting and making this available, including the webinars that we did, available
• They're going to be posting and making this available, including the webinars that we did, available
• that we did available online. that we did available online.

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:36.400> for<00:26:36.640> any and um yeah, available for any and um yeah, available
• available if you have any questions. available if you have any questions.
• Um I period might not be available.
• So we would those are available.
• available if you have any questions. available if you have any questions.

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.