Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> usc><00:00:49.800><c> umc><00:00:50.800><c> umc><00:00:51.520><c> thatc><00:00:51.800><c
• ><c> upc><00:00:56.120><c> andc><00:00:56.280><c> toc><00:00:56.600><c> thec><00:00:57.480><c
• <c> asc><00:02:09.399><c> mostc><00:02:09.599><c> ofc><00:02:09.759><c> youc><00:02:09.959><c
• through many different types<00:17:01.639><c> ofc><00:17:01.839><c> eventsc><00:17:02.600><c> um
• c><00:17:05.079><c> uhc> types of events um and were able to uh types of events um and were able

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> uhc><00:03:36.799><c> Ic><00:03:37.040><c> Ic><00:03:37.440><c> wasc><00:03:37.920><c> uh
• We need those<01:14:34.400><c> typesc><01:14:34.640><c> ofc><01:14:34.800><c> numbers.
• c><01:14:35.280><c> So,c><01:14:35.440><c> I'dc> Those types of numbers.
• :56.480><c> thec><01:36:56.719><c> soilc><01:36:57.040><c> typec><01:36:57.679><c> wherec> has
• to do more with the soil type where has to do more with the soil type where sand<01:36:58.400><c> will

Bills: HF3298

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thec><00:01:40.640><c> closec><00:01:41.000><c> captioningc><00:01:41.439><c> doesc> apologize
• :08.080><c> onc><00:02:08.280><c> upc><00:02:09.000><c> rightc><00:02:09.200><c> therec><00:02
• 48.079><c> andc> For many of us, the first and foremost type of knowledge.
• <c> thatc><02:10:42.440><c> typec><02:10:42.639><c> ofc> it's there for them but that type of it's
• there for them but that type of mindset<02:10:43.440><c> isc><02:10:43.679><c> underlyingc><02:10

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:05.040><c> No,c><00:03:05.280><c> Ic><00:03:05.440><c> doc><00:03:05.599><c> notc>
• c><00:04:00.879><c> billc><00:04:01.120><c> 40c><00:04:01.519><c> toc><00:04:01.840><c> 60c
• c><00:04:06.080><c> claimc><00:04:06.239><c> itc><00:04:06.400><c> asc><00:04:06.480><c> ac
• an importance<00:50:50.000><c> ofc><00:50:50.160><c> somec><00:50:50.400><c> typec><00:50:50.640
• ><c> ofc><00:50:50.880><c> accessc> importance of some type of access importance of some type of

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:16.400><c> Uhc><00:01:16.640><c> myc><00:01:16.880><c> namec><00:01:16.960><c> isc
• ><c> Uhc><00:01:20.000><c> wec><00:01:20.240><c> arec><00:01:20.400><c> herec><00:01:20.479><
• ><c> willc><00:01:23.360><c> doc><00:01:23.520><c> twoc><00:01:23.759><c> mainc><00:01:24.000
• And it's<00:03:52.560><c> thatc><00:03:52.799><c> typec><00:03:52.959><c> ofc><00:03:53.280><c>
• preventablec><00:03:53.840><c> violc> it's that type of preventable viol it's that type of preventable

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:35.519><c> Andc><00:02:35.680><c> doc><00:02:35.760><c> Ic><00:02:35.920><c> hearc
• c><00:02:49.040><c> Onec><00:02:49.280><c> isc><00:02:49.440><c> ac><00:02:49.680><c> newc>
• c><00:03:34.720><c> Itc><00:03:34.879><c> isc><00:03:35.040><c> forc><00:03:35.200><c> thec
• c><00:21:33.360><c> thatc><00:21:33.679><c> typec><00:21:33.919><c> ofc> to be able to replicate
• that type of to be able to replicate that type of that<00:21:34.640><c> amountc><00:21:34.880><c>

Keywords: 0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:38 Approval of Minutes 0:01:02 Information Items 0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants 0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues 1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions. Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system. The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:06.360><c> havec><00:02:06.560><c> 2c><00:02:06.760><c> yearsc><00:02:07.120><c> toc
• c> uhc><00:02:25.959><c> it'sc><00:02:26.120><c> notc><00:02:26.280><c> ac><00:02:26.320><c>
• >> Madam Madam Chair, Senator Dziedzic, um the<00:31:00.080><c> thisc><00:31:00.280><c> type
• c><00:31:00.480><c> ofc><00:31:00.600><c> taxc><00:31:00.880><c> isc> the this type of tax is
• the this type of tax is common<00:31:02.360><c> inc><00:31:02.920><c> uhc><00:31:03.040><c> throughout

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:31.760><c> Butc><00:02:31.840><c> Ic><00:02:32.080><c> willc><00:02:32.239><c> share
• c><00:02:32.480><c> tooc><00:02:32.720><c> thatc> type of thing.
• whenc><00:02:34.400><c> Ic><00:02:34.560><c> wasc><00:02:34.640><c> inc><00:02:34.879><c> high
• asc><00:02:35.440><c> ac><00:02:35.599><c> 10thc><00:02:35.920><c> graderc><00:02:36.800><c>
• So<00:02:43.519><c> itc><00:02:43.680><c> isc><00:02:43.840><c> ac><00:02:44.160><c> reallyc>

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• itc><00:09:44.080><c> isc><00:09:44.240><c> anc><00:09:44.399><c> author'sc><00:09:44.800><c
• <c> thatc><00:09:47.920><c> onec><00:09:48.080><c> in.
• > inc><00:11:22.880><c> thec><00:11:23.040><c> sandc><00:11:23.279><c> inc><00:11:23.519><c>
• <c> ac><01:24:01.880><c> differentc><01:24:02.880><c> typec><01:24:03.199><c> ofc> it's such
• a different type of it's such a different type of communication<01:24:04.080><c> thatc><01:24:04.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:04:13.680><c> Energyc><00:04:14.159><c> wasc><00:04:14.560><c> uhc><00:04:14.720><c> I<
• :04:15.920><c> ac><00:04:16.000><c> numberc><00:04:16.160><c> ofc><00:04:16.320><c> years,c>
• it'sc><00:04:16.880><c> itc><00:04:17.199><c> isc><00:04:17.359><c> onec><00:04:17.519><c> of
• ><c> whatc><00:23:50.799><c> typesc><00:23:51.039><c> ofc> So, we started researching what types
• of So, we started researching what types of opportunities<00:23:52.159><c> wec><00:23:52.480><c> could

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> forc><00:01:52.799><c> ac><00:01:53.040><c> singlec><00:01:53.119><c> singlec><00:01:53.360
• But<00:01:58.960><c> ifc><00:01:59.119><c> ac><00:01:59.360><c> ifc><00:01:59.600><c> ac><00:
• 01:59.840><c> quickc><00:02:00.399><c> uhc><00:02:00.560><c> lookc><00:02:00.719><c> atc><00:
• 00:48:51.440><c> sayingc><00:48:51.680><c> whatc><00:48:52.000><c> typec><00:48:52.240><c> of
• c> cities and counties saying what type of cities and counties saying what type of information<00:48:

Bills: HF1532, HF1290, HF2231, HF2013

Keywords: eminent domain, reimbursement, property acquisition, appraisal, landowner rights, HF1290, AED, automatic external defibrillator, defibrillator signage, wayfinding signs, roadside signs, directional signage, public access AED, emergency medical response, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac arrest, public safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, road authority, transportation law

Transcript Highlights:

• thatc><00:00:38.239><c> wec><00:00:38.480><c> havec><00:00:38.559><c> onc><00:00:38.719><c>
• c><00:00:44.160><c> Codwell,c><00:00:44.719><c> ifc><00:00:44.879><c> youc><00:00:44.960><c>
• c><00:03:46.400><c> 20c><00:03:46.720><c> andc><00:03:47.040><c> 21c><00:03:47.760><c> ofc>
• :57.200><c> typec><00:25:57.440><c> ofc><00:25:57.679><c> issuec><00:25:58.000><c> inc><00:25
• :58.240><c> thec> reviewed this um type of issue in the reviewed this um type of issue in the past<

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 59.199><c> therec><00:00:59.399><c> arec><00:01:00.079><c> lotsc><00:01:00.359><c> ofc><00:01
• :00.519><c> numbersc><00:01:00.879><c> inc><00:01:01.320><c> itc><00:01:02.320><c> butc><00:01
• <00:01:03.680><c> whatc><00:01:05.040><c> umc><00:01:06.040><c> uhc><00:01:06.720><c> wec><00
• ><c> thisc><00:09:17.760><c> typec><00:09:17.959><c> ofc><00:09:18.160><c> misclassificationc
• ><00:09:19.079><c> fraudc> to this type of misclassification fraud to this type of misclassification

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> wec><00:01:29.400><c> doc><00:01:29.600><c> havec><00:01:29.759><c> ac><00:01:30.000><c>
• c><00:03:24.920><c> Pc><00:03:25.200><c> anyc><00:03:25.360><c> ofc><00:03:25.519><c> youc>
• ><c> thisc><00:29:22.080><c> thisc><00:29:22.600><c> typec><00:29:22.880><c> drivingc><00:29:
• 23.360><c> butc><00:29:23.559><c> maybec><00:29:23.919><c> toc> stop this this type driving but
• maybe to stop this this type driving but maybe to at<00:29:24.240><c> leastc><00:29:24.480><c> curb

Keywords: Roll Call 00:39 Approval of Minutes 01:45 SB 136 Discussion 02:51 SB 136 Vote 07:14 SB 43 Discussion 08:49 SB 43 Vote 20:02 SB 38 Discussion 20:45 SB 38 Vote 35:50 SJR 66 Discussion only 37:08 Admin. Reg. Review 41:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4 minutes, and then took up several Senate measures. Senate Bill 36, dealing with cleanup language for CAVIS and electronic submission of liens and satisfactions, was amended by committee substitute to require lien holders to begin using electronic title and registration systems starting July 1, 2026. After questions from members and testimony from county clerk Jason Denny and title-industry representative Tom Underwood, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably with the substitute attached. The committee then considered Senate Bill 43, which updates the medical review board process under KRS 186.444. Senator Donald Douglas and Senator Jimmy Higdon described the bill as a response to complaints about fairness and transparency in medical review cases, including a constituent example involving a disabled veteran whose VA medical clearance was rejected. The bill changes who may serve on the board, adds flexibility and transparency, shifts reimbursement language to allow the Transportation Cabinet to set costs by regulation, and includes provisions aimed at broadening participation by qualified health care providers. Members discussed the role of school resource officers, the use of family affidavits in reporting, and the need to keep costs down; the committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably. Senate Bill 38, concerning stop-arm violations on school buses and the use of cameras and enforcement procedures, also received a committee substitute and was reported favorably. Senator Greg Elkins and supporters said the bill is intended to address widespread illegal passing of stopped school buses and to help fund stop-arm cameras, while critics raised concerns about automated enforcement and the role of a live officer. Members cited survey data and personal stories about school-bus safety, and the sponsor explained that school resource officers would work with local law enforcement on citations, which are contemplated as civil penalties. The committee also heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force on aviation, aerospace, and logistics economic development; no vote was taken on the resolution because it had just passed the Senate and had not yet been formally received by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• same as regarding cryptocurrency are the same as for<00:02:18.720><c> otherc><00:02:19.040><c> types
• ><c> byc> for other types of assets safeguarded by for other types of assets safeguarded by credit<
• c><00:03:42.959><c> Wec><00:03:43.200><c> doc><00:03:43.360><c> havec><00:03:43.440><c> ac>
• ><c> wec><00:05:13.199><c> knowc><00:05:13.360><c> itc><00:05:13.600><c> isc><00:05:13.759><c
• c> Umc><00:14:46.480><c> wellc><00:14:46.720><c> inc><00:14:46.880><c> ourc><00:14:47.120><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions. Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property. Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• yearsc><00:09:03.520><c> inc><00:09:03.720><c> doingc><00:09:04.040><c> soc><00:09:04.880><c
• c><00:10:00.120><c> Uhc><00:10:00.240><c> onec><00:10:00.360><c> ofc><00:10:00.440><c> thec
• c><00:15:35.560><c> butc><00:15:35.760><c> wec><00:15:35.839><c> gotc><00:15:36.040><c> toc
• c><00:37:45.280><c> Peoplec><00:37:45.600><c> inc><00:37:45.760><c> thisc><00:37:46.040><c> type
• People in this type of<00:37:46.400><c> systemc><00:37:47.160><c> doc><00:37:47.320><c> notc><00

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> tryc><00:11:55.200><c> toc><00:11:55.360><c> getc><00:11:55.440><c> there.
• /c><00:12:00.720><c> umc><00:12:00.880><c> whilec><00:12:01.040><c> youc><00:12:01.200><c> wait
• c><00:15:15.519><c> Wec><00:15:15.760><c> hadc><00:15:16.079><c> 20c><00:15:17.360><c> 132c
• bill is for certain types<00:24:42.400><c> ofc><00:24:43.039><c> performingc><00:24:43.440><c> arts
• c><00:24:44.400><c> dollarc><00:24:44.720><c> valuec> types of performing arts dollar value types

Bills: HB2437, HB2461, HB2604, HB2605, HB1860, HB2001

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HB1688, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1915, HB1692, HB1524, HB1884, HB1523, HB2213, HB2186, HB2163, HB1908, HB1910

Keywords: general excise tax, aircraft maintenance, tax exemption, aviation industry, economic competitiveness, water carriers, automatic adjustment mechanism, regulatory compliance, rate adjustments, public utilities commission, Hawaii Revised Statutes, biosecurity, community outreach, transportation rates, vehicle ownership, salvaged vehicles, insurance settlement, electronic signatures, administrative efficiency, vehicle transfer

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill. The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1. The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures, with the main discussion centered on energy policy. SB 993 on geothermal exploration drew support from the State Energy Office and others, who described geothermal as a key low-cost, firm renewable resource and said the state should fund community outreach and resource research. However, the chairs deferred further action on SB 993 because a similar bill, SB 1068, had already passed the prior week. SB 202 on renewable energy also received broad support, including testimony that net energy metering benefits households and helps clean energy adoption, while Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s changes to the NEM forfeit feature as unfair to non-solar customers. SB 1588 on nuclear energy drew sharply divided testimony: supporters argued the bill would only study nuclear options and that the state should consider all tools, while opponents from 350 Hawaii and Greenpeace said nuclear is unsafe, costly, and inconsistent with Hawaii’s clean energy goals and constitution. The committee also heard SB 73 on county permits, SB 100 on intoxicating liquor, SB 1234 on government efficiency, and SB 1336 on a greenhouse gas sequestration task force. SB 100 was described as helping a Maui nonprofit recruit board members by addressing liquor commission-related fingerprinting or background-check issues, and the Attorney General’s technical amendments were accepted. SB 1234 was framed as improving coordination among state, federal, and local agencies, though HGEA opposed it as an opening to privatize government services. SB 1336, which would establish a task force to study greenhouse gas sequestration and related mitigation topics, drew some questions about its scope but was supported as a way to study climate mitigation and green infrastructure. In the later portion of the meeting, the committee took votes and adopted recommendations on several bills. SB 73 was passed with an amendment setting a defective date of May 13, 2040. SB 100 was passed with amendments, SB 202 was passed with amendments including technical changes and allowing the PUC to set the customer credit rate, SB 1234 was passed with amendments and a defective date of May 13, 2040, SB 1336 was passed as is, and SB 1588 was passed with amendments and a defective date of May 13, 2040. The committee also took up SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, agreeing to a package of amendments that would soften exemption language, remove some inspection and certificate-of-occupancy provisions, add flood-hazard language, require reporting and a working group, and set a defective date of May 13, 2040; the bill was then passed with those amendments. SB 635 on energy efficiency was passed with amendments assigning the State Energy Office to lead a survey and prioritizing first responder facilities, and SB 700 on renewable energy was introduced with proposed amendments, though the transcript cuts off before its final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house