Transcript Highlights:

• So you can direct your PowerPoint as you wish. >> Well, hello Senator RH, Senator Gabard.
• :38.879> Gabbard, appreciate my co-chair, Senator Gabbard, appreciate my co-chair, Senator Gabbard
• , but uh Senator Gabbert as Land Chair, but uh Senator Gabbert as the<00:03:55.920> A<00:03:56.159
• >> Well, hello Senator RH, Senator Gabard.
• >> Well, hello Senator RH, Senator Gabard.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:19.440> committees both the House and Senate committees both the House and Senate committees
• Aloha and good morning, Senator Del Cruz, Senator Kanuha, Representative Holt, and Representative Takenouchi
• >> Hello representatives and senators. >> Hello representatives and senators.
• <01:37:32.159> $<01:37:32.159> three.5 Koopu partners statewide. $ three.5 Koopu partners
• > and >> Aloha, honorable senators and >> Aloha, honorable senators and representatives

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dibble. his thoughts. Senator Dibble.
• I am hoping that the five remaining Senate Democrats that it takes to at least get that continuing resolution
• Senator<02:41:53.520> Mcquade. Senator Mcquade. Senator Mcquade.
• But that continuing resolution could be voted on five Democrat senators.
• But that continuing resolution could be voted on five Democrat senators.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mcu Senator your amendment.
• Senator Murphy. >> Yes. Senator Murphy.
• Senator Rashardi? Senator Rashardi?
• All right, Senator. Um, thank you, Senator Lang. Um, thank you, Senator Lang.
• Senator Rashardy and then Senator Senator Senator >> Mu.<00:51:35.839> Mine<00:51:36.079

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:55.520> Koh and Senator Koh and Senator Koh for<00:26:56.559> the<00:26:56.799
• Um Senator, you can proceed. Uh >> Okay. Um Senator, you can proceed.
• dire, but any other questions, Senator dire, but any other questions, Senator Koko?
• like it's going to there's a resolution like it's going to there's a resolution on<01:26:39.120>
• /c> in which they indicated that the $5 in which they indicated that the $5 billion<01:32:38.480>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is Audi Cole Carney, who's a senior at Nashua High School South, and we have a Senate resolution
• School South and we have a Senate School South and we have a Senate resolution<00:15:08.079>
• . >> Senator Rashardi, no. >> Senator Fettton, no. >> Senator Mcu, no. >> Senator Aar, no. >> Senator
• no. >> Senator Bzel, no. >> Senator Long, no. >> Senator Perkins Qua, no. >> Senator Abbis, no. >> Senator
• . >> Senator Rashardi, no. >> Senator Fettton, no. >> Senator Mcu, no. >> Senator Aar, no. >> Senator

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. Um, any other thoughts, senators? >> Um, yep.
• Senator Other Senator Rig. Senator Other Senator Rig.
• I'm sorry, Senator. amendment. I'm sorry, Senator.
• >> Senator<00:36:13.200> Abvis. >> Senator Abvis. >> Senator Abvis.
• Senator Ruden. >> Thank you, Senator. Senator Ruden.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We now open the hearings on the Senate Children and Family Law.
• But before we depart, uh, Senator Long, anything you wish to...

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from Senator Lang, second by Senator Long, executive session.
• We have a motion of ITL by Senator Lang. Seconded by Senator Lang. All right, Senator Perkins.
• Senator<00:05:32.880> Perkins<00:05:33.360> Qua Senator Perkins Qua Senator Perkins Qua
• Um Senator Perkins Quoka. questions. Um Senator Perkins Quoka.
• And we have a 5-2. And we have a 5-2. Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this, according to the testimony, is going to cost between $1 and $5 million. Yeah.
• <00:03:43.200> Senator Senator, um, well, we don't cover acupuncture at all in Medicaid, and
• >> And<00:04:49.680> Senator, And Senator, I'm I don't disagree or I agree with you.
• Um my only question is because we have Senator Sullivan, Senator Long and Senator Fenton on it, would
• Motion is made by Senator Bertzell, seconded by Senator Rosenol. Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Senator Ward, Senator Fenton, any additional comments? Oh, that's — I'm totally with it.
• Oh, Senator McCy will take it out.
• Um, Senator Fenton moved consent. Senator Ward seconded it. All in favor of consent, please say I.
• Senator Ward, would you take it opposed. Senator Ward, would you take it out? out? out?
• <00:15:18.639> Senator I. I. I. None opposed. Senator I. I. I. None opposed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Present is myself, as well as Senate Chair of Public Safety, Senator Elevante.
• Um, we also have Senator Kio Ko who is also present. Uh, I have questions of the director and you.
• >> Senator Kola. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for being here.
• Senator Kole Yes. Senator Kole Yes.
• Senator Elefante. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The briefing focused on the Hawaii State Hospital’s overcrowding, construction defects in the new addition, and how Act 26 and related court-ordered processes are affecting admissions and discharges. The chair said the hospital has become increasingly forensic-focused, has lost beds after the closure of Kahimohala, and may face further costs and possible litigation over the defective addition. Hospital and Department of Health officials said they are working with the attorney general and contractors on repairs, and that the hospital is currently using all 292 licensed beds, including 13 waiver beds, while average daily census last fiscal year was 376. Officials explained that the high census is driven by both increased admissions and discharge barriers. They said the loss of Kahimohala returned patients to the state hospital, and that Act 26-related petty misdemeanor cases are contributing to admissions. They also said limited lower-level placement options delay discharges. Hospital staff reported that many patients are repeat admissions, about 22% were unhoused before admission, and a significant share are in categories such as fitness-to-proceed evaluations and conditional-release violations. They said these groups could potentially be reduced if evaluations were done elsewhere and if more community or supportive housing were available. The chair and senators questioned whether some fitness-to-proceed detainees need to be held at the state hospital at all, and whether the Clark consent order requires transfer to the hospital. The attorney general’s office said the Clark injunction does not govern unfitness-to-proceed cases; instead, the requirement comes from state statute, and the statute could be changed. Director Johnson said DCR cannot keep such detainees because the court orders them into the custody of the Department of Health, and the department cannot provide the needed therapeutic level of care in a correctional setting. The discussion also emphasized co-occurring substance use and mental illness, especially among petty misdemeanor defendants, and the need for supportive housing and a decompression plan to reduce readmissions and free beds for civil commitments.

Keywords: 940, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw I heard Senator Avar move for consent." "Second." "Senator Bartzell seconds that.
• >> Senator Apprentice. >> Senator Apprentice.
• >> Some move. >> Senator Avar, second of Senator Bzil.
• >> Oh,<00:33:46.880> Senator<00:33:47.200> P. >> Oh, Senator P.
• >> Consent. >> Senator Avar moves consent. Second. >> I'll give that one to Senator Apprentice.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:28.320> Tim the environment committee um Senator Tim the environment committee um Senator
• Um,<00:09:50.000> Senator<00:09:50.480> Shots,<00:09:51.120> Senator<00:09:51.440
• > Herono, Um, Senator Shots, Senator Herono, Um, Senator Shots, Senator Herono, Representative
• many behind me um including Senator many behind me um including Senator Richards<00:10:55.920>
• let's go to the next person and Senator let's go to the next person and Senator Go.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Brandon Elefante from the state Senate co-chair.
• Nurses used to leave at 5, so 24 hours.
• So, specific to OOTC, some of the findings and resolutions that we're suggesting.
• Um in slide OCC triplec findings and resolutions resolutions resolutions uh<00:26:08.400> what
• Oh. >> I have no questions at this time. >> Senator, Senator, Senator. >> Okay. Sorry.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Present with me is Senator Kurt Fevella.
• So that is the the 5- cent container.
• <00:59:02.480> also<00:59:02.880> is uh Senator Fibella's question also is uh Senator
• Do you have any questions, Senator Kola?
• Thank you so much, Senator. Senator. Senator.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:22.400> specifically, Democrats in the Senate specifically, Democrats in the Senate
• <00:04:36.240> standing our legislators, our senators standing our legislators, our senators
• And Senator Rest is right. They will die. People will die because of these provisions.
• <00:07:48.560> They<00:07:48.800> will And Senator Rest is right.
• They will And Senator Rest is right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• It has to also pass the other chamber, the Senate, and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution
• The Senate and the Senate did try to pass that clean resolution multiple times.
• continuing resolution out of the Senate continuing resolution out of the Senate and<02:18:08.399

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:59.919> Mura um seclusion data um that Senator Mura um seclusion data um that Senator
• Thank you. >> Uh, thank you, Senator.
• Um ensuring the Senate last session.
• the bill that passed through the Senate. the bill that passed through the Senate.
• Um, and it did pass off the Senate floor, I believe, with Senator Man, who was responsible for the K-

Keywords: 1187, senate, all