Video & Transcript Research : 'performance indicators'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I just always hear that health premiums are going up, and this seems to indicate that, in fact, it's
- I just always hear that health premiums are going up, and this seems to indicate that, in fact, it's
- I just always hear that health premiums are going up, and this seems to indicate that, in fact, it's
- that in fact and this seems to indicate that in fact it's<00:55:21.960>
going <00:55:22.359>- And, you know, we have other programs that we use to incent the MCOs on performance.
Summary:
The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels.
The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level.
A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The planning benchmark serves to indicate a more realistic and sustainable planning range and will serve
- as an early warning indicator when this debt measure starts to tighten.
- The planning benchmark serves to indicate a more realistic and sustainable planning range and will serve
- as an early warning indicator when this debt measure starts to tighten.
- <01:08:53.279>
for serve as an early warning indicator for serve as an early warning indicator
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- That's everybody who indicated they'd be joining us.
- you uh that's everyone who indicated you uh that's everyone who indicated they<00:24:40.159>
- <01:48:17.920>
that okay that's everyone who indicated that okay that's everyone who indicated - thank you that's everyone who indicated thank you that's everyone who indicated they'd<02:05:25.760><
- <02:17:18.200>
that okay that's everyone who indicated that okay that's everyone who indicated
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/05/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The gun is going to perform the same over the three to five shots when you’re out there hunting.
- The gun is going to perform the same over the three to five shots when you’re out there hunting.
- I've indicated you do not.
- I've indicated you do not.
- I've indicated you do not.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/03/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes energy performance contracts, which fall under RSA 21-I:19-d.
- This includes energy performance contracts, which fall under RSA 21-I:19-d.
- This includes energy performance contracts, which fall under RSA 21-I:19-d.
- Performance lease agreements can make these projects cost-neutral for school districts.
- If we look at the definition of an energy performance contract, the energy performance contract is set
Summary:
The Municipal and County Government Committee held public hearings on House Bill 471 and House Bill 373. HB 471 would create a temporary commission to study growth, traffic, planning, and land use issues in a group of southern New Hampshire towns, with possible recommendations on regional planning commission boundaries or coordination. Representative Perez said the bill was requested by Londonderry residents and local officials, and Eric Power of Brookline testified in support, saying the towns share corridor and development issues that cross regional planning commission lines. Several members questioned whether existing law already allows towns to form regional planning commissions under RSA 364:6, whether the bill should be broader, and whether the town list should include additional communities. The hearing closed with testimony counts reported as two in support and three opposed on remote sign-in, plus one opposed and one in support on the blue sheet.
HB 373, sponsored by Representative Diane Powers, would revise RSA 41:11-a on town property leases. Powers said current law is too restrictive because leases over five years require repeated town votes, which she argued is impractical for long-term arrangements. She cited examples from Hampton and Brookline, including long-term road and property leases, and said she had found multiple similar cases. The bill would keep select board authority for leases under one year, allow a legislative body to authorize a specific longer lease by a three-fifths ballot vote, and preserve the existing five-year blanket leasing authority with a three-fifths vote, while keeping existing leases valid if authority is later rescinded. Eric Power testified in support, describing recurring lease renewals in Brookline and saying longer terms are needed for projects such as housing, cell towers, and solar arrays. Members asked about the change from a simple town vote to a three-fifths threshold and whether the bill duplicates existing mechanisms; Powers said the higher threshold was intended because the leases involve long-term commitments. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- As indicated in the calendar, we have several public hearings on various bills today.
- I will point out that Attorney Williams had given me numbers indicating that people aging in place, and
- <02:52:49.479>
these through the practice of performing these through the practice of performing - Two other examples: Roman 22 of the existing Patient Bill of Rights indicates that the patient shall
- that the patient shall Rights indicates that the patient shall not<04:17:09.479>
be <04:17:09.640
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:21:05.679>
A <00:21:05.919>financially performance and retention. - A financially performance and retention.
- schools in elementary, 5% of performing schools in elementary, middle<00:25:52.799>
or <00:25: - Are we encouraging performing students.
- school and move that school performing school and move that school forward.<00:49:39.040>
This
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00
Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50
Robotics Education – 0:04:18
Canopy KY – 0:14:15
Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20
Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15
Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions.
The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints.
The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings.
The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/15/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- No public employee, as defined, shall electioneer while in performance of his or her official duties.
- No public employee, as defined, shall electioneer while in performance of his or her official duties.
- that if either candidate wanted to rent the space, that seemed to be what the language of the bill indicates
- If either candidate wanted to rent the space, that seemed to be what the language of the bill indicates
- Um, Deputy Secretary of State signed in, didn't indicate, but she's not here.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Josiah has performed in over 300 shows to an performed in over 300 shows to an performed
- third grade teacher and as she a third grade teacher and as she a third grade teacher and as she indicated
- as young people, even though indicated as young people, even though indicated as young people, even
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:03 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker and gentlemen, that means that our performance and our benefits here in New Mexico in this legislature
- And everywhere I've worked, salaries were based on performance.
- question is, do you have any statistics, data, or research from perhaps other states that would indicate
- And I would request that the body read the entire statute because paragraphs one and two indicate that
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- OVERSIGHT THAT Often, veterans may need to attend school or training online or hybrid, not due to performance
- VETERANS MAY NEED TO ATTEND SCHOOL OR TRAINING ONLINE OR HYBRID, NOT DUE TO PERFORMANCE, BUT DUE TO THE
- Christina Atkins, Director of Elections with the Texas Office of the Secretary of State, indicating that
- CHRISTINA ATKINS, DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS WITH THE TEXAS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, INDICATING THAT
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- projects across New Mexico, and it was designed so we could invest in companies, uh, and then if their performance
- They didn't meet their performance. They didn't meet the number of jobs.
- This indicates that they can do that, just trying to find a mechanism whereby we can help businesses
- I think if you, um, if you even indicate, if, if, depending on what town you are, I guess, that you're
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- criminalize the very care we support and provide for our children and in many cases now cease to perform
- <00:29:08.880>
now <00:29:09.200>cease <00:29:09.600>to <00:29:09.840>perform - and in many cases now cease to perform and in many cases now cease to perform it<00:29:10.559>
- , we are seeing an increase in harassment and violence against health care providers, which does indicate
- to me that the process that indicates to me that the process that we've<01:52:34.080>
all <01:
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments.
Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure.
A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The bills listed on today's introduction calendar are given their first reading and referred as indicated
- Seeing none, the secretary will take the roll on House File 2442 to take it from the table. indicated
- Members will now proceed to indicated.
- I mean, where did they perform the dance? Uh, how many people were impacted?
- Uh how many people perform the dance?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/10/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. practices that agencies have indicated practices
- that agencies have indicated they<00:32:00.399>
are <00:32:00.640>already <00:32:01.200> - at the last commission meeting indicated at the last commission meeting there<00:39:35.119>
was - Number one, statistically, if properly done scientifically, the small data sets can be very indicative
- Number one, statistically, if properly done scientifically, the small data sets can be very indicative
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- As Secretary Kwan had indicated, we were fortunate enough to get this allocation of funding for this
- And so, you know, trying to perform top-notch correctional services today requires good heating systems
- We're trying to maintain essential operations, and, as Chief Justice Budd indicated, we are certainly
- We perform... We conduct educational programming.
- As Chair Wilson indicated, the requested amounts represent the total costs of staff salaries and all
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership.
Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind.
The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I have been to New Zealand where they had a similar sanctuary as indicated in the bill.
- 04:19.680>
as where they had a similar sanctuary as where they had a similar sanctuary as indicated - <00:04:21.680>
It's <00:04:21.919>called indicated in the bill. - It's called indicated in the bill. It's called Zinlandia. Zinlandia.
- to us that he a rancher indicated to us that he doesn't<00:46:56.480>
use <00:46:56.640>a<
Bills:
SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488
Keywords:
wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt.
On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken.
The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken.
The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Fault, you made reference to the Norwegian system that you indicated you had some exposure to.
- departments that adds to budgetary needs is training—training for correctional officers, as they are performing
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on union and correctional staff testimony. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Union representatives from KOUF, NCEU, AFSCME, and local county correctional unions described the daily realities of correctional work, emphasizing staff safety, staffing shortages, retention problems, mental health impacts, and the need to preserve local sheriff’s offices and collective bargaining agreements.
Testimony centered on several recurring concerns: violence inside facilities, the spread of synthetic drugs such as K2, inmate suicides and suicide attempts, and the strain these issues place on officers, EMS, and local resources. Speakers also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing they can create safety and workplace issues for staff, and urged more support for officer wellness, debriefing, and programs like OnSide Academy. Several witnesses argued that county facilities should remain locally controlled and that consolidation with the Department of Correction would weaken programming, staffing, and community-based reentry work. One witness described the Norwegian correctional model as a possible source of ideas for more rehabilitative approaches.
Commission members responded with support for correctional staff and asked questions about K2 detection, paperless systems, EMS transports, and possible metrics to quantify incidents and facility needs. Members also discussed the importance of individualized assessments of each facility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The commission voted to seek an extension of its reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30, and agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit and a June 15 hearing. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Mar 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- The Faulkner County District did not maintain supporting documentation and indication of management approval
- The main question is, if you didn't know that you were supposed to perform these audits on an annual
Summary:
The committee approved the February 12 minutes and received updates on delinquent municipal water and sewer reports for 2022 and 2023, noting continued progress toward compliance and reinstatement of turnback funds for several cities. It also deferred several matters to the June 4 meeting, including Fargo’s municipal accounting noncompliance report, Jericho’s street-fund misuse issue, Biggers and Holly Grove deferred reports, and a group of private water and sewer reports lacking proper responses.
Members then heard and filed a detailed report on the City of Strong, which involved repeat findings on undeposited receipts, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, late payroll tax payments, accounting control problems, and fund balance issues. Mayor Darrell Howell described corrective steps, including new internal controls, outside CPA assistance, repayment of misapplied funds, budget amendments, and efforts to address the findings; the committee commended the city’s efforts and filed the report. The committee also filed reports on Thornton Waterworks, Calhoun County, Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, Camden, Johnson County, and Sparkman, while deferring several private water reports and other unresolved items.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District and other regional solid waste districts. The audit found issues in Pulaski County involving unapproved payroll items, missing credit card documentation, unapproved contracts, vehicle and cell phone documentation problems, lack of competitive bidding, and weak internal controls; members questioned the district’s practices and deferred the report to June while requesting district representatives appear. The committee also reviewed a statewide report on six regional solid waste management districts, with findings in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Benton counties and no findings in three others; that report was likewise deferred for Pulaski County questions. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion with Cross County Rural Water System about overdue audit posting, water quality problems, grant-funded improvements, board notice practices, and the broader challenges facing rural water systems, after which the committee filed the report and adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, a lot of the audits recommendations were built around having better key performance indicators
Bills:
SB2187
Keywords:
housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony.
HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change.
During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.