Transcript Highlights:

• Um, how<00:12:03.600> important<00:12:03.920> is<00:12:04.160> this<00:12:04.480
• /c><00:12:13.839> or<00:12:14.240> not<00:12:14.480> to<00:12:14.720> inform<
• public<00:12:16.480> on<00:12:17.040> on<00:12:17.519> the<00:12:17.680>
• <00:12:36.800> who<00:12:37.040> may<00:12:37.200> be<00:12:37.279> older
• So, of course,<00:12:43.519> making<00:12:43.839> sure<00:12:44.000> that<00:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be<00:12:14.320> effective<00:12:14.800> April<00:12:15.120> 1st,<00:12:15.519
• They're<00:12:16.800> staggered<00:12:17.279> as<00:12:17.440> was<00:12:17.680>
• > amount<00:12:28.320> down<00:12:28.560> from<00:12:29.040> 750,000<00:12
• :12:56.000> costs,<00:12:56.639> the<00:12:56.880> rest<00:12:57.040> of<
• Chairman. 12 ayes. >> 12 ayes.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:47.120> A<00:12:47.360> private<00:12:47.680> phone<00:12:47.920> call
• <00:12:49.839> The<00:12:50.079> student<00:12:50.320> may<00:12:50.480>
• We<00:12:55.040> would<00:12:55.200> suggest<00:12:55.519> that<00:12:55.680>
• grades 12 7 through 12. grades 12 7 through 12.
• <01:12:58.960> in<01:12:59.280> making<01:12:59.440> sure<01:12:59.600> that

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:

• <00:12:01.440> It<00:12:01.680> might<00:12:01.839> fall<00:12:02.079> a<
• > at<00:12:03.920> least<00:12:04.320> give<00:12:04.480> them,<00:12:05.600
• <00:12:19.519> So,<00:12:19.760> just<00:12:19.920> I<00:12:20.160> just<
• Right<00:12:23.839> now,<00:12:24.079> they<00:12:24.240> have<00:12:24.399>
• :12:26.480> and<00:12:26.639> game<00:12:26.880> by<00:12:27.040> the<00:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:02.360> the<01:12:02.440> room<01:12:02.720> but<01:12:03.400> I
• I understand that<01:12:04.480> wood<01:12:04.840> when<01:12:05.040> you<01:12
• > when<01:12:09.920> it<01:12:10.080> rots<01:12:10.640> it<01:12:10.800>
• <01:12:20.160> then<01:12:20.400> thank<01:12:20.600> you<01:12:20.680> very<
• > going<01:12:36.200> to<01:12:36.240> have<01:12:36.320> to<01:12:36.400

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:29.600> Don<00:12:30.279> Simson,<00:12:31.279> who<00:12:31.519> will
• <00:12:32.079> followed<00:12:32.399> by<00:12:32.560> Meen<00:12:33.320>
• <00:12:39.519> keep<00:12:39.839> their<00:12:40.160> testimony<00:12:40.720>
• Thank<00:12:53.760> you,<00:12:53.920> Chair<00:12:54.240> Clebourne<00:12:
• My name<00:12:57.120> is<00:12:57.200> Don<00:12:57.519> Simson<00:12:58.079>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:00.640> to<00:12:00.800> call<00:12:00.880> the<00:12:01.040> role.
• > pass<00:12:05.600> on<00:12:05.839> house<00:12:06.480> bill<00:12:07.519
• <00:12:31.279> Chairman,<00:12:31.680> the<00:12:31.839> vote<00:12:32.079><
• Okay.<00:12:38.880> Um<00:12:39.680> we're<00:12:39.920> going<00:12:40.000>
• > hearing<00:12:41.279> on<00:12:41.440> HP<00:12:41.839> 1112<00:12:42.560

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division met to consider two bills: HB 112 and HB 1399. On HB 112, members debated a proposal tied to civics education requirements for public higher education. Supporters argued the measure would reinforce basic civic knowledge and noted that a similar high school requirement had already been enacted with little apparent fiscal impact. Opponents said the legislature should not dictate university curriculum and raised concerns about administrative burden and precedent. The committee voted 5-3 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1399, which concerned Claremont and retroactive school building aid related to past construction during the state moratorium on building aid. A Claremont representative explained the district’s history, estimated the lost state aid, and said any funds would likely be used for contingency, tax relief, or future liabilities, while preferring normal building aid participation going forward. Members discussed whether the issue reflected state policy, local governance, or both, and whether the bill would create an unfair retroactive precedent or a broader statewide obligation. After discussion, the committee voted on an ITL motion for HB 1399. The motion failed, and the committee instead approved the bill 7-1. The chair then closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.320> cnic<00:12:01.760> if<00:12:01.880> you<00:12:02.000> will<00:12
• <00:12:06.519> Madam<00:12:06.800> speaker<00:12:07.360> members<00:12:07.760
• A7 um<00:12:10.880> removes<00:12:11.360> language<00:12:11.920> that<00:12:12.399
• > we<00:12:54.000> have<00:12:54.120> to<00:12:54.279> talk<00:12:54.480>
• > the<00:12:56.839> project<00:12:57.760> and<00:12:57.959> so<00:12:58.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As<00:12:10.959> political<00:12:11.519> subdivisions<00:12:12.399> of<00:12:12.639
• of the state, we<00:12:13.839> also<00:12:14.079> have<00:12:14.240> a<00:12:14.560
• overlap<00:12:22.160> and<00:12:22.560> intersect<00:12:23.360> at<00:12:23.600
• <01:12:00.320> So<01:12:00.560> I<01:12:00.800> I<01:12:00.960> I<01:
• :17.520> the<01:12:18.480> start<01:12:18.719> of<01:12:18.880> the<01:12

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 21 minutes, and then heard a KO presentation focused on county jail funding pressures. KO leaders and county judges said jail costs have become a statewide crisis, noting that county general fund contributions to jail budgets have risen sharply since 2019. They said the organization’s sole legislative priority this session is to “reshape the shared responsibility” for county jails through three main proposals: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and changing the model for housing state inmates. On regional jails, KO proposed one-time state construction help for new or expanded regional facilities, allowing former county jails to become 96-hour holdover facilities, changing regional jail authority boards so each participating county jailer can serve, increasing the closed-jail supplement, and offering a one-time payment to counties that close a jail and join a regional plan. On pre-trial felony detainees, Judge Mosley argued counties bear the full cost for people held before trial, sometimes for years, and said counties should be reimbursed for time served credit when those inmates are later sentenced. On state inmates, KO said the current per diem of $35.34 is below the average daily county jail cost of $63.44, and proposed a new contract model requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs while counties provide agreed programming such as substance use treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academic programming. Members asked about the fiscal impact of the package, the feasibility of regional jail population thresholds, and whether the proposal could affect counties’ ability to house federal inmates. KO said regionalization should remain a local decision, that a bill draft and fiscal note were being developed, and that only certain jails are eligible to house federal inmates under existing agreements. Representative Maddox also asked about social media comments by Judge Mosley regarding homeschooling; Mosley said the remarks were unrelated to KO and apologized for any offense. Senator Mills asked what counties would do with savings from jail costs, and judges said the money would likely go to local services such as roads, ambulance service, senior programs, parks, economic development, infrastructure, broadband, and water projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:14.160> This<00:12:14.480> should<00:12:14.720> not<00:12:14.880>
• [sighs]<00:12:17.839> It's<00:12:18.160> about<00:12:18.399> standing<00:12:18.720
• for people<00:12:19.680> who<00:12:19.920> show<00:12:20.160> up<00:12:20.399><
• Caring about Cottage Grove in<00:12:26.800> Minnesota<00:12:27.519> means<00:12:27.920>
• :12:38.320> this<00:12:38.639> session.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Witnesses and lawmakers discussed the impact of “Operation Metro Surge” and related federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, describing it as a severe constitutional and humanitarian crisis. John Beler of the ACLU of Minnesota said the organization had received more than 700 reports of constitutional violations and argued the state should protect sensitive spaces, create legal remedies, and limit state involvement in federal surveillance and enforcement. Sen. Erin Maye Quade and other speakers said the operation was still ongoing, caused family separations, economic harm, and trauma in communities, and called on Minnesota Republicans to break with the Trump administration and support accountability. Several business owners testified about direct effects on restaurants and construction workforces. Hano JD Delgado, a restaurant owner, said ICE activity had frightened workers, led to closures and lost business, and recounted alleged mistreatment of employees and himself, including detentions and an incident involving a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. Sarah Lawitch, a Cottage Grove contractor, said her crews and projects were disrupted because workers feared leaving home and that lawmakers should protect constitutional rights and local businesses. Speakers repeatedly framed the issue as racial profiling and an attack on legal residents and citizens, not just undocumented immigrants. Rep. Lee Fininky said she is carrying two bills aimed at federal and local law enforcement practices: one would prohibit officers from wearing masks on duty except for limited safety or health exceptions, and another would require vehicles used to detain people to be clearly marked and equipped with safety features. She and other DFL speakers also discussed a broader package of bills, including a proposal to let Minnesotans hold the federal government accountable and a bill requiring the BCA to investigate shootings. In response to questions, they said they were seeking Republican support but expected the measures to face legal challenges; no votes or formal committee action were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > they're<00:12:39.440> they're<00:12:39.839> key<00:12:40.079> people<00
• /c><00:12:42.079> information<00:12:42.480> to.
• The department<00:12:44.079> uh<00:12:44.880> uh<00:12:45.120> supports<00:12:45.440
• <00:12:47.519> and<00:12:47.920> uh<00:12:48.240> offers<00:12:49.440> a<
• 12:56.720> any<00:12:57.040> ag<00:12:57.760> uh<00:12:57.920> any<00:12:

Bills: SB2359, SB2169, SB2170, SB2263, SB2360, SB3084

Keywords: time share, registration, renewal, consumer protection, real estate, SB2170, North Kohala, Kynnersly East Site, Agribusiness Development Corporation, ADC, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, agricultural development, land acquisition, fee simple, Hawaii Island, Big Island, rural development, food security, sustainable agriculture

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems heard House Bill 2585 on agricultural tourism. The bill would create statewide uniform standards for agritourism in counties that adopt such ordinances, require registration with county planning departments, and require agritourism to remain secondary and accessory to farming. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure but recommended amendments to make the language more consistent and to ensure agritourism remains tied to agricultural activity; the Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill with the same general guardrails, while the White Tourism Authority offered comments. A member raised concerns about a trailer/roadside-stand provision, and the department ultimately said it did not support that specific language. The chairs then recommended passage with amendments, including a definition of principal farm operations, clarification that agritourism must not interfere with on-farm operations, revised termination rules after 60 consecutive days without active production with notice and cure procedures, restoration of the department’s proposed change to the trailer language, and technical corrections. HB 2585 passed both committees unanimously with excused members noted. The committees then heard House Bill 2602 on sustainable tourism infrastructure, which would establish a matching grant program in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for capital projects that improve sustainability and climate resilience in the visitor industry. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support. The chair recommended passage with a committee report note estimating a roughly $5 million cost and a date correction, and both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. House Bill 1948 on single-use plastics was also heard. It would prohibit lodging establishments from providing certain personal care products in small plastic containers and impose civil penalties. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its testimony, and the Department of Health supported the waste-reduction goal but suggested the language belonged in a different chapter. The chair recommended an HD1 that would omit lotions from the definition of personal care products, adopt the Department of Health’s proposed clarification about reusable containers, and correct the date; the measure passed both committees unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1960 on human trafficking was heard. The bill would require the Attorney General to develop human trafficking awareness training for transit accommodation workers, require employers to provide training, keep records, post signage, adopt prevention policies, and report suspected trafficking, with penalties and rulemaking by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Department of Labor Relations supported the intent but said the Department of Law Enforcement should be the lead agency, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the bill while asking for amendments to recognize existing industry programs and apply the requirements equitably. The chair recommended an HD1 incorporating a July 1, 2027 deadline for training materials and employer training, adopting the hotel industry and DLE-related amendments, and making technical corrections; HB 1960 passed both committees unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• 19.839> while<00:12:20.160> we<00:12:20.320> strive<00:12:20.720> to<00:12
• <00:12:22.720> We<00:12:22.959> can<00:12:23.200> extend<00:12:23.680> grace
• King's<00:12:27.519> life<00:12:27.839> teaches<00:12:28.240> us<00:12:28.800>
• 12:30.800> of<00:12:30.959> fear.
• <00:12:50.560> Now,<00:12:50.880> family,<00:12:51.279> let's<00:12:51.519><

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with the pledge of allegiance, prayer, roll call, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Members introduced a large block of House bills (331 through 380) and journalized several bill reassignments, including House Bill 174 to Environment and Transportation and House Bill 296 to Ways and Means and Economic Matters. The chamber then turned to a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day address delivered by the delegate from Calvert and Prince George’s County, which focused on Dr. King’s legacy, moral courage, rest as resistance, protecting vulnerable communities, and the need for legislators to move beyond ceremony into action on civil rights, voting rights, and justice. The speech also highlighted Maryland’s early recognition of King’s birthday, the restoration of a neglected graveyard near the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, and the state’s history of diverse leadership. After the address, the House memorialized and journalized the speech. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements: caucus meetings were scheduled for the next day, including Democratic, Republican, Royal, women’s, rural, and running caucus gatherings; the women’s caucus said it was accepting numbered bills for review and possible sponsorship; and the Montgomery County delegation continued a food drive for the Upcounty Hub. Members also welcomed several guests and constituents to the gallery, including District 22 visitors, a delegate’s daughter, and a delegate’s son. The protocol chair then introduced a group of student pages from several counties and schools. The House took a second roll call, confirming 132 members present, and then adjourned on motion of the majority leader until Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:12:05.720> bill,<00:12:06.720> although<00:12:07.120> a<00:12:07.680>
• > tilt<00:12:09.839> of<00:12:10.000> the<00:12:10.160> hat<00:12:10.399>
• :12:12.639> give<00:12:12.800> you<00:12:13.360> what<00:12:13.600> inflation
• > far<00:12:15.040> from<00:12:15.200> it,<00:12:15.600> but<00:12:15.839>
• :41.440> They<00:12:41.839> are<00:12:42.399> not<00:12:42.959> law<00:12

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:01.279> to<00:12:01.519> walk<00:12:01.760> through<00:12:01.920> the
• <00:12:03.519> So<00:12:03.920> this<00:12:04.240> spreadsheet<00:12:05.040>
• change<00:12:22.000> items<00:12:22.720> um<00:12:22.800> that<00:12:23.120
• <00:12:46.959> is<00:12:47.040> a<00:12:47.200> reduction<00:12:47.680> of
• > year<00:12:49.680> 2627<00:12:50.639> for<00:12:50.800> the<00:12:50.959

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:28.199> I'd<00:12:28.440> say<00:12:28.639> is<00:12:28.800> our
• <00:12:30.959> program<00:12:31.959> um<00:12:32.199> which<00:12:32.320>
• > ways<00:12:35.680> the<00:12:35.800> idea<00:12:36.040> is<00:12:36.160
• system<00:12:40.560> work<00:12:41.360> well<00:12:42.360> we're<00:12:42.839><
• <00:12:44.800> funds<00:12:45.600> uh<00:12:45.720> we<00:12:45.839> have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on January 29, 2025, to hear the Metropolitan Council’s presentation on the Governor’s proposed agency budget requests. The Council outlined three main budget items: authorization to advance funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway project with arterial bus rapid transit construction; a proposal to make free regular-route transit rides permanent for eligible Metro Mobility riders, after a successful pilot that produced nearly 75,000 rides; and a reduction in general fund support for rail operations, which the Council said it could absorb in the near term. The Council also noted it was seeking $15 million in the bonding bill for bus rapid transit, including support for the H Line, and described other capital requests for an infill/infiltration program and regional parks. Council leadership said the advance-funds proposal would let two projects move together more efficiently, reduce disruption, and potentially lower costs by avoiding repeated reconstruction and maintenance. On the Metro Mobility fare pilot, they said the lower fare increased rider freedom and spontaneity while saving state money because fixed-route service is cheaper than individual Metro Mobility trips. On the general fund reduction, they said the agency is expanding service, opening the Gold Line, B Line, and E Line, and can manage the cut because of its diversified revenue sources, though it could affect future expansion. Senator Nelson raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Fund to include regional parks and trails, warning that the legislation should clearly avoid creating condemnation authority for park or trail projects, especially where they are adjacent to MnDOT projects. Council staff responded that the program would finance local acquisitions rather than give the Met Council condemnation power, and said they would take the concern under advisement and ensure the legislation is carefully drafted. Members also discussed federal funding uncertainty; Council officials said federal transit operating support is about $30 million and that a pause or cut could affect future capital projects and some existing awards, while the region’s diversified funding base would help cushion operations. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:25.960> Um So<00:12:28.520> a So a So a couple<00:12:29.480> of<00:12
• I know<00:12:31.680> like<00:12:31.880> when<00:12:32.000> I'm<00:12:32.080>
• <00:12:35.560> E&D<00:12:36.280> that<00:12:36.600> edit<00:12:36.880>
• <00:12:45.000> the<00:12:45.080> consumer<00:12:45.560> gave<00:12:45.880>
• Thank<00:12:52.839> you,<00:12:52.920> Madam<00:12:53.160> Chair,<00:12:53.440><

Bills: HF3794, HF3408

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, and then received a presentation from the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General on the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act. Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Miko and Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney reviewed the law’s scope, consumer rights, business obligations, and enforcement history. They said the law took effect July 31, 2025, gives Minnesotans rights to access, delete, and opt out of sale, profiling, and targeted advertising, and is enforced by the Attorney General with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. They reported more than 200 complaints in the first six months, many warning letters, and a shift from education to active enforcement now that the initial warning-letter period has expired. Committee members asked about how the universal opt-out works, what happens when companies deny deletion or editing requests, how the office determines willful noncompliance, and whether the law could burden small businesses. The AG’s office said the opt-out can be set through privacy-protective browsers or extensions, companies must respond to consumer requests within 45 days, small businesses are exempt as defined by the SBA, and investigations look for patterns and evidence of willful conduct rather than minor technical violations. The office also said it needs additional funding to fully staff enforcement efforts and noted that it has already issued subpoenas and civil investigative demands. The committee then took up House File 3408, the Stop Grocery Surveillance Price Gouging Act. The author explained that the bill would prohibit retail grocers, physical and online, from setting individualized prices based on consumer information, would limit certain uses of facial recognition and electronic shelf labels, and would preserve narrow exceptions for discounts and loyalty programs. Public testimony followed from the Minnesota Farmers Union in support, arguing that grocery consolidation and surveillance pricing could worsen already high food costs and harm fair competition. The Minnesota Grocers Association opposed the premise that grocery stores use surveillance pricing, said shelf prices are generally uniform and set from a single storewide database, and argued electronic shelf labels are efficient and not nefarious. A technology company representative similarly said ESLs do not use personal data or facial recognition, prices are uniform, and a 2025 study found no meaningful price increases after ESL adoption. The bill was laid over for possible further discussion after the testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:12:01.520> AER<01:12:01.920> I<01:12:02.000> think<01:12:02.199> my I
• <01:12:02.960> be<01:12:03.440> eventually<01:12:04.040> that<01:12:04.199><
• :12:05.920> all<01:12:06.080> of<01:12:06.360> that<01:12:06.560> sort<01
• <01:12:07.719> would<01:12:07.880> be<01:12:08.000> able<01:12:08.239> to
• <01:12:12.520> um<01:12:12.639> would<01:12:12.760> be<01:12:12.880> able

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<01:12:09.360> DeCoite<01:12:10.240> is<01:12:10.520> with<01:12:10.840><
• HB 778 House Draft<01:12:17.960> 2<01:12:18.480> relating<01:12:18.960> to<01:12
• Hearing<01:12:27.000> none<01:12:27.600> water<01:12:27.880> and<01:12:28.040>
• :12:29.760> for<01:12:29.880> the<01:12:30.000> vote<01:12:30.280> chair<
• Hearing<01:12:55.240> none,<01:12:55.520> chair<01:12:55.760> you<01:12:55.840><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• > would<00:12:45.800> retain<00:12:46.279> in<00:12:46.399> a<00:12:46.560><
• :12:49.959> still<00:12:50.279> has<00:12:50.480> about<00:12:50.760> six
• years<00:12:51.480> on<00:12:51.639> it<00:12:51.839> and<00:12:52.160><
• /c><00:12:54.240> years<00:12:54.880> so<00:12:55.519> that's<00:12:55.800> not
• <01:12:13.880> we<01:12:14.120> desperately<01:12:14.719> need<01:12:15.000>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard SR 18, which asks DLNR to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture to support agriculture. DLNR, through Don Chang, opposed the resolution, saying the department has already been transferring parcels by mutual agreement and should not be required to transfer lands it does not consent to. Ranchers and agricultural advocates strongly supported the measure, arguing that the lands are active production areas, that partial transfers would undermine ranching operations, and that water infrastructure built by ranchers must be protected. Testimony from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land for food production, wildfire management, and long-term ranch viability. Committee members pressed both sides on acreage, specific parcels, and whether negotiations were still ongoing, with DLNR later clarifying that some parcels remain under negotiation and that some proposed transfers have been narrowed or adjusted. Several specific ranches and parcels were discussed, including Batello, Diamond B, Delo, Nobriga, and Kapala Ranch. Witnesses described the operational importance of water systems, grazing areas, and access routes, and said that losing productive acreage would threaten business viability. Some members expressed concern that the proposal appeared to transfer productive land while leaving less useful land with ranchers, and urged the department to continue transparent negotiations and consider the practical impact on agriculture and conservation. A DLNR representative said some transfers were tied to other needs, such as transportation mitigation, and not to a broader effort to take more land. The Department of Agriculture later stated it supports the intent of the measure, but suggested its concerns would likely be addressed if the resolution were narrowed to the specific parcels at issue. The chair also announced that the related House bill on the same subject remains alive and will be heard by Water and Land on Thursday. After concluding SR 18, the committee moved on to SCR 51 and SR 33, which seek a working group to evaluate establishing and administratively placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development indicated support for the concept, noting the office’s value in Maui wildfire recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house