Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:06.160> on<00:12:06.399> his<00:12:06.720> way<00:12:06.959> here.
• So, we<00:12:08.000> pushed<00:12:08.320> this<00:12:08.560> to<00:12:08.720>
• <00:12:11.279> And<00:12:11.680> can<00:12:11.920> we<00:12:12.079> take<
• Okay,<00:12:18.320> that's<00:12:18.639> not<00:12:18.800> mine.
• Okay, I<00:12:21.160> defer<00:12:22.160> to<00:12:22.320> the<00:12:22.560>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met on April 25 in Room 229 and handled several bills, often by rolling them over when finance or budget releases were still pending. HB 1007 HD2 SD2 on HCDA was simply continued to 1:00 p.m. in the same room. HB 1316 HD2 SD1 on DLNR rental vessels and registration was later taken up, with members noting a proposed CD1 based on the Senate draft; after quorum was confirmed, both chambers voted yes and the measure was approved. SB 465 HD1 on Kiki Aola small boat harbor was rolled to 4:00 p.m. in Room 441 because the required release had not yet been received. HB 86 on Makai Watch was also deferred for lack of quorum, and HB 800 HD1 SD2 on government real property and land transfer was eventually voted out after the missing House member arrived, with both House and Senate voting yes. SB 1221 SD2/HD3 on water safety and retention/detention ponds was described as requiring county ordinances and surveys of existing ponds; the conference draft added “Sharky’s Law,” set a January 1, 2027 start date for county ordinances, and was approved unanimously by both chambers. The committees also discussed SB 223 SD2/HD1 on wildfire prevention and forest reserve fire protection. The measure would create an independent DNR wildfire prevention program, authorize forestry and wildlife facilities for fire protection and related work, allow the State Fire Council to strengthen fire code requirements in hazardous fire areas, establish a community fuels reduction project, require legislative reporting, and provide funding. The conferees explained that section 3, which sought an additional appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, was removed because the money was already included in the budget. The bill’s effective dates were set for July 1, 2025, and it was rolled over to 4:00 p.m. in Room 411 rather than voted on at that time. Later, HB 1220 HD1 SD1 on invasive species in Kaneohe Bay was taken up and passed after quorum was confirmed, with both House and Senate members voting yes. HB 778 HD2 SD1 on the integrated land use office and land use study, SB 739 HD1 on land exchange, and HB 830 HD2 SD2 on historic preservation reviews were all agreed to in principle but rolled over to later meetings because finance or WAM releases were still outstanding. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted absences, excused members, and the need to reschedule items to later in the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:01.680> out<00:12:02.519> how<00:12:02.720> does<00:12:02.959> how
• by destroying<00:12:14.920> uh<00:12:15.240> the<00:12:15.480> renewable<00:12:
• <00:12:23.440> other<00:12:23.800> questions<00:12:24.680> yes<00:12:24.920>
• :12:36.959> viewing<00:12:37.360> the<00:12:37.600> national<00:12:38.360> uh
• :12:43.920> question<00:12:44.639> that<00:12:44.800> I<00:12:45.399> have

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:05.199> In<01:12:05.440> Wii,<01:12:06.159> one<01:12:06.320> of
• <01:12:11.120> And<01:12:11.280> when<01:12:11.520> families<01:12:11.840>
• <01:12:33.360> gift<01:12:33.600> cards<01:12:34.000> with<01:12:34.320>
• Our<01:12:43.199> farmers<01:12:43.600> market<01:12:43.920> offers<01:12:44.239
• So when<01:12:46.960> stop<01:12:47.520> SNAP<01:12:47.920> stops,<01:12:48.719>

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:

• > this<03:12:19.560> as<03:12:19.680> a<03:12:20.279> stop<03:12:20.760><
• > I<03:12:21.920> I<03:12:22.000> see<03:12:22.319> this<03:12:22.560>
• as<03:12:22.760> a<03:12:23.000> as<03:12:23.160> a<03:12:23.640> as
• 28.000> like<03:12:28.200> this<03:12:28.800> we<03:12:29.000> have<03:12
• <03:12:30.680> level<03:12:31.160> where<03:12:31.880> we've<03:12:32.120>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities. A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds. Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:12:10.400> mean,<00:12:10.720> if<00:12:10.920> you<00:12:11.040> put
• ><00:12:11.280> your<00:12:11.360> name<00:12:11.640> on<00:12:11.760> a
• 00:12:12.440> can<00:12:12.600> go<00:12:12.800> get<00:12:13.640> the<00
• :17.800> it's<00:12:17.960> not<00:12:18.200> a<00:12:18.240> good<00:12:
• The<00:12:19.720> other<00:12:19.920> thing<00:12:20.200> is<00:12:20.440> we

Keywords: 9:00am HB 158 9:10am HB 281 9:20am HB 317 9:30am HB 340 9:40am HB 1062 9:50am HB 1187 10:00am HB 1234 10:10am HB 1300 10:20am HB 1306 10:30am HB 1381 10:40am HB 1541, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first resolved House Bill 158, which concerns public inspection of absentee ballot lists. The Senate explained a revised approach that removed the broader bill language and instead directed the Secretary of State to review absentee ballot data after each general election for patterns such as common addresses and to report findings to the committees of jurisdiction. The House agreed to the Senate position, and the conference committee voted unanimously to concur. The committee then took up House Bill 281, dealing with a sortable electronic voter checklist. Members debated the Senate’s removal of language that would have included the absentee ballot mailing address when different from the voter’s registration address. Concerns were raised that releasing mailing addresses could expose where voters are not home and could affect overseas and military voters. The committee also discussed a related form for election officials who personally know a voter, including how long the form would be retained and whether it would be subject to public records law. After further discussion, the House agreed to the Senate changes with an additional requirement that the form be signed, and the committee voted to proceed with the amended Senate position. House Bill 317, concerning verification of a person’s identity by a supervisor of the checklist without identification, was also discussed at length. The Senate’s version preserved the ability for election officials to identify people they know, but required a signed form under penalty of perjury and added a nursing home-related provision. Members described the measure as balancing community-based identification with tighter documentation, and a House witness described local problems with inconsistent ID checks and concerns about voting in nursing homes. The House sought one additional change requiring the nursing home verification form to be signed, and the Senate accepted that addition; the committee then voted to move the bill forward on the consent calendar. The conference committee next considered House Bill 340 on electioneering by public employees. The chair presented a replace-all amendment that tied the definition of electioneering to existing law, added a prohibition on expressly or primarily political surveys, and created a civil penalty of up to $1,000 alongside the misdemeanor penalty. Members discussed clarifying when the misdemeanor versus civil penalty would apply and which categories of public employees were covered. After caucus, the Senate agreed to the House’s replace-all approach with the clarifying changes, and the bill was closed. The committee also resolved House Bill 1062 by agreeing to strike a sunset clause from the Senate version authorizing random audits of citizenship qualifications, and it began discussion of House Bill 1187 on the filing window for special-election candidates, where the House proposed requiring local election officials to arrange a filing time on the same day or next business day after being contacted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:12:33.920> see<00:12:34.079> no<00:12:34.320> objection<00:12:34.639> to
• <00:12:34.800> taking<00:12:35.040> them<00:12:35.200> up<00:12:35.360> in
• >> All<00:12:40.000> right.<00:12:40.240> Final<00:12:40.560> passage.
• >> He<00:12:41.920> moves<00:12:42.240> final<00:12:42.560> passage.
• <00:12:43.600> If<00:12:43.760> you<00:12:43.839> favor<00:12:44.160> the

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a guest-led prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with reading the journal. There were no select committee reports, and standing committee reports were noted as being on the calendar. The chamber also welcomed visitors, including Florence Middle School student council members, school administrators and teachers, and longtime sports writer Jeff Bird. On the calendar, the House considered motions to reconsider and tabled House Bills 1441 and 1442. The rules calendar then took up House Resolutions 4 through 14 in a block, and the House gave them final passage. Immediate release was requested and granted for those resolutions. During announcements, a member changed a prior vote on House Bill 1314 from nay to yea. Members also offered memorials for Jerry Montgomery and Dr. Mary Washington of Humphreys County. The Speaker thanked members for a productive week, and the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Uh Uh so,<01:12:00.960> I<01:12:01.040> think<01:12:01.320> it's<01:12:01.440
• > a<01:12:01.520> good<01:12:01.840> time<01:12:02.120> to<01:12:02.240><
• > any<01:12:11.040> rate<01:12:11.360> that<01:12:11.520> we<01:12:11.720
• No, we're<01:12:21.520> not<01:12:21.760> doing<01:12:22.040> our<01:12:22.160><
• > sits<01:12:55.120> in<01:12:55.240> my<01:12:55.360> gut<01:12:56.000><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.600> some<00:12:01.839> of<00:12:01.920> the<00:12:02.160> other<00:12
• <00:12:08.720> happy<00:12:08.880> to<00:12:09.040> pay<00:12:09.279> our
• taxes.<00:12:10.880> So,<00:12:11.279> thank<00:12:11.440> you<00:12:11.519>
• I'm here for<00:12:12.399> any<00:12:12.560> questions<00:12:12.800> you<00:12:12.959
• <00:12:15.680> Next<00:12:15.839> up,<00:12:16.079> we<00:12:16.240> have

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:01.560> are<00:12:01.800> likely<00:12:02.360> it's<00:12:02.519> the
• c><00:12:05.320> most<00:12:06.320> legislation<00:12:07.000> like<00:12:07.240>
• impossible<00:12:10.399> to<00:12:10.560> fund<00:12:10.800> our<00:12:10.959>
• <00:12:19.399> and<00:12:19.600> responsive<00:12:20.079> to<00:12:20.199>
• <00:12:30.000> rebate<00:12:30.600> as<00:12:30.720> we've<00:12:30.880> seen

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:04.320> can<00:12:04.480> cover<00:12:05.760> um<00:12:06.480> cover
• <00:12:07.680> So,<00:12:07.920> I<00:12:08.160> think<00:12:08.480> the<
• 00:12:14.399> of<00:12:14.639> getting<00:12:15.040> additional<00:12:15.600>
• I<00:12:16.639> also<00:12:16.959> would<00:12:17.200> say<00:12:17.360> that
• <00:12:17.600> I<00:12:17.839> think<00:12:17.920> it<00:12:18.399> would

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.120> a<00:12:01.200> matter<00:12:01.360> of<00:12:01.480> fact<00:12
• :01.880> asked<00:12:02.160> to<00:12:02.600> uh<00:12:03.279> sign<00:12
• > yet<00:12:04.880> indicated<00:12:05.600> my<00:12:05.760> desire<00:12
• 00:12:07.959> to<00:12:08.040> you<00:12:08.160> later<00:12:08.760> think
• c> do<00:12:10.160> that<00:12:11.000> um<00:12:11.560> but<00:12:12.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:06.480> and<00:12:06.720> I<00:12:06.959> was<00:12:07.040> just
• > speak<00:12:09.519> to<00:12:09.839> some<00:12:10.079> of<00:12:10.240
• <00:12:49.519> Um<00:12:50.240> um<00:12:51.200> uh<00:12:51.440> one
• 00:12:53.440> um<00:12:53.760> does<00:12:54.079> provide<00:12:54.959> uh
• > with<00:12:56.000> the<00:12:56.320> program<00:12:57.680> um<00:12:58.399

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year. Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements. Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:30.959> is<00:12:31.160> to<00:12:31.519> to<00:12:31.839> provide
• 12:39.279> the<00:12:39.760> um<00:12:40.120> they<00:12:40.360> have<00:
• have<00:12:40.800> a<00:12:40.959> pregnancy<00:12:41.519> where<00:12:41.800><
• 12:43.399> perfect<00:12:44.320> and<00:12:44.440> so<00:12:44.600> we<00
• like<00:12:45.160> that<00:12:45.240> it's<00:12:45.480> very<00:12:45.720>

Keywords: 00:34 Call to Order/Roll Call 02:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 389 04:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 389 05:16 Discussion of 25RS HB 501 09:31 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 501 10:50 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 (Discussion Only) 42:05 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 389, a cleanup measure related to the CASPER prescription monitoring program. Representative Duval and staff explained that the bill addresses implementation issues the Office of Inspector General encountered and aligns the definition of “practitioner” for in-state and out-of-state providers. The committee took no questions, then approved the bill unanimously and reported it favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 501, which would allow a pharmacist to fill a prescription for a limited period after the prescribing provider has died, so patients can maintain continuity of care. Sponsors and a pharmacist witness said the bill is intended to reduce uncertainty and liability for pharmacists, excludes controlled substances to comply with federal law, and leaves professional judgment with the pharmacist. Members asked about documentation and verification, and the sponsor said the bill applies when the pharmacist knows of the death and that pharmacies would document the situation as they normally do. The committee discussed the issue briefly and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 414 for discussion only. Representative Tate and Adia Wisher described it as “Love Them Both,” a perinatal palliative care proposal meant to provide wraparound support for women and families facing fatal fetal anomalies or other serious pregnancy complications. Testimony emphasized that the bill would encourage referrals to programs offering medical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and bereavement support, with examples such as Footprints at St. Elizabeth. Members discussed access, referrals, counseling, coverage language, and the role of fathers, and supporters stressed that the services would be optional and intended to broaden support rather than impose penalties. No vote was taken on House Bill 414.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> And<00:12:08.959> um<00:12:09.120> so<00:12:09.360> this<00:12:09.519>
• /c><00:12:11.040> the<00:12:11.360> range<00:12:11.839> of<00:12:12.320> what's
• what's being offered<00:12:13.600> in<00:12:13.839> our<00:12:14.320> 40<00:12:14.639
• <00:12:20.720> Some<00:12:20.959> of<00:12:21.040> the<00:12:21.279> defining
• :12:29.520> is<02:12:29.760> to<02:12:29.920> resolve<02:12:30.320> this.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:12:05.880> in<00:12:06.080> their<00:12:06.240> ordinance,<00:12:06.600>
• 12:08.520> uh<00:12:08.560> or<00:12:08.680> they<00:12:08.800> have<00:12
• <00:12:11.800> Speaker,<00:12:12.040> I'd<00:12:12.120> like<00:12:12.240>
• > bill,<00:12:50.440> we<00:12:50.560> don't<00:12:50.839> really<00:12:51.080
• <00:12:55.720> And<00:12:55.839> this<00:12:56.040> bill<00:12:56.200> just

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 113 members present and took up House Bill 774, a local enabling bill on residential landlord-tenant good-cause termination and eviction standards. The sponsor and floor leader described the bill as intended to create stability for families and communities by limiting nonrenewal of leases without good cause, while emphasizing that it would only take effect if adopted by local counties. The bill’s stated good-cause grounds include repeated late rent payment, lease violations, and other specified reasons. Several amendments were offered and debated. One amendment sought to require tenants to keep paying rent, late fees, and other lease obligations during any legal challenge to a nonrenewal; the floor leader argued this was redundant because existing law already requires payment during holdover proceedings, and the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 79 in the negative. Another amendment added a good-cause ground where housing is tied to employment on the property and the employment ends; the floor leader accepted it as a friendly amendment, and it was adopted. A further amendment exempted short-term rentals such as VRBOs from the bill; it was also accepted as friendly and adopted. The House then rejected another amendment that would have changed the late-rent good-cause standard from four notices in a 12-month period to three. The sponsor argued the change would reduce the time and financial burden on small landlords, while the floor leader responded that the bill did not alter existing eviction timelines for nonpayment and that the current four-instance standard was appropriate. Finally, an amendment to extend access to the state’s eviction counsel fund to low-income landlords was offered, with the sponsor arguing for fairness to small property owners; the floor leader opposed it, saying the fund was created to represent low-income tenants and that most landlords are already represented. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to<00:12:12.280> preserve<00:12:12.920> the<00:12:13.080> heating<00:12:
• :14.400> that<00:12:14.640> is<00:12:14.760> the<00:12:14.840> most<00:12
• We believe<00:12:20.720> it<00:12:20.800> will<00:12:20.920> be<00:12:21.040>
• We<00:12:22.640> we've<00:12:23.160> we've<00:12:23.600> indicated<00:12:24.040>
• > upon<00:12:28.960> what<00:12:29.080> Congress<00:12:29.440> does<00:12

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, The first couple minutes of the livestream was cut off. This recording restored the beginning of the meeting Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.839> the<00:12:00.960> intent<00:12:01.360> is<00:12:01.480> to<00:12
• This<00:12:21.080> bill<00:12:21.400> only<00:12:21.680> applies<00:12:22.400>
• This<00:12:24.520> bill<00:12:24.760> also<00:12:25.080> creates<00:12:25.839>
• <00:12:32.400> This<00:12:32.600> bill<00:12:32.760> is<00:12:32.839> not
• It's<00:12:36.600> designed<00:12:37.040> to<00:12:37.120> deter<00:12:37.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• Riverside conducted<00:12:33.839> a<00:12:34.000> study<00:12:34.160> on<00:12:
• <00:12:37.839> found<00:12:38.079> that<00:12:38.720> users<00:12:39.040>
• <00:12:46.639> And<00:12:46.880> last<00:12:47.120> but<00:12:47.360> not
• a<00:12:57.360> law<00:12:57.600> ending<00:12:57.920> the<00:12:58.079>

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

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• I'd be happy<00:12:21.519> to<00:12:21.680> take<00:12:21.839> any<00:12:22.000>
• <00:12:25.279> Move<00:12:25.600> to<00:12:25.760> approve.
• <00:12:30.160> Thank<00:12:30.320> you,<00:12:30.480> Chair.
• Do you believe<00:12:31.600> that<00:12:31.920> this<00:12:32.240> will<00:12:32.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the February 24 minutes and then voted to confirm Senator Mark Maki as vice chair. The committee next took up DAS request CAP 25004, which sought permission to use the remaining $713,667 from a $7 million appropriation for the purchase of 25 Hall Street to address deficiencies identified in an engineering study. DAS explained the building was bought for $6.25 million after the study revealed issues, and the funds would be used first for the most urgent repairs, especially the roof. In response to questions, DAS said the roof estimate was about $560,000, with other estimated needs including a skylight at $288,000, plumbing at $59,000, HVAC at $325,000, and electrical work at $547,000; the committee approved the request. The committee then considered CAP 25005, another DAS request to transfer $221,632 from five completed capital projects to the Hillsborough County South cell block renovation project. DAS said the project had been identified years earlier, had only recently entered design, and now appeared likely to cost more than the original appropriation because of inflation and delay. Senator Lang asked whether the transfer would be enough, and DAS responded that there was no final estimate yet but they hoped to engineer the project to fit the available funds. The committee approved the transfer. Later, the committee welcomed Senator Maki, who accepted the vice chair position. Under other business, members discussed a prior proposal in HB 2 that would have changed reporting from quarterly to annual; the committee was told the amendment had been made so that change would not go forward, and that the relevant section remained in HB 25 because it corrects capital budget language in multiple places. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:00 a.m. and requested that the Liquor Commission attend to discuss the 90/95 sale of property. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:34.240> our<00:12:34.480> vacancy<00:12:34.920> rate<00:12:35.160>
• in total has<00:12:36.440> not<00:12:36.880> decreased<00:12:37.519> much<00:12
• <00:12:40.320> um<00:12:41.279> uh<00:12:41.560> but<00:12:42.079> uh
• > we<00:12:46.279> have<00:12:46.399> to<00:12:46.480> work<00:12:46.720>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.