Transcript Highlights:

• . >> In relation to Calendar 64, voting in the negative are Senators Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, and Walczyk
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 66, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATOR WALCZYK. AYES.
• >> >> SENATOR BAILEY TO EXPLAIN HIS VOTE. >> THANK YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT.
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 70, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATOR WEIK.
• >> IN RELATION TO CALENDAR 80, VOTING IN NEGATIVE ARE SENATORS CHAN AND BORRELLO, AYES 54, NAYS

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on January 28, 2026, approved the prior day’s Journal, and then took up a series of messages from the Assembly to discharge bills from committee and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber then proceeded through the calendar, considering measures in public health, business, labor, social services, economic development, agriculture and markets, education, county law, and general business law. Several senators briefly explained votes, including Senator Bailey, who spoke in support of Calendar 67 and asked to be recorded in the affirmative. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew limited opposition. Notable negative votes included Calendar 64 (4 nays), Calendar 66 (1 nay), Calendar 70 (1 nay), Calendar 73 (2 nays), Calendar 77 (18 nays), Calendar 78 (2 nays), Calendar 80 (2 nays), and Calendar 92 (2 nays). At the end of the session, the Senate completed the reading of the day’s calendar, reported no further business at the desk, and moved to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please vote<00:15:52.560> red. vote red. vote red.
• Please, please vote green. results. Please, please vote green.
• Kisa Watun votes aye. Members, please vote. The clerk will close the roll.
• I would encourage a green vote. vote. vote.
• going to ask you to vote no on this. going to ask you to vote no on this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote yes. So to the members here, we're going to vote on this.
• Co-Chair Howard votes aye. Co-Vice Chair Igo votes no. Vice Co-Chair Kozlowski votes aye.
• Vice Co-Chair Dotseth votes no. Representative Buck votes aye. Representative Hussein votes aye.
• Representative Myers votes nay. Representative Nash votes nay. Representative Norris votes aye.
• Representative Rehrauer votes aye. Representative Skraba votes no.

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• And I urge an I vote. fairly. And I urge an I vote.
• Closing vote.
• Closing vote. Vote closed. 35 ayes, 25 no, two excused. Vote closed. 35 I, 25, no. Two excused.
• Closing vote. Vote closed. 59 aye, three excused.
• <02:43:34.560> Three Closing vote. Vote closed. 59 I. Three Closing vote.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• closing vote closed. closing vote closed.
• Introduction vote. Introduction vote.
• Vote. Closed. Vote. Closed.
• Closing<00:21:45.760> vote. Closing vote. Closing vote.
• vote closing closing closing vote<00:26:41.120> closed vote closed vote closed Senate<00:26:43.120

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, excuse me—we did not vote on the DE; we voted on the A1.
• Clarification: did we do them, and we had one vote? I believe there were two votes.
• The DE was voted on, but the A1—I'm asking, was the A1 voted on?
• not we voted on the de we did not vote not we voted on the de we did not vote on<00:10:25.600>
• one vote believe there were two votes one vote believe there were two votes were<00:10:41.079>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chen votes aye; Member Martins votes aye; Member SS votes aye; Member Takoi hi votes aye; Member Alos
• Chen votes aye; Member Martins votes aye; Member SS votes aye; Member Takoi hi votes aye; Member Alos
• Chen votes aye; Member Martins votes aye; Member SS votes aye; Member Takoi hi votes aye; Member Alos
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Member Amato votes aye. Member Chan votes aye.
• Member Martins votes aye. Member S.S. votes aye. Member Takai votes aye. Member Alos votes aye.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:01.159> so<00:21:01.559> I'm already voted voted on and passed so I'm already
• voted voted on and passed so I'm I'm<00:21:01.919> going<00:21:02.000> to<00:21:02.240
• respectfully urge my colleagues to vote respectfully urge my colleagues to vote ought<00:26:58.760
• vote no, they are voting to allow a different motion.
• If you support voting down the committee amendment, you're going to vote no.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to vote no, please raise your hand. Senator Woods voting no.
• Senator Brantley voting no. Senator Lanier voting no. Senator Scott voting no.
• Senator Sharer voting no. Senator Ramos voting no. Senator Gallegos voting no.
• Senator Boone voting no. Senator Isal voting no. Senator Sanchez. Senator Sanchez voting no.
• Senator Sancho's voting no. Senator Wilson voting no.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator DeCoite votes I. Senator Rhoads votes I.
• Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator DeCoite votes I. Senator Rhoads votes I.
• Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator DeCoite votes I. Senator Rhoads votes I.
• Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator DeCoite votes I. Senator Rhoads votes I.
• Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator DeCoite votes I. Senator Awa votes I.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sanchez: [vote not clearly captured]. Addis: [vote not clearly captured].
• Aguiar-Curry: [vote not clearly captured]. Ahrens: [vote not clearly captured].
• Rodriguez: [vote not clearly captured]. Schiavo: Aye. Sharp-Collins: [vote not clearly captured].
• We ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• Sanchez: not voting. Aguiar-Curry: not voting. Aguiar-Curry: aye. Ahrens: aye. Carrillo: aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, vote red.
• So, vote red.
• So, vote red.
• Members, vote green. not. Members, vote green.
• Green votes no. McDonald votes aye. Momanyi-Hiltsley votes no. Peláez Vega votes no.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up an urgency motion to recall House File 3819 from committee and advance it to final passage. Supporters said the bill was needed to address fraud in the child care assistance program (CCAP), citing recent FBI raids on child care centers, prior audit findings, and long-standing concerns about weak oversight. They described the bill as restoring a penalty of perjury for attendance records, requiring electronic attendance tracking, mandating unannounced inspections, and requiring camera monitoring for higher-funded providers so the state can verify attendance and reduce improper payments. Opponents argued the bill was not ready, raised concerns about cost, implementation, and the inclusion of camera surveillance, and said the language could create problems related to retention and possible misuse of video. One member said the state had already taken bipartisan action on child care fraud in prior sessions and that the larger fraud estimates being cited were overstated compared with convictions. Another member emphasized that electronic attendance monitoring was the one part they supported, but said the bill lacked clarity and a Senate companion. Members also discussed the history of CCAP fraud investigations, including earlier OLA reports, criminal investigations within DHS, and allegations that fraud vulnerabilities had been known for years. Supporters argued the bill would help recover taxpayer dollars and improve affordability by reducing fraud, while critics warned that added camera requirements could increase costs for providers and potentially threaten child care center viability. The debate included questions and answers about video retention, with the bill author stating the intended retention period was 90 days, though a member noted that language was not clearly visible in the version before the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, final tally for the do pass motion: 11 votes yes, zero votes no. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, the adoption motion final tally: five votes yes, six votes no.
• The tabling motion fails, five votes yes, six votes no. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, the tabling motion fails, five votes yes, six votes no. Motion has failed.
• The final tally for the do-pass motion is six votes yes, five votes no.

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is 8 to zero. Thank you. Yes. The vote is 8 to zero. Thank you.
• I'll<00:15:02.000> vote<00:15:02.320> no. I'll vote no. I'll vote no.
• I'll vote yes. Represent Muns. No. I'll vote yes. Represent Muns. No.
• Can we vote on that?
• Can<02:48:07.040> we<02:48:07.200> vote<02:48:07.359> on Can we vote on Can we vote

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any no votes any votes members present. Any no votes any votes or<02:04:44.080> reservations?
• Any no votes? Any votes or present. Any no votes? Any votes or reservations?
• Any no votes or reservations? >> No vote. >> No vote for Senator DeCorte. Any other no votes?
• Any no votes? present. Any no votes? >> No<02:08:02.719> vote. >> No vote.
• votes? Any votes or reservations? votes? Any votes or reservations?

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. >> Voting on SB 3083 SD2.
• vice chair for the vote. vice chair for the vote.
• >> Voting on SB 3083SV2. >> Voting on SB 3083SV2.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. >> Voting on SB 2054 SD2.
• Voting on SB 2054 chair for the vote.

Bills: SB3240

Keywords: defense, workforce development, local business, manufacturing, federal funding, economic resilience, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:10.160> That's<00:14:10.399> the all of the voted budgets.
• That's the all of the voted budgets. That's the current<00:14:10.880> system.
• But one of the biggest pieces I wanted to hit here is the change to the budget vote.
• Instead, you would be voting exclusively on the supplemental district spending.
• So currently when people vote their budgets locally, they can capture cost increases.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a high-level walkthrough of Act 73, with staff from Legislative Council and the Joint Fiscal Office summarizing major education policy, governance, tax, and fiscal changes. The presentation covered class-size minimums and related enforcement, creation of a state aid for school construction program, narrowed tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, changes to State Board of Education appointments, special education reporting and staffing, and a new report on standards for schools deemed small or sparse by necessity. It also noted that some provisions take effect immediately or in 2025, while the major funding and tax changes are contingent on new school districts being operational and a foundation formula report being received, with most of those changes targeted for July 1, 2028. The central fiscal change described was a move from the current locally voted budget and varying homestead tax system to a foundation formula. Under that model, districts would receive an educational opportunity payment based on a base amount per pupil, adjusted by student weights for factors such as pre-K, economic disadvantage, English learner status, and special education, with small-school and sparsity weights replaced by support grants. Districts could still seek limited supplemental district spending above the foundation amount, subject to a cap and a uniform method for raising the funds, with excess collections recaptured at the state level. The presenters also described transition mechanisms to phase in the new system over several years. The tax section explained that Act 73 would replace the current property tax credit with a homestead exemption and create a new non-homestead residential classification intended for second homes and short-term rentals, though further statutory or regulatory work would still be needed to implement it. The JFO presentation emphasized that the act also creates regional assessment districts for reappraisals and includes a transition to smooth changes in education tax rates. No committee vote or formal action was taken during the presentation; it was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• ought to pass by vote of three to two. ought to pass by vote of three to two.
• to legislate by a vote of 3 to 1. to legislate by a vote of 3 to 1.
• <00:47:55.040> no many for so long, would I then vote no many for so long, would I then vote
• recusing myself from voting. recusing myself from voting. Senator<00:52:54.760> Long.
• time that I have voted on this bill. time that I have voted on this bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a roll call vote. a roll call vote.
• favoring a vote by the and will rise. favoring a vote by the and will rise.
• Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as five-minute votes. HR5214.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
• Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I also encourage a yes vote on House File 247.
• Senator Gander votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.
• Please vote green. The clerk will take the roll. Thank you. Thank you.
• Senator Gander votes aye. Senator Gander votes aye. The clerk will close the roll. Thank you.
• Senator Gander votes aye. Senator Gander votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.