Transcript Highlights:

• Kim<01:42:27.400> hi Senator fukunaga hi Senator Kim hi Senator fukunaga hi Senator Kim hi
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Kim, aye. Senator Awa, aye. The recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Kim, aye. Senator Awa, aye. The recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Kim, aye. Senator Awa, aye. The recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Kim, aye. Senator Awa, aye. The recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Senator Chang, Senator San Buenaventura? The measure passes. Thank you.
• amendments chair Ro Vice chair Senator amendments chair Ro Vice chair Senator Chang<00:24:23.159
• > Senator<00:24:25.640> a<00:24:26.159> no Chang hi Senator San Mur Senator a no
• Chang hi Senator San Mur Senator a no the<00:24:28.640> measure<00:24:29.000> passes<00
• No vote for Senator. The measure passes. Thanks. Next up is HB 134.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills covering criminal justice, elections, and wildfire-related settlement funding. HB 103 would raise the age cutoff for life-without-parole eligibility from 18 to 21; supporters included the Public Defender and others, while prosecutors and some others opposed it. HB 11 would allow civil claims against people or businesses profiting from sexual exploitation or sex trafficking; it drew mostly support but was not ready for a vote and was deferred for further questions. HB 132 would expand a state-initiated expungement pilot to include possession of any Schedule V substance; the Public Defender, ACLU, and oversight groups supported it, with one opponent, and committee questions focused on what substances and how many cases would be affected. HB 145 would require the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center to transmit expungement orders to the Judiciary to implement Act 159; the Judiciary and Public Defender supported it, and members discussed technical issues involving multiple defendants and multiple charges. HB 369, a campaign finance housekeeping bill on excess cash contributions, and HB 408, which aligns voter registration-by-mail deadlines with current law, both received support and no opposition of note. The committee also heard HB 1175, which creates appropriations and a trust fund for Maui wildfire settlement claims; the Attorney General’s office, Maui County Council, and Tax Foundation supported it, while one senator said he would vote no because of concerns about House leadership. HB 386, which conforms drug possession thresholds for methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, and cocaine, was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. HB 134 would require electronic filing of nomination papers; the Elections Office supported it but asked that any convenience fee be authorized in statute, while one witness opposed it over security and cost concerns. After testimony and questions, the committee took up decision-making and passed HB 103 with amendments, deferred HB 11, and passed HB 132, HB 145, HB 369, HB 408, HB 1175, HB 386, and HB 134, with HB 134 amended to clarify no additional charge for electronic filing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Shortner? Present. Senator King? Here. Senator Blanco? Here. Senator Campbell? Here.
• Senator Crayton? Here. Senator Johnson?
• Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Menendez, Senator Middleton, Senator Nichols. Dean Zaffirini.
• Senator Blanco. Senator Campbell? Aye. Senator Crayton? Senator Johnson? Aye. Senator Kochler?
• Senator Menendez aye. Senator Middleton aye. Senator Nichols, Dean Zaffirini Senator King aye.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Senate President coochi and Senate and Senate President house<00:21:14.600> members<00:21
• Yes, Senator...
• Senator Kino is excused. Senator Kanuha is excused. Chair's recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Kino is excused. Senator Kanuha is excused. Chair's recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• Senator Kino is excused. Senator Kanuha is excused. Chair's recommendations adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096. The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator DeCoite was excused. Senator Rhoads voted aye. Senator Fukunaga was excused.
• > excuse Senator Richard I Senator FLL is excuse Senator Richard I Senator FLL is excuse the<00
• > you<00:10:06.920> have Senator rhs Senator a no chair you have Senator rhs Senator a
• Vice chair votes I Senator Deco excuse Senator Senator Senator rhods<00:12:25.000> Senator<00
• Senator DeCoite is excused. Senator Richards votes aye. Senator Fukunaga is excused.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Senator Kim, I...
• > Senator<00:43:56.000> excuse<00:43:56.440> senator I votes I Senator excuse senator
• I votes I Senator excuse senator hi<00:43:58.240> Senator hi Senator hi Senator hi<00:44:00.880
• Senator excused... Senator Haso... Okay, House Bill 1171, House Draft 2.
• thank you and we Senator Senator Mees ad thank you and we are<00:46:51.599> done

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt. The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I see Senator McEwen, Senator Klein, Senator Dibble, Senator Xiong.
• Senator Xiong? Yes. Senator Green? No. Senator Hoffman? No. Senator Weber? No. Senator Matthews?
• Senator Xiong? Yes. Senator Green? No. Senator Hoffman? No. Senator Weber? No. Senator Matthews?
• Senator Xiong? Yes. Senator Green? No. Senator Hoffman? No. Senator Weber? No. Senator Matthews?
• Senator Xiong? Yes. Senator Green? No. Senator Hoffman? No. Senator Weber? No. Senator Matthews?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, oh, Senator Senator project.
• you, Senator Farnsworth, Senator Abler. you, Senator Farnsworth, Senator Abler.
• Thank you, Senator Abler. Senator Dibble. Can I—oh, I'm sorry, Senator Farnsworth.
• Well, so Senator Senator Nelson, sorry.
• Senator Dibble. Jazinski. Senator Farnsworth. Thank you, Jazinski. Senator Farnsworth.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cek brings us Senate File 1684. Senator Copac: Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senate File 1994. I'm sorry, Senate File 1994.
• Thank you, Senator Dibble. Thank you, Senator.
• > file<01:09:38.400> 1570 uh senator may Quade Senator file 1570 uh senator may Quade Senator
• else um Senate file uh 16004 Senator else um Senate file uh 16004 Senator putam<01:41:06.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• half a Senate time, right, Glenn?
• Thank you, Senator Gagen.
• <01:23:49.000> file uh senator may Quaid with Senate file uh senator may Quaid with Senate
• Senator McQuade, next up, uh, Senator Rasmusson. Senate File 2310. Thank you, Don. Good to see you.
• <01:45:39.960> file Senator rasmuson all right Senate file Senator rasmuson all right Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cwodzinski, thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks, Senator Duckworth.
• Senator Duckworth, thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Senator Cwodzinski.
• Senator Duckworth, Senator Wesenberg, Madam Chair—can I? Oh, Senator Wesenberg, my apologies.
• <01:20:10.840> Senator I've got Madam chair Senator Senator I've got Madam chair Senator Senator
• Thank you, Senator Suski.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Seberger, Senator Cek, Senator Lang, Senator Dahms, Senator Johnson, and then we have a presentation
• Senator Westrom: Mr. Chair, um, got laid by Senator her—um, got laid by Senator her.
• Senator Dahms, thank you, Mr. Chair. And Senator Seeberger, there's 67 senators.
• Senator Dahms, thank you, Mr. Chair. And Senator Seeberger, there's 67 senators.
• thank you Senator dor um Senator Dames thank you Senator dor um Senator Dames or<01:11:47.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a quorum, and we will begin with Senate Resolution 15. Senate Resolution 15.
• Chair, I wonder if Senator Latz could yield for—or would Senator Latz— Um, this resolution seems to be
• Chair, Senator Westrom, Senator Latz, what is your intention if this resolution would pass out of committee
• > resolution<00:48:52.960> 15<00:48:53.520> be has moved that Senate resolution
• Senate resolution 15 will extensions uh Senate resolution 15 will move<00:50:04.040> to<00:50:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be hearing Senate File 2057 from Senator Putnam.
• We also have Senate File 2227 from Senator Her, as well as Senate File 2112 and 2159 from Senator Mohamed
• Senate File 2227 from Senator Her, as well as Senate File 2112 and 2159 from Senator Mohamed, and Senate
• <00:01:59.520> putner have senator putner have senator putner with<00:02:01.000> Senate
• yeah Senator Champion to your Senate yeah Senator Champion to your Senate file<00:57:12.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 1385 is laid over. And Senator Dibble, you have Senate File 1918? Yes, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Abeler.
• Senator Dre Heim is...
• <02:03:06.679> file um Senator man moves that Senate file um Senator man moves that Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate come to order, Madame Clerk? Please call the roll. Senator Awa here. Senator Chang.
• Senator DeCoite here. Senator Dela Cruz here. Senator Elefante here. Senator Fevella here.
• Senator Fukunaga. Senator Gabbard. Senator Hashimoto. Senator Ihara, President.
• Senator Inouye present. Senator Kanuha. Senator Keohokalole. Senator excused.
• Senator Sanu Aventura Senator Wai pres Senator Sanu Aventura Senator Wai pres Mr<00:01:02.719> President

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Harrell Senator Rouson yet. Senator Sheree. Yes.
• Yes, Senator Harrell Senator Rouson and senator jury. Yes.
• Grall Senator Grall.
• Senator Harrell senator Rouson on senator Sheree. Yes, senator Simon. Yes. Vice chair Garcia.
• Senator Harrell. Yes. Senator rouson senator Sheree. Yes. Senator Simon. >> Vice chair Garcia, yes.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Jones here, Senator Avila, Senator Berman, Senator Boyd, Senator Bradley Senator Brodeur,
• Senator Burgess, Senator Burton, Senator Davis, Senator Deciglie Senator Gaetz Senator Garcia Senator
• Senator Ingoglia Senator Martin Senator Osgood Senator Pizzo Senator Rodriguez, Senator Rouson Senator
• , Senator Davis, Senator Deciglie Senator Gaetz Senator Garcia Senator Gruters Senator Harrell Senator
• Senator Ingoglia Senator Martin Senator Osgood Senator Pizzo Senator Rodriguez, Senator Rouson Senator

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Senator Boyd, Senator Burgess Senator Calatayud Sen fun.
• Bernard, yes, senator Boyd, Senator Burgess Senator Calatayud Senator Fine.
• Yes, Senator Burgess Senator Calatayud senator find Senator Gruters. Yes.
• Senator Boyd, Senator Burgess Senator Calatayud Senate fun Senator Gruters Senator Ingoglia vice chair
• Yes, Senator Boyd, Senator Burgess Senator Calatayud Center fi Senator Gruters Senator Ingoglia vice

Keywords: 999, senate, all