Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read on the amendments. Assembly Constitutional Amendment...
• Assembly Constitutional Amendment 20, amendments by Assembly Member Tangipa.
• , 1173, 1307, 1211, 1285, 1004 with amendments, 1009. 1173, 1307, 1211, 1285, 1004 with amendments, 1009
• with amendments, 1009 with amendments, 1401 with amendments, 101 with amendments, 107 with amendments
• , 107-19, 898 with amendments, 947 with amendments, 876 with amendments, 1000, 876 with amendments, 28

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a series of procedural motions to re-refer bills, suspend rules, and remove items from the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing family milestones, a youth leadership program from Assembly District 13, a delegation of Japanese business leaders, and a Michoacan delegation. Later, members adopted several resolutions and consent items, including California Craft Beer Week, the Freedom Flag as a 9/11 remembrance symbol, Probation Services Week, and California Wildfire Week, along with other consent-calendar measures. The main floor debate centered on SB 417, a $10 billion housing bond for the ballot, with supporters emphasizing the state’s housing shortage, homelessness crisis, and funding for multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, farmworker housing, student housing, tribal housing, infrastructure, and preservation of existing affordable units. Opponents criticized the proposal as adding debt without enough reform and objected to the use of veterans in the measure’s messaging. The Assembly passed SB 417 on urgency and on the measure, 54-7, and sent it to the Senate. Members then adopted ACA 20, which would expand and modernize the state Rainy Day Fund by increasing its cap and changing deposit rules; it passed 54-8 and was transmitted to the Senate. The Assembly also approved SB 623, a transportation-related bill addressing rideshare safety and medical lien practices. Supporters said it would curb abusive billing, restrict attorney conflicts and kickbacks, require stronger background checks for TNC drivers, and allow women riders and drivers to request women-only matches. The measure passed unanimously, 67-0. Later, the House adopted ACA 21, which removes ACA 13 from the November ballot, by 62-0, and ACA 22, which amends a ballot measure affecting taxation and local fiscal resources, by 64-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dorothy Viola Calvin, followed by announcements, recesses, and final adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment, so. amendment, so.
• <00:14:58.959> Um hearing this amendment. Um hearing this amendment.
• you accept amendment.
• ask that you accept amendment. ask that you accept amendment.
• amendment, say I. amendment, say I. I. I. I.

Bills: HF4062, HF4063, HF4065, HF3926, HF4216, HF3176, HF3728, HF3988, HF3865

Keywords: vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't intended to have this ad hoc amendments on a county level.
• <00:42:43.359> that<00:42:43.559> are specific um amendments that are specific um amendments
• what it would require with the proposed amendments.
• <01:41:43.360> right about um the proposed amendments right about um the proposed amendments
• <02:35:28.439> will style one of those Tech amendments will style one of those Tech amendments

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion here is do pass as amended to Appropriations.
• Just to confirm, so the amendments, there are, I think, author amendments? Are your amendments?
• Are your amendments? Yes, yes, we are taking them.
• And that's reflected in the amendments here.
• The committee amendments further that goal.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We oppose unless amended.
• And if I can just take five seconds, given the amendments that are being adopted today, those amendments
• We were in opposed-the-last-amended position, but with the new amendments we are now moving to neutral
• I am happy to accept the committee amendments.
• of this, or are they committee amendments?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a series of housing-related bills, with testimony largely focused on streamlining housing production, preserving affordable housing, and improving homelessness responses. AB 1892 clarified HOA repair and election notice rules; AB 1708 sought to give smaller cities a more meaningful role in allocating Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HAP) funds; AB 2058 aimed to reduce duplicative local inspection and permitting barriers for factory-built housing; AB 2576 clarified that historic resources protected under SB 79 include local, state, and national designations; and AB 1751 would expand ministerial approval for qualifying townhome projects to support missing-middle homeownership. Later bills included AB 1924, creating a statewide homelessness prevention strategy; AB 2626, allowing HCD to waive certain monitoring fees for at-risk affordable housing developments; and AB 2089, modernizing welfare exemption recertification and tax filing procedures for affordable housing providers. Supporters across the bills included city officials, housing nonprofits, builders, and advocacy groups, who generally argued the measures would reduce costs, speed approvals, preserve existing housing, or better target homelessness resources. Opposition or concerns were more limited and usually focused on administrative burden, local control, or the need for clearer definitions and safeguards, especially for factory-built housing, townhome approvals, and historic preservation. Several committee members emphasized the need for accountability, data, and balance between housing production and local infrastructure or preservation concerns. The committee took action on multiple measures. AB 1751 passed the committee on an 8-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1924 passed on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2626 also passed on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2089 passed on a 6-0 vote to the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation. Other bills were discussed with committee amendments or were held pending quorum or later action, and several authors were invited to continue working with committee members and stakeholders on remaining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation is to pass with amendments. amendments. amendments.
• amendments. Are there any reservations? amendments. Are there any reservations?
• Recommendation is to pass with amendments. Are there any reservations? amendments.
• amendments. Are there any reservations? amendments. Are there any reservations?
• amendments. Are there any reservations? amendments. Are there any reservations?

Bills: SB2543, SB2014, SB2115, SB3095, SB3264, SB2114, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3131, SB3144

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• So on page two, lines 4 to 6, uh, we're going to consider amending—actually, we're going to amend for
• Any technical amendments?
• <00:17:37.520> Vice with amendments. Chair votes I. Vice with amendments. Chair votes I.
• 2032 is to pass with amendments. Chair 2032 is to pass with amendments.
• this measure out uh with amendments. this measure out uh with amendments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote. The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the bill is before you as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended?
• Second, questions on the amendment, seeing none, debate on the amendment.
• Back to Questions on the bill as amended, do pass on the bill as amended from the chair.
• Questions on the bill as amended, seeing no debate on the bill as amended. En ak you was close.
• Will there be debate on the amendment?

Bills: SB1638, SB504, SB2072, SB1283, SB1216, SB1655, SB2011, SB1643, SB1446, SB1256, SB1258, SB1441, SB1224, SB1448, SB1496, SB1597, SB1621, SB1827, SB2066, SB2104

Keywords: Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, fraudulent conveyance, property rights, title theft, real estate law, law enforcement, probate procedure, agent residency, legal process, statutory language, gender neutral, SB 1216

Transcript Highlights:

• want to do the amendment? Yeah, Mr. want to do the amendment? Yeah, Mr.
• And I do have two amendments. Uh if do. And I do have two amendments.
• I do have an amendment, and I believe it is the A36 amendment.
• I think it amendment.
• vote for the A35 amendment. vote for the A35 amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for-hire vehicles or accessible vehicles, and to amend Chapter 438 of the Laws of 2023 amending the
• An act to amend. Third bill in the agenda, Senate Print 634B by Senator Lou.
• Any amendments without rec? The bill will be referred to the Finance Committee.
• An act to amend the Insurance Law in relation to licensing of independent adjusters.
• An act to amend the Insurance Law in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on February 9, 2026, with several members present and voting sheets used to constitute a quorum. The committee considered a nine-bill agenda covering a range of insurance-related issues, including risk retention groups and commuter vans, prescription drug supply chain transparency and PBM regulation, diabetes and pre-diabetes screening coverage, prescription drug rebates passed through at point of sale, state assistance for local fire code enforcement, independent adjuster licensing, homeowner natural disaster preparedness courses, and insurance reimbursement for vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement. Most of the bills were moved without substantive debate and were reported from committee, with Senator Helming frequently recorded as “without rec.” Senate Print 3212, relating to state assistance for local enforcement of fire prevention and building codes, was moved but referred to the Finance Committee rather than reported. Senate Print 5049, sponsored by Senator Bailey, was described as broadly supported by industry and the Department of Financial Services and was reported. The vaccination reimbursement bills, Senate Print 5852 and Senate Print 334, were also reported, as were the remaining measures on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we did about our amendment.
• If the person general's amendment.
• Noting all members with amendments.
• amendments as well as a defective date. amendments as well as a defective date.
• amendments. Noting all members present. amendments. Noting all members present.

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be accepting the committee amendments.
• All of the amendments make sense, and I'm accepting them as author's amendments.
• I want to start by accepting the committee amendments on SB 391.
• I want to start by accepting the committee amendments on SB 391.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Education Committee.

Summary: The committee heard several higher education bills. It first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 67 and SB 619. The main discussion centered on SB 437, which would direct the CSU system to develop a fair, evidence-based process for verifying whether someone is a descendant of a person enslaved in the United States, as part of the state’s reparations work. Supporters said the bill fills a gap left by the Reparations Task Force and would create a transparent, credible lineage-verification process; opponents argued genealogy methods already exist, the bill would waste money and delay action, and some raised constitutional concerns. The committee took a vote on SB 437, but the roll was left open after the initial tally showed three ayes and three noes. The committee then heard SB 790, which would allow California to join the interstate reciprocity agreement for online postsecondary education. The author and supporters said the bill would improve consumer protections for California students taking out-of-state online courses and help California institutions compete more effectively by reducing the burden of seeking separate state approvals. Opponents, including University of Phoenix and other groups, argued the bill conflicted with the existing reciprocity framework, could exclude some institutions, and might not actually secure California’s entry into the agreement. The committee voted 3-1 to pass SB 790 as amended to the Business and Professions Committee, with the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 391, which would authorize the Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge fees for research partners seeking access to data. Supporters said the office is absorbing significant unfunded workload from data requests and that fees would help recover costs; opponents, including the California Teachers Association community college association, warned the fees could create barriers for faculty and smaller researchers. Members discussed possible exemptions and implementation details. The committee voted 5-1 to pass SB 391 as amended to the Appropriations Committee, with the roll left open. Finally, the committee heard SB 685, a pilot program to provide cost-of-attendance assistance at four CSU campuses for students who experienced homelessness in high school. Supporters said it would help students cover housing, food, and transportation costs and reduce dropout risk; members asked about eligibility and implementation, and the author explained the bill would use McKinney-Vento homelessness designations and target students at risk of “summer melt” and college homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• . amendment to house uh to house file amendment to house uh to house file 2300.<00:01:06.880> The<
• amendments on Thursday. amendments on Thursday.
• deadline for amendments. deadline for amendments.
• A25-61DE amendment and the spreadsheet. A25-61DE amendment and the spreadsheet.
• It amends the house file 2781.

Bills: HF2300

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Walsh of Peabody offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
• The amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on passing the bill to be engrossed as amended.
• Walsh of Peabody offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Wellesley High School girls’ swim team leading the Pledge of Allegiance and being formally recognized for winning its sixth Division Two State Swim and Diving Championship. The chamber also received a resignation letter from Representative Natalie M. Blais of the First Franklin District, effective January 19, 2026, which was placed on file. The House then acted on several procedural and local matters. It adopted committee reports extending reporting deadlines for the Education and Public Service committees to March 18, 2026, and advanced three bills to third reading: a Boston Police age-waiver bill for Louis Cabral and sick leave bank bills for Marnie Jean Goldstein and William Blaylock. The House also passed to enactment charter amendments for Provincetown and Greenfield, concurred in a Senate amendment to a Wellesley land-conveyance bill, and engrossed bills concerning the Dalton Fire District Board of Water Commissioners and Milton alcohol licensing. On House No. 4717, relating to the annual town meeting for Orange, the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Walsh and then passed the bill as amended. Later, on House No. 1110 concerning subprime loans, the House adopted an amendment discharging the bill from the Bills in the Third Reading committee and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also adopted a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Salvatore Semino and adjourned to meet Tuesday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will move the DE1 amendment. All right. Chair Schomacker, would you like to speak on the DE?
• And then, Madam Chair, I'd like to move the DE1 as amended. All right.
• And House File 2434 as amended is re-referred to Ways and Means.
• motion that House File 2434 as amended motion that House File 2434 as amended be<00:13:18.720>
• <00:13:49.600> All 2434 as amended, please say I. I. All 2434 as amended, please say I.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. Any reservations or noes?
• amendments. Any reservations or nays? amendments. Any reservations or nays?
• , of uh's suggested amendments, of uh's suggested amendments, specifically<00:21:50.159> the
• <00:22:22.080> from<00:22:22.240> our amend this excellent resol from our amend this
• Anyone voting with amendments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education held a resolutions hearing on March 19 and heard testimony on a series of University of Hawaii-related measures. Topics included exploring an Alzheimer’s disease research center and federal funding requirements, establishing a BSN program at UH Maui, expanding student mental health services, supporting Hawaiian language resources at the Kawaihuani Center, creating a homeless student stability and housing resource program, forming a veterinary medicine expansion working group, and compiling a list of bachelor’s programs aligned with regional job needs. Testimony was generally supportive, with UH representatives often noting that several initiatives were already underway or that systemwide assessments and planning processes were in progress. For the veterinary medicine measure, UH said Windward Community College would not be the ideal location for a doctoral program, but the system would be willing to study the issue systemwide. For the Maui nursing program, UH said it had already received authorization to plan and was working through the curriculum approval process, with a goal of offering the program in fall 2026. For the student basic needs resolution, UH said a systemwide assessment covered all campuses and islands, with a report expected in summer or fall. In decision making, the committee recommended passage of HCR 31/HR 30, HCR 73/HR 66, HCR 96/HR 92, and HCR 97/HR 93 as is, and all were adopted without objection. HCR 124/HR 120 and HCR 125/HR 121 were passed with amendments, including a technical amendment and a request to send a certified copy to the Kawaihuani Center director. HCR 195/HR 188 was passed with amendments to add a UH Hilo representative to the veterinary working group, and HCR 196/HR 189 was passed with amendments to include UH and HMC in the list of schools developing job-aligned bachelor’s program lists and to incorporate HMSO style changes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I DO HAVE AN AMENDMENT IF WE CAN DO THAT. >> Chair Martin: GO AHEAD AND TAKE UP THE AMENDMENT. 323662
• THE AMENDMENT CLARIFIES KEY CHANGES IN THE AMENDMENT FOR GRAMMAR, FORMATTING, CORRECTIONS, STANDARDIZATION
• THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED.
• THAT IS THE AMENDMENT. >> Vice Chair Martin: ANY APPEARANCE FORMS ON THE AMENDMENT?
• AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED, QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um if we could I would move the A3 amendment. Senator Maye Quade moves the A3 amendment.
• amended is referred to Commerce. amended is referred to Commerce.
• Chair, I do have the A1 amendment. Senator Gustafson moves the A1 amendment.
• Chair, I'd like to move the A3 amendment to the amended or to the A1 amendment of 4745.
• . amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• really difficult and we would like amend really difficult and we would like amend it<00:20:38.559
• amendments. Noting all members present. amendments. Noting all members present.
• amendments. Noting all members present. amendments. Noting all members present.
• <01:41:33.040> amend defecting the date and um amending amend defecting the date and um amending
• Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. Amendments. All members present.

Bills: HB1546

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Twice amended. Senator Wilson, twice amended, yes. Mr.
• Constitution, First Amendment, for example. U.S. Constitution, First Amendment, for example.
• We do have a floor amendment.
• You move the amendment first.
• That amendment, which is called the Blaine Amendment across the United States, was adopted by more than

Keywords: 996, all