Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Marisha Palma Elmore and I'm the Hawaii Marisha Palma Elmore and I'm the Hawaii executive<00:32:
• </c><00:32:48.760><c> and</c> work Hawaii and work Hawaii and support<00:32:50.880><c> not</c> support
• I’m the current chair of the Hawaii Medical Board and a practicing physician in the state of Hawaii.
• </c> hired with a permit from the Hawaii hired with a permit from the Hawaii teacher<00:53:49.280><c>
• </c> they move from the continent to Hawaii they move from the continent to Hawaii we<01:00:24.400><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lichtenberg and others in the PUC explained. Now, 70% of Californians are wireless only.
• While we are part of the PUC, we are statutorily independent in order to represent the public in our
• And it is stated as such by the PUC itself in its public decision more than a decade ago.
• Our proposal in the PUC proceeding about reforming Kohler is optional.
• I'm with the California-Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii Farm Bureau with comments. Hawaii Farm Bureau with comments.
• We have the Hawaii Supreme at the PUC.
• Hawaii<00:25:05.360><c> Automotive</c><00:25:06.720><c> Hawaii</c><00:25:07.279><c> Automobile</c> Hawaii
• Automotive Hawaii Automobile Hawaii Automotive Hawaii Automobile Dealers<00:25:08.480><c> Association
• </c> &gt;&gt; Hawaii Bicycling League in support. &gt;&gt; Hawaii Bicycling League in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of case that already happened in Hawaii of case that already happened in Hawaii regarding<00:58:
• Hawaii Department of Transportation Hawaii Department of Transportation needs<02:00:02.719><c> to</c
• </c> The executive director of the Hawaii The executive director of the Hawaii Teacher<02:05:51.199><
• </c><02:11:41.920><c> the</c><02:11:42.159><c> Hawaii</c> this position with the Hawaii the Hawaii this
• </c> when Hawaiians thrive, Hawaii thrives. when Hawaiians thrive, Hawaii thrives.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tanisha Aaron from the California Hawaii NAACP in strong support. Yolanda Benson representing U.S.
• With these latest amends, which place this process firmly within the authority of the PUC and triple
• Communication Workers of America, District 9, which is the headquarters for California, Nevada, and Hawaii

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did the PUC ask for this? >> Absolutely not. Thank you, Waters. Um, and thank you, Senator.
• </c><00:17:20.079><c> Did</c><00:17:20.319><c> the</c><00:17:20.559><c> PUC</c><00:17:21.280><c> ask<
• Did the PUC ask for &gt;&gt; And one more second.
• Did the PUC ask for &gt;&gt; Absolutely<00:17:22.319><c> not.
• The New Hampshire California and Hawaii.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lichtenberg and others in the PUC had explained. Now, 70% of Californians are wireless only.
• While we are part of the PUC, we are statutorily independent in order to represent the public and our
• And it is stated as such by the PUC itself in its public decision more than a decade ago.
• Our proposal in the PUC proceeding about reforming COLR is optional.
• I'm with the California-Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition. CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist. In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first we'll begin with Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
• HHFDC's mission is to advance housing opportunities for residents of Hawaii, and this includes providing
• The Hawaii Public Housing Authority traditionally has supported households at 50% AMI and below through
• University of Hawaii was going to put up, and I think they did.
• make it clear University of Hawaii was make it clear University of Hawaii was going<01:25:31.440><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this was the bill I laid out that requires electric utilities to file mitigation plans with the PUC
• measure, as, uh, Chairman Metcalf mentioned, um, is an expansion of an existing program, uh, at the PUC
• Uh, which helps with their financial health and, um, as stated previously, the PUC would have oversight

Bills: HB 246, HB 796, HB 1056, HB 1544, HB 1846, HB 2001, HB 2618, HB 2625, HB 2869, HB 2898, HB 3069, HB 3114, HB 3157, HB 3228, HJR 98

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the Railroad Commission, to conduct inspections under both the National Electric Code and PUC
• The Railroad Commission reports that PUC rules include more requirements for operators. than the NEC,
• It's something from either PUC or Railroad Commission dynamics that's caused that change.
• Because you're out there, you're going to do some things on behalf of PUC as the...
• On behalf of PUC is just that line back to that one pole.

Bills: SB410, SB795, SB2510, SB728, SB2689, HB143, HB143

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund

Bills: HR213, SB2607, SB2043, SB2396, SB2835

Keywords: Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna

Bills: HR213, SB2607, SB2043, SB2396, SB2835

Keywords: Hawaiian Council, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian, Native Hawaiian community, Native Hawaiian advocacy, recognition resolution, ceremonial resolution, nonprofit, community development, economic development, cultural preservation, self-sufficiency, housing counseling, community development financial institution, CDFI, small business accelerator, trades academy, tourism, regenerative tourism, iwi kūpuna

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPUShzPUs6Q, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Agenda: The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 12:30 p.m. Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director 1:30 p.m. Department of Defense General Kenneth Hara, Adjutant General, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what the PUC ruled on and that's what the PUC decided in favor of.
• That is what the PUC ruled on and that's what the PUC decided in favor of.
• That is what the PUC ruled on and that's what the PUC decided in favor of.
• That is what the PUC ruled on and that's what the PUC decided in favor of.
• That is what the PUC ruled on and that's what the PUC decided in favor of.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:52.440><c> good</c> the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii good the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii good
• up</c><00:34:43.480><c> Tom</c><00:34:43.839><c> Macha</c> Hawaii thank you next up Tom Macha Hawaii
• </c> testifying for tax Foundation of Hawaii testifying for tax Foundation of Hawaii on on on Zoom<00
• Um, Wy Han, president and CEO, Hawaii Tourism, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, in support.
• </c><00:59:39.400><c> tourism</c><00:59:40.200><c> Hawaii</c> president CEO Hawaii tourism Hawaii president

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii shares a deep historical and cultural connection with Ilocos Norte.
• Members, please join me in giving them a warm welcome to your Hawaii House of Representatives. the Hawaii
• </c> cousin is the chair of the Hawaii cousin is the chair of the Hawaii correctional<01:09:42.960><c
• </c> the oversight coordinator for the Hawaii the oversight coordinator for the Hawaii correctional<01
• </c><01:09:50.359><c> correctional</c> and authorizes the Hawaii correctional and authorizes the Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the PUC calls the utility company and says...
• and the PUC would notify the utility.
• PUC to approve, modify, or reject a plan within 180 days.
• So when they fail, the PUCs...
• TPPA supports utilities filing these plans with the PUC, and we would support the PUC enforcing minimum

Bills: HB 13, HB143, HB144, HB145, HB366, HB470, HB805, HB912, HB13, HB143, HB144, HB145

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Bills: SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2986, SB2991, SB3001, SB3010, SB3014, SB3032, SB3033

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, criminal offense, natural resources, tree protection, state property, environment, land use, boundary amendment, administrative fines, Land Use Commission, infrastructure compliance, highway safety, driver's license, administrative revocation, alcohol-related offenses

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements. The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures. Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• But what the other agencies, PUC and others, you know, we're trying to figure out how many FTEs were
• There's a role for the PUC, for ERCOT, and TCEQ.
• I would note that today, this could be implemented at the PUC.
• They start building infrastructure, and it may take a year for the PUC rate case to happen.
• The PUC has an interim rates mechanism. Presently, it is discretionary and not often used.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure, as Chairman Metcalf mentioned, is an expansion of an existing program. at the PUC that
• As stated previously, the PUC would have oversight to determine whether it's in the best interest of
• We do have resource witnesses from the PUC here. Nope, okay.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information