Video & Transcript : 'emergency operation zone' :

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:52 am

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I appreciate that, and I'm sure you all do that at your own section where you operate on behalf of
  • million annually to infrastructure and outdoor activity and capital projects, 4-H and outdoor retail operations
  • Speaker and gentlelady, that oftentimes the practice could be that when we have an emergency or when
  • Those rules will require them to look at emergency room visits, maybe family interviews, or even individuals
  • Because otherwise they can't find their way into the end zone.
Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Committee, February 13, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • existing statute without something in the record to suggest that that really is problematic in the operation
  • </c><00:32:42.799><c> of</c><00:32:43.039><c> our</c> problematic in in the operation of our problematic
  • in in the operation of our system<00:32:43.760><c> or</c><00:32:45.039><c> uh</c> system or uh system
  • While politics are always shifting, libraries remain in the neutral zone, providing materials that represent
  • While politics are always shifting, libraries remain in the neutral zone, providing materials that represent
Bills: HB0066 , HJ0005 , HB0010
Committee: House Judiciary
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Mar 2nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the supplemental project update report found that there were ridership and operating revenue benefits
  • To see something operating, something generating money likely, or some guarantee that they're going to
  • from past operational reviews.
  • One is I'm just going to talk about the operational review first, and you've got a one-pager in front
  • Yeah, on that, um, that operational review of procurements, we looked at 28 different individuals that
Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee held an oversight hearing on California High-Speed Rail, focusing on the authority’s supplemental project update report and the newly released 2026 draft business plan. Committee leaders emphasized transparency, the project’s funding challenges, and the need for clear answers on costs, schedule, and scope. The High-Speed Rail Authority said the project has made major progress in the Central Valley, including substantial construction completion, right-of-way acquisition, and railhead development, and highlighted over $14 billion in savings from a rebased project plan, plus an additional $2 billion in savings in the draft business plan. The authority also said it expects to begin laying track by the end of the year and continues to pursue private-sector partnerships and clean-energy opportunities. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Inspector General both raised concerns about whether the current funding plan is sufficient and whether the authority has clearly identified the timing of future expenditures versus revenues. The LAO said the project likely still faces a funding gap for Merced-to-Bakersfield once financing costs and the loss of $4 billion in federal funds are considered, and warned that cap-and-invest revenues are volatile and may not be well suited for borrowing without additional safeguards. The Inspector General said the authority still has not provided a precise funding plan, estimated the project is about two years away from lacking funds on hand to stay on schedule, and urged lawmakers to focus on financing costs, procurement timing, schedule risks, and distinguishing true cost cuts from scope changes. Members questioned the authority about proposed statutory changes, including CEQA and permitting streamlining, court resources, third-party process changes, sales tax exemptions on materials, and expanded land-use/value-capture tools. They also pressed the authority on the loss of federal funds, the withdrawal of litigation over those funds, and whether the project’s revised savings depend on moving station locations away from downtown Merced and Bakersfield and on other scope changes such as more single-tracking and blended operations south of Palmdale. The authority said it is still committed to Merced-to-Bakersfield, believes the business plan shows a path to completion with sufficient funding, and will work with the Legislature on any needed changes before the final plan is submitted.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Mar 2nd, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the supplemental project update report found that there were ridership and operating revenue benefits
  • The private sector is going to want to see something operating, something generating money likely, or
  • from past operational reviews.
  • One is I'm just going to talk about the operational review first, and you've got a one-pager in front
  • Yeah, on that, um, that operational review of procurements, we looked at 28 different individuals that
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 25th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will immediately go at ease for consideration of amendments to the operating budget.
  • This is the city of Lacey asking the state to pick up the tab for operations for all their classes.
  • And the small ask is actually smaller than their building cost is for this operational expense.
  • And the small ask is actually smaller than their building cost for this operational expense.
  • on very small margins or even operating at a loss is really important for serving pregnant women.
Bills: HB2289
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 31st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so what a convenience store operator— I know a little bit about this—Jimmy and I chose not to accept
  • You know, if my percentage of sales at a convenience store as a convenience store operator is X percent
  • of SNAP... ...benefits, does it behoove that operator of that store to say to their wholesaler, 'I want
  • I don't know of a convenience store operator that does their own set... ...because I have X amount of
  • By Creighton, relating to the establishment and enforcement of school safety zones to Education K-16.
Bills: SJR37 , SJR57 , SB7 , SB8 , SB16 , SB108 , SB125 , SB207 , SB318 , SB371 , SB379 , SB396 , SB406 , SB503 , SB533 , SB565 , SB578 , SB599 , SB686 , SB689 , SB707 , SB763 , SB854 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB920 , SB924 , SB961 , SB965 , SB985 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1038 , SB1059 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1207 , SB1252 , SB1330 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1527 , SB1535 , SB1596 , SB1619 , SB1697 , SB1737 , SB1741 , SB1841 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SJR37 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB379 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR39 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • allow golf carts to traverse the side of LA 1, the old highway along the bayou, a 30-mile-an-hour zone
  • I think we need to stiffen up the fines for this type of reckless vehicle operation by having a bigger
  • I'm an owner-operator of Davis Hot Shot Transport.
  • But then we have to think of what's fair to the businesses who operate in this state, whether they're
  • You have, as an operator, an understanding of what the expectation is of the state agencies that are
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 16 and first disposed of several local bills without controversy. House Bills 590, 679, and 873 were voluntarily deferred. HB 503, allowing certain utility terrain vehicles and golf carts in Golden Meadow, was amended and reported. HB 720, clarifying tacit dedication and public access to waterways and related access points, was reported favorably. HB 856, expanding indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting authority for DOTD and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, was amended and reported. HB 487, increasing penalties for drivers who run red lights by using shoulders or turn lanes to pass stopped traffic, was amended and reported. HB 846, prohibiting obscured or covered license plates, was reported favorably. HB 733 and HB 875, both dealing with OMV reinstatement fees and lapses of insurance, were reported with amendments after discussion of audit findings and fee timing. HB 707, moving liquefied petroleum gas commission functions to Agriculture, was amended and reported. HB 693, creating legislator district signs, was amended and then voluntarily deferred. HB 777, requiring a driver's license renewal knowledge exam, was amended and voluntarily deferred for further work with the department. HB 746, concerning oversized trucking permits issued by local governments, was introduced but not advanced, with the author signaling a desire to work on the issue further rather than force a vote. Several bills drew extended debate over safety, enforcement, and government overreach. HB 309, which would have penalized pedestrians for looking at cell phones while crossing crosswalks, was amended from a criminal offense to a $25 civil fine but then voluntarily deferred after members raised concerns about enforceability, tourism, free will, and whether the bill targeted the right party. HB 695, requiring permits and QR-code documentation for consensual non-commercial towing of multiple connected vehicles, was heavily questioned over how it would work in practice, whether it applied to single or multiple vehicles, and how out-of-state travelers would know about the requirement; the committee asked the author to work with OMV and State Police and voluntarily returned the bill to the calendar. HB 868, removing the farm exemption from trailer safety-chain and attachment requirements after a fatal accident involving a trailer separation, was amended and reported despite concerns from members and the Agriculture Commissioner about impacts on older farm equipment and the need to preserve flexibility for agricultural operations. The committee also heard testimony from law enforcement, the auditor’s office, the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and industry groups. Chiefs of police supported the red-light and license-plate bills as common-sense public safety measures, while the Legislative Auditor explained that the OMV fee bills were intended to align Louisiana’s reinstatement fees and grace periods more closely with other states and with audit recommendations. DOTD and the secretary supported the procurement bill as a tool to speed construction and maintenance work. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain supported the propane commission bill and urged caution on the farm trailer safety bill so that older and specialized equipment would not be unintentionally burdened.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

05/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 1172, deficiencies denial credentialing; Senate Bill 1232, signs, military compatibility permit zone
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and routine journal and communication actions, including a temporary committee replacement appointment and confirmation of Todd D. Haney to the State Board of Education. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 4001, which concerns vaping/nicotine product regulation. Members debated a committee amendment and a floor amendment offered by Senator Bolick; supporters described the bill as a first step toward regulating harmful products and keeping them away from children, while opponents argued it was too weak, lacked retail licensing and enforcement, and did not adequately protect public health. The Committee of the Whole adopted the amendments and recommended the bill do pass, and the full Senate later passed HB 4001 on a 24-0-1 vote after additional debate on the same public health and enforcement concerns. The Senate then took up several other measures on final reading. House Bills 2720, 2078, 2501, 2686, and 2574 all passed, with votes ranging from 17-7 to 26-0. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to several Senate bills, including SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1214, and SB 1478. During debate on HB 2078 and other bills, members used points of personal privilege to recognize staff and explain votes, but no additional amendments were adopted on those measures. On final readings, SB 1566, dealing with residential construction and delay enforcement, passed 17-9 despite concerns that its definition of malicious delay was too broad and could invite litigation. SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1426, and SB 1478 also passed, with some members speaking in support of homeowner protections, administrative changes, or liquor policy updates, while others opposed the liquor bill and raised public health concerns about alcohol access in border communities. The Senate concluded by announcing party caucuses and adjourning until June 1, 2026.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Taxes Committee Meeting - 2025-04-29

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • I started out at the high school, which was way out of my comfort zone.
Bills: HF1049
Committee: House Taxes
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 4/30/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> jail</c><00:33:55.600><c> facilities</c> operational realities of jail facilities operational realities
  • ,</c><00:58:37.920><c> and</c> bans the hosting, operating, and bans the hosting, operating, and advertising
  • There are markets operated by companies like Kalshi, Fanatics, Crypto.com, FanDuel, all, um, uh, operating
  • </c> And we know that most HOAs are operating And we know that most HOAs are operating uh<03:56:13.760
  • </c> December, what kicked off Operation December, what kicked off Operation Metro<04:23:14.000><c> Surge
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/12/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:27:20.039><c> Technologies</c> intelligence and emerging Technologies intelligence and emerging
  • </c><01:38:10.080><c> is</c> that's where their base of operations is that's where their base of operations
  • Certain dealers operate in different ways.
  • It's more emergency situations, no, it says reasonably believes."
  • During states of emergency, you can now bring your pet to emergency shelters.
Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/20/2026)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Drone operators are not permitted to take off or land within New Hampshire state park boundaries.
  • 19:48.799><c> designated</c><00:19:49.520><c> smoke-free</c> Park as they are designated smoke-free zones
  • Clear rules and authority help municipalities operate their industrial pre-treatment programs and give
  • rules and authority<00:38:12.000><c> help</c><00:38:12.240><c> municipalities</c><00:38:13.359><c> operate
  • </c> authority help municipalities operate authority help municipalities operate their<00:38:14.079><
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 45 Feb 25th, 2026

Idaho Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • just wanted to clarify on line 15 that this in no way prevents a local city or county from enforcing zoning
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - House Education

House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • , whether they have one and how it operates, are up to them.
  • But I also have concerns with public and zoning. Should you be in a position to be able to do so?
  • That high school is operating today, and it's not in their district.
  • That high school is operating today and it's not in their district.
  • That high school is operating today, and it's not in their district.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several school-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on governance, transparency, and accountability in school districts. House Bill 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, while allowing county superintendents to appoint a term-limited member to fill a vacancy. Supporters argued it would bring fresh ideas and prevent entrenched leadership; opponents said voters should decide. The bill received a due pass recommendation after a divided roll call. House Bill 2312 would allow certain patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for those groups in school forums. The sponsor said it was intended to promote programs such as FFA, Scouts, and similar organizations. Some members objected that it would take instructional time and was not truly permissive if access was granted to one group, and the bill nonetheless received a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2320 would require school districts to hire a registered independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and for each successful bond issue. The sponsor and supporters said this could reduce underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, while some members raised questions about costs if a bond failed and whether the bill should be narrowed; it passed with a due pass recommendation after several members voted present or no. The committee also approved House Bill 2376, which would bar districts from buying or leasing school property while a charter or private school is still operating there, and House Bill 2378, which tightens conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. Both were framed by the sponsor as responses to concerns raised in Tolleson Union-related testimony and reporting. House Bill 2379, as amended, requires school board members to complete biennial training approved by the Auditor General, to be offered by county superintendents or ADE, with counties able to contract with others; supporters called it needed training, while opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, inclusion of ASBA, and charter schools. It received a due pass recommendation. Finally, House Bill 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, preserve online access to materials, and require public approval of out-of-state travel, with reimbursement if retroactive approval is denied. Rural districts and others raised concerns about flexibility, executive-session confidentiality, and administrative burden, but the bill was discussed with amendments and public access concerns rather than a final recorded action in the excerpt.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Oman, where he supported operations Oman, where he supported operations included<00:26:45.440><c
  • </c><01:21:24.560><c> It</c> operations of the Cuban military. It operations of the Cuban military.
  • </c> from an entity operating from an entity operating against<03:08:12.399><c> our</c><03:08:12.960>
  • operating against our interest.
  • operating against our interest.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Judiciary Committee, May 12, 2026 - AM

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> How will this affect your the operations How will this affect your the operations of<00:56:32.560
  • That's how he operates.
  • That's how he operates.<03:02:26.720><c> And</c> operates. And operates.
  • Trying to compare that, uh, to those, uh, critical infrastructure zones.
  • Again, we right now are focused zones.
Committee: Joint Judiciary
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 720 allows cities to opt into a new red light camera system for high-collision zones, providing a
  • And then we see a distinct conversation between a public agency versus a private operator.
  • Some forward-facing cameras that we operate on buses.
  • The cost of operating a business or business friendliness in the case of California.
  • Because it's operating now, right? Some are operating right now, yes.
Summary: The committee heard several AI- and consumer-protection-related bills, with extensive testimony from authors, supporters, and industry opponents. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would create transparency requirements for large AI developers, including disclosure of safety and security protocols, reporting of critical safety incidents, whistleblower protections, and the CalCompute public cloud. Supporters said it is a narrower, transparency-based follow-up to last year’s vetoed AI safety bill, while opponents argued it still relies too much on company size, could expose trade secrets, and should be narrowed further. The committee approved SB 53 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify the FTC’s Cars Rule and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases, along with stronger disclosure rules on pricing, add-ons, and government affiliation claims. Supporters said it would save consumers money and time and help buyers avoid bad deals, while dealer and industry groups said amendments addressed many of their concerns. Several former opponents moved to neutral, and the committee passed SB 766 unanimously as amended to Appropriations. SB 7 by Senator McNerney would regulate automated decision-making systems in employment by requiring notice, human review for discipline and termination, and limits on predictive behavior analysis. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or overly automated workplace decisions, while employer and industry groups raised concerns about scope, notice burdens, and the predictive-analysis ban. The committee passed SB 7 to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote, with the roll held open. SB 833, also by Senator McNerney, would require human oversight of AI used in critical infrastructure, along with training and system assessments; it drew limited opposition focused on scope, and the committee passed it as amended to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote, also holding the roll open. Later, the committee took up SB 11, which would address AI-generated voice, image, and video cloning and deepfakes by clarifying likeness protections, requiring consumer warnings, and addressing misuse and evidence tampering. Supporters framed it as a targeted response to nonconsensual deepfakes, while industry groups said recent amendments improved the bill but still had concerns about penalties and warning language. The committee also heard SB 720, the Safer Streets Act, which would let cities opt into a revised red-light camera system that shifts from driver to owner liability, removes facial identification, makes violations civil rather than criminal, and directs revenue toward transportation safety projects; the author presented the bill, but the transcript ends before any final action on SB 720.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - House Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So those kinds of things about how their board meetings operate, including how the consent agenda operates
  • , whether they have one and how it operates, are up to them.
  • But I also have concerns with public and zoning. Should you be in a position to be able to do so?
  • That high school is operating today and it's not in their district.
  • That high school is operating today, and it's not in their district.
Committee: House Education
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/18/2026 #2

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 288, State Superintendent of Schools, prolong state of emergency, authority to declare, is
  • </c><00:51:17.480><c> And</c> give a prolonged state of emergency.
  • And give a prolonged state of emergency.
  • House Bill 1563, emergency room please.
  • House Bill 1113, Vehicle Laws, Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems, and Bus Stop Zones.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • considered part of the urban area because I don't know why I always think of it: if it's part of an urban zone
  • it's part of always think of the if if it's part of an<00:53:08.240><c> urban</c><00:53:08.480><c> zone
  • now</c><00:53:09.280><c> suddenly</c><00:53:09.680><c> the</c><00:53:09.920><c> value</c> an urban zone
  • now suddenly the value an urban zone now suddenly the value goes<00:53:10.400><c> up</c><00:53:10.640
Committee: House Water & Land
Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.