Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:40.879><c> and</c><00:02:41.040><c> out</c><00:02:41.200><c> of</c><00:02:41.360><c> state</c>
• I'll be available<00:02:45.920><c> for</c><00:02:46.160><c> any</c><00:02:46.640><c> uh</c><00:02:46.800
• Thank you.<00:02:48.879><c> Next</c><00:02:49.200><c> we</c><00:02:49.360><c> have</c><00:02:49.519><
• <00:02:54.800><c> Next</c><00:02:55.120><c> we</c><00:02:55.280><c> have</c><00:02:55.440><c> Kerianne
• </c><00:02:58.080><c> Kianne,</c><00:02:58.640><c> are</c><00:02:58.800><c> you</c><00:02:58.959><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I<01:02:06.760><c> I</c><01:02:07.680><c> I</c><01:02:07.760><c> like</c><01:02:08.120><c> the</c
• <01:02:10.960><c> out</c><01:02:11.080><c> a</c><01:02:11.160><c> grant</c><01:02:11.520><c> program.
• 02:18.200><c> of</c><01:02:18.280><c> the</c><01:02:18.360><c> students</c><01:02:18.680><c> eligible
• That some<01:02:21.960><c> of</c><01:02:22.040><c> that</c><01:02:22.240><c> is</c><01:02:22.320><c>
• :02:23.600><c> I</c><01:02:23.680><c> get</c><01:02:23.880><c> it.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I<00:02:04.079><c> decided</c><00:02:04.479><c> today</c><00:02:05.280><c> I</c><00:02:05.520><c
• stand up and speak<00:02:09.520><c> on</c><00:02:09.840><c> behalf</c><00:02:10.080><c> of</c><00:02
• <00:02:28.239><c> me</c><00:02:28.400><c> about</c><00:02:28.640><c> this,</c><00:02:29.440><c> they<
• And we know what<00:02:34.239><c> people</c><00:02:34.720><c> need</c><00:02:35.280><c> in</c><00:02:
• </c> But<00:02:42.720><c> I</c><00:02:42.959><c> can't</c><00:02:43.200><c> answer</c><00:02:43.599><

Transcript Highlights:

• add an<01:02:01.280><c> additional</c><01:02:01.839><c> revenue</c><01:02:02.480><c> we'll</c><01:02
• :26.640><c> 133</c><01:02:27.520><c> in</c><01:02:27.760><c> the</c><01:02:27.920><c> Senate</c><01:02
• /c><01:02:34.960><c> fund</c><01:02:35.200><c> back</c><01:02:35.359><c> to</c><01:02:35.520><c> the<
• </c><01:02:36.799><c> Uh</c><01:02:37.040><c> the</c><01:02:37.280><c> house</c><01:02:37.520><c> had
• <01:02:39.280><c> we'll</c><01:02:39.520><c> get</c><01:02:39.599><c> to</c><01:02:39.760><c> that</c

Summary: The presentation was an LBA overview of Senate changes to the House-passed state budget, with Michael Kane explaining how Senate Finance updated revenue and spending estimates after April revenue figures and agency discussions. He said the Senate’s revenue outlook was higher than the House’s in some areas, but lower in others, especially video lottery terminal revenue, and that the biggest differences also came from changes to revenue splits between the general fund and education trust fund, lapse estimates, and several policy changes in House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. Kane highlighted several major revenue and policy differences: the Senate changed the business tax, tobacco tax, and real estate transfer tax splits; adjusted liquor revenue dedication; removed the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap; delayed the Lakes Region facility proceeds plan; altered the PECARD fund treatment; added a granite patron of the arts tax credit; and changed the treatment of unique funds and video lottery terminal revenue. On spending, he noted Senate changes to judicial, corrections, HHS, human rights commission, and other budgets, including additional settlement costs, higher lapse assumptions, and a different approach to Medicaid premium revenue and retirement savings. He also described Senate additions such as a nursing home bed fee, Hampstead Hospital transition funding, and changes to the YDC claims settlement fund. The presentation focused on comparing House and Senate surplus statements across fiscal years 2025 through 2027, including projected ending balances and rainy day fund transfers. Kane repeatedly emphasized that the numbers were still dependent on final revenues and lapse amounts, and that some balances would be carried forward and trued up later in the biennium. No committee vote or final action was described in the excerpt; it was an informational budget briefing and comparison of the two chambers’ proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:07.920><c> We</c><01:02:08.160><c> test</c><01:02:08.319><c> them</c><01:02:08.960><c> off
• similar provision in their already has a similar provision in their homeschool<02:13:03.199><c> statutes
• </c><02:13:04.239><c> Please</c><02:13:04.560><c> check</c><02:13:04.880><c> out</c> homeschool statutes
• Um<02:38:56.880><c> it</c><02:38:57.120><c> is</c><02:38:57.280><c> the</c><02:38:57.600><c> I</c><02
• <02:41:02.880><c> if</c><02:41:03.200><c> we</c><02:41:03.520><c> have</c><02:41:03.920><c> a</c><02:

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 340B program is vital for community health centers and is required by federal statute to reinvest
• The 340B program is vital for community health centers and is required by federal statute to reinvest
• They're reinvested into patient care and into the clinics as required by federal statute.
• We do have some idea because Minnesota, which aggregated certain data from covered entities within that
• We do have some idea because Minnesota, which aggregated certain data from covered entities within that

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• By statute, and frankly in accordance with our Constitution, our negotiator must report to Congress,
• I agree with you exactly that the statute directs me to report directly to the President and to you.
• With respect to trade authorities in the United States government, you know, my statute is the statute
• workers, Minnesota farmers, and American producers.
• A big deal in Minnesota. Then here comes President Trump.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The department<00:02:24.959><c> stands</c><00:02:25.280><c> on</c><00:02:25.440><c> its</c><00:02:25.599
• ><c> and</c><00:02:26.480><c> we're</c><00:02:26.640><c> available</c><00:02:26.959><c> to</c><00:02:
• Next, we have Johnny<00:02:31.680><c> May</c><00:02:32.080><c> Perry</c><00:02:33.360><c> um</c><00:02
• support and<00:02:35.680><c> those</c><00:02:35.920><c> are</c><00:02:36.160><c> the</c><00:02:36.400
• </c><00:02:54.480><c> Um,</c><00:02:55.040><c> and</c><00:02:55.920><c> wishing</c><00:02:56.239><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:02:04.240><c> I</c><00:02:04.560><c> would</c><00:02:04.640><c> like</c><00:02:04.799><c> to</c
• ><00:02:04.960><c> see</c><00:02:05.040><c> it</c><00:02:05.280><c> get</c><00:02:05.520><c> closer</
• to $5,000<00:02:07.439><c> as</c><00:02:07.759><c> most</c><00:02:08.000><c> of</c><00:02:08.080><c>
• </c><00:02:12.000><c> Um,</c><00:02:13.040><c> and</c><00:02:13.360><c> so</c><00:02:13.840><c> what<
• :02:15.599><c> this</c><00:02:15.920><c> will</c><00:02:16.160><c> allow</c><00:02:16.720><c> us</c><

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that we approve docket number 02-0606-2501.
• or excuse me, 02-0609-2502.
• Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds, Docket 02-0609-2502, the temporary, as well as 02-0609-2503, the
• Chair, I move to adopt the temporary rule docket 02-0609-2503.
• Motion to approve docket number 02-0609-2503. Do you approve docket number 02-0609-2503?

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• c> in</c><01:02:07.359><c> a</c><01:02:07.520><c> way</c><01:02:07.599><c> that</c><01:02:08.319><c>
• having to schedule<01:02:11.520><c> 5</c><01:02:11.839><c> years</c><01:02:12.079><c> out</c><01:02:
• I recognize that it's<01:02:20.000><c> got</c><01:02:20.160><c> a</c><01:02:20.400><c> hard</c><01:02
• :20.559><c> hill</c><01:02:20.799><c> to</c><01:02:20.960><c> climb</c><01:02:21.440><c> in</c><01:02
• a worthwhile<01:02:29.920><c> protest</c><01:02:30.880><c> based</c><01:02:31.200><c> off</c><01:02:

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy. Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk. Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:33.519><c> and</c><00:02:34.319><c> it</c><00:02:34.800><c> lays</c><00:02:35.040><c> out<
• c><00:02:42.080><c> out</c><00:02:42.239><c> how</c><00:02:42.400><c> it</c><00:02:42.640><c> can</c>
• Senator<00:02:51.519><c> Deleno</c><00:02:52.080><c> recognize</c><00:02:52.480><c> you</c><00:02:52.640
• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:02:53.680><c> I'd</c><00:02:53.920><c> like</c><00:02:54.080><c> to</c><00:02:54.160
• </c><00:02:56.959><c> The</c><00:02:57.120><c> motion's</c><00:02:57.440><c> been</c><00:02:57.599><c

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:13.000><c> its</c><01:02:13.120><c> first</c><01:02:13.400><c> reading</c><01:02:13.640><c
• 13.840><c> returned</c><01:02:14.240><c> to</c><01:02:14.320><c> the</c><01:02:14.480><c> Committee</
• ,<01:02:15.480><c> Military</c><01:02:15.880><c> Affairs</c><01:02:16.520><c> and</c><01:02:16.720><c
• &gt;&gt; That<01:02:18.560><c> objection,</c><01:02:19.000><c> so</c><01:02:19.200><c> ordered.
• &gt;&gt; House<01:02:22.520><c> Bill</c><01:02:22.720><c> 767,</c><01:02:23.760><c> Representative</c

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:28.080><c> Uh</c><00:02:28.200><c> two</c><00:02:28.400><c> of</c><00:02:28.520><c> the</c
• </c><00:02:30.520><c> in</c><00:02:30.680><c> a</c><00:02:30.720><c> bit,</c><00:02:31.640><c> but</c
• I</c><00:02:32.800><c> want</c><00:02:33.280><c> to</c><00:02:33.400><c> introduce</c><00:02:34.080>
• 42.720><c> being</c><00:02:43.040><c> here</c><00:02:43.280><c> at</c><00:02:43.400><c> our</c><00:02
• Well,<00:02:50.520><c> we</c><00:02:50.920><c> now</c><00:02:51.440><c> will</c><00:02:51.600><c> move

Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:00.720><c> on</c><01:02:00.960><c> that</c><01:02:02.079><c> is</c><01:02:03.359><c> whether</c>
• But<01:02:26.000><c> the</c><01:02:26.160><c> parent</c><01:02:26.480><c> company</c><01:02:26.799><c
• :02:28.960><c> those</c><01:02:30.400><c> uh</c><01:02:31.200><c> losses</c><01:02:32.000><c> are</c>
• <01:02:33.359><c> on</c><01:02:33.520><c> the</c><01:02:33.680><c> books</c><01:02:34.480><c> and</c>
• </c><01:02:39.599><c> Those</c><01:02:39.920><c> losses</c><01:02:40.319><c> can</c><01:02:40.559><c>

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:17.400><c> Um</c><01:02:18.400><c> the</c><01:02:19.200><c> department</c><01:02:19.599><c
• ><c> what</c><01:02:22.480><c> if</c><01:02:22.720><c> any</c><01:02:23.040><c> cost</c><01:02:23.359
• </c><01:02:25.119><c> Um</c><01:02:25.440><c> there</c><01:02:25.680><c> has</c><01:02:25.920><c> been
• ><c> large</c><01:02:31.040><c> part</c><01:02:31.359><c> to</c><01:02:31.760><c> the</c><01:02:32.160
• 02:50.958><c> I</c><06:02:51.280><c> just</c><06:02:51.440><c> want</c><06:02:51.600><c> to</c><06:02

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 66, a right-to-know measure that would broaden access from “citizen” to “person,” including out-of-state requesters. Members also adopted an amendment removing the current no-filing-fee provision for appeals of unfavorable right-to-know ombudsman rulings, citing budget concerns. The bill was then reported ought to pass as amended on a 16-9 vote, with a minority report requested. House Bill 187, which would let a parent or guardian seek a protective order on behalf of a minor alleging abuse by someone outside the family or household, was described as a narrow fix with little fiscal impact. It passed unanimously, 25-0, and was placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a report on potential harms and benefits, was retained because its policy had been folded into House Bill 2; the committee voted 25-0 to retain it. House Bill 219, dealing with renewable portfolio standard changes and lower renewable energy certificate values, drew opposition from members who said it would weaken renewable energy development and raise concerns about energy costs, but the motion to retain was adopted 14-11, allowing the bill to be moved into House Bill 2. The committee then retained House Bills 365, 552, 566, 572, 607, 611, and 624, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, generally because the relevant policy or funding had been incorporated into House Bill 2 or because the bills were viewed as technical or low-impact. HB 566 was described as a landfill leach-management bill with a fiscal note under $10,000 annually and was sent to consent. HB 572 and HB 607 were retained because their money components were moved into HB 2, though one member objected that HB 607 represented an unfunded mandate for the Hampton Beach Area Commission. House Bill 511, concerning ICE detainers and county detention practices, generated the most debate. Supporters said the amendment clarified how long counties may hold detainees without a federal contract and compared the detention period to existing bail rules; opponents argued the bill could sanction detention of people not charged with crimes and raised due-process concerns. The committee adopted the amendment 14-11 and then reported the bill ought to pass as amended on another 14-11 vote, with a minority report requested. House Bill 639, involving securities and digital currency issues, was also reported ought to pass after members noted unresolved concerns but said the Secretary of State’s Securities Division was willing to continue working on it in the other body; the vote was 16-10.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:27.760><c> to</c><02:02:27.920><c> foreign</c><02:02:28.320><c> transactions</c><02:02:29.160><c>
• </c><02:02:33.520><c> Is</c><02:02:33.560><c> that</c><02:02:33.640><c> all</c><02:02:33.720><c> you<
• Time<02:02:36.000><c> has</c><02:02:36.080><c> expired.
• Next order<02:02:39.160><c> of</c><02:02:39.240><c> business</c><02:02:39.520><c> is</c><02:02:39.600
• :02:59.000><c> and</c><02:02:59.160><c> the</c><02:02:59.240><c> Rules</c><02:02:59.560><c> Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Statutes, by the Division<00:36:31.359><c> of</c><00:36:31.440><c> Insurance.
• The eyes have it, and the Senate will The eyes have it, and the Senate will adjourn<01:02:12.840><c>
• until</c><01:02:13.480><c> 9:00</c><01:02:13.840><c> a.m.
• </c><01:02:14.440><c> on</c><01:02:15.160><c> Friday,</c><01:02:15.560><c> March</c> adjourn until 9:
• 00 a.m. on Friday, March adjourn until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27th,<01:02:16.520><c> 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.880><c> the</c><01:02:55.119><c> FBI</c><01:02:55.599><c> criminal</c><01:02:55.920><c> justice</
• ><c> law</c><01:02:57.200><c> unit,</c><01:02:57.599><c> which</c><01:02:57.839><c> is</c><01:02:58.000
• :58.559><c> as</c><01:02:58.720><c> siloo,</c><01:02:59.920><c> must</c><01:03:00.240><c> review</c><
• </c> state statute and grants the authority. state statute and grants the authority.
• </c> until the statute is changed. Thank you. until the statute is changed. Thank you.

Bills: SB2275 , SB2390 , SB2540 , SB3142 , SB2414 , SB2340 , SB2848

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:16.639><c> with</c><02:02:16.800><c> the</c><02:02:16.960><c> IDA</c><02:02:17.440><c> law,</c><02
• So, if you're<02:02:20.080><c> going</c><02:02:20.159><c> to</c><02:02:20.239><c> move</c><02:02:20.400
• 02:24.080><c> IDA,</c><02:02:25.199><c> um</c><02:02:25.760><c> uh</c><02:02:26.000><c> is</c><02:02:
• </c><02:02:29.520><c> Any</c><02:02:29.840><c> questions?
• </c><02:02:31.840><c> Appreciate</c><02:02:32.239><c> it.

Committee: Senate Education Finance