Video & Transcript : 'outdoor gear' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Together, we've uplifted this priority of helping all Californians get outdoors and recognizing not all
- The program was launched under the California Outdoors for All initiative as a third The program was
- launched under the California Outdoors for All initiative as a three-year pilot in 2021 and 2022, and
- Time spent outdoors and in nature is crucial for both mental and physical health and well-being.
- education and outdoor access program.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy convened for its first hearing and heard an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Natural Resources Agency. The LAO emphasized California’s strong current revenues but warned of a structural budget problem, projected out-year deficits, and the need for a high bar on new spending. It generally supported the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plan as reasonable and consistent with bond requirements, while urging legislative oversight and caution about using special funds and adding ongoing commitments. Secretary Wade Crowfoot responded with an overview of climate, wildfire, water, coastal, and conservation challenges and highlighted progress under the Newsom administration, including clean energy growth, wildfire resilience investments, land conservation, tribal co-management, and outdoor access initiatives. He also discussed federal staffing cuts affecting California’s response capacity and said the state has had to fill gaps in flood forecasting, land management, and park access.
Members then questioned the secretary about the Delta conveyance tunnel and broader water reliability issues. Crowfoot said the project remains important, is being pursued as a beneficiary-pays project, and is moving through the State Water Resources Control Board’s permitting process, while also stressing that it is only one part of a broader water strategy that includes levee strengthening, subsidence, groundwater storage, recycling, and conservation. Senators also raised concerns about permitting delays, invasive species, and the impact of position cuts on agency capacity; Crowfoot said streamlining is needed but that staffing remains essential. The committee then moved to the Department of Parks and Recreation, where Director Armando Quintero described the state park system, tribal agreements, wildfire and deferred maintenance work, and outdoor access programs such as the State Library Park Pass and Adventure Pass. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed ongoing $6.75 million General Fund transfer for the library park pass, arguing it did not meet the high bar for new ongoing spending, but several senators strongly supported the program as a low-cost way to expand access.
Members also pressed Parks on reservation system problems and campsite no-shows. Department staff said they are updating website guidance, working with the reservation vendor, and implementing new no-show and reservation-modification rules effective July 1, including penalties for repeated no-shows and immediate reopening of vacant sites. The committee then heard a low-cost accommodations proposal, which Parks said would fund planning and construction at several sites using Proposition 68, reimbursements, and donations; the LAO said it had no concerns. Finally, the new director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Megan Hurdle, introduced herself and outlined the department’s mission, staffing, service-based budgeting, and Proposition 4 requests, including funding for salmon genetic tagging, hatchery repairs, and public access improvements. She said the department is focused on biodiversity, permitting streamlining, law enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict prevention, and noted that the agency is still updating its service-based budgeting analysis to identify gaps and priorities.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- focus or mixed age environments, outdoor focus or mixed age environments, they<00:27:07.360><c> can<
- I really believe children deserve access to both nature and the outdoors and to child care options that
- , and the outdoors are the classroom.<00:43:12.880><c> The</c><00:43:13.119><c> state</c><00:43:13.520
- </c> Including the benefits of time outdoors on its own website.
- Outdoors for children and in turn negatively impact their healthy development.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Ways and Means Committee approves Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund bill 4/22/26
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also parks and trails funding, um, and outdoor recreation opportunities in every corner of this
- ><00:05:14.680><c> funding,</c><00:05:15.640><c> um</c><00:05:15.960><c> and</c><00:05:16.240><c> outdoor
- </c> and trails funding, um and outdoor and trails funding, um and outdoor recreation<00:05:17.040><c
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3426, the annual LCCMR appropriation bill funding projects from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), which is supported by state lottery proceeds and does not affect the general fund. The bill was described as containing 108 appropriations totaling $102.036 million, including 11 extensions of prior appropriations, and a new community grants program funded at $28.18 million under the constitutional limit. The author noted the bill is the second year of funding after the 2024 voter-approved amendment renewing the ENRTF and community grants program.
Members discussed the bill’s scope and purpose, including projects for scientific research, PFAS mitigation and testing, rapid testing for chronic wasting disease, parks and trails, outdoor recreation, and solid waste/recycling innovation. Co-Chair Heintzeman said the bill had involved many conversations, thanked the author for working with the caucus, and noted that a missing project issue had been addressed to improve the bill’s path forward. He also said statutory changes were being made to the community grants program to reduce fraud risk and incorporate suggestions from the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
Co-Chair Koznick asked about whether lottery-funded ENRTF dollars had ever been considered for proportional returns to districts, but the author said he was not aware of such discussions and emphasized that the fund benefits all Minnesotans through projects across the state. After no further questions, the chair renewed the motion to recommend House File 3426 for placement on the general register, and the committee approved it by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to introduce the first: Kate Burgess, the conservation program manager; then Grant Gleni, outdoor
- <00:03:45.159><c> then</c><00:03:45.319><c> Grant</c><00:03:45.599><c> gleni</c><00:03:46.519><c> outdoor
- </c><00:03:47.000><c> policy</c> manager then Grant gleni outdoor policy manager then Grant gleni outdoor
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in Missouri, an outdoor state. We are blessed with lakes, rivers, tourism.
- We are an outdoor state.
- Supporting daylight saving time provides for outdoor recreation, exercise, and family activities.
- Farmers, along with construction workers, snowplow operators, anybody who's working outdoors, they prefer
- Farmers, along with construction workers, snowplow operators, anybody who's working outdoors, they prefer
Committee:
House Government Efficiency
Summary:
The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 2330, reconsidering a prior due-pass vote and then voting the House Committee Substitute due pass by roll call. It then considered House Bill 2291, where an amendment meant to clarify municipal building-code and zoning authority was discussed at length and ultimately withdrawn after members raised concerns that it would undercut the bill’s purpose; the bill itself then received a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 2336, dealing with state property conveyances and title issues, also drew questions about unclear title and the status of several properties, but the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 3136, which would remove the state prohibition on creating a Missouri-based health insurance exchange; the sponsor and a witness argued it could save money, keep exchange fees in-state, and give Missouri more control, while several members objected that it would reverse the 2012 voter-approved prohibition and could entrench federal health-care policy. No action was taken on that bill in the hearing.
The committee next heard House Bill 1833, which would let certain state employees opt out of the state health plan and receive a partial cash payout if they have other coverage. The sponsor argued it could be cost-neutral or save money and give employees more flexibility, while members and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan raised concerns about fiscal impact, adverse selection, administrative burden, and whether the proposal turns a benefit into an entitlement. The witness for the plan said the fiscal note was based on about 4,112 active employees who already opt out, warned the stipend would be taxable and could create a new benefit that is hard to remove, and said proof of outside coverage would need to be maintained. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2506, which would require DESE to post QR-code placards at licensed child care facilities linking parents to existing inspection and complaint records; supporters said it would help parents make safer choices at no fiscal cost, while DESE explained the portal already exists and complaints are investigated quickly, and a witness described serious problems at one facility to illustrate why the information matters.
Finally, the committee opened public hearing on House Bill 1758, a proposal to move Missouri to permanent daylight saving time once federal law allows it. The sponsor argued it would improve safety, boost economic activity, and avoid the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year, while members raised concerns about darker mornings for schoolchildren and commuters and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The hearing was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on House Bill 3136, 1833, 2506, or 1758 was recorded in the excerpt.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 15th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And uniquely, we take place predominantly outdoors, primarily, except for meals and naps.
- And uniquely, we take place predominantly outdoors, primarily, except for meals and naps.
- With us being outdoors, if they came to my front door, it's very likely they wouldn't see...
- If you want to see a great place where kids just enjoy the outdoors and learn things... ...place where
- Good morning, Madam. place where kids just enjoy the outdoors, learn things, and you can get in there
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
Keywords:
physical education, school districts, student requirements, education policy, high school, early literacy, childhood literacy, book distribution, Imagination Library, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, preschool, pre-K, reading readiness, school readiness, birth to age five, young children, nonprofit contract, OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, DCYF
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, we will review the Administration's Spending Plan for Extreme Heat Mitigation and Outdoor Access
- asphalt with green areas, including native trees, plants, and pollinators, and to have nature-based outdoor
- We'll go on to Issue 2, Outdoor Access Spending Plan. Thank you. Do you have a pen? No. Thank you.
- I'll be discussing two items under the Climate Bond and the Outdoor Access Spending Plan.
- If you look at page 6 of your agenda, which highlights the outdoor access package, it's really kind of
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- a year in outdoor recreation funds contributed to the state's GDP.
- Outdoor rec is the second-largest contributor industry in Idaho.
- Idaho is at the top of outdoor recreation in terms of growth in the United States.
- Idaho's public lands are the backbone of our hunting, fishing, and outdoor economy.
- I had an outdoor organization, but I think I'll just represent myself.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The strategic directions identified in that plan were to connect people in the outdoors, acquire land
- They just want to get outdoor recreate.
- They just want to get outdoor and<00:15:38.399><c> and</c><00:15:38.720><c> have</c><00:15:38.880><c>
- </c><00:22:19.760><c> And</c> people connected to the outdoors.
- And people connected to the outdoors.
Committee:
House Legacy Finance
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- through a culturally relevant lens and develop an indigenized park garden curriculum, a greenhouse, and outdoor
- curriculum through a culturally relevant lens and agricultural identity through a greenhouse and outdoor
- McQueen** and **Chandler**, an act relating to the night sky, revising the requirements for shielding outdoor
- fixtures, adding exemptions and safety signs on interstates and federal primary highways, and temporary outdoor
- Removing the exemption for outdoor light fixtures with automatic shut-off devices and services.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, September 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- shop and later worked in aerospace, contributing to the early development of the Boeing 747 landing gear
- c><01:07:54.799><c> boy</c><01:07:55.280><c> 747</c><01:07:56.640><c> landing</c><01:07:57.200><c> gear
- </c> development of the boy 747 landing gear development of the boy 747 landing gear at<01:07:58.000>
- approaches to land management that balance multiple uses, including energy and mineral production, outdoor
- approaches to land management that balance multiple uses, including energy and mineral production, outdoor
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Proposed new regulations on mopeds and motorcycles approved in House Ways and Means Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- really, you know, monumental, but it really helps families and communities be safer and enjoy the outdoors
- ><00:08:37.800><c> the</c> communities be safer and enjoy the communities be safer and enjoy the outdoors
- 39.320><c> I</c><00:08:39.440><c> really</c><00:08:39.680><c> appreciate</c><00:08:40.080><c> the</c> outdoors
- So I really appreciate the outdoors.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3785, a bill from Representative DePauw dealing with classification issues for electric bicycles and electric motorcycles. DePauw said the bill responds to concerns raised by a constituent, the Department of Public Safety, insurance companies, and law enforcement about the lack of a clear category for electric motorcycles and the need for clearer rules on where these vehicles may be used and how accidents and liability are handled. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s safety and education benefits, while also noting that the issue is still evolving and may need further work before final passage.
The committee first considered and adopted the DePauw A11 amendment, described as a technical amendment to allow the Department of Natural Resources to use appropriated money or license-fee revenue for signage. Fiscal staff explained that the DNR has a $30,000 cost and $32,000 in offsetting revenue in a special revenue fund, but cannot access that revenue without a direct appropriation, making the amendment necessary. Representative Frazier noted the bill still needs additional work and confirmed with DePauw that further changes would be made before the bill reaches the floor.
After discussion, including comments about the growing use of e-bikes by seniors, people with disabilities, commuters, and families, the committee voted to advance House File 3785 as amended. The motion to refer the bill to the general register passed on a voice vote, with no opposition recorded.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Apr 28th, 2026
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- And, man, I just love the great outdoors. I love tourism.
- And I love God's great outdoors. So, I mean, that's where my heart is. I love to serve.
- And I love God's great outdoors. So, I mean, that's where my heart is.
Summary:
The Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee met to consider the nomination of Cecil “Andy” Duval of Jenks to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission for a six-year term. Senator Reinhardt presented Duval, describing his background as a plumber and business owner, his community service, and his interest in tourism, outdoor recreation, and even noodling. Duval told the committee he loves Oklahoma, the outdoors, and serving people, and said he was excited to learn more about the commission’s work.
There were no questions or debate from members. Senator Reinhardt moved for approval, with a second from the chair. The committee voted unanimously, 8-0, to approve the nomination and forward it to the full Senate for consideration. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/19/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- daughter, our dogs, and we live there because we want to be close to ample hunting, fishing, and outdoor
- kid, and I promise I'm going to keep this short, as a child, I was just steeped in wildlife and outdoors
- We work, you know, the whole swath, work with the whole swath of outdoor recreation and user groups,
- As a child, I, you know, I was just steeped in wildlife and outdoors.
- We work, you know, the whole swath, work with the whole swath of outdoor recreation and user groups,
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting.
Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have also on Zoom, Matthew Mungeretz, Impact Outdoors.
- My name is Matthew Manhattis, and I'm the founder and director of Impact Outdoors.
- Impact Outdoors works on habitat education and getting veterans into the field on the rural communities
- And we have also on Zoom, Matthew Mungeretz, Impact Outdoors.
- My name is Matthew Manhattis, and I'm the founder and director of Impact Outdoors.
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Introducing Legislation to Streamline Minnesota’s Permitting Process - 02/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- family may be arguably one of those legislative families that may possibly spend more time in the outdoors
- family may be arguably one of those legislative families that may possibly spend more time in the outdoors
- family may be arguably one of those legislative families that may possibly spend more time in the outdoors
- and</c><00:04:09.280><c> just</c><00:04:09.439><c> about</c><00:04:09.680><c> any</c> time in the outdoors
- and just about any time in the outdoors and just about any other<00:04:10.439><c> legislative</c><00
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- here is the Youth Education and Outreach Program, which facilitates place-based, career-connected outdoor
- We are prioritizing outreach to students in schools that have historically had less access to outdoor
- We are prioritizing outreach to students in schools that have historically had less access to outdoor
- education and career pathways in these fields. had less access to outdoor education and career pathways
- Program support In the summer of 2025, the Youth Education Outdoor Program supported 112 students from
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on HEAL Act implementation, beginning with an orientation from Environmental Justice Council member David Mendoza. He described the law’s purpose as integrating environmental justice into agency decision-making, community engagement, tribal consultation, strategic planning, and environmental justice assessments, with the goal of reducing environmental health disparities and improving accountability to communities and tribes. He also discussed the council’s role, the interagency work group, challenges with limited volunteer and agency capacity, and concerns about inconsistent assessment formats and future funding pressures.
Committee members asked about council composition, including the balance of tribal, community, business, and other representation, whether the HEAL Act increases permitting time or costs, how “overburdened” and “vulnerable” populations are defined, and whether the council should be refreshed or audited. Mendoza said the statute is not limited to racial categories and can include rural and low-income communities, that the council has not quantified permitting delays, and that there is no formal audit requirement, though the council is discussing how to improve its work. Members also raised questions about the relationship between the Environmental Justice Council and the Office of Equity, with Mendoza saying the bodies are complementary but should coordinate more closely.
The Department of Agriculture then reported on its HEAL Act work. Director of Equity and Environmental Justice Nicole Johnson said WSDA conducts environmental justice assessments for significant actions, applies an equity lens to licensing, funding, rulemaking, and strategic planning, and has completed 11 EJ assessments to date. She highlighted pesticide regulation, animal health, and weights-and-measures work as examples of environmental and economic justice, and said the department recently hired a full-time tribal consultant and has only 1.5 FTE supporting HEAL implementation. Members asked whether WSDA’s assessments apply to its role on boards such as the Forest Practices Board; Johnson said the department’s current understanding is that assessments are conducted on agency work.
The Department of Natural Resources then presented on its HEAL Act implementation, focusing on strategic planning, community engagement, tribal consultation, environmental justice assessments, and equitable funding. DNR officials said environmental justice is being embedded in the agency’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, in its Community Access and Impact Plan, and in its advisory committee and board representation efforts. They reported conducting EJ assessments for sustainable harvest calculations, agency request legislation, and a prescribed burn manager certificate program, and said DNR has invested about $130 million in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in fiscal year 2025 through wildfire resilience, youth education, and urban forestry programs. Committee members pressed DNR on how it identifies impacted communities, why landowners were not more visible in the process, how agency-request legislation is being assessed, and whether assessments are required for actions taken through other boards and commissions. DNR said its current interpretation is that assessments apply to internal agency actions, that some notices may appear on OFM’s notices page rather than the completed-assessments dashboard, and that it would follow up on specific questions about its posted assessments and process.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the things that I want to talk about, currently the existing home, the lack of outdoor space.
- There really is no outdoor space for veterans to be able to walk and enjoy the home.
- We also have other programs related to the outdoors.
- Here in Puget Sound, one of the ways that we can do that is through our outdoors.
- In addition to that, we offer one-off opportunities to engage in outdoor programming.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA Public Hearing 03-25-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii taking further actions to protect the night skies and moderate light pollution and the use of outdoor
- Hawaii taking further actions to protect the night skies and moderate light pollution and the use of outdoor
- Hawaii taking further actions to protect the night skies and moderate light pollution and the use of outdoor
- 00:25:47.360><c> uh</c><00:25:47.520><c> regulate</c><00:25:48.000><c> their</c><00:25:48.240><c> outdoor
- </c> countries uh regulate their outdoor countries uh regulate their outdoor lighting<00:25:48.960><c
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui.
In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Section four, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance and Vermont Outdoor Recreation Business.
- </c> Section four, the Vermont Outdoor Section four, the Vermont Outdoor Business<00:30:21.720><c> Alliance
- and Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance and Vermont Outdoor Recreation<00:30:23.880><c> Business.
- The<00:31:03.440><c> outdoor</c><00:31:03.760><c> recreation</c><00:31:04.360><c> business</c> The outdoor
- Section three: there was $200,000 for the outdoor recreation collaborative.