Transcript Highlights:

• The reserve study requirement is very good.
• is um the reserve study requirement is is very<00:19:05.039> good.
• the reserve the reserve studies. studies. studies.
• cursory, you know, this is a reserve cursory, you know, this is a reserve study<00:30:40.080>
• Um, I just think more accountability has to be done and reserve studies have to be stuck to.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions. Early nominees included Falleno Vital for the Boxing Commission, Rebecca Moore for the Board of Nursing, and Alexander Smith and Zachary Johnson for the Board of Public Accountancy. DCCA and board representatives testified in support of each, and the nominees who were present briefly described their qualifications and willingness to serve. The chair noted the unusually large volume of written testimony in support of the boxing nominee and emphasized that these are voluntary positions and nominees had already been vetted through questionnaires and resumes. The committee then heard several nominations to the Hawaii Board of Optometry, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, and the Hawaii Medical Board. Ashley Porter and Katherine Mao spoke in support of their optometry nominations, Nathan Konishi supported his motor vehicle repair board nomination, and Gary Belchure discussed his reappointment to the medical board. A substantial portion of the discussion on the medical board focused on physician shortages, especially on the neighbor islands, and efforts to address them through the Interstate Medical Compact and pending legislation such as SB 1365. Board staff also discussed possible pathways for foreign medical graduates and the need for criminal background checks to fully participate in the compact. The latter part of the hearing shifted to real estate commission nominations, including Audrey Abbe and Denise Lacosta. Testimony and member questions focused heavily on condominium governance, deferred maintenance, reserve studies, insurance costs, and the need for better education and oversight of volunteer board members and property managers. Both nominees said older buildings, rising insurance premiums, and lack of expertise among volunteer boards are major challenges, and they suggested more training, clearer guidance, stronger enforcement against unlicensed property management, and better access to qualified consultants and financing. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda nominee by nominee.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> With reservations. Okay. Senator Hashimoto? >> Aye. Senator Inoe? >> Aye. Senator [snorts] Kua?
• >> Reservations. And Senator Favlla? >> Reservations. Chair, your recommendation is adopted.
• >> Reservations. >> Reservations. >> Reservations.
• 00:01:38.720> Favlla, >> And Senator Favlla, >> And Senator Favlla, >> reservations
• >> reservations. >> reservations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened with the 10:54 agenda and took up SB 2656, a short-form bill relating to taxation. The chair explained the intent was to insert the provisions of proposed SD1, then recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means so the process could start over and a full hearing could be held later. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2656 proposed SD1 with amendments and recommit it, with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and several senators, and reservations from Senators Elefante, Wai, and Favlla; Senators Kidani and McKim were excused. For the remaining three agendas on that meeting block, no oral testimony was taken. The chair said there was a large volume of written testimony, so the committee would review it and defer decision-making to a later date on all three measures. The meeting then moved through the 10:55, 10:56, and 10:57 agendas. On the 10:55 agenda, the committee said it would defer decision-making to Monday, March 2, except for SB 334, which would be deferred and then reposted as proposed SD2 for a full hearing, with testimony to be submitted on the proposed SD2 rather than the current version. On the 10:56 and 10:57 agendas, the committee deferred decision-making to Tuesday, March 3, at 10:15 a.m. in conference room 211, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members voting with reservation?
• With all members voting I reservations?
• Any members voting with reservation?
• With all members voting I reservation?
• Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting no?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions, beginning with STR 51, which asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate creating and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Governor’s Recovery and Resiliency Unit supported the measure but suggested changing the working group membership so each county mayor, or designee, could appoint the representative instead of naming county civil defense administrators. Members questioned whether any county had requested that change, and the testifier said it was a recommendation based on their experience, not county consultation. The committee also heard STR 40, urging the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to focus more on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, but there was no one present to testify. STR 65, on finalizing a contract for the new Aloha Stadium and advancing the stadium entertainment district, received support from the Stadium Authority, DAGS, and Aloha Stadium District Partners, all saying they were already working hard on the project. STR 78 SD1, encouraging the East-West Center to expand international engagement, was supported by the East-West Center. STR 30, asking the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to allow use of restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs, drew strong support from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, which described a shortage of ball fields and said the site would be well suited for recreation. The committee then heard STR 24 SD1, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to keep references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites; multiple veterans and advocacy groups testified in support. STR 195 and STR 196, supporting broader relationships with Sweden and Norway, respectively, had limited or no testimony. After recessing briefly for decision-making, the committee voted to adopt all of the measures as introduced, without amendments, with members voting in favor and some members excused on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any reservations? Any no votes? Any reservations? Any no votes? 25<00:31:41.600> eyes.
• Any reservations?
• Any<00:33:56.000> reservations? Any reservations? Any reservations?
• reservations? Any no votes? reservations? Any no votes? 25<00:47:07.120> eyes.
• Any reservations? Reservations: Senator Richards, Fevella, Inouye, McKelvey. Any no votes?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• things are hurting the reservations.
• the reservations are going to be hurt by it.
• I have a an issue of hting a reservation I have a reservation<00:47:07.800> inside<00:47:08.200
• know that are hurting the reservations know that are hurting the reservations well<00:47:17.599>
• is whether or not that the reservations is whether or not that the reservations are<00:48:28.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any noes, any with reservations? Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted.
• Are there any noes, any with reservations? The recommendation is adopted.
• Are there any noes, any with reservations?
• Grandinetti reservations. Are there any other reservations? Any no votes?
• are there any other reservations are there any other reservation reservation reservation votes<01:15

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also clarifies the process for designating the state lands as forest reserve.
• It also clarifies the process for designeating the state lands as forest reserve.
• The Forest Reserve designation, a more permanent one, or more difficult to undo?
• I think, you know, Stephanie Cooper cited that we now have 3% of our forests in reserve.
• And I'd also like to see the Forest Reserve process codified.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on natural and working lands, carbon sequestration, and related provisions in Governor Healey’s $3 billion Mass Ready Act. EEA officials described the bill’s investments in flooding, land protection, tree planting, wetlands restoration, biodiversity, dams, seawalls, and coastal resilience, along with permitting reforms intended to speed ecological restoration projects. They also outlined current programs on resilient lands, healthy soils, forest climate solutions, forest reserves, and urban tree planting, and said the administration expects natural and working lands to offset up to 7 million metric tons of residual emissions by 2050, while acknowledging that additional strategies will be needed to close the gap to the state’s 10-million-ton offset target. Committee members pressed EEA on the cost of reaching the 30% conservation-by-2030 goal, the loss of a federal USDA grant of about $22 million, the adequacy of current sequestration estimates, and whether the state should consider regional approaches or statutory changes. EEA said current state conservation spending has been about $35 million to $40 million annually, that the Mass Ready Act is intended to help double the pace of conservation, and that federal funding remains uncertain. Senators also raised concerns about PILOT payments for state-owned land, the management of state forests, and the proposed Chapter 91 general license for restoration projects. EEA said the bill’s forest reserve language is meant to create a more durable designation process while still allowing limited active management. Advocates from The Nature Conservancy and Mass Audubon supported stronger investment in land conservation and restoration, saying natural and working lands are a cost-effective climate strategy that also provides biodiversity, water quality, and public health benefits. They urged passage of legislation to increase funding, improve PILOT equity, and strengthen land-use planning and mitigation requirements. They also backed removing Chapter 91 licensing requirements for ecological restoration, arguing that the current process adds cost and delay. In a later panel, a forest scientist and an urban forestry advocate emphasized the carbon and cooling benefits of mature trees, called for greater protection of older forests, and supported bills to expand municipal reforestation and modernize public shade tree law. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any voting with reservations? present? Any voting with reservations?
• Any voting with reservations? present. Any voting with reservations?
• members voting with reservations. members voting with reservations.
• >> Reservations >> Reservations >> Reservations >> reservations<00:52:13.359>
• Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting with reservations?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in large part, I would say 80% of your reserves are probably captured in those first three years.
• Some companies do think it adds to their reserves.
• Some companies do think it adds to their reserves.
• Where it's not adding additional reserves, it's just simply increasing how fast you get the oil out of
• So that kind of gives you an idea of wells and potential reserves to add in.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 2397 and a proposed amendment creating a development incentive well program for North Dakota oil and gas production. Representative Dockter explained the amendment as a way to encourage exploratory and innovative drilling in light of the state’s financial outlook and the growing share of stripper wells. Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson and DMR geologist Timothy Nashim presented background on the Bakken and Three Forks formations, with Nashim describing research showing that Middle Three Forks second-bench development can add reserves in some areas but not others, and that roughly 600 additional wells in the strongest area could yield about 250 million barrels of oil. Continental Resources representatives William Houser and John Argo supported the amendment. They said the bill would give a temporary oil extraction tax exemption for certified development incentive wells, limited to 36 months or 300,000 barrels, and would also update tax treatment for gas used in enhanced oil recovery and on-site electric generation. They argued the measure would encourage new technology and testing in existing spacing units, complementing House Bill 1483, which they said focused on geographic expansion into non-Bakken and non-Three Forks areas. Argo said Continental still invests heavily in North Dakota but is shifting rigs elsewhere because of economics, and he urged incentives to spur exploration and preserve the basin’s long-term future. North Dakota Petroleum Council executive director Ron Ness also supported the concept, calling it a targeted, low-risk way to encourage innovation and future barrels. Committee members asked about royalty treatment, the difference from House Bill 1483, pressure maintenance, and how the program would be administered. DMR said the amendment should clarify that the operator bears the burden of proving a well qualifies and that only one incentive well per stratigraphic interval should be certified. No vote was taken; the committee paused to work on revised language and indicated the bill would likely need further adjustment, possibly in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
• Jesse Thompson, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
• I'm sorry, Jesse Thompson, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
• Yeah, Jesse Thompson, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
• and 5 to 10 percent of the known oil reserves.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we try to reserve...
• And we try to reserve...
• We So we have a we of small reserve.
• In addition to that we keep um reserve.
• But but um you know, regular reserve.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any members with reservations? Seeing none, thank you, Chair.
• Are there any members voting with reservations? Are there any not reservations?
• are there any not with reservations are there any not reservations<00:35:54.839> noting<00:35
• :55.160> the<00:35:55.319> reservations<00:35:55.920> for reservations noting the
• reservations for reservations noting the reservations for rep<00:35:56.440> muraoka<00:35:57.839

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan. In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's got reserves far in excess of what's required under the statutes of the law.
• One has to do with changes in the minimum liquid reserves, which would require two reserves rather than
• If we have to create a second reserve for bond payments, it would result. reserve for bond payments,
• You should just take the minimum liquid reserve.
• So the two reserves, that is not the intent.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1656, a major Office of Insurance Regulation bill covering reciprocal insurers, rate transparency, data calls, cybersecurity notification, and stronger oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The sponsor and OIR described the bill as aimed at transparency and preventing insolvencies, especially after recent CCRC failures. CCRC residents and industry representatives testified both in support and in opposition, with supporters emphasizing resident protection and opponents warning about liens, reserve requirements, management-company regulation, and higher costs. After debate and assurances that problematic provisions would be refined, the committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1658, which creates a public records framework for the uniform mitigation verification of inspection form database while protecting policyholders’ personal information; a clarifying amendment was adopted before the bill was reported favorably. SB 1612 on financial institutions was approved after a substitute amendment restored current limits on credit union investments and kept only reimbursement, not salary, authority for certain board members and officers. SB 1740, an insurance bill intended to reduce premiums and insurer insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit claim denials based solely on AI, then reported favorably. Two public-safety bills also moved forward. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety would update OSHA-related protections, address toxic exposure in gear, encourage safer replacement equipment, and support best practices and mental health resources; an amendment refined terminology and added related provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing consumer protections and disclosure rules for excess and surplus lines and to clarify Citizens-related appointment requirements before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and intent to refine several bills further in later committee stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• The larger counties probably have some reserves that they can work on.
• "So, reserves is really a big...
• "But 33 counties used reserves to fund their 2026 budget.
• There's been reserves in prior years, isn't there?" "Mr.
• There's been reserves years in prior years, isn't there? Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up first on the agenda, we have SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve.
• Are there any no's with reservations? No. Recommendation is adopted. testimony.
• no's with reservations? No. no's with reservations? No.
• Are there any no's with reservations? Reservations for Representative Loeden? Reservations?
• Are there any no's with reservations? Oh, no. Chair recommendation is adopted.

Bills: SCR94, SCR22, SCR99, SCR165

Keywords: Waikiki, surfing, cultural heritage, environmental protection, tourism, climate change, Hawaii, community, conservation, Ahuʻena Heiau, Hawaii history, Kamehameha the Great, historic preservation, cultural significance, community stewardship, arts, culture, nonprofit, creative residency, community engagement

Summary: The Culture and the Arts Committee met on April 17 and heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 94 would endorse Waikiki as a world surfing reserve; testimony in support came from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Waikiki Beach Improvement District Association. SCR 22 recognized the fifth anniversary of the restoration of Iolani Palace and its spiritual, political, and cultural importance, with no testimony offered. SCR 99 SD1 proposed convening a working group to establish a state-recognized nonprofit to support arts and culture engagement; DBEDT’s Creative Industries director supported the measure, and additional support was noted from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, several individuals, and the Hawaii Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. SCR 165 SD1 designated March as March for Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. After a brief recess, the committee voted to pass all four measures as is. SCR 94 passed with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, with Representative Garrett excused. SCR 22 SD1, SCR 99 SD1, and SCR 165 SD1 were also adopted without reservations, with Representative Garrett excused on those votes as well. The committee then adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Reservations. >> Noting reservations for Senator Richards and objections from Senator Flla.
• >> Reservations. >> Noting reservations for Senator Richards and objections from Senator Flla.
• Are there any objections or reservations? reservations? reservations? >> Reservations.
• >> Reservations. >> Reservations.
• Are there any objections or reservations? >> Reservation. >> Reservations for Senator Favella.

Bills: SB2363, SB2054, SB2057, SB2377, SB3322

Keywords: public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the opportunity reserve fund.
• Those balances are all reserve fund.
• <00:10:32.240> fund except with the rolling reserve fund except with the rolling reserve fund
• <00:15:18.480> We're transfer to the reserve fund. We're transfer to the reserve fund.
• economic opportunity reserve fund. economic opportunity reserve fund.

Bills: HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242

Keywords: social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<02:47:16.479> reserve. >> I reserve. >> I reserve.
• >> Reserve. >> Reserve. >> Reserve. >> Gentleman<03:03:48.640> reserves.
• >> Reserve. >> Reserve. >> Reserve.
• >> Reserve. >> Reserve. >> Reserve.
• >> I<05:41:45.120> reserve. >> I reserve. >> I reserve.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any members voting with reservations?
• Any members voting with reservations? Hearing none, Chair, your recommendation is adopted.
• We have a reservation from Representative Matsumoto. Are there any other votes with reservation?
• <00:51:13.119> they I'll be voting with reservations they I'll be voting with reservations
• <00:51:33.480> I'm amendments uh we have a reservation I'm amendments uh we have a reservation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 22, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration detainers. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, the Office of the Public Defender, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, argued the bill would protect due process and constitutional rights regardless of immigration status. Some supporters requested amendments, including removing a probable-cause terrorism provision, adding enforcement language, and preserving warrant requirements. Public testimony was heavily in favor, with the chair announcing 91 testimonies in support and 52 in opposition. The committee then heard HB 73, which would prohibit setting aside public lands for immigration detention facilities. Testifiers in support said public land should serve local needs, not detention centers, and cited housing, food security, and community trust concerns. The Office of the Public Defender and others also supported the measure, and the chair reported 85 testimonies in support and 40 in opposition. The committee next took up HB 438, which would fund legal representation for people in immigration proceedings. Supporters, including the Public Defender, the University of Hawaiʻi Law School Refugee and Immigration Clinic, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU, emphasized the civil nature of immigration court, the severe consequences of removal, and the need for more pro bono and trained attorneys. Several suggested amendments focused on training and building a legal-services pipeline; the chair reported 83 testimonies in support and 51 in opposition. The committee also heard HB 457, aimed at requiring notice to detained individuals about their rights when ICE seeks to interview them or has a detainer request. Supporters said the bill would ensure people understand their right to remain silent and to refuse interviews, and the Legal Clinic suggested the warning be given orally, potentially via recorded messages, rather than only in writing. The Office of the Public Defender noted the bill aligns with existing due-process warnings in criminal court and suggested referencing current law. Finally, HB 476, which would raise the capital gains tax rate, drew support from Hawaiʻi Appleseed on fairness grounds; the Department of Taxation said it would review revenue questions but had no estimate available. After recess, the committee returned to decision-making and moved HB 22 forward on the chair’s recommendation of HD1, with the chair noting that the bill already contained language allowing counties to adopt stronger standards and protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any reservations? Any no votes? >> 24 eyes. >> Thank you.
• Any reservations? Any no votes? >> 24 eyes. >> Thank you.
• Any reservations? Any no votes? Any reservations? Any no votes? No votes. >> Mr.
• President, with reservations, please. >> Sorry, Mr.
• President, with reservations. >> Reservations for Senator Elefante.

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health