Transcript Highlights:

• Because to look at us and see paid protesters betrays that you cannot imagine caring for and loving each
• 01:50:45.040><c> cannot</c> protesters betrays that you cannot protesters betrays that you cannot imagine
• . imagine. imagine.
• You<01:50:47.760><c> cannot</c><01:50:48.239><c> imagine</c> You cannot imagine You cannot imagine caring

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can imagine we do it for some of the others when they have problems, but it's an administrative
• So you can imagine we do it for some of the others when they have problems, but it's an administrative
• So you can imagine we do it for some of the others when they have problems, but it's an administrative
• So you can imagine we do it for some of the others when they have problems, but it's an administrative
• Um, imagine that would be something we could probably identify.

Bills: HB1991 , HB1776 , HB1897 , HB1900

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you imagine what they go through? They can't talk. They can't advocate for themselves.
• </c><00:39:52.280><c> you</c> to even have to deal with can you to even have to deal with can you imagine
• 00:39:53.760><c> I</c><00:39:53.800><c> mean</c><00:39:54.119><c> this</c><00:39:54.240><c> is</c> imagine
• what they do it I mean this is imagine what they do it I mean this is what<00:39:54.520><c> we</c><00
• </c> what we do it we see it can you imagine what we do it we see it can you imagine what<00:39:56.359

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot imagine coming into a community where you have a separate EOC for the county. to manage.
• And I would imagine it probably frustrates my colleagues too, but a lot of times it's stuff that we..
• I just can't imagine. The question is, I had a family who has lost their daughter.
• I imagine that you would see...
• I've heard, first, I cannot imagine the loss for your community.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's kind of always that tension there, um, I I would imagine that our, you know, kind of
• I think there's kind of always that tension there, um, I I would imagine that our, you know, kind of
• I think there's kind of always that tension there, um, I I would imagine that our, you know, kind of
• I think there's kind of always that tension there, um, I I would imagine that our, you know, kind of
• I think there's kind of always that tension there, um, I I would imagine that our, you know, kind of

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From my take, and I would imagine the take of many of the members on our side of the table, this didn't
• legislature made by any member of the legislature you<00:47:30.640><c> could</c><00:47:30.760><c> imagine
• very quickly agencies you could imagine very quickly agencies getting<00:47:32.640><c> really</c><00
• And I hope I'm not speaking out of place, and I imagine MMB can speak to that if I am.
• Emma B can he speak that if if I imagine Emma B can he speak that if if I am<00:49:56.160><c> um</c>

Bills: HF3

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:16.680><c> the</c><00:43:16.880><c> city</c> only your city but imagine the city only your
• The challenge, of course, as you can imagine, is finding a new source of revenue to provide dedicated
• The challenge, of course, as you can imagine, is finding a new source of revenue to provide dedicated
• The challenge, of course, as you can imagine, is finding a new source of revenue to provide dedicated
• As you can imagine, the challenge is finding a new source of revenue to provide dedicated funding.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I imagine that—have you guys pursued the county levels, starting with H as the largest?
• So just imagine being that child in the classroom who comes lunch, comes recess, everybody goes out,
• So just try to imagine how traumatized that is for that child. ...community inclusion so that people
• So just try to imagine how traumatized that is for that child.
• </c> not accessible so just try to imagine not accessible so just try to imagine how<00:26:57.320><c>

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can imagine, it takes a lot of highly trained clinicians and expertise, Direct Care staff, to
• 04:20.040><c> can</c> it comes to our facilities as you can it comes to our facilities as you can imagine
• it takes a lot of highly trained imagine it takes a lot of highly trained clinicians<00:04:22.479><c
• </c><01:35:27.639><c> that</c><01:35:28.080><c> given</c> I don't I can't imagine that given I don't
• I can't imagine that given Senator<01:35:28.679><c> excuse</c><01:35:28.960><c> me</c><01:35:29.040><

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as you can imagine, extensive conversations, extensive comments, um, extensive testimony.
• :29:54.799><c> on</c><00:29:54.960><c> the</c> honestly can't imagine anybody on the honestly can't imagine
• You can imagine that some of us with that disconnect, there's something wrong here.
• And, as you can imagine, these are not easy decisions.
• ><c> where</c> imagine circumstances potentially where imagine circumstances potentially where someone

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Being a victim is often expensive, as you can imagine.
• </c> is often expensive, as you can imagine. is often expensive, as you can imagine.
• Um, I can't imagine that people wouldn't support the purpose and the intent of this bill.
• Um, I can't imagine<02:15:34.960><c> that</c><02:15:35.280><c> people</c><02:15:35.520><c> wouldn't</
• c><02:15:35.920><c> support</c><02:15:36.960><c> the</c> imagine that people wouldn't support the imagine

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So can you imagine if you're getting 25% inflation over 6 years, what's it going to be over the 20-plus
• if you're getting 25% in can imagine if you're getting 25% in inflation<04:02:44.439><c> over</c><04
• Imagine being a New Hampshire state employee relying solely on the defined contribution plan as a result
• Imagine being a New Hampshire state employee relying solely on the defined contribution plan as a result
• being a Hampshire state Average imagine being a Hampshire state employee<04:57:26.280><c> relying</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I would imagine there would be a fiscal note eventually. Uh, this is the amendment.
• I think I would imagine there would be a fiscal note eventually. Uh, this is the amendment.
• I think I would imagine there would be a fiscal note eventually. Uh, this is the amendment.
• I think I would imagine there would be a fiscal note eventually. Uh, this is the amendment.
• I think I would imagine there would be a fiscal note eventually. Uh, this is the amendment.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Bills: HB2139 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1890 , HB2335 , HB2468 , HB2091 , HB2092 , HB1878 , HB2297 , HB2127 , HB1785 , HB2345 , HB2344 , HB1780 , HB1891 , HB2398 , HB1764 , HB2564 , HB1783 , HB2567 , HB1934 , HB1778 , HB1781 , HB2621 , HB2019 , HB1803 , HB2454 , HB1811 , HB1943 , HB1589 , HB1607 , HB1851 , HB2490 , HB2546 , HB2568 , HB1972 , HB2391 , HB2575 , HB1896 , HB2399 , HB2004 , HB1894 , HB2397 , HB2498 , HB2560 , HB2310 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2197 , HB2116 , HB1879 , HB1596 , HB2096 , HB2298 , HB2343 , HB2566 , HB1518 , HB2044 , HB2336 , HB1603 , HB1718 , HB1740 , HB1616 , HB2171 , HB2022 , HB2347 , HB1882 , HB1708 , HB2086 , HB2154 , HB2027 , HB2179 , HB1620 , HB1913 , HB2159 , HB1597 , HB2121 , HB1864 , HB2305 , HB2576 , HB1713 , HB1729 , HB1756 , HB2122 , HB2559 , HB1743 , HB1733 , HB1868 , HB1723 , HB1711 , HB1812 , HB2515 , HB1724 , HB1604 , HB2270 , HB1722 , HB1727 , HB1920 , HB1593

Keywords: invasive species, Queensland longhorn beetle, agriculture, environmental impact, University of Hawaii, Board of Education, Hawaii public schools, teacher representative, nonvoting member, bargaining unit 5, HSTA, teachers union, education governance, school board, executive session, collective bargaining, public school teacher, policy-making body, student representative, military representative

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, imagine a country where everyone can afford to live the good life.
• c> everyone</c> Imagine a country where everyone Imagine a country where everyone can<02:32:44.640><c
• I can't imagine choosing what medicines he gets or who gets to eat.
• I can't imagine choosing what medicines he gets or who gets to eat.
• Imagine a country where every single American can afford to live the good life.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This place of national consequence, to approach your omnipotence is beyond the imaginings of our significance

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And as much as it may be hard to imagine, sometimes we listen to the communities, sometimes we listen
• But imagine the infrastructure that we're Imagine the infrastructure that we're trying to operate today

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine a loved one you have is suffering from an asthmatic emergency. You call 911.
• I can't imagine what that challenge is right now.
• state that our hospital, Norwood Hospital, fell into the hands of the for-profit sector, the new imagined

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on H. 3599, a bill concerning access to historic Indian lands and easements for landlocked tribal parcels in Massachusetts. Witnesses, including members of the Mashpee Wampanoag and Herring Pond communities, said the bill would restore access to family lands that have long been treated as landlocked and had been denied easements by necessity in prior court rulings. They described heavy tax burdens, prior litigation, and support from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, with conditional support from the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe pending language changes. Committee members asked about the tax assessments and the status of tribal support, and the chair said the committee would follow up on possible amendments. The committee then took up S. 2922, which would authorize an underground easement at Magazine Beach in Cambridge for the Greater Cambridge Energy Project. Eversource representatives said the easement is needed for a transmission line connecting the Brighton and Kendall Square substations, supporting grid reliability and the Commonwealth’s clean energy transition. They said DCR would receive fair market value and replacement land in Wendell to satisfy Article 97 requirements. No objections were raised, and the panel’s testimony concluded without a vote recorded in the transcript. Most of the hearing focused on H. 5047, which would authorize the Commonwealth to take the Norwood Hospital site by eminent domain so the hospital can be restored. Sponsors, local officials, hospital task force members, EMS and fire representatives, a chamber of commerce leader, and a former hospital administrator all argued that the 2020 flood and Steward’s bankruptcy left the region without adequate care, causing longer ambulance transports, emergency room boarding, staffing strain, and economic losses. They said the site remains a partially completed shell, that the state should be able to acquire it and bring in a nonprofit operator, and that the taking would not require state funding because an operator would pay the acquisition costs. Committee members from both chambers expressed support and asked about costs, timing, infrastructure, and whether a nonprofit operator is being pursued. The chair took the bill under advisement after extensive testimony; no vote was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who would imagine that someone would go in and change a physician's records, right, for a patient they've
• And as you can imagine, it is quite complicated to... ...to try to get this exactly right.
• And as you can imagine, it is quite complicated to define exactly what is attractive to children.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can only imagine how difficult that would be when And I can only imagine how difficult that would
• I want to cope with the young children and will commit a crime, probably commit a crime," I would imagine

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all