Transcript Highlights:

• 02:50.040><c> of</c><02:02:50.159><c> the</c><02:02:50.280><c> aquafer</c><02:02:50.840><c> at</c><02
• ><02:02:53.920><c> a</c><02:02:54.119><c> town</c><02:02:54.440><c> hall</c><02:02:54.599><c> meeting
• Hawaii revised pursuant to chapter 171 Hawaii revised statutes<02:45:05.840><c> this</c><02:45:06.000
• ><c> requires</c><02:45:06.399><c> that</c><02:45:06.560><c> lease</c> statutes this requires that lease
• statutes this requires that lease extensions<02:45:07.399><c> approved</c><02:45:07.800><c> by</c><02

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this case,<02:00:21.440><c> since</c><02:00:21.679><c> they</c><02:00:22.000><c> refused</c><02:00
• Mr.<02:00:37.679><c> Speaker,</c><02:00:38.080><c> at</c><02:00:38.320><c> this</c><02:00:38.480><c>
• ><c> colleagues</c><02:00:40.159><c> to</c><02:00:40.400><c> vote</c><02:00:40.639><c> yes</c><02:00:
• ><02:18:04.639><c> we</c><02:18:04.800><c> would</c><02:18:04.880><c> ask</c><02:18:05.120><c> them.
• as part needs to be added to the statute as part of<02:37:06.880><c> the</c><02:37:07.040><c> organization

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then secondly, it's to find gaps in statute or tools that agencies need to better manage grants or
• They requested help on getting a state kickback statute.
• And that's really, really important for the future of the state of Minnesota.
• And that's really, really important for the future of the state of Minnesota.
• It impacts people who in good faith pay their taxes to the state of Minnesota expecting that something

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Chair Kristen Robbins and Vice Chair Patti Anderson reviewed the committee’s first session, saying its work focused on exposing fraud, identifying gaps in statute and agency tools, and creating a public whistleblower portal (mnfraud.com). Robbins said the committee helped drive bipartisan opposition to legislatively named grants/earmarks, and that committee testimony from agencies, the Office of Legislative Auditor, and the Office of Grants Management led to late-session committee bills on issues such as a state kickback statute and required grants-management training. She also said the portal received 530 submissions in its first week, which the committee will review over the interim. Members emphasized the need for stronger statewide oversight of grants and fraud prevention. Anderson said existing agency inspector general structures have not worked well and described a bipartisan effort to create a statewide Office of Inspector General with full investigatory authority. Robbins said the Senate version was moving through finance and expected on the floor soon, with the governor indicating he would sign it. Walter Hudson argued that hearings showed agencies often focus on paperwork and compliance checkboxes rather than actually preventing fraud, citing conflict-of-interest attestations and the Feeding Our Future-related testimony as examples. Jim Nash said the state government finance bill includes funding for anti-fraud efforts through the Office of the Auditor and related provisions. In response to questions, Robbins said the committee tried to remain bipartisan despite a 5-3 Republican majority, and that members had handed significant allegations to law enforcement when appropriate. She said the committee did not need subpoena power this session because it is an oversight body, not a law-enforcement body. On legislatively named grants, Robbins said the goal is to change legislative culture rather than impose a formal ban, and she expects future policy to require front-end risk review, 990 review, and capacity checks before such grants are approved. Anderson added that the House and Senate versions of the inspector general bill differ on branch placement and law-enforcement authority, and that the House will decide whether to accept the Senate version once it comes back from finance and the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• it were in the funds and regulate it if it were in the banking<02:00:16.480><c> statute?
• ><c> that</c><02:02:45.599><c> statute.
• </c><02:02:46.320><c> So,</c><02:02:46.480><c> my</c><02:02:46.719><c> my</c> had no teeth in that statute
• ><c> the</c><02:17:02.319><c> statute</c><02:17:02.719><c> where</c> of unclear based on the statute
• where of unclear based on the statute where this<02:17:03.200><c> is</c><02:17:03.359><c> placed.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you</c><01:02:23.640><c> believe</c><01:02:24.640><c> and</c><01:02:25.119><c> the</c><01:02:25.359><
• :26.000><c> that</c><01:02:26.640><c> when</c><01:02:26.880><c> I</c><01:02:27.040><c> look</c><01:02
• /c><01:02:28.480><c> that</c><01:02:28.720><c> when</c><01:02:28.880><c> you</c><01:02:29.119><c> sell
• 02:31.680><c> that</c><01:02:31.839><c> you</c><01:02:32.079><c> have</c><01:02:32.240><c> to</c><01:
• </c><01:02:34.480><c> a</c><01:02:34.640><c> bad</c><01:02:34.960><c> person</c><01:02:35.280><c> from

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 41 states plus the District of Columbia that have a compensation statute.
• and then later defined in the trafficking of children for sexual purposes statute.
• and then later defined in the trafficking of children for sexual purposes statute.
• This bill amends only one statute. It originally started a little more comprehensive.
• It simply amends the statute involving what is a sex offense that requires registration.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:14.000><c> and</c><00:02:14.239><c> wife</c><00:02:14.480><c> are</c><00:02:14.640><c> are
• </c><00:02:19.040><c> the</c><00:02:19.200><c> date</c><00:02:19.360><c> that</c><00:02:20.000><c> the
• the response is<00:02:20.879><c> filed</c><00:02:21.280><c> in</c><00:02:21.520><c> order</c><00:02:
• finalized.<00:02:24.080><c> There</c><00:02:24.239><c> is</c><00:02:24.400><c> no</c><00:02:24.640><
• ><00:02:58.959><c> by</c> information in it that is set by information in it that is set by statute.<

Committee: House Families & Children

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:13 - Discussion of 26RS HB 109 26:47 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 109 32:30 - Discussion of 26RS HB 190 36:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 190 37:30 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I appreciate<02:02:17.040><c> the</c><02:02:17.280><c> intent</c><02:02:17.760><c> and</c><02:02:
• c> that's</c><02:02:20.560><c> where</c><02:02:20.639><c> I'm</c><02:02:20.800><c> going</c><02:02:20.880
• 02:21.199><c> out</c><02:02:21.360><c> my</c><02:02:21.520><c> claim.
• </c><02:02:21.920><c> Thank</c><02:02:22.080><c> you.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So,<02:02:30.880><c> are</c><02:02:31.040><c> we</c><02:02:31.199><c> ready?

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:02:01.239><c> and</c><02:02:01.520><c> and</c><02:02:01.679><c> make</c><02:02:01.880><c> it</c><
• 02:02:02.159><c> clear</c><02:02:02.599><c> that</c><02:02:02.800><c> it</c><02:02:02.960><c> is</c>
• :48:18.240><c> in</c><02:48:18.319><c> our</c><02:48:18.439><c> state</c><02:48:18.880><c> statutes</
• c><02:48:19.560><c> uh</c><02:48:19.720><c> we</c> anywhere in our state statutes uh we anywhere in our
• state statutes uh we think<02:48:20.080><c> it</c><02:48:20.479><c> probably</c><02:48:21.160><c> the

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:36.239><c> and</c><02:02:36.560><c> birth</c><02:02:36.880><c> control.
• [snorts] Um,<02:02:39.199><c> but</c><02:02:39.440><c> what</c><02:02:39.760><c> happens</c><02:02:40.239
• 02:41.760><c> and</c><02:02:41.920><c> by</c><02:02:42.080><c> the</c><02:02:42.159><c> way,</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:45.360><c> and</c><02:02:45.599><c> then,</c><02:02:46.400><c> you</c><02:02:46.560><c> know
• ><c> of</c><02:02:49.920><c> the</c><02:02:50.080><c> end</c><02:02:50.159><c> of</c><02:02:50.320><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:09.759><c> Um,</c><00:02:10.399><c> I</c><00:02:10.640><c> brought</c><00:02:10.800><c> a<
• </c><00:02:12.160><c> from</c><00:02:12.560><c> a</c><00:02:12.800><c> lot</c><00:02:12.959><c> of</c
• <c> about</c><00:02:13.840><c> some</c><00:02:14.080><c> of</c><00:02:14.160><c> the</c><00:02:14.239
• ><00:02:15.760><c> cell</c><00:02:15.920><c> phones</c><00:02:16.239><c> in</c><00:02:16.400><c> the<
• 02:03.440><c> that</c><01:02:03.599><c> we</c><01:02:03.839><c> can</c><01:02:04.079><c> to</c><01:02

Bills: SF0035 , SF0090 , SF0072

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:49.520><c> not</c><02:02:49.760><c> he</c><02:02:50.000><c> has</c><02:02:50.080><c> a</c><02:02:
• offender loophole in the sexual uh uh offender reporting<02:03:08.480><c> statute</c><02:03:09.360><
• c> that</c> reporting statute to make it clear that reporting statute to make it clear that uh<02:03:
• </c><02:24:41.840><c> But</c><02:24:42.000><c> that</c><02:24:42.479><c> statute</c><02:24:43.280><c>
• But that statute on limited<02:24:44.240><c> electricity</c><02:24:44.960><c> energy</c><02:24:45.439

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• applies to<02:20:25.920><c> uh</c><02:20:26.960><c> um</c><02:20:28.120><c> statutes</c><02:20:29.120
• ><c> um</c><02:20:29.319><c> because</c><02:20:29.640><c> sometimes</c> to uh um statutes um because
• sometimes to uh um statutes um because sometimes we<02:20:30.080><c> have</c><02:20:30.880><c> statutes
• </c> we have statutes that are in conflict we have statutes that are in conflict and<02:20:32.560><c>
• and so when that arises it's the last statute<02:20:36.240><c> um</c><02:20:36.600><c> that</c><02:20

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:17.280><c> the</c><00:02:17.440><c> map.
• </c><00:02:35.840><c> each</c><00:02:36.160><c> RTC.
• The stars<00:02:38.239><c> on</c><00:02:38.400><c> the</c><00:02:38.560><c> map</c><00:02:39.200><c>
• </c><00:02:42.239><c> Each</c><00:02:42.480><c> center</c><00:02:42.879><c> has</c><00:02:43.200><c>
• EARS<00:02:49.200><c> requested</c><00:02:49.680><c> that</c><00:02:50.000><c> OEA</c><00:02:50.640><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22 Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22 Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21 Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35 Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion. The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c><02:02:35.360><c> just</c><02:02:35.760><c> on</c><02:02:36.239><c> on</c><02:02:36.880><c
• c> attack</c><02:02:46.320><c> that</c><02:02:46.560><c> is</c><02:02:46.719><c> so</c><02:02:47.440>
• </c> This<02:02:50.960><c> is</c><02:02:51.040><c> just</c><02:02:51.199><c> going</c><02:02:51.280><
• </c><02:02:53.679><c> How</c><02:02:53.920><c> many</c><02:02:54.080><c> businesses</c><02:02:54.639>
• c> understand</c><02:02:58.719><c> how</c><02:02:58.960><c> this</c><02:02:59.199><c> room</c><02:02:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:02:11.040><c> either</c><01:02:11.359><c> we</c><01:02:11.520><c> need</c><01:02:11.680><c> to</
• can just reference<01:02:17.599><c> like</c><01:02:18.000><c> has</c><01:02:18.319><c> the</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:36.400><c> if</c><01:02:36.720><c> we</c><01:02:36.880><c> were</c><01:02:37.040><c> going
• to um<01:02:38.799><c> um</c><01:02:39.200><c> have</c><01:02:39.520><c> funds</c><01:02:39.839><c>
• ><01:02:43.440><c> to</c><01:02:43.680><c> go</c><01:02:43.839><c> to</c><01:02:44.000><c> priorities

Bills: HB644 , HB1802 , HB1569 , HB1619 , HB1620 , HB1730 , HB1749

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14.680><c> well</c><01:02:14.920><c> one</c><01:02:15.119><c> one</c><01:02:15.240><c> of</c><01:02:
• <02:09:34.400><c> I</c><02:09:34.599><c> I</c><02:09:34.719><c> I</c><02:09:34.800><c> was</c><02:09:
• <02:10:46.040><c> the</c><02:10:46.159><c> bill</c><02:10:46.400><c> is</c><02:10:46.920><c> a</c><02
• <02:23:33.120><c> has</c><02:23:33.520><c> has</c><02:23:33.600><c> a</c><02:23:33.720><c> bill</c><02
• <02:33:42.680><c> um</c><02:33:43.160><c> a</c><02:33:43.359><c> lot</c><02:33:43.960><c> of</c><02:33

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:11.840><c> um</c><00:02:12.000><c> especially</c><00:02:12.720><c> um</c><00:02:12.879><c> for</c
• .<00:02:16.239><c> And</c><00:02:16.480><c> so</c><00:02:16.959><c> um</c><00:02:17.360><c> over</c><
• </c><00:02:33.360><c> My</c><00:02:33.519><c> name</c><00:02:33.680><c> is</c><00:02:33.840><c> Kim</
• I think<00:02:36.720><c> you</c><00:02:36.879><c> all</c><00:02:37.120><c> know</c><00:02:37.280><c>
• :02:54.080><c> we</c><00:02:54.400><c> also</c><00:02:55.280><c> uh</c><00:02:55.440><c> in</c><00:02

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SR 12/SCR 16, which asks the Department of Health to convene a task force to identify minimum professional standards for community health worker training programs. The Department of Health supported the measure and said it could take on the work with current resources. Testimony from Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Community Health Worker Association, and community health workers strongly supported the resolution but urged broader task force representation, including community health workers themselves, Papa Ola Lokahi, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Community Health Worker Alliance, and community-based rural nonprofit organizations. Several testifiers also asked that community health workers make up at least half of the task force. The department indicated it had no objection to adding the requested groups, and members discussed those proposed amendments. The committee then took up SR 141/SCR 172, which requests a Department of Health working group on demolition waste reduction. Energy Justice Network and other supporters urged amendments, including use of the internationally recognized zero-waste definition and hierarchy. The committee also heard SR 165/SCR 205, which would direct the Department of Health to adopt rules setting maximum decibel levels for concerts or events at private venues in primarily residential areas. The department said it was already working on noise issues and wanted a community noise working group to address nuisances beyond current statutory categories, but members questioned the lack of specific standards, the absence of a defined working group membership, and whether the proposal would lead to broader restrictions on events. Testimony and discussion focused on concerns about noise impacts, enforcement, and the balance between community complaints and long-standing local events. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided. The hearing then moved on to SR 174/SCR 194, which would ask the Department of Health to reduce the use of disposable surgical equipment and adopt sustainable practices, but discussion of that measure was not included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it<02:02:18.239><c> also</c><02:02:18.480><c> can't</c><02:02:18.719><c> control</c><02:02:19.040
• ><c> lake</c><02:02:21.199><c> or</c><02:02:21.520><c> a</c><02:02:21.840><c> sea</c><02:02:22.159><c
• c><02:02:26.880><c> I</c><02:02:27.119><c> just</c><02:02:28.159><c> fundamentally</c><02:02:29.040><
• And and additionally,<02:02:33.360><c> it</c><02:02:33.520><c> seems</c><02:02:33.760><c> to</c><02:02
• :02:35.840><c> chose</c><02:02:36.159><c> to</c><02:02:36.400><c> do</c><02:02:36.560><c> the</c><02:

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:26.480><c> learn</c><00:02:26.720><c> a</c><00:02:26.760><c> lot</c><00:02:27.000><c> here
• Maybe a lot of<00:02:27.920><c> things</c><00:02:28.160><c> you</c><00:02:28.240><c> don't</c><00:02:
• :02:29.560><c> learn</c><00:02:29.760><c> a</c><00:02:29.800><c> lot</c><00:02:30.120><c> and</c><00:
• </c> Uh<00:02:33.959><c> does</c><00:02:34.200><c> anyone</c><00:02:34.560><c> else</c><00:02:34.800>
• <c> have</c><00:02:35.080><c> a</c><00:02:35.320><c> a</c><00:02:35.400><c> guest</c><00:02:35.760><c

Committee: Joint State Government

Keywords: 958, all