Transcript Highlights:

• system<00:49:17.160><c> is</c><00:49:17.480><c> the</c><00:49:17.599><c> reason</c><00:49:17.880><c>
• <00:49:20.079><c> who</c><00:49:20.240><c> installs</c><00:49:20.559><c> a</c><00:49:20.640><c> solar
• solar thermal system<00:49:21.599><c> or</c><00:49:21.839><c> or</c><00:49:22.119><c> buys</c><00:49
• ><c> is</c><00:49:25.960><c> benefiting</c><00:49:26.480><c> from</c><00:49:26.799><c> the</c><00:49:
• ><00:49:29.480><c> be</c><00:49:29.760><c> 15</c><00:49:30.200><c> 20</c><00:49:30.480><c> or</c><00:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:16.079><c> um</c><00:49:16.559><c> the</c><00:49:16.800><c> bill</c><00:49:17.040><c> moves
• ><c> the</c><00:49:18.079><c> vector</c><00:49:18.480><c> date</c><00:49:18.800><c> to</c><00:49:19.040
• <00:49:39.680><c> on</c><00:49:40.000><c> this</c><00:49:40.240><c> measure</c><00:49:41.040><c> as</
• So chair's<00:49:47.359><c> recommendation</c><00:49:48.240><c> is</c><00:49:48.480><c> to</c><00:49:
• 49:56.400><c> recommendation</c><00:49:56.800><c> is</c><00:49:56.880><c> to</c><00:49:57.040><c> pass

Bills: HB1688, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1915, HB1692, HB1524, HB1884, HB1523, HB2213, HB2186, HB2163, HB1908, HB1910

Keywords: general excise tax, aircraft maintenance, tax exemption, aviation industry, economic competitiveness, water carriers, automatic adjustment mechanism, regulatory compliance, rate adjustments, public utilities commission, Hawaii Revised Statutes, biosecurity, community outreach, transportation rates, vehicle ownership, salvaged vehicles, insurance settlement, electronic signatures, administrative efficiency, vehicle transfer

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill. The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1. The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:00.880><c> that</c><00:49:01.119><c> in</c><00:49:01.359><c> the</c><00:49:01.680><c> uh</c><00:49
• ><c> uh</c><00:49:07.440><c> have</c><00:49:07.680><c> the</c><00:49:07.920><c> protections</c><00:49
• or and<00:49:13.760><c> enjoying</c><00:49:14.160><c> the</c><00:49:14.319><c> same</c><00:49:14.480
• 00:49:20.480><c> yes</c><00:49:20.800><c> it</c><00:49:21.040><c> is</c><00:49:21.119><c> a</c><00:49
• :49:28.160><c> seems</c><00:49:28.319><c> to</c><00:49:28.480><c> me</c><00:49:28.720><c> is</c><00:49

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:49:05.480><c> I</c><00:49:05.520><c> think</c><00:49:05.800><c> it's</c><00:49:06.000><c> wise
• </c><00:49:06.440><c> to</c><00:49:06.560><c> have</c><00:49:07.359><c> a</c><00:49:07.480><c> judge<
• And<00:49:10.560><c> uh</c><00:49:10.640><c> you</c><00:49:10.760><c> know,</c><00:49:10.960><c> I</c
• ><00:49:11.040><c> can</c><00:49:11.200><c> think</c><00:49:11.440><c> of</c><00:49:11.760><c> a</c><
• dozen<00:49:12.440><c> cases</c><00:49:12.840><c> right</c><00:49:13.080><c> off</c><00:49:13.240><c

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:26.079><c> the</c><00:49:26.240><c> intent</c><00:49:26.559><c> that</c><00:49:26.720><c>
• 31 session<00:49:31.599><c> laws</c><00:49:31.920><c> of</c><00:49:32.000><c> Hawaii</c><00:49:32.559
• c> of</c><00:49:36.800><c> that</c><00:49:36.960><c> act</c><00:49:37.200><c> if</c><00:49:37.359><c>
• <00:49:39.280><c> Housing</c><00:49:39.599><c> Finance</c><00:49:39.839><c> and</c><00:49:40.079><c>
• we're<00:49:43.760><c> requesting</c><00:49:44.160><c> the</c><00:49:44.400><c> corporation</c><00:49

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which<00:49:02.600><c> is</c><00:49:02.720><c> not</c><00:49:02.960><c> to</c><00:49:03.080><c> I</c>
• <00:49:03.359><c> want</c><00:49:03.520><c> to</c><00:49:03.600><c> be</c><00:49:03.680><c> clear.
• We're<00:49:04.000><c> not</c><00:49:04.240><c> knocking</c><00:49:04.760><c> what</c><00:49:04.960><
• , we have to face<00:49:08.400><c> the</c><00:49:08.480><c> reality</c><00:49:09.000><c> of</c><00:49
• Um<00:49:22.359><c> but</c><00:49:22.720><c> so</c><00:49:22.880><c> there</c><00:49:23.200><c> in</c

Bills: SB2960, SB2347, SB2272, SB3137, SB3132, SB2271, SB2804, SB2175, SB2487

Keywords: homeowners insurance, disaster recovery, replacement cost value, state of emergency, policyholder rights, insurance extensions, tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, SB2272, Act 105, home health licensing, home health agency, home health services, Department of Health, DOH, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.280><c> left</c><00:49:02.480><c> a</c><00:49:02.640><c> position</c><00:49:03.079><c>
• we're</c><00:49:06.040><c> able</c><00:49:06.240><c> to</c><00:49:06.400><c> know</c><00:49:06.599><c
• :28.839><c> I</c><00:49:29.520><c> knew</c><00:49:29.799><c> that</c><00:49:29.920><c> off</c><00:49:
• <00:49:30.760><c> have</c><00:49:30.880><c> Able</c><00:49:31.160><c> Body</c><00:49:31.440><c> staff
• </c><00:49:32.160><c> here</c><00:49:32.359><c> it</c><00:49:32.480><c> was</c><00:49:32.799><c> it</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 01:24 Attendance Roll Call: 01:44 KY Association for Career & Technical Education: 03:40 Senate Concurrent Resolution 43 (Sen. West): 10:42 Senate Bill 77 (Sen. Deneen ): 31:26 Senate Bill 120 (Sen. Chambers Armstrong): 35:04 Adjournment: 51:44, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard a presentation from Parker Keys, Northern Kentucky State Vice President for Kentucky FFA, on the value of career and technical education (CTE). He highlighted enrollment of more than 143,000 secondary students in CTE, work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and the role of student organizations such as DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, Educators Rising, TSA, and SkillsUSA. Senators praised CTE as important for workforce readiness and resume building, and encouraged continued engagement with the committee. The committee then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, sponsored by Senator Steve West, supporting a Southern Regional Education Board initiative to expand crisis counseling and recovery support for schools and colleges after tragedies and disasters. Dr. Steven Puit and Linda Tyrie described a regional network of trained counselors modeled on Kentucky’s response after Marshall County, emphasizing long-term recovery, psychological first aid, and deployment support for up to a year after an event. Members spoke in strong support, citing the lasting impact of Marshall County and Heath, and the resolution passed 13-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 77, a cleanup bill relating to the Education Professional Standards Board. Senator Matt Deneen and Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities representative Mr. Dyer explained that the bill clarifies that small independent colleges and universities may designate a qualified education department representative, not only a chief academic officer, to serve on the board. The committee adopted a committee substitute by voice vote, and the substitute was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• system.<00:49:03.599><c> As</c><00:49:03.920><c> the</c><00:49:04.079><c> chair</c><00:49:04.240><c>
• 49:35.599><c> District</c><00:49:36.319><c> and</c><00:49:36.480><c> the</c><00:49:36.640><c> Southwest
• </c><00:49:43.599><c> Much</c><00:49:43.920><c> of</c><00:49:44.000><c> the</c><00:49:44.160><c> work
• 00:49:45.280><c> in</c><00:49:45.520><c> committees</c><00:49:45.920><c> and</c><00:49:46.079><c> he<
• > served</c><00:49:46.720><c> on</c><00:49:46.880><c> the</c><00:49:47.119><c> finance</c><00:49:47.440

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:05.040><c> was</c><00:49:05.240><c> put</c><00:49:05.400><c> in</c><00:49:05.559><c> the</
• :49:08.680><c> I</c><00:49:08.760><c> can</c><00:49:09.000><c> do</c><00:49:09.280><c> okay</c><00:49
• c><00:49:10.400><c> that</c><00:49:10.520><c> one</c><00:49:10.799><c> because</c><00:49:10.960><c> I
• :49:39.720><c> talk</c><00:49:39.920><c> to</c><00:49:40.079><c> a</c><00:49:40.200><c> real</c><00:49
• 49:32.120><c> such</c><03:49:32.319><c> as</c><03:49:32.520><c> this</c><03:49:33.359><c> is</c><03:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring. Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments. The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:07.680><c> the</c><00:49:07.880><c> next</c><00:49:08.200><c> level</c><00:49:08.640><c> or<
• > when</c><00:49:10.960><c> um</c><00:49:11.240><c> and</c><00:49:11.359><c> what</c><00:49:11.480><c
• ><c> know</c><00:49:22.559><c> we</c><00:49:22.720><c> hope</c><00:49:22.880><c> all</c><00:49:23.000
• ><c> supervisors</c><00:49:23.839><c> take</c><00:49:24.000><c> all</c><00:49:24.119><c> of</c><00:49
• that it's<00:49:30.599><c> not</c><00:49:30.920><c> handled</c><00:49:31.400><c> by</c><00:49:31.520>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education met on January 30 and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with an announcement asking testifiers and members to keep remarks brief because of weather. The vice chair also explained that HB 440, relating to immigration issues in schools and state hospitals, was removed from the agenda because the proposal would not create meaningful legal protections and immigration policy is governed by federal law. The committee then moved through a series of education-related measures, with testimony largely from the Department of Education, the School Facilities Authority, the Attorney General’s office, unions, advocacy groups, and individual testifiers. On HB 330, concerning school impact fees, the School Facilities Authority supported the bill as aligning policy with implementation, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the fee accounts have accumulated large balances, including more than $20 million in impact fee funds and nearly $9 million from predecessor fair-share contributions, and urged that collected money be used rather than left idle. DOE said it would follow up on the balance and why it was not being used. On HB 1188, dealing with workforce housing, DOE and the Charter School Commission offered comments or support, the Attorney General suggested clarifying the phrase “within commuting distance” by using a mileage standard and adding repayment language, and HSTA, HGEA, and others supported the bill, with HSTA saying teachers need housing to be able to live and work in Hawaii. On HB 624 and HB 625, both related to school psychologists, DOE said it would participate in a work group on the pathway bill and supported the incentive program bill; school psychologists and related groups supported the measures, while one testifier said DOE should not lead the work group alone because school psychologists may work in many education settings beyond DOE schools. The committee also heard HB 1314 on youth mental health in schools. DOE described its student support process, universal screening tools, and behavioral health services, saying schools already identify and respond to concerns and that staff are trained to report issues, while the Attorney General warned the bill could expose schools to liability and recommended a broad liability waiver. Testimony was mixed, with several supporters and one opponent. On HB 616, concerning school safety and harassment protections for educational workers, the Attorney General sought clarifying amendments on harassment definitions, temporary restraining order costs, and paid leave, while HSTA, HGEA, and individual teachers strongly supported the bill, describing harassment incidents and arguing for a standardized statewide response. DOE said it already has reporting pathways, visitor codes of conduct, trespass notices, and an ethics hotline, but acknowledged implementation varies by school and that staff can escalate concerns if needed. The committee also began hearing HB 88 on a three-year pilot program for athletic travel, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s testimony is completed or any votes are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if it's<00:49:00.720><c> I</c><00:49:01.040><c> don't</c><00:49:01.119><c> know</c><00:49:01.280>
• 00:49:03.760><c> that</c><00:49:04.079><c> report</c><00:49:04.319><c> is,</c><00:49:04.640><c> if</c
• ><c> very</c><00:49:10.480><c> interesting</c><00:49:10.800><c> to</c><00:49:11.040><c> see</c><00:49
• Well, if<00:49:20.079><c> it's</c><00:49:20.319><c> possible</c><00:49:20.720><c> to</c><00:49:20.960
• So,<00:49:28.160><c> uh</c><00:49:28.319><c> but</c><00:49:28.559><c> I</c><00:49:28.800><c> don't</c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first accepted the minutes from the April 4 meeting, then moved to a discussion of potential audit topics and follow-up on prior performance audits. Christine Young, Director of Audits, and Jay Henry, performance audit supervisor, walked members through a spreadsheet showing the status of roughly 30 performance audit reports from the past 10 years, including the number of observations, whether agencies concurred, how many observations were fully addressed, and when each report was last updated. They explained that “fully addressed” only means the agency addressed the observations it agreed with, and that some reports include rejoinders when the audit office disagrees with an agency’s response. Members also discussed how some audits have been updated and others have not, including an example from the prescription drug monitoring program, which moved from the Board of Pharmacy/OPLC to HHS and was recently updated after staff contacted HHS. A major focus was the mental health workforce licensing audit, which was described as having little or no follow-up in the spreadsheet. Several members said this was especially concerning given the ongoing mental health crisis and argued that the committee should require a response. The committee agreed to start by sending letters to the chairs of the boards listed under that audit, asking the chair or designee to appear at the next meeting or respond in writing about what has been done and what remains unresolved. Members noted that the current process is voluntary and self-reported, which can lead to long delays or no response, especially for boards that meet only monthly and may have changed membership or leadership since the audit was issued. The committee also discussed other audit follow-up issues, including the liquor commission division of enforcement and licensing, which staff said was farther along than its percentage suggested, and a recently released human rights report that was not yet due for update. Members raised the possibility of using future budget reviews to ask agencies what they have done about old audit findings. In addition, the committee briefly discussed future audit topics, including a possible audit of local school districts related to special education, and staff explained that the statute allows the LBA to audit a limited number of non-state entities over a five-year period. The motion to authorize the chair and LBA to draft and send letters to the mental health workforce licensing boards passed by show of hands with one abstention. The next meeting was tentatively set for June 6 in State House 100, with staff to confirm the room and schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean,<00:49:09.280><c> you</c><00:49:09.440><c> you</c><00:49:09.839><c> could</c><00:49:10.000><c>
• ><c> if</c><00:49:11.520><c> you</c><00:49:12.000><c> take</c><00:49:12.240><c> out</c><00:49:12.400>
• ,<00:49:15.119><c> you</c><00:49:15.359><c> would</c><00:49:15.520><c> have</c><00:49:15.599><c> to</
• :21.040><c> Um,</c><00:49:21.920><c> I</c><00:49:22.160><c> suppose</c><00:49:22.400><c> it</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:24.240><c> I</c><00:49:24.400><c> I</c><00:49:24.720><c> would</c><00:49:24.960><c> say</c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:14.319><c> highlighted</c><00:49:15.319><c> the</c><00:49:15.440><c> bill</c><00:49:15.720><c>
• 00:49:29.480><c> annual</c><00:49:29.920><c> report</c><00:49:30.400><c> I</c><00:49:30.480><c> just<
• ><c> that</c><00:49:32.440><c> uh</c><00:49:32.559><c> it</c><00:49:32.640><c> does</c><00:49:32.920>
• :49:35.240><c> to</c><00:49:35.440><c> provide</c><00:49:35.760><c> their</c><00:49:36.000><c> data</
• uh the report<00:49:45.680><c> their</c><00:49:45.920><c> report</c><00:49:46.200><c> and</c><00:49:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy 150th<00:49:19.680><c> to</c><00:49:20.000><c> AIO</c><00:49:20.640><c> and</c><00:49:20.800><c
• body<00:49:37.599><c> during</c><00:49:37.920><c> the</c><00:49:38.240><c> 1991</c><00:49:39.200><c>
• Lita<00:49:41.680><c> Shriber</c><00:49:42.160><c> was</c><00:49:42.400><c> known</c><00:49:42.640><c
• <00:49:47.359><c> commitment</c><00:49:47.680><c> to</c><00:49:47.920><c> public</c><00:49:48.319><c>
• His<00:49:49.119><c> time</c><00:49:49.280><c> in</c><00:49:49.520><c> the</c><00:49:49.680><c> House

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none.<00:49:10.880><c> All</c><00:49:11.040><c> those</c><00:49:11.200><c> in</c><00:49:11.359
• </c><00:49:17.359><c> Chairman,</c><00:49:17.760><c> as</c><00:49:18.000><c> we</c><00:49:18.240><c>
• :26.079><c> is</c><00:49:26.319><c> ready</c><00:49:26.559><c> and</c><00:49:26.800><c> you</c><00:49
• those dollar<00:49:32.960><c> figures,</c><00:49:33.839><c> I</c><00:49:34.079><c> wanted</c><00:49:
• 49:35.359><c> to</c><00:49:35.599><c> look</c><00:49:35.760><c> at</c><00:49:35.920><c> it</c><00:49:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the ARP<00:49:16.800><c> listed</c><00:49:17.040><c> on</c><00:49:17.119><c> one</c><00:49:17.200><c
• Um<00:49:21.280><c> I</c><00:49:21.440><c> don't</c><00:49:21.520><c> know</c><00:49:21.520><c> if</c
• </c><00:49:27.280><c> Um</c><00:49:27.520><c> I</c><00:49:27.760><c> know</c><00:49:27.920><c> I</c><
• :49:29.520><c> um</c><00:49:29.599><c> we</c><00:49:29.839><c> can</c><00:49:29.920><c> just</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:31.040><c> Um</c><00:49:31.839><c> we</c><00:49:32.079><c> agree</c><00:49:32.319><c> with

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on fraud in the community, with presenters from ARP, CoinFlip, HPD, the Hawaii Bankers Association, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, and the Department of Law Enforcement. The chair described widespread scams targeting kupuna and other residents, including impersonation of grandchildren, lottery/inheritance schemes, romance scams, online shopping fraud, investment scams, and tech-support scams. Members emphasized the emotional manipulation used by scammers, the difficulty of getting victims to report losses, and the need to educate the public on warning signs and available resources. ARP said scams are an epidemic and highlighted national data showing major losses among older adults, including $4.8 billion lost by people age 60 and over in 2024. ARP focused especially on cryptocurrency kiosks as a growing scam channel in Hawaii, citing 64 complaints totaling $922,000 in 2024 and noting that complaints nearly doubled from the prior year. ARP urged stronger safeguards such as limits on transactions, refunds, live customer support, and a law-enforcement contact for operators, and said its Fraud Watch Network can help victims freeze credit, identify next steps, and track current scams. The chair said he intends to introduce legislation to lower and ultimately eliminate the amount of Bitcoin that can be purchased through ATMs. CoinFlip said it supports consumer-protection regulation and described its compliance practices, including scam warning screens, anti-money-laundering controls, blockchain analytics, wallet pinning, transaction monitoring, and cooperation with law enforcement. The company said it is registered as a money services business, files suspicious activity and currency transaction reports, and holds money transmitter licenses in many jurisdictions. It also pointed to Illinois-style refund protections for new users and said it refunds fees to scam victims, though not the underlying funds. In response to committee questions, members and the company discussed whether crypto kiosks are necessary, how scams can be traced, and whether banks and kiosks can better intervene when suspicious activity is detected.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> uh</c><00:49:17.760><c> to</c><00:49:18.079><c> be</c><00:49:18.160><c> able</c><00:49:18.319><c
• ><c> hear</c><00:49:25.359><c> there's</c><00:49:25.680><c> a</c><00:49:25.839><c> problem</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:27.520><c> what</c><00:49:27.680><c> can</c><00:49:27.839><c> we</c><00:49:28.000><c> do</
• &gt;&gt; No,<00:49:32.400><c> you</c><00:49:32.559><c> know,</c><00:49:32.720><c> I</c><00:49:32.880>
• <c> I</c><00:49:33.200><c> never</c><00:49:33.440><c> like</c><00:49:33.599><c> to</c><00:49:33.839><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• > generate</c><00:49:02.000><c> I</c><00:49:02.160><c> think</c><00:49:02.240><c> it</c><00:49:02.400
• </c><00:49:10.480><c> And</c><00:49:10.720><c> what</c><00:49:10.960><c> what</c><00:49:11.280><c> it
• :49:13.440><c> of</c><00:49:13.520><c> you</c><00:49:13.599><c> that</c><00:49:13.760><c> may</c><00:
• </c><00:49:18.480><c> It</c><00:49:18.720><c> allows</c><00:49:19.040><c> us</c><00:49:19.280><c> to<
• </c><00:49:22.319><c> uh</c><00:49:22.400><c> they</c><00:49:22.640><c> tend</c><00:49:22.800><c> to<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Kelly, I<00:49:34.319><c> have</c><00:49:34.400><c> a</c><00:49:34.559><c> gift</c><00:49:34.720>
• ><c> get</c><00:49:37.359><c> that</c><00:49:37.520><c> to</c><00:49:37.680><c> you</c><00:49:37.839>
• to you in a minute.<00:49:39.200><c> And</c><00:49:39.440><c> we</c><00:49:39.680><c> also</c><00:49
• ><c> all</c><00:49:44.960><c> get</c><00:49:45.119><c> the</c><00:49:45.359><c> cake</c><00:49:45.920
• /c><00:49:50.800><c> some</c><00:49:50.960><c> cake</c><00:49:51.280><c> on</c><00:49:51.440><c> your

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:49:12.240><c> are</c><00:49:12.359><c> there</c><00:49:12.480><c> any</c><00:49:12.599><c> nose<
• <00:49:26.760><c> on</c><00:49:26.960><c> this</c><00:49:27.160><c> measure</c><00:49:28.000><c> I'd<
• like to<00:49:28.440><c> move</c><00:49:28.680><c> this</c><00:49:28.839><c> forward</c><00:49:29.280
• c> yes</c><00:49:34.960><c> I</c><00:49:35.119><c> just</c><00:49:35.599><c> have</c><00:49:35.760><c
• ><c> one</c><00:49:48.880><c> okay</c><00:49:49.880><c> this</c><00:49:50.000><c> one</c><00:49:50.200

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.