Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations also include standard conforming changes to the listed riders, and recommendations include
• Turning to page one of your summary recommendation packets.
• Recommendations do not include this request.
• Recommendations provide $6.5 million in all funds.
• Recommendations do not include $300,000 in GR for OCFW.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:55.520> is seeing n share the recommendation is seeing n share the recommendation is
• 324 and then to include the recommended 324 and then to include the recommended Amendment<01:47:
• voting on SB 576 sd1 the recommendation voting on SB 576 sd1 the recommendation is<01:48:46.320>
• Thank you all. voting on sb81 sd1 the recommendation is voting on sb81 sd1 the recommendation is to<01
• <01:52:30.719> is reservations the recommendation is reservations the recommendation is adopted

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations to >> Thank you, chair. Recommendations to adopt. adopt. adopt.
• Recommendations been Thank you, chair. Recommendations been adopted. adopted. adopted.
• Recommendations been Thank you, chair. Recommendations been adopted. adopted. adopted.
• Recommendations been adopted. Recommendations been adopted.
• Recommendations been >> Thank you chair. Recommendations been adopted. adopted. adopted.

Bills: SB2543, SB2014, SB2115, SB3095, SB3264, SB2114, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3131, SB3144

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation has been adopted.
• Recommendation has Thank you, Chair. Recommendation has been<01:03:40.720> adopted.
• Recommendation is to defer this measure. 2315 HD1, recommendation is to pass as 2315 HD1, recommendation
• Recommendation has Thank you, Chair. Recommendation has been<01:04:06.280> adopted.
• Recommendation has Thank you, Chair. Recommendation has been<01:08:11.960> adopted.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor met on February 19, 2026, and heard a series of bills largely focused on public employment, staffing, and professional licensing. Early measures included HB 2276 and HB 2472, both relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund staff salaries, which were supported by trust fund representatives and received no opposition or questions. The committee also heard HB 1714 HD1 on housing, where the Hawaii Public Housing Authority testified with comments and the Deputy Attorney General raised concerns about the scope of autonomy, civil service, collective bargaining, and a possible separation-of-powers issue involving legislative approval of long-term contracts. The committee then considered several personnel and civil service bills. HB 2325 HD1, relating to civil service exempt positions at DLNR, drew support from DLNR and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, but HGEA opposed it and urged the department to seek other recruitment and retention solutions while keeping employees in civil service. HB 1541, relating to Department of Health positions, was supported by DOH on the grounds that the positions serve vulnerable populations and require specialized expertise, while HGEA opposed. HB 2140 HD1, relating to essential permanent positions, received support from OPSD, HGEA, and the Chamber of Commerce, with written comments from the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. HB 2315 HD1, relating to state employment benefits, was strongly supported by DOH, UPW, and HGEA as a recruitment and retention incentive; members questioned the pilot program, and DOH explained it would allow employees to cash out vacation leave earlier than current policy allows. The committee also heard HB 2295 on government contracting, with DOE support not present and IBEW 1186 in opposition. HB 1720, relating to professional engineers, drew strong support from the City and County of Honolulu’s planning department, which argued the bill would help with affordable housing review and only affect eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, but strong opposition from engineering industry and licensing board representatives, who warned it would lower licensing standards and harm reciprocity; members questioned both sides about plan review experience and licensure requirements. HB 2367, relating to employment earnings and pay transparency, received strong support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, the Commission on the Status of Women, and others, who said transparency helps small businesses and retention, while written opposition came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and NFIB. Finally, HB 1935, relating to personal information, drew comments from the Attorney General and the Campaign Spending Commission about implementation burdens and disclosure requirements, with UPW supporting the home-address redaction portion but opposing the broader disclosure process; additional written testimony was noted from OIP, the League of Women Voters, Public Press Law Center, HGEA, and DCCA.

Transcript Highlights:

• The full House with a recommendation that do pass and be printed. Uh, Clerk, please call the roll.
• The full House with a recommendation that do pass and be printed. Clerk, please call the roll.
• Cook moves that 2947 is substituted to be reported favorably to the full House with a recommendation
• The subcommittee voted 5-0 to recommend that House Bill 4263.
• Full House with a recommendation that do pass and be printed. Clerk, please call the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• recommended by seaworm as well.
• hi Madame chair recommendations hi Madame chair recommendations adopted<01:38:19.040> uh<
• July 1, 2040. recommendation is to defer this measure recommendation is to defer this measure and<01
• the vote here goes I CH recommendations the vote here goes I CH recommendations to<01:45:10.119>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• any funding and so we would recommend any funding and so we would recommend adding<00:05:25.400>
• Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted. Recommendations adopted. Thank you.
• E's uh chair's recommendation will be to E's uh chair's recommendation will be to pass<00:46:07.400><
• Recommendations adopted, thank you.
• <00:47:01.559> Senate operations same recommendation Senate operations same recommendation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation is adopted.
• recommended amendments to this measure. recommended amendments to this measure.
• Those are my recommendations.
• . recommended. recommended.
• Recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also recommend an for special needs.
• The recommendation is adopted.
• The recommendation is adopted. The recommendation is adopted.
• Recommendation is adopted. Chair. Great. Recommendation is adopted. Chair. Great.
• Chair recommendation Pavlla is excused.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator West moves that Senate Bill 434 be reported back to the full Senate with a recommendation to
• Senator West moves that Senate Bill 434 be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar.
• Senator West moves that Senate Bill 434 be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar.
• Senator Cook moves that the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1177 be recommended for the local and
• Senator Paxton moves that Senate Bill 1214 be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to consider a series of bills, many of them with committee substitutes. The committee adopted substitutes and advanced Senate Bills 1177, 1579, 1920, 2068, 3034, and 844, generally reporting them to the full Senate with recommendations that the original bills not pass but the substitutes do pass and be printed. Several of these measures were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The discussion included SB 1579 on appointment of a receiver and sale or acquisition of certain abandoned, unoccupied, and undeveloped parcels; SB 1920 on property tax exemptions for cemeteries when no application is filed; and SB 3034 relating to the Doug Pickock Aggie Expressway, with a substitute aligning the bill with current transportation statutes. The committee also advanced SB 434 and SB 1214 without controversy, both receiving unanimous committee approval. SB 1951, relating to penalties for filing red ditches, passed on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Cook voting no. SB 2183 and SB 2046 also passed on 4-1 votes. SB 2068, after adoption of a committee substitute, was reported unanimously. Members briefly discussed the practical issues behind the cemetery tax exemption bill and the need for a process when property owners are not identifiable. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that the committee might vote on additional bills after session depending on attendance. With no further business, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation is adopted. recommendation is adopted.
• recommendation has been adopted by GVO. recommendation has been adopted by GVO.
• recommendation as well. recommendation as well.
• recommendation is adopted. recommendation is adopted.
• recommendation is to defer. recommendation is to defer.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation and with recommendation that it be placed
• ><00:27:15.039> on<00:27:15.120> the recommendation that be placed on the recommendation
• vaccines recommendations vaccines recommendations there<01:34:22.239> have<01:34:22.400><
• recommendation of the tetanus vaccine? recommendation of the tetanus vaccine?
• Any recommendations can cause cancer? Any recommendations changed?

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 3, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several bills, appointments, and resolutions. Finance reported Senate Bills 9 and 39 favorably, with SB 39 recommended for the consent calendar, and the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee reported Senate Bills 27 and 29 postponed indefinitely. The chamber also received and later adopted Senate Joint Resolution 9, recognizing Missing Persons Day, after extensive remarks from Senator Danielson and Senator Cattellin (spelling as transcribed) and recognition of families, law enforcement, CBI staff, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office staff in attendance. SJR 9 passed 33-0. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 on third reading and final passage, a housing measure authorizing county commissioners to support certain housing and expanding the middle-income housing tax credit to certain transferees. The bill passed 26-7. The chamber also heard a personal privilege recognizing School Nutrition Day and the Colorado School Nutrition Association, highlighting their work providing meals to students and implementing the Healthy School Meals Act. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate began second reading of Senate Bill 32 on immunization access. The bill would expand use of the state immunization schedule alongside ACIP recommendations, allow pharmacists to independently prescribe, dispense, order, and administer vaccines, update liability provisions, authorize rulemaking for infant immunization programs, and remove a prohibition on using state money for those programs if federal funds are unavailable. Senators Mullica and supporters argued the bill protects access to vaccines and insulates Colorado from federal dysfunction, while Senators Bright and Frisell raised budget concerns and supported Amendment L004 to restore the state-funding prohibition. Senator Ba opposed the amendment, saying the bill merely removes a funding restriction and does not mandate spending. The transcript ends during continued debate on Amendment L004, with no final vote on SB 32 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they recommended a similar construct.
• <00:42:42.520> by<00:42:42.680> the amendment as recommended by the amendment as recommended
• as recommended by Senator Cummings?
• recommended by the committee on finance. recommended by the committee on finance.
• <01:00:44.000> that on Appropriations, which recommends that on Appropriations, which recommends

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I recommended several changes to the sworn complaint process.
• Yeah, and in concert with Sunset, Sunset recommended this as well.
• The staff recommendation is adopted. Kendall Miller.
• Staff recommends no waiver or reduction.
• There were a lot of management recommendations and even statutory recommendations that I think the commission

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4001, creating Team West Virginia Corporation, and reports the same back with the recommendation
• The committee reports the same back with a recommendation that they each do pass as amended, respectfully
• The committee reports the same back with the recommendation that it do pass as amended, respectfully
• The committee reports the same back with the recommendation that it do pass as amended, respectfully
• The committee reports the same back with the recommendation that it do pass as amended, respectfully

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened, returned to the third order of business, and took up House amendments to Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. The Senate adopted its amendment, which created an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year and was described as giving county boards another tool to fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The Senate then concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed SB 155 by a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, with one member absent and not voting. The chamber then received a series of committee reports advancing House bills on a wide range of topics, including economic development, education, finance, energy, health and human resources, and the judiciary. Measures reported favorably included bills creating Team West Virginia Corporation and the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, school transfer eligibility, the West Virginia Load Forecast Accountability Act, oil and gas well plugging requirements, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the West Virginia Science and Culture Center, a comprehensive energy development policy plan, TANF applicant drug screening, and child protection commissioners. Most of these bills were taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, and advanced. One bill, House Bill 5381 on a comprehensive energy development policy and plan, was also referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., after announcements of upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recommendation is adopted. Thank you. For members of EIG, same recommendation.
• recommendation is adopted. Thank you. recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• > 107<00:04:39.240> and Chair's recommendation for SCR 107 and Chair's recommendation for
• <00:05:02.000> is voting aye, the recommendation is voting aye, the recommendation is adopted
• Chair, your recommendation is adopted. Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing, Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and later Water, Land, Culture and the Arts and Housing, heard several resolutions related to affordable housing and the East Kapolei transit-oriented development area. SCR 48 and SR 47 proposed declaring that affordable housing credits are perpetual until redeemed, and testimony from DHHL, OPSD, and NAIOP Hawaii supported clarifying that intent. The committees voted to pass SCR 48 and SR 47 unamended. The committees then considered SCR 107 and SR 101, which were amended to make clear the resolution applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Land Management and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Those measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted by the committees. In the later joint hearing, SCR 68 and SR 63 addressed the East Kapolei TOD project, urging DLNR to transfer certain parcels to HHFDC and urging HHFDC to work with HCDA on the non-housing portions of the project. Testimony from DLNR, HHFDC, HCDA, and DHHL focused on the balance between housing and revenue-generating or light industrial uses, the need for an EIS and market study, and the possibility of MOAs to memorialize agreements. After discussion, the committees amended the resolutions to prioritize rental housing as well as for-sale housing and to require MOAs before the board, then passed SCR 68 and SR 63 with amendments by unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair is going to recommend that we pass with amendments.
• taxation um chair is going to recommend taxation um chair is going to recommend that<00:27:38.000
• Senator Dort no CH your recommendations Senator Dort no CH your recommendations adopted<00:29:43.440
• as is not chair recommendations measure as is not chair recommendations adopted<00:30:09.159> okay
• The Chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on building codes, taxation, police reports, National Guard benefits, and discriminatory reporting. SB 48 would have required the State Building Code Council to assess financial impacts of code adoption on homes and include utility costs; testimony was mixed, but the bill drew concerns about housing costs and code timing. SB 120 would have changed the State Building Code Council’s responsibilities and code adoption process; the International Code Council and Sierra Club opposed it, while BIA Hawaii and others supported it, arguing current code cycles raise costs and counties need more flexibility. The committee later noted that county building departments had not submitted testimony on SB 48 or SB 120. SB 138 would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for hurricane-resistant safe rooms. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and revenue uncertainty, while Hawaii Emergency Management stood on written comments. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a clarifying tax language change and an effective date of July 1, 2077. SB 112 would allow immediate family members of deceased persons to receive police closing reports after a set period; the Attorney General and prosecuting attorney supported access in principle but requested explicit redaction authority for minors and confidential personal information. The committee adopted amendments reflecting those concerns and passed the bill. SB 88 would authorize allowances for TRICARE, dental, and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. It received support from National Guard and Department of Defense representatives and was passed as is. SB 16 would create civil remedies for discriminatory reporting to law enforcement based on protected characteristics and require public guidance from the Department of Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Commission; it received support from the department and several advocates, with one opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 16 with an amended effective date and technical changes. In final action, the committee deferred SB 48 and SB 120, and adopted the chair’s recommendations on the remaining measures before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation is adopted.
• Recommendation is adopted. Thank you. Recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• I recommend we adopt the amendments recommended by the Attorney General.
• Recommendation is adopted. Thank you. Recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• Recommendation is passed. Thank you. Recommendation is passed. Thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move the House Bill 2667 be returned with a due pass recommendation.
• Is that House Bill 26-67 be returned with a due pass recommendation?
• Chair, members, House Bill 2020... ...do pass recommendation. Staff? Mr.
• I'm here recommending the committee's support on HB 2858.
• Chair, I move that HB 2681 be returned with a do pass recommendation. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard HB 2842, a deed-fraud prevention bill that would create an early alert system for property owners when escrow is opened on their property. The sponsor and several witnesses, including a victim, an Attorney General investigator, and the Department of Real Estate commissioner, described widespread deed fraud and said the bill would provide proactive notice before a fraudulent transfer is completed. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment shifting the reporting entity from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department, then passed the bill with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. Members then considered HB 2667, which would require recipients of state first-time homebuyer or down payment assistance programs to be Arizona residents for two years and to occupy the home as a primary residence for two years, while barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help younger Arizonans and keep assistance focused on residents invested in the state. Opponents and other members raised concerns that the bill could conflict with existing federal and lender requirements and could reduce participation in local down payment programs; after discussion, the committee passed the bill 4-3. HB 2020 was heard next and would reduce certain school-disruption offenses to a class 1 misdemeanor for minors and narrow the definition of interference with an educational institution. The sponsor and a parent described a case in which a student was charged too harshly after a school altercation, while a public commenter urged case-by-case discretion and warned against saddling children with felonies. The committee passed the bill 4-3. The committee also advanced HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and updates notice rules, including electronic newspaper publication. After adopting two amendments, members passed it 4-3. HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to restrict public access to certain identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers, passed unanimously. HB 2858, creating a 1% Arizona-bidder preference in certain state procurement ties, also passed unanimously after amendment. HB 2660, which adds procedural protections and oversight for health profession licensing board actions, passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and a physician who said board actions had chilled speech and due process. Finally, HB 2063, appropriating $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, passed unanimously after strong support from oversight advocates and former corrections stakeholders, and HB 2681, extending civil-service appeal deadlines from 10 calendar days to 10 business days, also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed HB 2812, which would raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; witnesses supported the increase and members began discussing a possible amendment to allow retirees to transfer the payout into a health savings arrangement, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is a very short narrative on the Executive Budget Recommendation.
• The LLC recommendation comes in at about 2.5%. If I remember correctly.
• Chairman, we have in our recommendation for compensation recommended a 1% across-the-board compensation
• This is the detailed budget recommendations for every agency.
• Early childhood and there's also recommendations for.

Keywords: 996, all