Video & Transcript Research : 'CIP'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- that, after the legislature has approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including that for CIP
- that, after the legislature has approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including that for CIP
- that, after the legislature has approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including that for CIP
- project that might have if there's a CIP project that might have a<00:32:09.760>
funding <00:32 - Capital Improvement projects any CIP Capital Improvement projects any that<00:32:54.919>
will
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language.
SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused.
SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That would lead to the discussion: why are we using CIP codes? Right.
- And that would lead to the discussion, why are we using CIP codes? Right.
- So that isn't that easy to map that list into CIP families.
- So what Jamie did was use the CIP families, and what—and I know I'm saying CIP too many times, but that's
- It’s more based on CIP codes, and that’s not all the CIP codes—those are the ones that mapped closer
Summary:
The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later.
The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs.
Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE DEFER, HRE Public Hearings 02-06-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So are you not ready to propose this as one of your CIP priorities?
- I cannot propose it as a Board of Regents-approved CIP budget.
- It's not my CIP budget; it's the Board of Regents-approved CIP budget that was approved by the board
- ready to propose this as one of your CIP ready to propose this as one of your CIP priorities<00:
- <00:07:00.240>
was of regent approved CIP budget that was of regent approved CIP budget that
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education met on February 6 and began with decision-making items. SB 663, concerning additional positions for the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, was deferred again after the chair said the university’s response did not include the requested details on vacant positions, recruitment status, and fill dates. The chair said the committee needed the full information before considering new positions, and the university apologized for treating the request as informal rather than a formal committee inquiry.
The committee then discussed SB 672, relating to capital improvement projects for the Y. Manalo Research Station. University representatives said the project had been identified late because of timing and that they were still developing a broader plan for SEAR research facilities. The chair questioned how the project fit within the university’s existing Board of Regents-approved CIP priorities and whether any current priorities should be displaced. The university said it could not unilaterally reprioritize the budget, and the measure was deferred pending better direction on how it fits into the overall plan.
For SB 557, which would require the John A. Burns School of Medicine to direct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention for Maui, the committee heard strong testimony in support from Maui health care providers and community representatives. Supporters described severe shortages of physicians and dentists, long waits for care, and the need for housing, loan repayment, scholarships, transportation, and telehealth support to retain providers. The university said it was willing to help and suggested the work could be done through existing rural health and AHEC efforts. The bill was kept alive for further work, with the chair encouraging the parties to develop a plan.
The committee also heard SB 1107, establishing a medical education position at JABSOM to support ECHO-style mentorship and guidance programs. The university opposed the bill, saying it did not believe the measure addressed a problem that needed fixing and that Hawaiʻi already has five ECHO clinics administered through the Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, not JABSOM. The committee then took up SB 1204, concerning integration of the Kakaʻako medical school and cancer center. University leadership asked for time to develop a plan and timeline, possibly with an external consultant, and requested the bill be withdrawn. The chair expressed skepticism, citing long-standing concerns about the cancer center’s finances and planning. Testimony included support from the American Cancer Society and a patient who warned that integration could jeopardize the cancer center’s NCI designation and clinical trials, while a university vice president said the NIH P30 grant does not require the cancer center and medical school to remain separate and that many NCI centers are integrated. No final votes were taken on the measures discussed in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you on this slide here, which is Table 15 on your CIP. Mr.
- Since our CIP request a few years ago... we're we're working through our we're we're working through
- On this slide here, which is Table 15 on your CIP, Mr.
- <00:20:19.120>
U <00:20:19.280>Mr which is table 15 on your CIP U Mr which is table - Well, I did have a CIP question or two.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Judiciary heard the Judiciary’s budget presentation from Brandon Kimura and other court administrators. The Judiciary outlined its mission and access-to-justice programs, including specialty courts, self-help centers, online small claims dispute resolution, and e-reminders. It requested an operating budget of $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027, along with 17 permanent and one temporary position, and described a series of staffing and program requests tied to specialty courts, district court operations, technology, and public guardianship.
Major program requests included making women’s court permanent by converting seven temporary positions to permanent and adding a substance use counselor; expanding truancy court and the Early Education Intervention Program on Oahu; and making the driving while impaired court permanent. The Judiciary also sought staffing and funding for the new Wahiawa District Court, including security, janitorial, IT, clerical, bailiff, and social worker support, plus an additional district court judge and staff in Kona. Technology requests included cybersecurity tools and a cybersecurity unit, enhanced email protection, and replacement of aging network switches. Other operating requests included continued funding for the Criminal Justice Research Institute, restoration of 12 positions cut during the pandemic, and added support for the Office of the Public Guardian.
For capital improvement projects, the Judiciary’s top priorities were $4 million to design a new South Kohala District Court, $900,000 to replace an aging AC chiller on Kauai, and $5 million for lump-sum facility preservation work. Members asked questions about purchase-of-service contract rates, implementation of court-appointed fee increases, federal grant dependence, specialty court effectiveness, truancy court outcomes, and the condition of the Ewa District Court site. Judiciary witnesses said they were working to raise provider rates through contracts and a separate bill, cited low recidivism and reduced petitions as evidence that specialty courts and truancy efforts are working, and said the Ewa site has significant foundation issues that may require further assessment or a different location.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (2-5-25) - part2
Transcript Highlights:
- So in a CIP where you already have problems identified, you're already doing that.
- So this is about CIPs, and so I understand the bill will drop the requirement for CIPs for schools that
- But I want to understand what's the difference between the CIP and then the transition plans that are
- I just don't understand what the difference is between the CIP and what they have to do when they're
- what's the difference between the CIP what's the difference between the CIP and<00:10:35.639>
Keywords:
This Live stream had a technical issue part way through and will be loaded fully later today., 958, all
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 48, which would reduce the state-required formal observation cycle for tenured teachers from once every three years to once every five years, while preserving local district authority to conduct more frequent observations if they choose. Supporters argued the change would cut paperwork and time burdens on experienced teachers and principals, while still allowing districts to monitor performance and place teachers on improvement plans when needed. Members also discussed the bill’s separate provisions on school improvement plans, with clarification that CSI/TSI low-performing schools would still be required to maintain comprehensive improvement plans and receive additional support from KDE, and that the bill was not changing the evaluation system for those schools.
A second major topic was professional development and teacher induction/mentoring requirements. The bill would consolidate state-mandated PD requirements into a rotational schedule for tenured teachers, and members noted that teachers are already subject to federal and local PD obligations that the legislature cannot change. Several speakers emphasized that the bill was intended to reduce state-level mandates, not eliminate useful supports for new teachers, and one member raised concern that mandatory induction/mentoring could limit districts’ ability to use Title II funds; the response was that the program remains valuable and should be revisited with dedicated funding rather than discarded. There was also a brief question about suicide prevention hotline and Safe Haven Baby Box posting language, which was explained as existing statute consolidated into one place.
The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with members offering brief explanations of support and noting frustration with recurring annual training requirements such as bloodborne pathogens. After the vote, members thanked the bill sponsors and educators who helped shape the legislation, and the chair announced weekly office hours in Room 367. The meeting ended with congratulations to the new K-12 chair and adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next slide shows the breakdown of our CIP projects coming up.
- up filling in the latter half of the CIP projects going forward.
- The next slide shows the breakdown of our CIP projects coming up.
- is $601 million for CIP CIP<01:48:53.880>
is <01:48:54.000>a <01:48:54.080>little - filling in the latter half of the CIP filling in the latter half of the CIP projects<01:49:02.760
Summary:
The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology.
Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break.
After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, HRE Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- CIP is for the wal research and the 5.5 CIP is for the wal research and the 5.5 is<01:12:50.840>
an - , shouldn't that be involved with the university in their CIP projects or the room projects?
- <01:15:08.440>
wouldn't for the research station CIP wouldn't for the research station CIP - projects are not being put onto the CIP projects are not being put onto the CIP and<01:18:04.040
- Senate Bill 672, this is the one on the general obligation bonds and the CIP.
Summary:
The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time.
Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-EDU Informational Briefing 01-14-2025 (Continued)
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- because you still have department principals and vice principals contacting legislators directly for CIP
- It was something that was requested in the CIP budget that, in the governor's review, was folded into
- You don't care if it's CIP or operating funds. I mean, you ask for it in C funds.
- I have a question on table 16, your CIP lapses.
- I asked what is our CIPs. That's when they gave principals asz.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Mar 18, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 29
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lee and Rick Seeman, who are my legislative aides, who've also held down my office as we worked on CIP
- , as well as Kristen Lee and me on CIP, as well as Kristen Lee and Rick<00:17:49.880>
Seeman, < - And also want to as we worked on CIP.
- I'd like to just highlight a few things about the CIP budget, which is included in this bill.
- <00:51:46.560>
budget Similar to last year, the CIP budget Similar to last year, the CIP budget
Bills:
HR203, SB2802, SB3081, SB2902, SB2005, SB3252, SB2096, SB2095, SB2046, SB2999, SB3103, SB83, SB2041, SB3234, SB3156, SB3154, SB2146, SB2053, SB2010, SB2009, SB2667, SB3215, SB2698, SB2363, SB2372, SB2673, SB2948, SB2277, SB2057, SB3085, SB3025, SB2761
Keywords:
H.R. 203, House Resolution, Hawaii education, teacher of the year, educator recognition, Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, public education, K-12, elementary school, STEM education, literacy, teacher appreciation, school excellence, Hawaiʻi Legislature, keiki
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And just to confirm that the $2 million is in the CIP budget to continue the project. Yes.
- 34.079>
the budget to continue the project is in the budget to continue the project is in the CIP - <00:15:34.959>
CIP. <00:15:35.600>Yes. - <00:15:36.480>
And <00:15:36.720>and <00:15:37.120>the CIP budget. CIP. - And and the CIP budget. CIP. Yes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the CIP 407. Oh, you know, I'm looking at CIP—wait, no, we're still on table six.
- That's the governor's adjustment. the 5 million CIP for Statewide water the 5 million CIP for Statewide
- overall comprehension that's the CIP overall comprehension that's the CIP 407<01:29:31.719>
oh - “Did not get a quarter million in CIP.
- Okay, can I ask a CIP request?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Creating the Educator Group Insurance Program (Part 2) 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So it still has the same CIP factors, all those sorts of things.
- But you're still keeping the CIP codes, which...
- But you're still keeping the CIP codes, which we've manipulated all over the place.
- My understanding is the CIP codes do get reviewed from the federal...
- Is that so here's what the CIP code, that must be what it costs?
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I too want to thank you and our colleagues for setting the priorities that are reflected in the CIP
- for his leadership and guidance in crafting the state budget, and the collaboration with the House CIP
- and the collaboration with the House CIP chair, Lisa Kitagawa, and her staff, and for the governor and
- As to the CIP budget, I thank members in helping to identify district areas of need.
- Some highlights of the CIP fiscal 2017 budget include investments in housing and affordability. $351
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-HWN, WAM-PSM, WAM-CPN Informational Briefings 01-08-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for CIP the 45 million?
- Um, when I looked at the CIP lapses on table 16, there are none.
- Additional project details are provided in Table 15 CIP.
- Additional project details are provided in Table 15 CIP.
- No, the CIP should go to the new chair, Carol, Senator Fukunaga.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- No, I know, but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP requests. You have it in Table Six.
- No, I know, but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP requests. You have it in Table Six.
- No, I know, but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP requests. You have it in Table Six.
- No, I know, but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP requests. You have it in Table Six.
- but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP but that's CIP and it's not in the CIP requests<01:43:20.920
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-GVO, WAM-WLA Informational Briefings 01-13-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Which we have on our CIP right now. Which we have on our CIP right now.
- Listen, CIP. Oh, that's okay. Yeah. Table 15 CIP on your HPU campus.
- Listen,<03:17:58.200>
CIP. - Listen, CIP. Oh, that's okay. Yeah. Listen, CIP. Oh, that's okay. Yeah.
- This was our fiscal year 2025 CIP.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and will continue to reassess the CIP and will continue to reassess the CIP and<00:23:55.640>
- I have a couple of questions about CIP.
- Thank you to the committee for your past support with our CIP requests.
- we received about $160 million in CIP we received about $160 million in CIP funds<02:15:28.719><
- I just had one question on your CIP appropriations.
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-HHS, WAM-TRS Informational Briefings 01-15-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have any CIP requests? >> Yes, there are CIP requests.
- Do you have any CIP requests? Do you have any CIP requests?
- Any other questions on the rest of the<01:34:05.679>
CIP? the CIP? the CIP? - >> It's<02:04:11.280>
the <02:04:11.440>CIP. >> It's the CIP. - >> It's the CIP.
Summary:
The Department of Health presented its supplemental budget requests and described several sources of uncertainty affecting federal funding, including policy changes, shutdown-related disruptions, and shifting appropriations proposals in Congress. Officials said some federal grants had been terminated and then restored, but the department still faces added administrative burden to access funds. They also said trust in public health institutions has declined, and outlined efforts to respond through community engagement, website cleanup, social media, and transparency dashboards.
The department highlighted staffing and operations issues, noting a 29.7% vacancy rate and the success of its hiring pilot under Act 291, which has hired 38 candidates with an average 95-day hiring timeline. On the budget side, officials said the supplemental request includes increases in general, special, and revolving funds, and they walked through the first major general fund item for emergency medical services. After discussion, they said the EMS request was reduced from $8 million to $4.5 million to cover collective bargaining increases and keep contracts whole through August 2027.
Behavioral health items included the payment crisis center in Ewa, which has connected more than 2,000 people to services, though roughly one-third remain unconnected or return frequently. Members questioned the quality of follow-up data and whether the program is reducing repeat use. The department also discussed state hospital decompression efforts, including use of the behavioral health crisis center, transfers to community hospitals, neighbor-island placements, and direct discharge to long-term care facilities; officials said the hospital is licensed for 292 beds and has seen census pressures rise again.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on Kalaupapa/Kalawao jurisdiction and preservation after patient care ends. Members pressed the department on the lack of a clear statewide plan, the roles of DOH, DNR, and DHHL, and what happens to land, buildings, and the cemetery after the last patient leaves. DOH said the current law is unclear on an end date, that the proposed bill would change the law, and that the landowners’ agreements with the National Park Service and each other will shape the transition. Officials said they would provide more information at a later hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-HHS, WAM-EDU Informational Briefings 01-14-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- request. >> The CIP.
- , he added $137 million to governor's CIP, he added $137 million to your<01:25:40.480>
CIP <01: - for CIP? for CIP? >> About<01:26:40.320>
280 <01:26:41.120>million. - And how much did you get in CIP? >> Okay. And how much did you get in CIP?
- It's not in your CIP table 6. It's not in your CIP table 6.