Transcript Highlights:

• Um, HTA, please. >> Um, thank you for your testimony.
• Um, HTA is definitely very important. Um, his changes changed me from a no to a reservations.
• Um, Um, Um, hta<00:45:53.359> is<00:45:53.520> is<00:45:53.920> definitely<00:45
• <00:45:55.839> Um, hta is is definitely very important.
• Um, hta is is definitely very important.

Bills: SB2187

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll ask HTA for the schedule. >> Will you take about...
• We should use those questions for HTA. >> Sure. I think it depends what the terminal schedule is.
• to what HTA is doing<00:36:46.320> on<00:36:46.560> that.
• >> So if it's construction, let's wait for HTA.
• I don't know how much money HTA is spending on which country." "So we can ask the spending of HTA.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• your part, but I think there are just some significant concerns from the TIM school and, of course, HTA
• your part, but I think there are just some significant concerns from the TIM school and, of course, HTA
• your part, but I think there are just some significant concerns from the TIM school and, of course, HTA
• > uh from the Tim school and of course U uh from the Tim school and of course U uh<00:14:49.199> HTA
• which is this is really not in uh HTA which is this is really not in our<00:14:51.560> wheelhouse

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But you already said marketing the HTA budget, though. Is it double dipping in this sense?
• If we’re going to give it to HTA marketing, it should be clear.
• Rams, through Stan Kony/KY Sports Entertainment, just signed a two-year agreement with HTA.
• Rams, through Stan Kony/KY Sports Entertainment, just signed a two-year agreement with HTA.
• Rams, through Stan Kony/KY Sports Entertainment, just signed a two-year agreement with HTA.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures on the 1 p.m. agenda. SB 817, relating to out-of-state offices, drew support from DBEDT and several community groups, with questions focused on the requested funding, staffing level, whether the office would expand broadly, and whether the Philippines was being singled out. SB 1578, relating to international affairs, received support from DBEDT and the Attorney General, with the chair noting the bill was intended to help DBEDT analyze Hawaii’s international partnerships and plan next steps. SB 1639, establishing Hawaii Beach Day, had limited testimony and was moved along without substantive debate. SB 582, relating to DBEDT, was also heard with support from state agencies and a few individuals, and was described as a vehicle for organizational and funding changes affecting the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including moving some positions and programming to general funds and narrowing the works-of-art special fund's uses. The committees then took up recommendations. All three measures were advanced with amendments: SB 817 was amended to include technical changes and a defective effective date of July 1, 2025; SB 1578 was amended to address the Attorney General’s concerns, make the commission subject to Senate confirmation, and add technical changes and a defective date; and SB 582 was amended to incorporate provisions from SB 1577, clarify SFCA authority over performing arts, shift SFCA positions and programming to general funds, restrict the works-of-art special fund, and add a defective date. Each committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations, with no reservations or no votes noted in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and only Senator Dela Cruz voting no on SB 817 there; in the Economic Development and Tourism committee, SB 817 passed with Senator Kim in reservation and Senator Awa voting no, while SB 1578 and SB 582 passed with Senator Awa voting no. The later 10:00 a.m. agenda hearing focused on SB 1589, relating to the stadium development special fund, and SB 1629, relating to taxation. On SB 1589, the Attorney General asked for clarification of section 3, particularly the proviso about remaining monies lapsing to the general fund if the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is terminated before completion; the interim stadium manager explained the bill would allow spending of $49.5 million already in the special fund for consultant, construction management, quality assurance, and contingency costs. On SB 1629, testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including film industry and business representatives, said the measure would support local film production, restore prior GET treatment, and help attract studio development; opponents argued the bill was vague, overly favorable to a specific project, and lacked oversight and accountability. The hearing ended with extensive questioning about whether the bill was effectively tailored to a particular studio project and how it related to other film tax credit measures, but no final committee action on SB 1589 or SB 1629 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I'm proud to be welcoming the students from the Hawaii Technology Academy, or HTA, the largest
• HTA is a tuition-free K- to 2 public charter school known for their innovative blended learning that
• > uh<00:17:18.000> Heidi<00:17:18.400> Weber,<00:17:18.959> who group from HTA
• I'd like to recognize parent chaperon at HTA, Nicole Noel Zimdong.
• recognize parent chaperon at uh hta recognize parent chaperon at uh hta Nicole<00:19:17.679>

Bills: HB2198, HB2021, HB1881, HB1964, HB1990, HB2151, HB2599, HB2414

Keywords: gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourthly, we'll request DOT and HTA, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, to make information available in an
• request<00:21:53.679> DOT<00:21:54.240> and<00:21:55.039> uh<00:21:55.520> HTA
• , fourthly, we'll request DOT and uh HTA, fourthly, we'll request DOT and uh HTA, the<00:21:56.159
• And finally, we'll ask them to report annually to the legislature, to HTA, to the counties, and then

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Education committees heard STR 1117 and SR 98, which urge the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and Hawaii County to inventory bus stops used by children on Hawaii Island and develop safety improvements. DOE testified that routes are based on student locations, families must register riders, and access is complicated by county roads and privately owned or HOA-managed roads; members noted the need to focus on the most affected areas and on safety rather than just counting stops. The committees recommended both resolutions be passed with amendments, including adding the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and technical changes, and both measures were adopted by vote. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then heard several resolutions on international relationships and transportation safety. STR 196/SR 76 supporting broader ties with Norway, STR 197/SR 77 supporting broader ties with Sweden, and STR 195/SR 175 supporting broader ties with Sweden all moved forward; testimony generally favored learning from those countries, and the committee adopted amendments to add collaboration language and, in the Norway measure, a reference to prisons and criminal justice. The committee also heard STR 181/SR 51 on lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05; the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance supported the measure and suggested adding flexibility for the DOT director to appoint additional working group members. The committee amended the resolution to broaden the working group and direct it to examine data, impacts, and implementation issues, then adopted it. On later agendas, the committee approved CR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week with amendments to create a task force on light pollution and dark skies. It also passed CR 180/SR 150, which would have DOT report on commercial tour operator safety and performance, after amending it to clarify the purpose, require online public information, involve the NTSB, and create a transparency/scoring framework. STR 150 on subsidizing waterborne cargo transport was also passed with technical amendments. Finally, STR 222/SR 197 on towing companies having on-site ATMs was amended into a task force proposal led by the Office of Consumer Protection, and the committee adopted that recommendation. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was to pass with amendments or, for one Sweden measure, pass unamended, and the votes were unanimous with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would not go to HTA and take something from HTA.
• I would not go to HTA and take something from HTA.
• I would not go to HTA and take something from HTA.
• I would not go to HTA and take something from HTA.
• I would not go to HTA and take something from HTA.

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• adding language into this bill clarifying that retirees that return to service as president and CEO of HTA
• president<00:16:38.959> and<00:16:39.279> CEO<00:16:39.680> of<00:16:39.839> HTA
• 00:16:40.560> are<00:16:40.720> required<00:16:41.040> to president and CEO of HTA
• are required to president and CEO of HTA are required to be<00:16:41.360> reenrolled<00:16:41.920

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we'll be moving on to Daniel Nooi, interim president and CEO of HTA, with comments.
• <00:49:41.280> with CEO of HTA with CEO of HTA with comments.<00:49:44.000> Not<00:
• Written testimony and support were noted from the Stadium Authority, with comments from BNF, DOE, HTA
• 00:52:42.960> from uh, comments from DOE, comments from uh, comments from DOE, comments from HTA
• , comments from the Hawaii State HTA, comments from the Hawaii State Public<00:52:46.559> Library<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tourism Authority for each of the next two fiscal years, provided that no funds shall be released unless HTA
• and contractors and vendors contracted by HTA and the visitor industry enter into a formal agreement
• purpose is, and where... contractors and vendors contracted by contractors and vendors contracted by HTA
• 27.280> visitor<00:20:27.679> industry<00:20:28.080> into<00:20:28.320> a HTA
• and the visitor industry into a HTA and the visitor industry into a enter<00:20:28.960> into<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The convention center, as it lays under HTA, we're going to have a huge volleyball tournament in two
• The convention center, as it lays under HTA, we're going to have a huge volleyball tournament in two
• My question is really for HTA.
• Hopei, interim CEO and president of HTA.
• HTA, sorry, give you some a little bit of a break, a breather.

Keywords: 910, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working together with HTA. Okay. Sounds good. Thank you.
• We've been working together with<00:29:32.800> HTA.<00:29:33.480> Okay.
• with HTA. Okay. Sounds good. Thank you. with HTA. Okay. Sounds good. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years. HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it. The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• 57.400> do<00:43:57.520> have<00:43:57.599> a I believe this measure exempts all HTA
• You know, what I'm trying to ask is why apply it to the entire HTA rather than just target this one position
• it to a bro trying to ask is why apply it to a bro the<00:44:35.880> entire<00:44:36.640> HTA
• rather<00:44:37.880> than<00:44:38.040> just<00:44:38.240> Target the entire HTA
• rather than just Target the entire HTA rather than just Target this<00:44:38.920> one<00:44:39.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And last, fifth, examine how gaming activities may support the work of DBA and HTA. the following.
• activities may support the work of<00:10:03.040> DBA<00:10:04.160> and<00:10:05.279> HTA
• c> So<00:10:06.720> these<00:10:07.040> goals<00:10:07.360> and of DBA and HTA
• So these goals and of DBA and HTA.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• supposed to be doing to keeping<00:14:18.440> track<00:14:18.720> of<00:14:18.880> HTA
• 00:14:19.560> and<00:14:19.720> everything<00:14:20.080> else keeping track of HTA
• and everything else keeping track of HTA and everything else that's<00:14:20.480> going<00:14
• It was my understanding that HTA was going to send testimony on this bill, not my office, but I'm here
• So, whether HTA was going to come and testify, it is establishing it in your department.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2045 relating to combat sports and recommended passage with SD1. Members adopted requested changes from DCCA and the boxing commission, including clarifying that the onsite medical professional must be a licensed physician, specifying when a deputy combat sports commissioner must file a written report, removing the combat sports registry language and ambulance requirement, clarifying promoter payment requirements, and requiring advance coordination with the nearest emergency room or hospital. The bill also makes technical amendments and sets an effective date of July 1, 2050. The measure passed unanimously among members present, with Senators Fukunaga and Kim excused. The joint hearing then considered SB 2187 relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Testimony was brief and largely in support, and the committees agreed to pass the bill with SD1, making technical non-substantive amendments and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees voted to adopt the recommendation, with members present voting aye and some senators excused. A longer portion of the hearing focused on several economic development measures, including SB 2072 on tourism, SB 3049 on a trade-oriented production capacity grant program, and SB 3166 and SB 3167 involving technology development and the blue economy. SB 2072 drew questions about cost, benefit, and the practicality of promoting Michelin-star restaurants in Hawaii. SB 3049 received broad support from DBEDT, HTDC, chambers, and industry groups, but members questioned whether a new grant program was needed, why DBEDT could not do it without legislation, and whether the state should instead use existing entities like HTDC; the discussion also covered matching funds, likely beneficiaries, and administrative capacity. SB 3166 and SB 3167 were supported by technology and ocean-sector witnesses who said the state needs coordinated planning, specialized expertise, and support for advanced manufacturing and ocean innovation, but members raised concerns about relying on third-party consultants, duplication of existing public capacity, ethics, cost, and whether the work should instead be done by state staff or existing institutions. No final votes on the later bills were captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• U.S. visitor is now one of the highest-spending visitors because, I'm sorry, this isn't because of HTA
• c><01:04:03.280> isn't<01:04:03.599> because<01:04:03.839> of<01:04:04.000> hta
• I'm sorry but this isn't because of hta I'm sorry but this isn't because of hta marketing.<01:04
• And then I imagine HTA looks at your data, uh, to help them maybe, maybe not.
• looks at your and then I imagine hta looks at your data<01:44:38.080> uh<01:44:38.239> to<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• different calculation when they tried to figure out the fringe rate for the executive director or CEO for HTA
• director<00:12:25.440> or<00:12:25.600> CEO<00:12:26.120> for<00:12:26.680> HTA
• <00:12:27.680> I the executive director or CEO for HTA I the executive director or CEO for
• HTA I I<00:12:28.160> I<00:12:29.519> I'm<00:12:30.120> I<00:12:30.199> don't

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of it directly goes to HTA, but I guess it does go partly right? The TAT, not all of it.
• 39:53.319> to misunder Go part part of it directly to misunder Go part part of it directly to HTA
• 00:39:55.240> go<00:39:56.240> ly<00:39:56.760> right<00:39:57.760> yeah HTA
• but I guess it does go ly right yeah HTA but I guess it does go ly right yeah the<00:39:58.240> T

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1232, which would create a three-year wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center and coordinate testing with state and county agencies. The Department of Health, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaiʻi representatives supported the bill, saying it would help certify new wastewater technologies, lower costs for cesspool conversions, and provide data to the Department of Health. Testifiers said the prior testing effort ended after the departure of Dr. Roger Babcock, and that the new program would use National Sanitation Foundation standards, graduate students, and local wastewater facilities such as Wahiawa. Committee members asked about the $750,000 total cost, the scope of existing research, prior test sites, and whether the program would be tied to individuals or a permanent program. One member raised concerns about the fairness and data basis for sewer conversion decisions in local communities, and the University said it would follow national standards and share results openly. The committee then took up Senate Bill 686, relating to a short-term management initiative for coconut rhinoceros beetle response and related appropriations. The Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaiʻi testified in support, while a county representative and other advocates urged broader statewide coverage, including Kauaʻi, and asked that appropriated funds be usable on any island. Testimony emphasized the need for immediate action, outreach, tree-trimmer training, canopy treatments, K-9 inspections, container fumigation, and biocontrol research. A member summarized the bill’s funding components, including amounts for training, residential palm treatments, response teams, inspections, fumigation, and research, and noted the importance of directing money toward on-the-ground response. Committee questions focused on how much funding remained available, how the agencies would coordinate with DOA, whether the department was prepared to manage all the bill’s functions, and how infestations were being communicated to the public. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 657, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’s Center for Climate Resilient Development. The Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in strong support, and the Department of Health also supported the measure, noting that it relies on the center’s data to inform decisions and recommendations on projects. The discussion on this item was brief in the portion provided, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Matt Satello, and I am the Executive Director of Hawaii Technology Academy, HTA, the state's
• I'm here to just sort of put a face to HTA and to public schools' needs and to just really be in strong
• Hawaii am the executive director of Hawaii Technology<00:04:49.919> Academy<00:04:50.400> HTA
• c><00:04:51.360> uh<00:04:51.440> the<00:04:51.680> state's Technology Academy HTA
• uh the state's Technology Academy HTA uh the state's largest<00:04:52.320> public<00:04:52.639

Bills: HB2185, HB2621, HB2179, HB2534, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB2565, HB2172, HB2298, HB2304

Keywords: sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, Daniel No, HTA, in support. Thank you.
• :51:28.079> next<00:51:28.319> up<00:51:28.559> Daniel<00:51:29.240> no HTA
• HTA HTA support<00:51:39.000> thank<00:51:39.359> you<00:51:40.359> next<00:51:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1061 on digital equity. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from Rosie Davis of the Maui County Area Health Education Center, who said Molokai and Maui need better digital access for telehealth and clinic services. Members discussed whether the bill should be consolidated with other digital broadband measures and asked about funding; the chair noted the draft used general funds but said federal money was now available for the navigator program. The committee later recommended SB 1061 be passed with an SD1, technical amendments, and an effective date of July 1, 2050, with members voting aye. The committee then heard SB 135 on macadamia nut labeling. Hawaiian Host Group and several supporters argued the bill would help align the industry around a processing solution and support growers and jobs, while the MacNut Association and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company opposed it, saying the state lacks enough processing infrastructure and that existing law already covers labeling. In questioning, members focused on the lack of a current processing facility and the timeline for a new one on Hawaiʻi Island. After hearing mixed testimony, the committee deferred the bill indefinitely. The committee also considered SB 1657 and SB 1539 relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Testimony on both measures was generally supportive, with ADC describing the Wāhō water system as serving about 5,000 acres and over 70 farmers, mostly small and medium growers, and saying the proposal would help expand service without asking for more water. The committee later voted to pass SB 1657 and SB 1539 with SD1s, technical amendments, and a July 1, 2050 effective date. Finally, the committee took up SB 891 on economic development and gaming. The hearing drew extensive testimony, including support from Boyd Gaming and Stanford Carr Development, and opposition from Native Hawaiian speakers who said Hawaiians must have a seat at the table and raised concerns about self-determination and outside control. Members questioned the scope of the proposed gaming working group, the number and makeup of members, and the need to review prior gaming bills and studies. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 891 with an SD1 and major amendments: adding tourism references, changing expense reimbursement rules so private gaming representatives pay their own expenses, expanding the working group to include Native Hawaiian, social services/behavioral health, DBEDT, law enforcement, and tax/professional expertise seats, deleting one proposed seat, and adding a July 1, 2050 effective date. The committee also reported that the recommendations were adopted by vote.