Video & Transcript Research : 'Maui wildfires'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I'm not going to revisit that, but I do support Maui County transitioning to Maui County.
  • So, I really do support at this time Maui County transitioning to Maui County.
  • So, I really do support at this time Maui County transitioning to Maui County.
  • I do support at this time Maui County transitioning to Maui County. And I'm going to tell you why.
  • Next up we have SB 17 SD2, Maui Wildfire Working Group.
Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EDU-WLA, EDU Public Hearings 02-13-2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:05:16.880><c> the</c><00:05:17.039><c> county</c><00:05:17.199><c> of</c><00:05:17.360><c> Maui
  • </c><00:05:17.759><c> and</c> order and so the county of Maui and order and so the county of Maui and
  • And I don't know what's holding it up because, you know, we have a property on Maui that's we've been
  • And I don't know what's holding it up because, you know, we have a property on Maui that's we've been
  • </c><01:57:05.599><c> public</c> Gary Kamorei. a product of Maui public Gary Kamorei. a product of Maui
Bills: SB2613, SB2147
Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, let's move on to HCR 140, HR 132, urging state agencies that own or control land in West Maui to
  • Uh, recently Maui County passed Bill 15, which addresses some of the concerns in Lahaina for fighting
  • We are now on HCR 141 and HR 133, urging the county of Maui to enforce provisions of the fire code.
  • We are now on HCR 141 and HR 133, urging the county of Maui to enforce provisions of the fire code.
  • </c> 141, HR 133, urging the county of Maui 141, HR 133, urging the county of Maui to<01:01:49.440><c
Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EDU Informational Briefing 01-30-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Which is, okay, there... if you are a student on Maui, you look at, okay, I want to be a teacher.
  • gt;&gt; so that takes care of Hilo you know your &gt;&gt; so that takes care of Hilo you know your Maui
  • </c> Maui Kawaii which you're going to do. Maui Kawaii which you're going to do.
  • there there's just if you are a student there there's just if you are a student on<00:30:52.720><c> Maui
  • , you look at, okay, I want to be on Maui, you look at, okay, I want to be a<00:30:54.240><c> teacher
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA DEFER, WLA Public Hearings 02-13-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • Moving on to SP 17, relating to wildfire mitigation, which establishes the mitigation working group.
  • This is a Maui County bill. So we'd like to strike page 2, line 7 through page 3, line 4.
  • > uh</c><01:05:15.200><c> this</c><01:05:15.440><c> is</c><01:05:15.680><c> a</c><01:05:15.920><c> Maui
  • Um uh this is a Maui County is clear.
  • Um uh this is a Maui County bill.<01:05:17.520><c> So</c><01:05:18.079><c> we'd</c><01:05:18.319><c>
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-19-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to introduce Senator Joe Tanaka from Maui with his family.
  • We have some Maui schools here from Central Maui for the showcase today.
  • We have some Maui<00:21:11.760><c> schools</c><00:21:12.240><c> here</c><00:21:12.600><c> for</c><00:
  • 21:13.120><c> from</c><00:21:13.320><c> Central</c><00:21:13.640><c> Maui</c> Maui schools here for from
  • Central Maui Maui schools here for from Central Maui for<00:21:14.440><c> the</c><00:21:14.600><c> showcase
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • should really be controlling Maui."
  • </c> realignment might take place with Maui realignment might take place with Maui leadership. leadership
  • Youth in Hawaii have gone through events such as the pandemic, Maui fires, and school gun threats.
  • Youth in Hawaii have gone through events such as the pandemic, Maui fires, and school gun threats.
  • The pandemic, Maui fires, and school gun threats.
Summary: The committee opened a hearing on multiple health-related bills and first took up HB 2315, which would create a Department of Health pilot program allowing eligible employees to defer unused vacation leave in exchange for a payout to help with home purchase assistance. The Department of Health testified in support, saying the proposal could aid recruitment and retention, and United Public Workers also supported it as a creative, cost-effective benefit that could help employees become first-time homebuyers. The chair likewise praised the department’s effort, and there were no questions or opposition before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 2562 on workplace violence in health care settings. The Department of Health said it preferred requiring licensed hospitals to adopt workplace-violence prevention policies and public reporting rather than creating a new state program. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it appreciated the intent and explained that, absent a specific standard, enforcement would rely on OSHA’s general duty clause, guidance, and inspections. Nurses and the Hawaii Nurses Association gave emotional testimony describing harassment, threats, doxxing, and fears for patient and worker safety, arguing that existing processes were too slow and that hospitals needed immediate, enforceable requirements. The committee discussed current hospital alarm systems and OSHA enforcement, and Labor said it does inspect hospitals and can receive complaints from employees. HB 1532, concerning importation of large cigars and pipe tobacco, was announced as deferred at the request of the bill’s author so it could be refined with proponents and the Attorney General. The committee also discussed HB 1857, a very large measure redefining qualified health care provider and making extensive changes to health care law; the chair said the House would likely pass it without substantive changes and instead defer the effective date while using the Senate companion bill as the vehicle. Testimony on HB 1857 was generally supportive, including from the Hawaii Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and a certified genetic counselor, though both referenced proposed amendments. Finally, the committee heard HB 2209, which would require insurers to honor a patient’s written assignment of benefits to a substance use disorder treatment provider. The Insurance Division and HMSA opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create a special class of providers, raise fraud and litigation concerns, and potentially increase premiums. Treatment providers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying insurers often refuse direct payment even when patients assign benefits, forcing families to front large sums and delaying access to residential treatment; they argued the bill would improve access and help keep care in Hawaii. A psychiatrist testified that he had not seen fraud in Hawaii and that the bill could help address long wait times for life-saving treatment. The committee also received written support from multiple individuals and organizations, and members began asking questions about HMSA’s network size and wait times, with follow-up information requested."}】【。final json to=commentary 天天中彩票出票 to=commentary code 彩神争霸邀请码 to=commentary 彩票平台招商 to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Mar 7, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 27

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • wildfire response.
  • wildfire response.
  • wildfire response.
  • </c> supporting the mental health of Maui supporting the mental health of Maui Wildfire<00:20:02.280>
  • </c> supporting the survivors of the Maui supporting the survivors of the Maui wildfires<00:20:38.159
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House was called to order with 47 members present. After the journal reading was deferred and there were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications, members offered several introductions recognizing visiting guests, including tourism and hospitality representatives, Kahakai Elementary School students and staff from Kona, a Portuguese delegation from the Luso American Development Foundation, and other constituents and aides. The chamber then moved to floor presentations. House Resolution No. 84 was presented, commending the United States Air Force Reserve Command 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Medical Operations Flight for humanitarian service providing mental health support after the Maui wildfires. Representative Perck moved adoption, Representative Cochran seconded, and the resolution was read into the record describing the unit’s work with state and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies and support survivors’ emotional recovery. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote, and the motion carried. Following the presentation, the House recessed briefly so members could congratulate the honorees. When the House returned, there were no resolutions for action, and announcements included the Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter basket drive, recognition of Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund visitors, birthday greetings, and a reminder that substantive resolutions were due by 6:00 p.m. The House then voted to keep the journal open until 6:00 p.m. for resolution introductions and adjourned into recess until 12:00 noon Monday.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EIG Public Hearing 03-27-2025

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • basic income program for residents and businesses impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires.
  • wildfires.
  • The 2023 wildfires have devastated countless lives on Maui.
  • </c> owners affected by the 2023 Maui owners affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.<00:02:57.440><c> The
  • The 2023 wildfires have wildfires.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 27 to hear six resolutions. The first pair, SCR 39 and SR 23, urged Maui County’s planning department to retain the word “required” in the South Maui community plan so development would not proceed without adequate infrastructure; with no testimony or questions, the committee voted to pass both unamended. The second pair, SCR 82 and SR 65, called on Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kadi Palolo Bridge, but because there was no testimony, the chair deferred those measures. The final pair, SCR 95 and SR 78, asked Maui County to study the feasibility of a universal basic income program for residents and businesses affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. Emma Hayenrik testified in strong support, saying the fires devastated lives and that UBI could provide immediate financial relief and support recovery. After hearing oral and written testimony, the committee voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with no objections.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PBS Info Briefing - Mon Aug 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We reflect on the two-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires.
  • </c><00:13:08.160><c> wildfire</c><00:13:08.720><c> exposure</c> all part of the Maui wildfire exposure
  • all part of the Maui wildfire exposure um<00:13:09.760><c> study.
  • wildfires is the know that the Maui wildfires is the worst<00:13:54.800><c> natural</c><00:13:55.120
  • </c> resilience two years after the Maui resilience two years after the Maui wildfires<00:35:46.880><
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Jan 21, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • after the wildfire.
  • I'd like to turn my attention now to the Maui wildfire and our recovery on To the Maui wildfire and our
  • recovery on August 8, 2023, the wildfire swept across Maui, claiming the lives of 102 of our beloved
  • The wildfires on Maui have forced us to confront the risks that we face as a state from climate-related
  • /c><00:45:39.680><c> us</c><00:45:39.800><c> to</c> wildfires on Maui have forced us to wildfires on
Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We stand in strong support of HB 2340 expanding the Maui wildfire exposure study.
  • We stand in strong support of HB 2340 expanding the Maui wildfire exposure study.
  • wildfire survivors across Maui.
  • The Maui wildfire study literally saved my life.
  • People hear, you know, Maui wildfire exposure study, and they get hung up on that.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

ACT 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Informational Briefing 10-30-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since the wildfire disaster, Maui Food Bank has met extraordinary community need.
  • :29.199><c> Food</c><01:48:29.360><c> Bank</c> the wildfire disaster, Maui Food Bank the wildfire disaster
  • We provide over 200 sessions per year in long-term recovery for wildfire survivors on Maui, youth at
  • We provide over 200 sessions per year in long-term recovery for wildfire survivors on Maui, youth at
  • We were established in 2023 after the Maui wildfire.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Since the wildfire disaster, Maui Food Bank has met extraordinary community need.
  • :04.800><c> Food</c><01:52:04.960><c> Bank</c> the wildfire disaster, Maui Food Bank the wildfire disaster
  • of the devastating Maui wildfires, has faced drastic cuts to federal funding to our partners.
  • Um, we were established in 2023 after the Maui wildfire.
  • We were funded the Maui Wildfire.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk. Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience. Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

RM 325 Conference PM - Tue Apr 22, 2025

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> settlement of claims related to the Maui settlement of claims related to the Maui wildfires.<00:
  • expenses related to the Maui wildfires settlement agreement.
  • Maui Maui wildfires.<00:58:28.079><c> Uh</c><00:58:28.760><c> and</c><00:58:29.760><c> there</c><00:
  • </c><00:58:53.520><c> Wildfire</c> deposited into the Maui Wildfire deposited into the Maui Wildfire
  • 07.680><c> and</c> Maui wildfires settlement agreement and Maui wildfires settlement agreement and the
Keywords: 910, house, all