Video & Transcript Research : 'rescues'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Rescue in Texas rather than traveling to other states.
- our first responders, we need to ensure they have the proper equipment and manpower to be able to rescue
- Hundreds were rescued, but tragically, 137 Texans lost their lives statewide.
- Currently, our department relies on Triad Rescue International for this type of training.
- So this project, this Swiftwater Rescue Training, knowing who it could help and how it will help these
Keywords:
disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:09:09.279>
20 bill because when I was in rescue 20 bill because when I was in rescue 20 - . a rescue will their facility inspected. a rescue will have<01:12:54.400>
their <01:12:54.640> - >
are of rescues. - Shelters and rescues are of rescues.
- 2030, this is the last thing rescues 2030, this is the last thing rescues need.<01:28:40.480>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In California, search and rescue teams respond to thousands of calls each year, often exceeding 5,000
- Their swift actions led to multiple rescues, saving lives that might otherwise have been lost.
- Search and rescue teams do not seek recognition, yet their contributions are indispensable to public
- Boning, search and rescue; Alexis Dunn, search and rescue; Sergeant Dustin Moe; Grace Van Winkle; and
- the remaining members of the search and rescue team who are sitting in the gallery that I'm going to
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral.
On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption.
The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 478 will help ensure that clear pet rescue procedures are in place prior to disaster so that rescues
- I had personnel experienced in disaster response animal rescue...
- An appropriate amount of time to rescue their pet.
- So if you look at time and also look at the ability... ...to rescue their pet.
- Ransom, aye. to rescue their pet.
Summary:
The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations.
Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the STOP CSAM Act. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Gregory Schiller who is the CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition.
- This is a non-profit organization that rescues children from sexual abuse by building technology for
- My name is Greg Schiller, I am the CEO of the Child Rescue Coalition.
- The Child Rescue Coalition is a non-profit organization. that rescues children from sexual abuse by building
- The child was thankfully rescued by HSI and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Keywords:
Stop CSAM Act, child exploitation, online safety, reporting requirements, tech accountability, NCMEC, survivor support, legislative testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around the urgent need to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, focusing primarily on the testimony and discussions surrounding the Stop CSAM Act. Several witnesses, including representatives from law enforcement and advocacy organizations, highlighted the significant drop in reports of child exploitation cases despite an alarming increase in actual incidents. Concerns were raised about tech companies' reporting practices, with calls for more stringent requirements to ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected abuse. The legislation aims to fortify protections for child victims by imposing stricter obligations on tech platforms to report incidents and support law enforcement in investigations.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Apr 17, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we have Brian Burns of Troopers Chicken Rescue in opposition, in person.
- Troopers Chicken Rescue has made every effort to partner with the state.
- Troopers Chicken Rescue is ready to be that partner.
- Troopers Chicken Rescue is ready to be that<00:17:56.240>
partner. - It was very go rescue that rooster.
Keywords:
rangelands, pastoralists, pastoralism, ranching, ranchers, paniolo, livestock, grazing, grasslands, land management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, agriculture, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, Hawaii counties, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to hear from Chief Brian Marshall, the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the Fire and Rescue
- Chief Brian Marshall, the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the Fire and Rescue Division at Cal OES.
- I am the State Fire and Rescue Chief.
- Again, our system... ...fire and rescue mutual aid system.
- I had two swift water rescue units show up. I'm waiting for...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to hear from Chief Brian Marshall, the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the Fire and Rescue
- Chief Brian Marshall, the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the Fire and Rescue Division at Cal OES.
- I am the State Fire and Rescue Chief.
- So California's Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System is the most robust in the nation. ...and rescue mutual
- Again, our system Fire and rescue mutual aid system.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on the rising cost and long delivery times for fire apparatus and related equipment, with opening remarks stressing that aging fleets, supply chain problems, and delayed replacements are affecting emergency readiness across California. Cal OES and Cal Fire described statewide procurement challenges, including higher prices, multi-year delivery timelines, two-year encumbrance limits, and the strain on mutual aid when engines remain in service beyond their intended replacement cycles. Cal Fire said it operates 537 engines, with 300 meeting replacement criteria and 243 at least 16 years old, and explained the difference between mandatory contracts and one-time acquisitions. The Department of General Services said vendors have cited labor costs, chassis pricing, and the need for longer production timelines, while also noting that statewide contracts can include nominal price increases but not open-ended price hikes.
Local fire chiefs from Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, Napa, and Fullerton testified that apparatus prices have risen sharply while delivery times have stretched from under a year to three to five years or more. They described specific examples of engines and ladder trucks costing far more than prior purchases and arriving years later, forcing departments to keep older reserve apparatus in service, spend more on maintenance, and defer other budget priorities. Several witnesses said industry consolidation has reduced competition and contributed to delays and price increases, with Los Angeles County and Fullerton noting they have pursued antitrust complaints and litigation against major manufacturers. Napa also described proprietary parts and software limiting in-house repairs, and Santa Barbara County said a vendor’s unfulfilled delivery promise caused the department to lose its place in line.
Members asked about possible solutions, including whether the state should consider manufacturing apparatus itself, whether procurement rules or prototype requirements could be streamlined, whether DGS staffing or contract processes could be accelerated, and whether more stable long-term purchasing commitments would help manufacturers plan production. Witnesses said safety-driven specification changes are necessary but can add time, and that the main bottlenecks are industry capacity, consolidation, and vendor performance. The vice chair raised concerns about how grant funding windows and local matching requirements are affected by multi-year delays, especially for small and rural departments that rely on grants and on used apparatus passed down from larger agencies. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with committee members indicating interest in possible legislative, regulatory, and antitrust follow-up.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:00.640>
rescues <00:57:01.040>and abilities to be inspected. rescues and abilities - Surprise inspection. your your rescue. Yeah. Yes, ma'am. What your your rescue. Yeah. Yes, ma'am.
- But it became something that I, as a rescue, could say, I am a licensed rescue in the state of New Hampshire
- <01:56:37.360>
of I am a licensed rescue in the state of I am a licensed rescue in the state - Um, rescues don't a value ad, right?
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 302, which would update New Hampshire’s solid waste facility background-check law so the state can continue to access federal FBI criminal databases for checks on key owners and officers. Senator Howard Pearl and DES Waste Management Director Mike Whimsatt said the bill is the third attempt to correct prior drafting problems that prevented the FBI from accepting the language. They explained that the existing statute has long required background checks for hazardous and solid waste facility applicants because of concerns about organized crime, but the current wording is too ambiguous for federal use. The bill also includes technical corrections, clarifies which company officers must be checked, specifies which DES officials receive the results, and removes the Department of Justice as an unnecessary middleman. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, whether family members are covered, who pays the cost, and whether permits have ever been denied; Whimsatt said the applicant still pays, the checks focus on key officers, and at least one permit had been denied in the past due to a felony conviction. The hearing then closed, with one person listed in favor on the blue sheet and no opposition noted online.
The committee then opened Senate Bill 229, which would allow retailers to sell uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat and remove the sunset on the existing program. Senator Pearl said the bill would expand market opportunities for farmers while keeping labeling and traceability requirements in place, including identifying the meat as uninspected and maintaining records of the source farms. Representative Bixby, who had worked on earlier legislation, explained the current framework in detail: the animals are raised on closed farms, must be fenced, cannot be newly imported, and are subject to annual veterinary herd inspections and recordkeeping. He said the prior bison inspection regime was too burdensome for farmers to maintain, and the current law was intended as a workable compromise. Questions from members focused on how many farms participate, how many animals have been sold, and whether the program posed disease risks; the witness said he did not know the exact numbers, and Bixby said the existing import and fencing rules help prevent chronic wasting disease from entering the state. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left before the committee for further consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/10/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are Minnesota Air Rescue Team and then the urban search and rescue teams, which are actually two
- Those are Minnesota Air Rescue Team and then the urban search and rescue teams, which are actually two
- Minnesota Air Rescue Team is a joint powers agreement rescue team between the State Patrol and the City
- be our Specialized or technical rescue be our Specialized or technical rescue teams<00:04:04.159
- teams those are Minnesota Air rescue teams those are Minnesota Air rescue team<00:04:06.400>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In California, search and rescue teams respond to thousands of calls each year, often exceeding 5,000
- Their swift actions led to multiple rescues, saving lives that might otherwise have been lost.
- Search and rescue teams do not seek recognition, yet their contributions are indispensable to public
- Boning, Search and Rescue; Alexis Dunn, Search and Rescue; Sergeant Dustin Moe; Grace Van Winkle; and
- the remaining members of the search and rescue team who are sitting in the gallery that I'm going to
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-28-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm president of Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation. Um, I do support the bill.
- Monise for Hina's Legacy Rescue Monise for Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation<00:05:11.440>
on that come in every single day to rescue, that come in every single day to rescue, to<00:26:54.799- Um I of Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation.
- Um, I'm in animal rescue and I...
- ,
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences.
Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill.
At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-17-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- and maintain order as well as rescue and maintain order as well as rescue people<00:07:29.200>
- days at least during the disaster first three, so that equates about $9.16 an hour for a person rescuing
- A person rescuing people off of a helicopter in contaminated water with top-powered lines in a valley
- Search and Rescue came and requested this.
- Search and rescue<00:13:30.960>
came <00:13:31.400>and rescue came and rescue came and
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We deployed 1,250 personnel for search and rescue.
- That was all eight of the Florida urban search and rescue teams, plus two search and rescue teams that
- Palm Beach County has an urban search and rescue team, a Type 3 urban search and rescue team, and Pasco
- County has a Type 3 or 4 urban search and rescue team.
- We deployed over 1,700 personnel for search and rescue.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard two hurricane-recovery presentations focused on Florida’s response and long-term recovery efforts. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reviewed response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including meals, water, sheltering, search and rescue deployments, power restoration, debris removal, flood-control efforts, and generator distribution. He also described ongoing public assistance and mitigation funding, the state’s FROC system for standardizing and speeding reimbursement documentation, and the Elevate Florida residential mitigation program, which will use about $400 million to elevate or reconstruct eligible flood-insurance properties and may expand to county-run programs. Senators asked about manufactured homes, school shelter hardening, mobile home tie-downs, reimbursement for USAR teams, debris hauling, regional sheltering, and FEMA review delays; Guthrie said the state is trying to move recovery faster and more proactively, while acknowledging some limits and federal bottlenecks.
The committee then heard from Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce, on HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs. He explained that Commerce administers long-term recovery funds through its Office of Long-Term Resiliency for housing, infrastructure, and economic development, with funds used as a last resort after FEMA and insurance. Domer outlined the process for the most recent $925 million allocation covering multiple disasters, including Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, Broward flooding, and North Florida tornadoes, and said the state currently manages about $3.4 billion in DR funds, rising to over $4 billion with the new allocation. He highlighted completed and ongoing housing programs for Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, plus workforce recovery programs and subrecipient infrastructure grants. Senators asked about Broward and Fort Lauderdale funding, homeowner turnaround times, and mobile home eligibility; Domer said Broward and Fort Lauderdale will have separate HUD-directed programs, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 478 will help to ensure that clear pet rescue procedures are in place prior to disaster, so that rescues
- Pet owners from endangering themselves by attempting unauthorized rescues.
- Personnel experienced in disaster response animal rescue who had been given keys to folks' residences
- and asked if they could help rescue their pets, if only he was able to actually get through and get
- Shelter or understand where they are an appropriate amount of time to rescue their pet.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:01:14.839>
but come down sure for rescues but come down sure for rescues but um<01:01: - Can you explain other resources that are available to you with search and rescue?
- Can you just give me a framework of how search and rescue will work?
- I'd burn my budget up in one rescue. We do call them.
- available to you with search and rescue available to you with search and rescue it<01:05:35.920>
Summary:
The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process.
The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management.
A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- EMERGENCY SERVICES SEVEN STATE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS AND FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
- I BELIEVE THEY CAME FROM TENNESSEE AND WERE DEPLOYED FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE.
- EMERGENCY SERVICES 12,000 PERSONNEL FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE.
- THAT WAS ALL EIGHT OF THE ORAL FLORIDA URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS PLUS TWO THAT ARE NOT RECOGNIZED
- THAT IS PALM BEACH COUNTY THAT HAS AN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM AND PASCO COUNTY HAS A TYPE THREE
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 43 Apr 20th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As part of that response, they assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts, joining They assisted in
- the rescue and recovery efforts, joining thousands of first responders who answered the call to serve
- And after five days, the response efforts shifted from rescue to recovery, and the team transitioned
- We were also deeply impacted by the work of the amazing rescue dogs.
- These dogs served with incredible Work of the amazing rescue dogs.
Keywords:
Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law.
On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1.
The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><02:35:41.359>
animal <02:35:41.760>because rescue is a different animal because rescue - .<02:38:00.160>
Um, rescue. - Um, rescue.
- of the state search and rescue of the state search and rescue coordinator<02:40:53.680>
within - Seeing no members questions. and Rescue Noel Hamilton Hamilton Cami and Rescue Noel Hamilton Hamilton
Bills:
HB676
Keywords:
HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees
Summary:
The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language.
HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments.
HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-WLA, PSM Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- rescue after leaving the hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public. >> Testifying first on
- ,<00:12:37.200>
which relating to search and rescue, which relating to search and rescue, - Moving on to SB 2358, relating to search and rescue.
- Moving on to SB 2358, relating to search and rescue.
- Um uh relating to search and rescue.
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt.
The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts.
On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt.
The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.