Transcript Highlights:

• SB 2852, uh, this establishes it as an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation
• equal enjoyment of information related to their services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations
• SB 2852, uh, this establishes it as an unlawful discriminatory practice for a place of public accommodation
• equal enjoyment of information related to their services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations
• would seem that I don't know how you have your current arrangement, but if there were a way to accommodate

Bills: SB2386, SB2804, SB2852

Keywords: employment, wage transparency, job listings, salary disclosure, labor rights, monopoly, health care access, insurance rates, competition, stock acquisition, digital accessibility, web accessibility, website accessibility, app accessibility, ADA, disability rights, civil rights, public accommodations, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC

Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions on several bills and generally advanced them without opposition. Early actions included SB 2386, which clarifies job-posting pay disclosure requirements and lowers the small-employer exemption threshold, and SB 2804, both recommended to pass unamended. SB 2852, addressing accessibility of information and communications technology for people with disabilities in public accommodations, was also recommended to pass unamended. SB 2975 on marine life conservation districts was advanced unamended despite a noted defective effective date. The CPN committee then acted on SB 3019, a consumer protection bill, recommending passage with amendments to require refunds of certain fees upon cancellation and to defect the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 3231 on agricultural districts, SB 2378 on housing, and SB 3062 on liquor were all recommended to pass with amendments and a defective effective date set to July 1, 2050. SB 3255, concerning cash payments and rounding guidance, was reconsidered after discussion with small business stakeholders and was also advanced with amendments. In the later regular CPN agenda, SB 2607 on landscape architect licensure drew support from the board and professional groups and was recommended to pass with board-requested amendments and a July 1, 2050 effective date. SB 2623 SD1 on pharmacy technician registration was recommended to pass with clarifying amendments from the Board of Pharmacy. SB 2396, which would create a registry for agents managing property for absentee owners and require on-island contact information for certain condo owners, received mixed testimony: supporters emphasized accountability and enforcement, while opponents from community associations raised implementation concerns and asked for further work. The committee ultimately recommended SB 2396 with amendments from the Hawaii Council of Community Associations and a July 1, 2050 effective date.

Bills: HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627

Keywords: Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Bills: HB1039, SB423, SB436

Keywords: local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector, tax collector, prescriptive period, prescription waiver, interest suspension, delinquency penalties, estimated assessment, arbitrary assessment, certified mail notice, audit notice, taxpayer rights, installment agreement, Louisiana tax law, Title 47, revenue collection, tax administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Religious education, and they accommodate parents' desire for their children to receive religious instruction
• SB2398 instructs the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to create a list of non-medical academic accommodations
• It is called the Intermediate Temporary Accommodation Plan, or ITAP.
• ITAP describes those accommodations in terms of three categories: academic, social, and behavioral.
• These accommodations are designed to be temporary and tailored to the individual needs of each student

Bills: SB226, SB413, SB571, SB1049, SB2398, SB2920

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension, reporting requirements, released time, religious instruction

Bills: HR118, HB1039, SB436, SB442

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector, tax collector, prescriptive period, prescription waiver, interest suspension, delinquency penalties, estimated assessment, arbitrary assessment, certified mail notice, audit notice, taxpayer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for homeowners associations to provide accommodations to allow those service dogs while in
• It allows for homeowners associations to provide accommodations to allow those service dogs while in
• It allows for homeowners associations to provide accommodations to allow those service dogs while in
• It allows for homeowners associations to provide accommodations to allow those service dogs while in
• It allows for homeowners associations to provide accommodations to allow those service dogs while in

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956

Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.

Bills: HR203, SB2802, SB3081, SB2902, SB2005, SB3252, SB2096, SB2095, SB2046, SB2999, SB3103, SB83, SB2041, SB3234, SB3156, SB3154, SB2146, SB2053, SB2010, SB2009, SB2667, SB3215, SB2698, SB2363, SB2372, SB2673, SB2948, SB2277, SB2057, SB3085, SB3025, SB2761

Keywords: H.R. 203, House Resolution, Hawaii education, teacher of the year, educator recognition, Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, public education, K-12, elementary school, STEM education, literacy, teacher appreciation, school excellence, Hawaiʻi Legislature, keiki

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Bills: HB97, HB407, HB435, SB361, HB97, HB407, HB435

Keywords: absentee ballot, voting, elections, voter registration, electoral process, defective affidavit, voting rights, local redevelopment, tax payments, transient occupancy, state revenue, authority powers, economic development, tax abatement, incentives, Alabama Jobs Act, Accelerate Alabama, NAICS, North American Industry Classification System, 2022 NAICS codes

Bills: HB162, HB376, HB425, SB96, HB426

Keywords: homelessness, homeless individuals, unsheltered, transient, shelter, encampment, street outreach, relocation, displacement, law enforcement, municipal government, county government, local government, interjurisdictional transport, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalties, public safety, social services, Alabama Code 15-20A-4, environmental regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires a $20 transient accommodation tax to be levied per night on each furnishing of transient
• tax either transient accommodation tax either because<00:40:15.520> transient<00:40:15.960>
• > accommodation<00:40:16.520> tax<00:40:16.800> is because transient accommodation
• > have a transient accommodation I would have a transient accommodation I would have to<00:53:
• <01:38:49.679> accommodation<01:38:50.320> to require all transient accommodation to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accommodations Tax law.
• It specifies that tax credits amount applies to the state transient accommodations taxes be limited to
• the state transient accommodations taxes imposed in the same county in which qualified low-income buildings
• It specifies that tax credits amount applies to the state transient accommodations taxes be limited to
• the state transient accommodations taxes imposed in the same county in which qualified low-income buildings

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 11, 2025, to hear House Bill 96 and House Bill 106. HB 96 would allow low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes, limit the credit to taxes imposed in the same county as the qualified building, and make Act 129 permanent. The Department of Taxation opposed the bill, saying it would be difficult to administer, would complicate the tax system, and could be susceptible to abuse; it also noted the credit would benefit the hotel owner even though the tax is paid by the customer. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised consumer protection concerns. No other testimony was offered, and the chair later recommended deferring HB 96 for further work with the Department of Taxation and the committee. HB 106 would authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support farming businesses engaged in agricultural tourism and expand the definition of enterprise accordingly. The Agribusiness Development Corporation testified in support, saying farmers requested the change, it would diversify income, and it would provide technical and financial support. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the measure, and the chair noted eight pieces of testimony in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised, and the chair recommended passing the bill as is. The committee voted on HB 106, with the chair and vice chair voting aye, along with Representatives Holt, Hussey, Ilagan, and Todd; Representative Matsumoto was excused. The chair’s recommendation to pass HB 106 was adopted, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It increases the transient accommodations tax rates by 1 percentage point.
• First up is House Bill 973, relating to transient accommodations.
• The bill would require transient accommodations brokers and other persons or entities to offer, list,
• furnishing of the transient accommodation.
• Now we're going to start voting on House Bill 973, relating to transient accommodations.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends the transient accommodations tax rate and requires a $20 transient accommodations tax rate
• to be levied per night for each furnishing of transient accommodations in exchange for points, miles,
• It amends the transient accommodations tax rate and requires a $20 transient accommodations tax rate
• to be levied per night for each furnishing of transient accommodations in exchange for points, miles,
• It amends the transient accommodations tax rate and requires a $20 transient accommodations tax to be

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Committee on Water and Land heard HB 504, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by imposing a $20 nightly charge on stays booked with points, miles, or other rewards-program benefits, with revenues dedicated to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. Supporters said Hawaiʻi faces major environmental funding shortfalls and that visitors should help pay for the lands and waters they enjoy. Testimony in support came from DLNR, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Care for Now Coalition, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Kuaʻulu, Mālama Puka, Resources Legacy Fund, and others, many citing visitor polling showing strong support for an environmental stewardship fee and the need for a dedicated funding source and community grants. Opposition or caution focused mainly on implementation and the tax structure. The Department of Taxation said the surcharge would create administrative difficulties because it would be hard to verify the value of points, miles, and similar bookings, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi said it supported the policy goal but not the funding source, warning that tourists have limited budgets and may choose other destinations. Some members also raised concerns about the $20 rate and administrative complexity, while others said the concept was creative but needed refinement. After discussion, the chair recommended passing HB 504 as HD1 with amendments, including noting DoTax’s concerns and changing the effective date for the surcharge to January 1, 2027. Both committees adopted the recommendation and passed the bill with amendments; one member in Water and Land voted with reservations, and several members were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• The transient accommodations tax is a way to bring in much-needed funding, but we also need to point
• The transient accommodations tax is a way to bring in much-needed funding, but we also need to point
• We support the idea that the transient accommodations tax should be applied equitably, and in looking
• We support the idea that the transient accommodations tax should be applied equitably, and in looking
• Definition of transient accommodations in sections 237DD-1.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Bills: HB1163, HB2113, HB2333, HB2411, HB2583, HB1613, HB1614, HB2590, HB1950, HB1603, HB1707, HB1832, HB2119, HB2155, HB2594, HB2595, HB1929, HB2015, HB2207, HB1619, HB1667, HB1984, HB2140, HB2097, HB1957, HB2503, HB2581, HB1520, SCR55, SR53

Keywords: commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, Kainahola Stream, flood prevention, vegetation removal, appropriation, natural resources, transportation, airport special districts, penalties, Hawaii, aeronautics law, public safety, workforce development, sector partnerships

Transcript Highlights:

• or it's not transient.
• or it's not transient.
• It amends and clarifies the definition of transient occupancy and non-transient occupancy.
• It amends and clarifies the definition of transient occupancy and non-transient occupancy.
• , that it is a transient occupancy.

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• looking for a reasonable accommodation looking for a reasonable accommodation under<01:46:58.719
• know somebody had asked about transient know somebody had asked about transient um<01:57:24.840>
• There's also been questions about the transient and non-transient language.
• <02:03:00.159> and<02:03:00.280> non-transient about the transient and non-transient
• about the transient and non-transient language<02:03:01.440> I<02:03:01.520> want<02:03

Keywords: 1189, house, all