Transcript Highlights:

• been involved in this program and the need to start to consider transitions and the difficulty of replacing
• </c><00:12:50.680><c> of</c> transitions and the difficulty of transitions and the difficulty of replacing
• ><c> someone</c><00:12:51.720><c> who's</c><00:12:51.960><c> been</c><00:12:52.120><c> doing</c> replacing
• someone who's been doing replacing someone who's been doing something<00:12:52.720><c> for</c><00:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement of municipal health ordinances related to the inspection, maintenance, upgrade, or replacement
• inspection, maintenance,<00:39:36.560><c> upgrade,</c><00:39:37.440><c> or</c><00:39:37.760><c> replacement
• </c><00:39:38.240><c> of</c> maintenance, upgrade, or replacement of maintenance, upgrade, or replacement

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a share of motor vehicle sales tax that by law goes to the different replacement service municipalities
• goes to the the tax that by law goes to the the different<00:45:05.119><c> uh</c><00:45:05.359><c> replacement
• </c><00:45:05.920><c> service</c> different uh replacement service different uh replacement service municipalities

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• must have a clear plan if or when we use the funds, and very importantly, how those funds will be replaced
• And then what is our plan to replace them? Because we are where we need to be in turn.
• to make withdrawals, we do so in a methodical way, and that we have a plan on how we're going to replace
• we approach working with the rainy day fund, utilizing the rainy day fund appropriately, and then replacing

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this increase will not replace loss income from jurors, but we feel like it's a token of appreciation
• not</c><00:48:52.000><c> um,</c><00:48:52.960><c> sub</c><00:48:53.280><c> or</c><00:48:53.839><c> replace
• </c> increase will not um, sub or replace increase will not um, sub or replace loss<00:48:54.720><c>

Bills: SB2444, SB2446, SB2450, SB2453, SB2461, SB2457, SB2462, SB2313, SB2528, SB2532, SB2571, SB2678, SB2529

Keywords: real property, exemption, attachment, execution, consumer protection, financial security, inflation adjustment, head of family, senior citizens, Intermediate Court of Appeals, judges, Hawaii judiciary, court membership, legal system, presidential preference primary, elections, political parties, Hawaii voting, 2028 election, voting

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would say that anytime you're trying to do a replacement of leaders at that level, you want to
• > to</c><00:24:42.799><c> do</c><00:24:42.960><c> a</c><00:24:43.360><c> a</c><00:24:43.760><c> replacement
• </c><00:24:44.320><c> of</c><00:24:44.640><c> leaders</c> trying to do a a replacement of leaders trying
• to do a a replacement of leaders at<00:24:45.279><c> that</c><00:24:45.520><c> level,</c><00:24:46.240

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We probably haven’t replaced riprap around the reservoir since Hurricane Katrina, and we’re requesting
• We probably<00:19:04.240><c> haven't</c><00:19:04.640><c> replaced</c><00:19:05.120><c> rip</c><00:19
• :05.440><c> wrap</c> probably haven't replaced rip wrap probably haven't replaced rip wrap around<00:

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Your reference was that we were going to approve the bill and then replace it with this amendment
• ><01:49:01.840><c> then</c> going to approve the bill and then going to approve the bill and then replace
• </c> replace it with this amendment. replace it with this amendment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there is no warning and it can put down some major transmission devices that could take years to replace
• looking at the Senate version of the bill, and the amendment basically says to amend the bill by replacing
• looking at the Senate version of the bill, and the amendment basically says to amend the bill by replacing
• looking at the Senate version of the bill, and the amendment basically says to amend the bill by replacing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first step is whether or not to accept the substitute Motion to replace the main motion.
• update California's Voter Bill of Rights to ensure that all voters know when they have a right to replace
• Today, cancer has replaced heart disease as the biggest killer of firefighters, with the International
• requirements for unlicensed dental assistance to complete the eight hour infectious control course and replace

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Padmore, you were saying that we should change the definition and replace prohibited listing.
• Padmore, you were saying that we should change the definition and replace prohibited listing.
• Strike that, and we would replace that with and that contains any of the terms or requirements set forth
• And so, obviously, we would strike and replace that with prohibited listing agreements so that it's consistent

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That money will be replaced, or there'll be another funding source for those two bills for the 9,000
• That money will be replaced<01:02:14.000><c> or</c><01:02:14.319><c> there'll</c><01:02:14.640><c> be
• </c><01:02:14.799><c> another</c><01:02:15.280><c> funding</c> replaced or there'll be another funding
• replaced or there'll be another funding source<01:02:16.000><c> for</c><01:02:16.240><c> those</c><01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was no insurrection there, but they were actually replacing the government.
• An Article V convention is actually a peaceful way to overthrow. vote or replace our government.
• And they knew that this was a peaceful way to replace the government.
• It replaced the ratification process of Article 7. of Confederation. They can do it again.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• testing, but it's also, you know, somebody gets a heart valve problem, it's a half million dollars to replace
• 00:48:12.319><c> million</c><00:48:12.640><c> dollars</c><00:48:12.960><c> to</c><00:48:13.160><c> replace
• </c><00:48:13.599><c> it</c><00:48:13.880><c> or</c> a half million dollars to replace it or a half million
• dollars to replace it or um<00:48:14.599><c> you</c><00:48:14.720><c> know</c><00:48:14.920><c> we</

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And doesn't that amendment that we're just looking at, the committee amendment, add by replacing it?
• does</c><01:03:19.480><c> add</c><01:03:19.920><c> by</c> that it does add by that it does add by replacing
• c><01:03:23.920><c> a</c><01:03:24.279><c> as</c><01:03:24.480><c> a</c><01:03:24.920><c> uh</c> replacing
• it adds it as a as a as a uh replacing it adds it as a as a as a uh it<01:03:27.000><c> they</c><01:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 493, a proposal to require physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to complete child abuse and neglect training as part of licensure and continuing education. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the measure addresses a gap in provider training, especially because abuse can be difficult to recognize and voluntary training has had low participation. They described a free Dartmouth online course and argued that mandatory, repeated education would help providers identify signs of abuse, know when to involve specialists or DCYF, and improve child safety. Supporters also noted the bill was amended to clarify coverage for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing hours, and to address language concerns raised by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Committee members and OPLC counsel raised implementation questions, including whether the bill would apply to all physicians regardless of specialty, whether it created a new licensure condition rather than only a continuing education requirement, how often the training would need to be repeated, and whether the accreditation language fit nursing rules. OPLC also noted that psychiatrists would be covered as physicians, while psychologists would not. A child abuse pediatrician testified that in his experience, children were sometimes seen by providers who missed early signs of abuse, leading to worse outcomes, and that mandatory education was needed because voluntary programs had poor uptake. The New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed the bill, saying health care professionals already have reporting duties and that the legislature should not single out one training mandate when similar requirements are generally left to licensing boards. The Office of the Child Advocate supported the bill, citing cases from 2023 involving non-ambulatory infants with fractures, conflicting medical testimony in court, and a low completion rate for the existing free online course. The Child Advocate said the bill should be mandatory and recurring so providers stay current on evolving science and law. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's so, essentially this would be replacing Department of Water potable water for ag water.
• 01:05:20.520><c> be</c> That's So, essentially this would be That's So, essentially this would be replacing
• replacing replacing Department<01:05:22.600><c> of</c><01:05:22.680><c> Water</c><01:05:23.040><c> potable

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• losing valuable employees, and I also understand the cost of having to recruit, hire, and retrain replacement
• I'd also appreciate that wage replacement is so important for these families in Hawaii because it takes
• Thank you. appreciate that wage replacement is so appreciate that wage replacement is so important<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee met on February 12 and heard several bills. HB 97, relating to travel insurance, drew only brief testimony: the Insurance Division stood on written testimony, one industry witness supported the bill and requested a minor amendment, and no one else testified or asked questions. HB 226, relating to window tinting, received support from the Department of Transportation, while the Honolulu Police Department offered comments on the proposed amendments, asking for clearer language on what it means to roll windows down, when the requirement applies, how it handles bad weather, and what sanctions would apply for noncompliance. No further testimony was offered on that measure. The committee also heard HB 1179, relating to rural emergency hospitals. The Department of Human Services stood on written testimony, and Maui Health Systems strongly supported the bill, saying it would help critical access hospitals better serve kūpuna and provide long-term care beds. There were no questions or additional testimony. HB 420, relating to remedies and the contractor repair act, generated extensive and sharply divided testimony. Opponents, including attorneys representing homeowners and AARP Hawaii, argued the bill was anti-consumer, would weaken homeowners’ ability to recover for construction defects, and would shift costs and risk to consumers. Supporters, including builders, realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and D.R. Horton Hawaii, said the bill would create a more balanced and efficient process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and help builders address legitimate defects more quickly. Testimony on HB 420 focused heavily on whether the contractor repair process and class actions help or hinder repairs. Opponents said the bill would delay or limit homeowner recovery, especially for life and safety defects, while supporters said current class-action litigation can prevent direct communication with homeowners and slow repairs. Committee members asked questions about when communication with homeowners stops and whether repairs could be made before a class is certified. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item A removes funding for the Federal Help America Vote Act and replaces a portion of those funds with
• George Purcell: ...removes one-time funding for the replacement of the agency's business transaction
• When will the Capitol roof replacement be finished?
• When will the Capitol roof replacement be finished? **Agency Representative**: We are on schedule.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item A removes funding for the Federal Help America Vote Act and replaces a portion of those funds with
• Item B removes one-time funding for the replacement of the agency's business transaction system.
• We're replacing that now.
• For me, I just want to question: when will the roof replacement be finished?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused. The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action. Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dozens of school districts are in desperate need of renovations or replacement.
• in desperate need of<03:14:57.080><c> renovations</c><03:14:57.960><c> or</c><03:14:58.160><c> replacement
• </c> of renovations or replacement. of renovations or replacement.
• As there is no money available, this amendment replaces the bill with the restoration of the building
• If I know that this replace-all amendment proposes a fundamental change in the way we prioritize school

Keywords: 1189, house, all