Video & Transcript Research : 'Pacific Islander'
Page 31 of 179
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Great Southwest, including the beautiful Santa Rosa area, and ended up at the edge of the Pacific
- Rosa became of age during this transportation era, first through the connection of the Chicago, Rock Island
- , and Pacific Railroad and the El Paso Northern Railway on December 26, 1901.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Pacific territories, and the freely associated states.
- It includes mountains and islands, urban centers and rural communities, and states with varied economic
- governors of each member state and territory, and each jurisdiction—I state jurisdiction because of the Pacific—designates
Summary:
The Education Committee met as a committee of reference to complete required sunset reviews and hear a performance audit. Members and staff introduced themselves at the start of the session, and the chair outlined committee procedures, including limits on public testimony and the goal of adjournment by 5 p.m. The committee then heard the sunset review of the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board. A governor’s office representative explained that the board was created in 2016 to help qualifying schools, mostly charter schools, lower borrowing costs through a credit enhancement fund. He said the board has approved 15 projects, has no dedicated staff or budget, and is now at its statutory leverage limit, so it is mainly monitoring existing obligations. Members voiced support, and the committee voted by voice vote to recommend continuation of the board for 10 years, until July 1, 2036.
The committee next reviewed the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE leadership described the interstate compact, its student exchange programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional health care education, and related cost-savings and workforce benefits for Arizona. Testimony emphasized tuition savings for Arizona students, the return of many professional students to practice in Arizona, and the role of the compact in supporting higher education access and workforce needs. Commissioners from Arizona’s Board of Regents and Eastern Arizona College also spoke in support. The committee then voted by voice vote to recommend continuation of WICHE for 10 years, until July 1, 2036.
The committee also received the Arizona Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Department of Education school safety program. The audit found that while the program has grown substantially and now funds more than 1,000 school safety positions, ADE did not ensure many sampled schools complied with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, annual training, activity logs, and expenditure documentation. The Auditor General said the department relied too heavily on written attestations and reduced monitoring as the program expanded, and recommended stronger oversight, written procedures, and better reimbursement controls. ADE’s school safety director responded that the department accepts the findings, has already begun improving monitoring, and is moving to require uploaded documentation and more risk-based reviews; he also said the department will seek additional staffing and will meet with the Auditor General and ASU to strengthen evaluation of the program.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 2142, which would establish a school safety center within ADE, assign it responsibility for administering the school safety program and providing technical assistance, and allow up to 10% of program appropriations for administration. Members discussed whether the bill should also require monitoring of emergency operations plan compliance, better address students with disabilities, and clarify coordination with other state agencies. The sponsor said he planned to offer a floor amendment to make monitoring expectations clearer. The bill was discussed but no final committee action was recorded in the portion provided.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- He's originally from New York, from Manhattan and Queens-Long Island, but he's been here for six years
- He's originally from New York, from Manhattan and Queens-Long Island, but he's been here for six years
- ecosystem, when we create these conditions that attract forward-thinking companies like Castilian and Pacific
Keywords:
educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- addressing the growing commitment to addressing the growing demand for highly trained nurses across the Pacific
- For what purpose does a gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition?
- Speaker, earlier this month, I stood on a farm in Haleiwa for the blessing of the Pacific Gateway Center's
- Her grandfather was a railroad worker on the Rock Island for 10 years before he was able to bring his
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 28th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 2374 establishes a state-level designation for Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific
- Islander-serving institutions.
- education institutions that show effort and commitment to helping Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific
- Islander students succeed.
Summary:
The Assembly convened in Sacramento, established a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through the daily file with several procedural motions, including moving AB 1566 to the inactive file and removing SCR 177 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of bills, mostly on third reading, with many measures described by authors as support bills and passing with little or no opposition. Among the early items, AB 2257 on county jail accountability was presented but the call was moved before a recorded result was announced in the excerpt; AB 2529 on claims against public agencies passed 41-2; AB 2689 on affordable housing management passed 49-0; AB 1722 on fish and wildlife passed 51-0; AB 2071 on digital wellness instruction passed 54-0; AB 1976 on pedestrian and bicycle safety passed 42-17; AB 2012 on manufactured home transport passed 57-0; AB 2139 on surplus land and an Inland Empire soccer project passed 58-1; AB 1548 creating a Monterey Bay stewardship authority passed after the call was moved; AB 1707 allowing online electrician license renewal passed 60-0; AB 2105 on navigation app impacts passed 44-14; and AB 2051 on coastal resiliency permitting passed 46-6.
The floor also approved a number of other measures with broad bipartisan support, including AB 2074 on streamlined housing development in transit-rich downtowns (55-5), AB 2129 on Cal Fire firefighter compensation (57-1), AB 2279 on communications (16-0), AB 2282 allowing Del Puerto Health Care District to provide emergency care in rural Patterson-area communities (64-0), AB 2316 extending school facilities hardship relief to charter schools (59-0), AB 2337 adding theft by a peace officer under color of authority to serious misconduct (68-0), AB 2374 creating a state designation for AANHPI-serving institutions (47-14), AB 2464 on energy (67-0), AB 2537 on cannabis (62-0), AB 2562 requiring suicide prevention plans at alcohol and drug treatment facilities (62-0), AB 2667 on vape products (62-0), and AB 2727 raising the threshold for elderly parole review for violent sex offenses (66-0). AB 1958, which clarifies procedures under the California Racial Justice Act, was taken up later and the author said he would accept Senate amendments, but the excerpt cuts off before the final vote is shown. AB 2313, allowing customers with planned gas service line replacements to opt into electrification, drew debate over cost shifts and equity concerns before passing 41-21.
The most extensive debate centered on AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for accounts on social media platforms using addictive features and create an e-safety commission. The author and supporters from both parties framed the bill as a child-safety measure responding to research on anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and other harms, while also emphasizing protections for vulnerable youth and the need for age verification and ongoing oversight. Several members raised concerns about preserving access for LGBTQ youth, isolated rural youth, and others who rely on online spaces, but said they trusted the author’s approach and the commission structure. The bill drew strong bipartisan support in floor speeches from members who described it as necessary to protect children from addictive platform design, and the excerpt ends amid that debate without showing the final vote on AB 1709.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, with islands, all the counties.
- Um, Hawaii adults on that island.
- That may not this wonderful island.
- Um for the Big Island it is 14.5%. 9%. Um for the Big Island it is 14.5%.
- <02:30:28.479>
middle amongst um the neighbor island middle amongst um the neighbor island
Bills:
HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049
Keywords:
maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 1)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Second place is Hawaii, an island state where gas is 39 cents cheaper.
- Second place is Hawaii, an island<00:22:10.799>
state <00:22:11.600>where <00:22:12.080> - gas is 39 cents island state where gas is 39 cents cheaper.<00:22:15.360>
Not <00:22:15.679>- The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Magaziner, for five minutes. Mr.
- Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the rich history, immense contributions
AL
Bills:
SJR 18, SCR 5, SCR 13, SCR 25, SB 3, SB 6, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 18, SB 35, SB 388, SB 412, SB 441, SB 495, SB 666, SB 687, SB 706, SB 740, SB 815, SB 842, SB 917, SB 925, SB 995, SB 1006, SB 1281, SB 1300, SB 1379, SB 1451, SB 1902, SJR 36, SJR 18, SJR 12, SCR 13, SCR 25, SCR 5, SCR 22, SB 565, SB 372, SB 495, SB 842, SB 765, SB 62, SB 19, SB 18, SB 666, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 290, SB 11, SB 10, SB 13, SB 412, SB 441, SB 1248, SB 740, SB 14, SB 1006, SB 504, SB 917, SB 925, SB 388, SB 1902, SB 1121, SB 995, SB 857, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 35, SB 6, SB 815, SB 3, SB 1281, SB 1379, SB 1300, SB 1497, SB 1499, SB 1498, SB 1451, SB 1061, SB 15, SB 65, SB 241, SB 304, SB 402, SB 499, SB 621, SB 974, SB 1023, SB 1024, SB 1025, SB 1106, SB 686, SB 112, SB 371, SB 204, SB 400, SB 609, SB 1447, SB 670, SB 502, SB 427, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1555, SB 1362, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 987, SB 1539, SB 893, SB 447, SB 875, SB 406, SB 509, SB 985, SB 965, SB 17, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 12, SB 24, SB 57, SB 1194, SB 1253, SB 1215, SB 1532, SB 1268, SCR 12, SCR 24, SB 1302, SB 856, SB 650, SB 583, SB 673, SB 840, SJR 18, SB 11, SB 441, SB 10, SB 18, SB 412, SB 495, SR 238, SR 264, SR 266, SR 267, SR 268, SR 270, SR 271, SR 272, SR 278, SB 1169, SB 1169
Keywords:
capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:06.000>
nuclear <00:07:06.479>plants island nuclear plants island nuclear plants - Speaker, I rise today to commend Jackal Island Club Resort and Sea Island for being named among Southern
- Sea Island is also a rich history.
- Tabby Island was ranked fourth on the list, being praised as a little island packing a big punch.
- He sent in Rhode Island against him.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Humboldt Bay Coastal Reserve, Imperial Wildlife Area along the Salton Sea, Bear Island in San Mateo County
- Gabriel Tolson on behalf of the Resource Renewal Institute and the Pacific Forest Trust is in support
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended.
The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended.
Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been working on U.S. foreign policy focused on the Indo-Pacific region for nearly three decades,
- What you essentially own is a claim on a shell company that's listed in the Cayman Islands and has no
Keywords:
HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally, cultural exchange, educational exchange, tourism, bilateral cooperation, foreign relations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fotouhi, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, and Aaron Szabo, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- jobs and jeopardize infrastructure projects. from Alaska to West Virginia to my home state of Rhode Island
- traditional air pollution from China goes and impacts states like California due to the transport from the Pacific
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- arsenal somewhat, began to react to the increased presence of our naval-based nuclear weapons in the Pacific
- Five states—California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Jersey—have passed resolutions.
- is for Massachusetts at this point to stand with California, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, and Rhode Island
- And you've already heard that other states like California, Oregon, Rhode Island, have passed this exact
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone.
The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters.
Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it's Delta into the Pacific Ocean.
- <02:11:03.599>
I from Rhode Island seek recognition? - I from Rhode Island seek recognition?
- Island is recognized for one minute. Mr. Island is recognized for one minute. Mr.
- The gentleman from Rhode Island yields back.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Islanders.
- falling upon native white and Pacific falling upon native white and Pacific Islanders.<02:16:07.040
- And for myself, when I hear Islanders.
- Kim, the Hawaiian Islands new party. I do want to pass this bill.
- I do want to Hawaiian Islands new party.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places.
Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii.
A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> What purpose does the gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition?
- <02:11:45.360>
I <02:11:45.520>ask Rhode Island seek recognition? - I ask Rhode Island seek recognition?
- Over the weekend, I had a chance to visit the Adia Nutrition Factory in North Kingtown, Rhode Island,
- Rhode Island. One of two factories in Rhode Island.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- over 90% of the market share of those companies- It's actually just shell companies in the Cayman Islands
- In Spain, the Canary Islands, many in Mexico, and a handful of others. But the city has engaged in.
- So I think this is prudent and patriotic and actually pacific in the sense of in the service of peace
- When he got to Ellis Island, they wanted him to be German because his name was Vance. incomparable.
- National Museum of the Pacific War.
Bills:
HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133
Keywords:
foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Seclusion Working Group - 09/17/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There weren’t any reported for Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, so that would be zero.
- reported for Native Hawaiian<00:19:27.679>
or <00:19:28.080>other <00:19:28.400>Pacific - <00:19:28.880>
Islanders, <00:19:29.360>so Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, so - Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, so that<00:19:29.679>
would <00:19:29.840>be <00:19
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/20/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- The use of skin-lightening products in the South Asian community and many other Asian and Pacific Islander
- many other the South Asian community and many other Asian<01:10:32.159>
and <01:10:32.320>Pacific - <01:10:32.640>
Islander <01:10:33.120>communities Asian and Pacific Islander communities - Asian and Pacific Islander communities is<01:10:34.159>
a <01:10:34.400>complex <01:10:
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, again, I know California came up with a whole suite of laws after Pacific Palisades, and that may
- Um, again, I know California came up with a whole suite of laws after Pacific Palisades, and that may
- Um, again, I know California came up with a whole suite of laws after Pacific Palisades, and that may
- <01:54:48.639>
20 judge Kim did that on the big island 20 judge Kim did that on the big island - would be really important the Big Island would be really important the Big Island not<02:22:40.280
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure.
House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt.
The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.