Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to accept the Attorney General's proposed amendment, replacing some certain subsections pursuant
• proposed amendment attorney general's proposed amendment ments<01:05:24.559><c> um</c><01:05:24.799><c> replacing
• </c><01:05:25.359><c> some</c><01:05:25.680><c> certain</c> ments um replacing some certain ments um
• replacing some certain subsections<01:05:27.599><c> pursuant</c><01:05:28.160><c> to</c><01:05:28.319

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our request to be able to cultivate in the greenhouse is about replacing high-cost inputs with lower-cost
• cultivate in the greenhouse<00:22:04.320><c> is</c><00:22:04.559><c> about</c><00:22:04.880><c> replacing
• </c><00:22:05.440><c> highcost</c> greenhouse is about replacing highcost greenhouse is about replacing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So is that with— >> That's replaced with the homestead lease. 99 was another option for another 100 years
• So is that with &gt;&gt; that's<01:08:59.040><c> replaced</c><01:08:59.600><c> with</c><01:08:59.839>
• <c> the</c><01:08:59.920><c> homestead</c><01:09:00.400><c> lease</c> &gt;&gt; that's replaced with the
• homestead lease &gt;&gt; that's replaced with the homestead lease 99<01:09:01.440><c> was</c><01:09:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am replacing the newly retired Sue Abdholan, who was on this committee before me.
• children's programs at NAMI Minnesota.<00:01:16.720><c> I</c><00:01:16.960><c> am</c><00:01:17.119><c> replacing
• I am replacing the uh, newly Minnesota.
• I am replacing the uh, newly retired<00:01:19.600><c> Sue</c><00:01:19.920><c> Abdholan</c><00:01:21.200

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• also language only in the House language that pertains to online driver's license renewals and replacements
• license pertains to online driver's license renewals<00:21:33.120><c> and</c><00:21:33.520><c> replacements
• </c> renewals and replacements. renewals and replacements.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want your bond rating to stay a plus, which is what it is, then you need the plan to replace as
• what it is, then you need the<01:17:36.840><c> plan</c><01:17:37.840><c> to</c><01:17:38.360><c> replace
• c> as</c><01:17:39.679><c> much</c><01:17:39.920><c> of</c><01:17:40.080><c> that</c> the plan to replace
• as much of that the plan to replace as much of that money<01:17:40.560><c> as</c><01:17:40.719><c> you

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not about replacing physicians, but complementing them in a collaborative health care system
• scope, in the case of this rural hospital, a hospital like yours, could the entire staff be. be replaced
• healthcare shortage areas, but we do not want a resolution that compromises the quality of care by replacing
• Let's bring in a bunch of nurse practitioners to replace the doctors."

Bills: SB1888, SB3003, SB2417, SB2459, SB3055, HB1393, HB2884, SB2943

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• All of which has been replaced. And that takes us to page 13. Severability.
• All of<01:17:21.600><c> which</c><01:17:21.840><c> has</c><01:17:22.000><c> been</c> replaced.<01:17:
• </c> replaced. And that takes us to page 13. replaced. And that takes us to page 13.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, totally shocked that the money was gone, and they just didn't know how they're going to replace
• you know, totally shocked that the money was gone, and they just didn't know how they're going to replace
• you know, totally shocked that the money was gone, and they just didn't know how they're going to replace
• you know, totally shocked that the money was gone, and they just didn't know how they're going to replace

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that those 100,000 jobs, the individuals, are aging out, and we're not replacing them as fast
• out,<00:21:38.400><c> and</c><00:21:38.640><c> we're</c><00:21:38.880><c> not</c><00:21:39.039><c> replacing
• </c><00:21:39.440><c> them</c><00:21:39.679><c> as</c> out, and we're not replacing them as out, and
• we're not replacing them as fast<00:21:40.240><c> as</c><00:21:40.480><c> we</c><00:21:40.640><c> can

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that suffice, Senator, because a $20 fee now we need to ensure that distribution section F and to replace
• ensure that distribtion section F<00:26:02.960><c> and</c><00:26:03.039><c> to</c><00:26:03.200><c> replace
• it</c><00:26:03.720><c> with</c><00:26:03.919><c> language</c><00:26:04.760><c> that</c> F and to replace
• it with language that F and to replace it with language that would<00:26:05.640><c> Levy</c><00:26:05.960

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the amendments, what we're going to do is replace the contents of the measure and insert sections
• > to</c><01:23:27.840><c> do</c><01:23:28.199><c> is</c><01:23:28.560><c> uh</c><01:23:28.719><c> replace
• </c><01:23:29.080><c> the</c><01:23:29.199><c> contents</c> going to do is uh replace the contents going
• to do is uh replace the contents of<01:23:29.679><c> the</c><01:23:29.760><c> measure</c><01:23:30.600

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because, to get into the science of it, fluoride replaces some of the calcium ions, which makes the tooth
• because to get into the science of it because to get into the science of it fluoride<00:36:20.800><c> replaces
• some</c><00:36:21.960><c> of</c><00:36:22.079><c> the</c><00:36:22.240><c> calcium</c> fluoride replaces
• some of the calcium fluoride replaces some of the calcium ions<00:36:23.240><c> which</c><00:36:23.400

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:37 Discussion of 25RS HB 392 00:03:10 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 392 00:04:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 580 00:13:28 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 580 00:14:54 Discussion of 25RS HB 688 00:18:40 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 688 00:21:40 Discussion of 25RS HB 16 01:19:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 16 01:27:32 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 392, sponsored by Representative Proctor, which would help the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities pay for emergency medical and psychiatric services provided to patients outside state facilities when those facilities cannot meet their needs. Proctor described it as a continuing improvement bill to address payment issues for services delivered at community-based facilities. The bill received no substantive opposition in the meeting and passed the committee with favorable expression by a vote of 15 yes, 0 no, and 1 pass. The committee then considered House Bill 580, presented by Representative Kim Moser and Elena Sweezy, which tightens oversight of peer support specialists. The bill was described as building on House Bill 505 from the prior year by reinstating supervision requirements, adding parameters around group sizes, creating a pathway for temporary peer support specialists to become fully registered after nine months, and addressing Medicaid reimbursement and accountability concerns. Members asked about reimbursement; the sponsor said Medicaid was okay with the bill and that commercial insurance coverage would be up to insurers. Representative Fleming emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight of the peer support code. The committee adopted a substitute and title amendment, then passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 688 was then heard, with Representative Bratcher explaining that it addresses two issues: preventing fraud in nurse licensure by giving the Kentucky Board of Nursing more discretion to review out-of-state credentials, and expanding school authority to administer certain emergency medications. He said the bill changes the board’s authority from “shall” to “may” so it can verify transcripts, curricula, accreditation, and exam passage. During discussion, Representative Sharp explained his yes vote by noting the bill also adds rescue medications such as glucagon and Solu-Cortef and allows prescribed emergency medications for known conditions in schools. The committee passed the bill with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 16, which would leave decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water to local governing bodies rather than maintaining a state mandate. Supporters, including Representative David Hale, Dr. Jack Call, and Cindy Batson, argued that fluoridation should be a local choice and raised concerns about cost, potential health risks, and the precautionary principle. Opponents, including Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, defended fluoridation as beneficial for preventing tooth decay and warned that local removal decisions could increase Medicaid costs and may not reflect the broader public interest. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on House Bill 16 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's what we're replacing the other language with.
• :18:07.639><c> we're</c> think that's what that's what we're think that's what that's what we're replacing
• ><c> other</c><01:18:08.600><c> language</c><01:18:08.960><c> with</c><01:18:09.880><c> that</c> replacing
• the other language with that replacing the other language with that line<01:18:11.000><c> would</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• legalizing a land value tax can lead to more vibrant, sustainable communities in your district by replacing
• c><00:17:14.400><c> by</c> communities uh in your District by communities uh in your District by replacing
• ><c> lots</c><00:17:16.000><c> with</c><00:17:16.160><c> grocery</c><00:17:16.559><c> stores</c> replacing
• empty lots with grocery stores replacing empty lots with grocery stores shops<00:17:18.439><c> uh</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For me, surface level alone, seeing Hawaiian crossed out and replaced with Havi, there's never a time
• seeing Hawaiian surface level alone seeing Hawaiian crossed<00:40:17.319><c> out</c><00:40:17.560><c> replaced
• /c><00:40:17.960><c> with</c><00:40:18.119><c> Havi</c><00:40:18.599><c> there's</c> crossed out replaced
• with Havi there's crossed out replaced with Havi there's never<00:40:19.200><c> a</c><00:40:19.359><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• say this in almost all your testimony, is that you can support this provided that the bill does not replace
• support this provided that the pass<00:09:29.480><c> does</c><00:09:29.680><c> not</c><00:09:29.880><c> replace
• </c><00:09:30.279><c> or</c><00:09:30.480><c> adversely</c> pass does not replace or adversely pass does
• not replace or adversely impact<00:09:31.440><c> priorities</c><00:09:31.920><c> as</c><00:09:32.079

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the board of directors approved the replacement of the policy administration system.
• directors full in 2024 the board of directors approved<00:27:30.200><c> the</c><00:27:30.399><c> replacement
• </c><00:27:30.960><c> of</c><00:27:31.080><c> the</c><00:27:31.240><c> policy</c> approved the replacement
• of the policy approved the replacement of the policy Administration Administration Administration system

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tulalip removed its old Appendix D and replaced it with a new definitions Appendix D, and has additionally

Keywords: 904, all