Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero. Which, that's great. Aloha.
• In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero. Which, that's great.
• In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero. Which, that's great.
• In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero. Which, that's great.
• </c> In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero. In the Senate, it was passed 25 to zero.

Bills: SB1166 , SB888 , SB2387 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of those 3,300, let's say there were zero civil monetary penalties that were levied by the federal
• Out of those 3,300, let's say there were zero civil monetary penalties that were levied by the federal
• Out of those 3,300, let's say there were zero civil monetary penalties that were levied by the federal
• Out of those 3,300, let's say there were zero civil monetary penalties that were levied by the federal
• Out of those 3,300, let's say there were zero civil monetary penalties that were levied by the federal

Bills: SF0023 , SF0057

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: mental health, involuntary hospitalization, examiners, public safety, Wyoming legislature, hospital pricing, healthcare transparency, public health, civil penalties, shoppable services, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, the fiscal note was responded to by the Supreme Court, and they put in a cost of zero
• Chair and members, the fiscal note was responded to by the Supreme Court, and they put in a cost of zero
• Chair and members, the fiscal note was responded to by the Supreme Court, and they put in a cost of zero
• And so, Representative Scott, I assume that if the fiscal note is not zero, it's probably going to be
• it's probably going to be is not zero it's probably going to be something<01:25:37.639><c> in</c><01

Bills: HF390 , HF1202 , HF550

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: government data, data practices, record keeping, penalties, legal enforcement, public meetings, transparency, government accountability, interagency groups, Minnesota Statutes, redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then when you're talking about residences, does the taxpayer have to live in it for one year, zero
• </c><00:04:07.040><c> you</c> live in live in it for one year zero you live in live in it for one year
• zero you know<00:04:07.400><c> zero</c><00:04:07.879><c> years</c><00:04:08.879><c> does</c><00:04:09.000
• :09.159><c> have</c><00:04:09.280><c> to</c><00:04:09.599><c> can</c><00:04:09.720><c> it</c> know zero
• years does it have to can it know zero years does it have to can it be<00:04:10.040><c> a</c><00:04:

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, uh, we just respectfully ask, and I know you're probably going to zero out the appropriations
• And so, uh, we just respectfully ask, and I know you're probably going to zero out the appropriations
• ask and I know you're probably<00:14:48.120><c> going</c><00:14:48.240><c> to</c><00:14:48.800><c> zero
• </c><00:14:49.079><c> out</c><00:14:49.240><c> the</c> probably going to zero out the probably going
• to zero out the Appropriations<00:14:50.000><c> but</c><00:14:50.160><c> you</c><00:14:50.279><c> know

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> need</c><00:02:08.160><c> human</c> Unfortunately, up to 50% of incarcerated people will have zero
• incarcerated<00:02:31.360><c> people</c><00:02:31.640><c> will</c><00:02:31.879><c> have</c><00:02:32.120><c> zero
• </c> incarcerated people will have zero incarcerated people will have zero visitors<00:02:34.080><c>
• well as the 2023 plan, I see something under agency reorganization that cites a goal of achieving zero
• us focus on their wellness and as well as the environment in this bonding effort. goal of achieving zero

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Newton, with a vote of 9 yes, zero nays, I declare your bill to have passed.

Bills: SB1390

Committee: House A&B Transportation Subcommittee

Keywords: gross production tax, oil and gas, natural gas, casinghead gas, oil revenue, tax apportionment, revenue sharing, county highway fund, school funding, average daily attendance, general revenue fund, revenue stabilization fund, county bridge and road improvement, state transportation fund, preserving and advancing county transportation fund, education funding, higher education, student aid, tourism funding, conservation funding

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> They had no idea that on New Year's Eve they were going to get zero money.
• It says zero. Huh?
• It says zero. Huh?
• <01:36:35.600><c> be</c> fewest amount of kids which would be fewest amount of kids which would be zero
• and is this is this method working zero and is this is this method working or<01:36:38.000><c> not</

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And the Chair votes yes. 11 yea, zero nay. >> Chair votes yes. 11 yea, zero nay. >> Do I hear any
• &gt;&gt; Chair votes yes. 11 yay zero nay. &gt;&gt; Chair votes yes. 11 yay zero nay.
• </c><01:15:32.400><c> Zero</c><01:15:32.640><c> nay.</c> &gt;&gt; 11. Yay. Zero nay. &gt;&gt; 11.
• Zero nay. &gt;&gt; Uh &gt;&gt; she<01:15:39.760><c> voted.
• So I just think that removing the compensation is a solid move, because then you're at zero, and that's

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not even going from zero to six; we're going from zero to 200 miles an hour in three hours. 17
• They're trying to get back to zero. They're not trying to figure out how to prevent the future.
• So, our board at the time and our subsequent boards have continued to offer a zero percent financing
• The difference between the two reservoirs is that we have zero flood storage.
• We have zero extra space to store water.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so, uh, I noticed that the zeroing out on the youth risk behavior survey, we weren't putting a lot
• Um, so, uh, I noticed that the zeroing out on the youth risk behavior survey, we weren't putting a lot
• Um, so, uh, I noticed that the zeroing out on the youth risk behavior survey, we weren't putting a lot
• Um, so, uh, I noticed that the zeroing out on the youth risk behavior survey, we weren't putting a lot
• So, our budget, um, House recommended, as you can see, is zero in comparison to the governor's budget

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it and pay zero tax, and that's where the unfairness came about.
• it and pay zero tax, and that's where the unfairness came about.
• it and pay zero tax, and that's where the unfairness came about.
• it and pay zero tax, and that's where the unfairness came about.
• it and pay zero tax, and that's where the unfairness came about.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory Ways and Means Committee orientation led by Chair John Janigian. Members went around the room introducing themselves, with several returning legislators and several freshmen describing their backgrounds in business, education, public service, finance, transportation, journalism, military service, and nonprofit work. Janigian explained his own legislative history and professional background, and other members, including Bill Bolton, Fred Doucette, Mary Ford, Jim Tierney, Scott Brier, Thomas Oppel, Mary Murphy, Representative Spar, Susan Elberger, Dennis Malloy, Jordan Ulery, and Julius Soti, briefly described their prior experience and reasons for serving on the committee. The chair then outlined the committee’s role. He said Ways and Means is responsible for revenue estimates that Finance will use to determine how much the state can spend over the next biennium, and that the committee would spend the next five to six weeks developing its best revenue estimate, due around February 15. He also explained that the committee hears from state agencies and departments about how taxes are created, collected, and performing against expectations, and that it reviews bills affecting state revenue, including tax increases, tax decreases, tax removals, and fee-related measures. Janigian noted that the committee had five bills at the time of the meeting and expected more to be referred. He explained that most would be first-committee bills, though some second-committee bills could come over if they involved taxes or fees after passing policy committees. He used marijuana-related legislation as an example of a bill that might first go to another committee and later reach Ways and Means if it had fiscal implications. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, and members were told how to participate in hearings and follow-up questions during regular committee work.

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation of $484,000 general fund and decreased two full-time equivalent positions for a net-zero
• I've heard zero criticism.
• I've heard zero<00:29:36.960><c> criticism.
• I've heard nothing but zero criticism.
• are going to cut it to zero verbatim. verbatim. verbatim.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion passes with a vote of 18 to zero.
• That cannot go on the consent zero.
• The motion passes with a vote of 18 to zero.
• The committee recommendation on zero.
• The committee recommendation on zero.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 13 ayes, zero noes, and one present, you have voted Senate Bill 938 do pass.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 13 ayes, zero noes, and one present, you have voted Senate Bill 938 do pass.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met, established a quorum, and immediately entered executive session. The only substantive item taken up was Senate Bill 938, described as Senator Burns Gettor’s bill previously presented by Representative Haley. No discussion was offered before the vote. The committee moved to recommend the bill “do pass” and a roll call was taken. The motion passed with 13 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present. No other business was discussed before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 11 ayes and zero nos, I vote House Bill 1734 due pass.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 11 ayes and zero noes, I voted House Bill 1734 due pass.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and briefly entered executive session. The main item of business was House Bill 1734, which was described as providing homeowners a low-interest financing option to address serious erosion problems and help prevent future damage. The chair reminded members of the bill’s purpose, and no additional questions or discussion were raised. A motion was made to report House Bill 1734 due pass. The committee then took a roll call vote, with 11 ayes and 0 noes. The bill was approved and reported due pass, and the committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we’re at six ayes, zero nays, two absent.

Summary: The Rules Committee met and was called to order, with attendance noted. House Bill 2931 was added to the agenda without objection, and Vice Chair Carter moved a mass motion covering HB 2931 and a series of other House bills for a constitutional and proper form review. The Rules Office stated that each measure in the mass motion had been reviewed and was considered constitutional and in proper form, and no questions were raised. The committee then voted on the motion. The roll call resulted in six ayes, zero nays, and two members absent. The motion was adopted, meaning the listed bills were recommended as constitutional and in proper form. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're at six ayes, zero nays, two absent.

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: 1182, all