Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of uh drinking water on this island. of uh drinking water on this island.
• </c> from the Hawaii Farm Bureau. from the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• We commitment to Hawaii agriculture.
• </c> uh chapter 343 and our Hawaii uh chapter 343 and our Hawaii administrative<00:23:18.720><c> rules
• </c> and continues to pri provide Hawaii and continues to pri provide Hawaii citizens<00:42:03.599><c

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes. The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge. Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your citizens in Hawaii elect you.
• Your citizens in Hawaii elect you.
• I'm Mark White from Wailuku, Hawaii.
• </c><00:16:45.240><c> and</c> proud resident of Hawaii and proud resident of Hawaii and conventional<
• I am the group leader for Indivisible Hawaii, now up to 12 chapters across the islands, with 3,000 and

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided. Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states. Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, um half of Hawaii families.
• To the previous speaker's point, this does not raise taxes on Hawaii residents because Hawaii residents
• </c> the face to to the people of Hawaii. the face to to the people of Hawaii.
• </c><01:42:41.600><c> And</c> tax cut in Hawaii state history. And tax cut in Hawaii state history.
• ><c> mourns</c><01:48:03.600><c> the</c> Madam Speaker, Hawaii today mourns the Madam Speaker, Hawaii

Bills: HB2117 , HB2155 , HB1832 , HB1601 , HB2297 , HB2397 , HB1893 , HB2533 , HB1890 , HB2004 , HB1810 , HB2323 , HB1691 , HB1671 , HB2619 , HB1481 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB2214 , HB2488 , HB2009 , HB2007 , HB1964 , HB2218 , HB1535 , HB1977 , HB2054 , HB2046 , HB146 , HB2094 , HB2181 , HB2515 , HB2444 , HB2385 , HB1724 , HB1733 , HB2416 , HB2001 , HB1603 , HB1753 , HB2140 , HB1962 , HB1963 , HB2096 , HB1959 , HB1960 , HB2293 , HB2288 , HB1752 , HB1573 , HB469 , HB2091 , HB1851 , HB1688 , HB1696 , HB2417 , HB2375 , HB2333 , HB2152 , HB1881 , HB2395 , HB1721 , HB1921 , HB1730 , HB1697 , HB1824 , HB2282 , HB2078 , HB2321 , HB2279 , HB1522 , HB2097 , HB2433 , HB2106 , HB2274 , HB2452 , HB1764 , HB2438 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2118 , HB2017 , HB2216 , HB1934 , HB2454 , HB2427 , HB2207 , HB1840 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1946 , HB1648 , HB2324 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2283 , HB2386

Transcript Highlights:

• Island Inc. in support; Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters in opposition; Hawaii Community Lending
• Island Inc., Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Hawaii Community Lending, and an individual, with
• Director of Finance for the State of Hawaii.
• </c> 1368 uh this is relating to the Hawaii 1368 uh this is relating to the Hawaii employer<00:12:48.519
• Director of Finance for the State of Hawaii.

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:51.800><c> state</c> charity Hawai in support Hawaii state charity Hawai in support Hawaii
• </c> hb250 but moving on um next up Hawaii hb250 but moving on um next up Hawaii Academy<00:10:52.760
• /c><00:15:36.880><c> Hawaii</c> Association and support H Hawaii Association and support H Hawaii substance
• Hawaii Primary Care Association, in support. And that's Eric Ab, Hawaii Apple Seed, in support.
• Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, in support. Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii, in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a long calendar of health-related measures, beginning with SB 297, a proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom. Supporters included medical, labor, and advocacy groups, while opponents, including Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Christian Coalition, argued the term “reproductive freedom” was too vague and could be misunderstood. Testimony on SB 350, a similar constitutional amendment protecting contraception, also drew strong support from medical and advocacy groups and opposition from religious organizations; one witness said the measure was especially important to protect reproductive care and contraception. Several bills focused on health system administration and public health. SB 1438 on home care agencies, SB 1439 on nuisances, SB 1441 on transferring the AAHU regional health care system to the Department of Health, SB 1442 on children’s mental health services, SB 1443 on the Department of Health, SB 1444 on general excise tax, and SB 1445 on youth mental health all received mostly supportive testimony from state agencies and community organizations. On SB 1445, the Hawaii State LGBTQ Commission asked that LGBTQI+ and Native Hawaiian youth be specifically considered in mental health services. SB 1450, creating an intensive mobile team pilot for houseless individuals with serious brain disorders, drew support from state agencies and providers; a street medicine advocate said the pilot could help address sustainability, insurance, and service delivery on the streets. The committee also heard testimony on access and workforce measures, including SB 1596 on nursing, SB 1565 on acupuncture, SB 1564 on Medicaid, SB 1418 for an emergency DHS appropriation, SB 1417 on crimes against protective services workers, SB 1411 on Medicaid third-party liability, SB 1399 on a family resilience pilot program, SB 1398 on trauma-informed care, SB 1281 on telehealth, and SB 1279 on telepharmacy. Most of these measures drew broad support from agencies, provider groups, and advocacy organizations. On SB 1281, HMSA opposed the bill as written, warning about audio-only telehealth and federal rule changes, while other health groups supported it as important for rural, kupuna, and disabled residents. On SB 1417, a Honolulu Police Department captain supported stronger protections for DHS workers but could not provide complaint data and said he would follow up later. The hearing ended with the chair noting quorum and asking whether the committee was ready for decision making; no votes or final actions were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that it needs to be University of Hawaii that it needs to be University of Hawaii affiliated.<01
• It has to be University of Hawaii, though it doesn't have to be University of Hawaii, Manoa, but it has
• to be University of Hawaii.
• </c> Hawaii, something like that in brief. Hawaii, something like that in brief.
• </c><02:28:50.399><c> Um</c> Hawaii Pacific Health and Queens. Um Hawaii Pacific Health and Queens.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arts, establishing a Performing Arts grant program to support performing arts here in the state of Hawaii
• Dance Theater, Castle Performing Arts Learning Center, along with Prince Dance Company from Hawaiʻi Island
• > along with Prince Dance Company from along with Prince Dance Company from Havi<00:09:09.800><c> Island
• </c><00:09:10.800><c> and</c><00:09:11.120><c> the</c><00:09:11.279><c> Hawaii</c><00:09:11.720><c> theater
• </c> Havi Island and the Hawaii theater Havi Island and the Hawaii theater center<00:09:13.120><c> and

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and Arts met on February 7 and heard testimony on two measures. HB 1025, relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, received support from the East-West Center, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Friends of Civil Rights, with the Department of the Attorney General submitting comments. No opposition was noted, and the committee later voted to pass HB 1025 with amendments. The chair said the amendments would incorporate the Attorney General’s comments, add a preamble clarifying legislative intent, and change the effective date to July 1, 3000; the vote was unanimous among members present, with two members excused. The committee also heard HB 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts grant program under the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The SFCA supported the bill but asked that section 5 be deleted, saying the Works of Art Special Fund is not the right vehicle for performing arts and that the agency’s positions are currently federally funded and should be shifted to general funds. The Attorney General likewise recommended deleting section 5, warning that expanding the Works of Art Special Fund could jeopardize the state’s tax-exempt GO bond status, and suggested creating a separate special fund in chapter 9 instead. DBEDT stood on its written testimony, and several arts organizations and individuals testified in support, with the chair noting about 23 supporters overall. During questioning on HB 1378, members asked about possible federal funding losses. The SFCA director said the agency is in discussions with other state arts agencies about potential reductions from the National Endowment for the Arts and related White House requests, and that the immediate goal is to protect federally funded positions by moving them into the general fund. The committee did not take final action on HB 1378 and deferred decision-making until Wednesday, February 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:49.760><c> State</c> Superintendent for Hawaii State Superintendent for Hawaii State Department
• <00:22:49.040><c> Education</c><00:22:49.640><c> Caucus,</c> Hawaii Education Caucus, Hawaii Education
• . islands. islands.
• </c> Hawaii Professional Assembly. Hawaii Professional Assembly.
• Uh Pride at Work Hawaii is Work Hawaii.

Bills: SB2567 , SB2448 , SB3046 , SB2231 , SB2526

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii procurement code Vice chair thank Hawaii procurement code Vice chair thank you<00:20:41.000><c
• </c> 2027 first in person we have Hawaii 2027 first in person we have Hawaii Department<00:37:19.720>
• </c> you um in person we have Hawaii you um in person we have Hawaii Department<00:39:38.480><c> of</
• </c><01:45:44.960><c> Island</c><01:45:45.560><c> ha</c> Eva Plains or Leeward Hawaii Island ha Eva Plains
• or Leeward Hawaii Island ha coloa<01:45:46.440><c> there's</c><01:45:46.679><c> lots</c><01:45:47.000

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> coming to Hawaii. coming to Hawaii.
• ><c> and</c> come to Hawaii because we're Hawaii and come to Hawaii because we're Hawaii and we're<00
• </c> place to film in Hawaii? place to film in Hawaii?
• </c> This TV show made in Hawaii. This TV show made in Hawaii.
• Not just for Waikiki, but for all of our islands because we are Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making. The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future. The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think a concern for me is that if we're spending Hawaii public money, so Hawaii taxpayer money, to
• I do not want taxpayer money from Hawaii Island, where I represent, going to people that aren't even
• ,</c> is made up of the guys in the island, is made up of the guys in the island, the<01:31:43.199><c
• </c> all the people that love Hawaii all the people that love Hawaii football,<01:34:48.400><c> all</
• But our Hawaii<01:35:15.520><c> our</c><01:35:15.760><c> Hawaii</c> Hawaii our Hawaii Hawaii our Hawaii

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie Sakamoto, Hawaii HCU, in support.
• Stephanie Sakamoto, Hawaii HCU, in support.
• Stephanie Sakamoto, Hawaii HCU, in support.
• > in</c> Sakamoto Hawaii hcu in Sakamoto Hawaii hcu in support<00:23:07.120><c> okay</c><00:23:07.679
• </c><00:23:35.159><c> Pacific</c> home in support Rara Hawaii Pacific home in support Rara Hawaii Pacific

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Hawaii Apple SE?
• and Hawaii Apple SE?
• and Hawaii Apple SE?
• and Hawaii Apple SE?
• and Hawaii Apple SE?

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are convening the House Committee on Finance in Conference Room 306 at the Hawaii State Capitol, scheduled
• I'm Robin Magastadman with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission.
• Hawaii State Ethics Commission in support.
• how they deal with that in the islands how they deal with that identification<00:23:26.559><c> uh</c
• And we have the Hawaii Government Employees Association, HGEA, in support. >> Hello.

Bills: HB2240 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2274 , HB2275

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, members, today we have two very special guests from Hawaii Island.
• Island uh we have my from Hawaii Island uh we have my daughter<00:11:36.519><c> Ruby</c><00:11:37.480
• It was using the Hawaii Prince Golf Course as a potential site, which was thrown off early.
• It was using the Hawaii Prince Golf Course as a potential site, which was thrown off early.
• It was using the Hawaii Prince Golf Course as a potential site, which was thrown off early.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and Hawaiian Affairs for the Hawaii and Hawaiian Affairs for the Hawaii state<00:05:55.039><c> legislature
• </c> industry that benefits all of uh Hawaii industry that benefits all of uh Hawaii Islands<00:31:42.519
• </c> patients in the state of Hawaii patients in the state of Hawaii um<00:45:58.599><c> we</c><00:45
• really is an island.
• is</c> use before Hawaii so Hawaii really is use before Hawaii so Hawaii really is the<00:51:10.920>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of our students from uh Hawaii of our students from uh Hawaii Technology<00:16:30.160><c> Academy
• Island.
• They are here from the Shanti Alliance Club and students just from Hawaii Island.
• So it students just from Hawaii Island.
• </c><00:23:42.640><c> Technology</c> from Kauaii from the Hawaii Technology from Kauaii from the Hawaii

Bills: HB2198 , HB2021 , HB1881 , HB1964 , HB1990 , HB2151 , HB2599 , HB2414

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
• </c> s SP 1359 relating to the Hawaii s SP 1359 relating to the Hawaii employee<00:12:20.959><c> union
• </c> mizo administrator for the Hawaii mizo administrator for the Hawaii employer<00:12:31.519><c> union
• Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Primary Care Association, opposition from Maui Chamber of Commerce
• Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Primary Care Association, opposition from Maui Chamber of Commerce

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii coming in behind that, which one Hawaii coming in behind that, which one do<00:15:20.640><c> we
• > destination</c><00:19:28.800><c> in</c> again, Hawaii is a destination in again, Hawaii is a destination
• and stay in Hawaii.
• </c><00:27:20.160><c> We</c><00:27:20.320><c> support</c> Hawaii and stay in Hawaii.
• We support Hawaii and stay in Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years. HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it. The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We kicked the can down the road too long. wanted to rent in Hawaii and it was wanted to rent in Hawaii
• And so um um on the Big Island.
• And um, Hawaii Teacher stability.
• </c> if they actually identify the Hawaii if they actually identify the Hawaii Teacher<01:50:17.600><
• </c><01:50:44.800><c> However,</c> can get licensed in Hawaii. However, can get licensed in Hawaii.