Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii Trauma System'

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations Committee, February 10, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think we do have that in our system. I think it's a calculation we could make.
  • and I think it goes outside of system and I think it goes outside of the<00:14:53.600> court<
  • system system using<00:31:15.640> technology using technology using technology and<00:31:17.240
  • system system where<00:31:28.000> we<00:31:28.120> can<00:31:28.280> have where
  • with our contractors and work on systems with our contractors and work on systems where<00:31:43.680
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • , our JAVS system as it's known.
  • , our JAVS system as it's known.
  • , our JAVS system as it's known.
  • for years and others are on systems for years and others are on newer<00:23:59.039> systems.
  • newer systems. newer systems.
Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs. Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later. The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 19th, 2025

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The eradication program references a comprehensive environmental management system but to date has only
  • House Bill 1592 aims to create a voluntary... opt-in public alert system through the AgriLife Extension
  • HB 1592 aims to create a voluntary—that's an important word to me—opt-in public alert system.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:52.320> Rachel Hawaii Rachel Hawaii Rachel figuero<00:08:54.279> online no<00:08
  • On this measure, we have the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission testifying in support; the
  • Do we have testimony and support from the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office
  • We have testimony and support from the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of
  • c><02:10:26.119> three Hawaii ACLU of Hawaii and three Hawaii ACLU of Hawaii and three individuals
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Loui Hawaii in support.
  • um kaloi Hawaii is a Hawaii Nation um kaloi Hawaii is a Hawaii Nation created<01:56:40.320> to
  • I work for something called the Hawaii Leadership Forum. We do systems mapping here.
  • c><04:32:46.080> Hawaii Financial Services Association Hawaii Financial Services Association Hawaii
  • and the Hawaii Women Voters of Hawaii and the Hawaii State<04:36:58.160> Bar<04:36:58.480>
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 03-04-2026

Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements. The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures. Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • severe burdensome upon the court system severe burdensome upon the court system burdensome<00:33
  • Community Council, Pride at Work Hawaii, and the Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
  • :35.160> Council<00:58:36.119> uh Commission Hawaii County Council uh Commission Hawaii
  • The large majority of them were Hawaii residents, so Hawaii teens marrying other Hawaii teens.
  • residents so Hawaii them were Hawaii residents so Hawaii teens<01:17:55.520> marrying<01:17:55.960
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • United Way, Catholic Charities Hawaii, EPIC 'Ohana, Goodwill Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network,
  • for<00:36:33.839> immigrant Hawaii um Hawaii Coalition for immigrant Hawaii um Hawaii Coalition
  • Sisters, and the Hawaii County Rapid Transit system are among the organizations that are working together
  • Hawaii Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Hawaii Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and<01:00:59.680><
  • > transit and the Hawaii County rapid transit and the Hawaii County rapid transit system<01:01
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Chair Murkowski, leaders from across Indian country, Hawaii. Alaska.
  • And now we go virtually to Hawaii. Mr. Lewis, welcome. Aloha.
  • Focus on the healing from trauma and building resiliency through culture connections.
  • And as you know, there's all kinds of trauma starting today.
  • We haven't forgotten you there in Hawaii.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Wed Apr 30, 2025, 9:00AM HST - Day 59

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have $468,380 and two positions for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to ensure
  • <01:08:13.440> Health<01:08:13.680> Systems<01:08:14.200> Corporation, Hawaii Health
  • Systems Corporation, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, ensuring<01:08:15.599> that<01:08:16.000
  • and for the fund for irrigation systems and for the University<01:20:00.320> of Hawaii<01:20:
  • trauma-informed state such as Hawaii. trauma-informed state such as Hawaii.
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPN Informational Briefing 01-14-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our office was established to strengthen state services and create a trauma-informed Hawaii.
  • <00:42:38.480> Hawaii.
  • Hawaii.
  • So today I come trauma-informed Hawaii.
  • systems that would impact kids by risk. systems that would impact kids by risk.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Simply repealing that part of it that makes us... can't manage the system.
  • They're in between the system.
  • It's a cost of $3.5 million to the police system and $5.8 million. to the fire system.
  • I absolutely said $3.5 million to the police system and $5.8 million to the fire system is the fiscal
  • That's how the system worked, which almost bankrupted it.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He then pursued fellowship training in surgical critical care and trauma at Jackson Memorial Hospital
  • care surgery and was the first OU grad to return to our institution after subspecialty training in trauma
  • Surgeons, a member of the Gold Humanitarian Honor Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha, the outstanding trauma
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Next, we have the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission in support.
  • <01:22:31.280> be let Hawaii Shine the Light let Hawaii be let Hawaii Shine the Light let
  • The point being is the systems that were supposed to be in place with the Hawaii film tax incentive and
  • <04:07:56.880> correction<04:07:57.359> systems<04:07:57.880> oversight Hawaii correction
  • systems oversight Hawaii correction systems oversight commission<04:07:59.600> add<04:07:59.840
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HWN DEFER, EDT-HWN, EDT Public Hearings 04-15-2025

Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And um state outside of Hawaii, right?
  • What this bill Project Nemiah Hawaii.
  • Hawaii is not a place for it. Maybe in Vegas, but not in Hawaii. This is a paradise.
  • Hawaii is not a place for it. Maybe in Vegas, but not in Hawaii. This is a paradise.
  • systems and it has two wastewater<00:37:47.359> treatment<00:37:47.680> systems<00:37:
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs briefly met and adjourned after noting that GM 574, a nomination on its agenda, had been withdrawn, leaving the committee with no business to consider. A separate joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Hawaiian Affairs then took up HCR 192, a resolution to convene a tourism and gaming working group. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Nation of Hawaii, and CARES, said the measure would allow Hawaiians to have a seat at the table, learn from Native nations with gaming experience, and make informed decisions about whether and how gaming should be approached. Some supporters emphasized that the working group was about research and self-determination, not immediate legalization, and suggested the state should focus on broader economic development options as well. Opponents, including the Honolulu prosecuting attorney and several community members and faith leaders, warned that gambling would increase addiction, crime, family breakdown, debt, and exploitation of low-income and vulnerable residents. They argued that online sports betting and other forms of gaming would be especially harmful, with some citing examples from other states and concerns about problem gambling, domestic violence, and illegal activity. Committee members questioned witnesses about the purpose of the working group and whether it could provide enough data to make an informed decision, while supporters and opponents alike acknowledged the need for Hawaiians to be involved in any future discussion. No vote or final action on HCR 192 was taken in the portion provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • First one is Hawaii Civil to testify.
  • > Cameron Next, Debtfree Justice Hawaii Cameron Next, Debtfree Justice Hawaii Cameron Clark<00
  • we have Nathan Lee, ACLU of Hawaii. we have Nathan Lee, ACLU of Hawaii.
  • trauma-informed care for those in need. trauma-informed care for those in need.
  • to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • We also have testimony in support from 350 Hawaii, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii
  • We also have testimony in support from 350 Hawaii, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii
  • testimony in support from 350 Hawaii testimony in support from 350 Hawaii Environmental<00:15:24.160
  • Party of Hawaii, um the Hawaii<00:16:21.040> Reef<00:16:21.279> and<00:16:21.519> O<
  • <00:16:56.720> State Monnique San with the Hawaii State Monnique San with the Hawaii State
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a series of Senate resolutions focused largely on climate, sustainability, public health, and energy policy. Measures discussed included integrating Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge into climate policy (STR 93), creating a temporary working group to investigate the dangers of POS (STR 103), studying the feasibility of a green bonds program (STR 110), declaring a public health emergency related to climate change (STR 111), affirming the importance of marine ecosystems to decarbonization goals (STR 115), encouraging adoption of recommendations from the UN global plastics treaty and Rapanui summit declaration (STR 132), convening a geothermal energy working group (STR 136), affirming support for the Aloha Plus Challenge (STR 183), and encouraging insurers to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce costs for residents (STR 198). Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on most measures, with support coming from agencies such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii State Energy Office, DLNR, PUC, Board of Water Supply, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Green Growth, and numerous advocacy groups and individuals. STR 111 drew both support and opposition, with supporters arguing climate change is a public health emergency and opponents disputing the underlying science and urgency. STR 136 also drew mixed testimony, including support from state agencies and one opposition submission from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Several witnesses emphasized indigenous knowledge, climate justice, public health impacts, and the need for coordinated state action. Supporters of STR 93 said Native Hawaiian and indigenous knowledge has sustained communities for generations and should be woven into Hawaii’s future climate decision-making. Supporters of STR 111 described climate change as a threat multiplier affecting heat illness, mental health, displacement, wildfire impacts, and food insecurity, while opponents argued the resolution overstated the issue. Testimony on STR 183 highlighted the Aloha Plus Challenge as a statewide sustainability framework with regional influence across the Pacific, including Guam, and stressed its role in tracking progress toward 2030 goals. On STR 198, supporters argued that polluters should help pay for climate-related costs borne by residents and insurers. After testimony concluded, the committee moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass STR 93, SD1 unamended by roll call vote, with the chair, vice chair, Rep. Kahaloa, and Rep. Kush voting aye and Rep. Quinnland excused. The transcript then begins the committee’s action on STR 103, SD1, with the chair again recommending passage as is, but the remainder of the vote is cut off in the provided record.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Public Hearing 02-19-2025

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stephanie Sakamoto, Hawaii HCU, in support.
  • Edward Chu, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support. okay thank you Jonathan Stephanie okay thank
  • > in Sakamoto Hawaii hcu in Sakamoto Hawaii hcu in support<00:23:07.120> okay<00:23:07.679
  • <00:23:35.159> Pacific home in support Rara Hawaii Pacific home in support Rara Hawaii Pacific
  • Edward Chu, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support. Travis C.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
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.