Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here<01:02:11.880><c> handle</c><01:02:12.119><c> it</c><01:02:12.279><c> that</c><01:02:12.440>
• ><c> yeah</c><01:02:41.760><c> um</c><01:02:42.760><c> Let</c><01:02:42.839><c> me</c><01:02:43.279><
• c> let</c><01:02:43.359><c> me</c><01:02:43.520><c> close</c><01:02:43.720><c> for</c><01:02:43.880><
• <01:02:49.760><c> as</c><01:02:50.000><c> we</c><01:02:50.680><c> uh</c><01:02:50.839><c> as</c><01:02
• c><02:19:54.840><c> the</c> table<02:19:59.040><c> pursuant</c><02:19:59.439><c> to</c><02:19:59.560>

Transcript Highlights:

• The chaplain for today is Pastor Craig McLean from Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
• Paul, Minnesota, Monday, May 11th, 2026.

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Pastor Craig McLean of Grace Church in Eden Prairie, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call establishing a quorum. The journal from the previous legislative day was approved as corrected, and comparison report motions were adopted without objection. The chamber then took up second reading of Senate File 3720 and first reading of House Files 5134 through 5139. A report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration placed several bills on the calendar for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and required pre-filing of amendments for House Files 7474, 5074, and 3067, and Senate File 4282. No substantive debate on the bills occurred in the excerpt. During announcements, Representative Niska said the Rules Committee would meet in Capitol G3 five minutes after recess, and Republicans would caucus immediately afterward. Representative Niska then moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, the motion carried, and the House recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:02:27.200><c> is</c><00:02:27.520><c> a</c><00:02:27.840><c> project</c><00:02:28.640><c> that
• Uh so got a<00:02:35.360><c> little</c><00:02:35.519><c> excited</c><00:02:35.920><c> that</c><00:02:
• <00:02:38.800><c> lab</c><00:02:40.000><c> uh</c><00:02:40.239><c> that's</c><00:02:40.560><c> meant<
• to serve<00:02:41.840><c> quite</c><00:02:42.080><c> a</c><00:02:42.319><c> number</c><00:02:42.480>
• So,<00:02:51.680><c> Northern</c><00:02:52.080><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:52.560><c> University</c><00:02

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the February meeting minutes and several information items. Those items covered university equipment purchases, school district and transportation-related debt issuances, Northern Kentucky University’s planned construction-manager/general-contractor delivery method for the medical examiner/crime lab relocation project, a lease-space advertisement, postsecondary asset preservation allocations, and lease-law compliance reports. Members then discussed the Northern Kentucky crime lab project in more detail; staff explained that the memorandum of agreement would cover the construction portion while the lease would cover operations, and members were told the project should move forward without procurement problems. The committee approved a Kentucky Community and Technical College System project to modify the fire academy maintenance building after the related dormitory project was set aside because of major cost overruns. KCTCS said the dormitory would be about $3 million over budget, so it would not be bid; instead, the maintenance building would be expanded to add showers and restroom/locker facilities, bringing that project from $2 million to about $3.2 million. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet project for the Hardin County I-65 southbound commercial motor vehicle station relocation, with members asking about the estimate, the lack of a direct prior example, and the fact that the loadometer equipment itself would be purchased separately and was not included in the construction estimate. Finance and Administration Cabinet lease items were then considered. The committee approved a Department of Public Advocacy lease in Christian County and a Transportation Cabinet vehicle regulation lease in Kenton County, both negotiated down from initial asking prices and both including utilities. Two lease modifications were reported without action: a Department of Revenue fit-up in Jefferson County and an expanded vehicle regulation lease in Adair County. Members also approved a package of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including four loans and six Cleaner Water Program grant reallocations, covering sewer and water projects such as MSD’s Patty’s Run flood pumping station, Paducah-McCracken County’s wastewater treatment plant, Mount Washington’s lift station replacement, and Eminence’s wastewater plant expansion. Finally, the committee heard a batch of Kentucky Product Development Initiative economic development grants and approved the action items in one vote. The projects included due diligence and infrastructure work for industrial and site-development projects in multiple counties, with local match requirements and KEDFA approvals described for each. The committee also received three line-item water grants from House Bill 1 that required no action, and the meeting ended after the grant presentations and approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159><c> discussion</c><00:02:00.960><c> see</c><00:02:01.320><c> none</c><00:02:01.920><c> I</c><
• your for<00:02:02.439><c> the</c><00:02:02.520><c> vote</c><00:02:02.680><c> chair</c><00:02:02.920><
• c> goes</c><00:02:03.200><c> I</c><00:02:03.680><c> I</c><00:02:03.840><c> vote</c><00:02:04.119><c>
• 00:02:08.280><c> a</c><00:02:09.080><c> sh</c><00:02:09.280><c> your</c><00:02:09.399><c> recommendation
• <c> adopted</c><00:02:10.440><c> thank</c><00:02:10.640><c> you</c><00:02:11.080><c> and</c><00:02:11.280

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee met on February 12 in Room 224 and via videoconference to consider several measures. First, it heard Senate Bill 547 on water conservation, which would create an income tax credit for gray water recycling systems and atmospheric water generators, along with a rebate program and building code standards. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments from DOA and the Department of Health and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1633, a Green Building tax credit measure tied to the use of Hawaii-grown hemp in primary structures, and also addressing hemp and cannabinoid product regulation, including age limits, packaging requirements, THC limits, and a separate hemp program within the Department of Health. The chair recommended passing the bill with DOA amendments and a further amendment allowing hemp processors to sell certain edible or beverage cannabinoid products with limited THC content, plus a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. The motion passed with five votes in favor. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 391 on recycling, which would expand the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to cover certain lithium-ion batteries and require manufacturers to ensure their safe collection and recycling. The chair instead recommended amending the bill into a working group under the Hawaii State Energy Office to study battery end-of-life management, costs, safety, environmental impacts, in-state versus out-of-state recycling options, and related feasibility questions, with a report due before the 2026 regular session and dissolution on June 30, 2026. That amended approach was adopted unanimously, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• At 2:02, the House Committee on Energy Resources will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• The state must enact legislation repealing its current Interstate Mining Compact statutes, and the governor
• which are now being regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ensuring that the statute

Bills: HB1647 , HB2612 , HB3125 , HB3158 , HB3240 , HB3506 , HB3516 , HB3707

Committee: House Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:44.480><c> I</c><00:02:44.640><c> had</c><00:02:44.800><c> a</c><00:02:45.040><c> deep</c>
• ><00:02:48.480><c> related</c><00:02:49.360><c> to</c><00:02:49.920><c> the</c><00:02:50.239><c> real
• <c> of</c><00:02:51.360><c> what</c><00:02:51.760><c> government</c><00:02:52.879><c> the</c><00:02:53.280
• the human cost of<00:02:54.480><c> government</c><00:02:54.959><c> failing</c><00:02:55.519><c> or</
• ><c> important</c><00:02:58.720><c> to</c><00:02:59.040><c> not</c><00:02:59.280><c> be</c><00:02:59.440

Transcript Highlights:

• They wanted<00:02:28.480><c> to</c><00:02:28.560><c> make</c><00:02:28.720><c> sure</c><00:02:29.000>
• <c> that</c><00:02:29.120><c> it</c><00:02:29.240><c> was</c><00:02:29.400><c> spelled</c> wanted to
• 02:31.040><c> clear</c><00:02:31.520><c> through</c><00:02:32.080><c> the</c><00:02:32.240><c> entire
• ><c> this</c><00:02:36.320><c> is</c><00:02:36.560><c> focusing</c><00:02:37.440><c> on</c> entire bill
• So, in that process,<00:02:41.080><c> we</c><00:02:41.200><c> made</c><00:02:41.400><c> it</c><00:02:

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; I'm<00:02:51.200><c> Lori</c><00:02:51.519><c> Gaffford</c><00:02:51.920><c> and</c><00:02:52.080
• ><c> community</c><01:02:24.720><c> to</c><01:02:24.960><c> have</c><01:02:25.119><c> buyin</c><01:02
• thank</c><01:02:27.839><c> you</c><01:02:28.000><c> all</c><01:02:28.160><c> for</c><01:02:28.319><c
• Um, my comment<01:02:40.480><c> is</c><01:02:41.200><c> um</c><01:02:41.760><c> as</c><01:02:42.000><
• :02:44.799><c> the</c><01:02:45.119><c> state</c><01:02:45.520><c> representative</c><01:02:46.079><c

Summary: The Joint Committee on Families and Children met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and received an update that the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements was 8,647 as of September 7, 2025. The first presentation was from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like setting for children on removal day so they do not have to wait in a state office. Speakers described the mission as reducing trauma for children, lightening the burden on case workers, and easing transitions to foster or kinship placements. They said the Kentucky home in Logan County opened on August 15 and had already served 10 children in its first six days. Committee members asked about logistics, including whether children placed with kinship caregivers would still come to the house, how long children can stay, who remains responsible for them, and how volunteers are screened. The presenters said children are brought to the house regardless of whether they are headed to kinship or foster placement, that 72 hours is not a hard cutoff, and that a case worker remains in charge at all times while volunteers provide support. They also said volunteers undergo background checks, trauma-informed training, confidentiality instruction, and annual continuing education. In response to questions about funding and expansion, they said Isaiah 117 House is community-funded without state or federal money, and that new homes are opened only when fully funded, with construction costs typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 and first-year budgets around $180,000. The committee then heard a presentation from Remy Eastep Homes on its Family Centered Integrated Healthcare and related services. Leaders described the organization’s history from its origins as separate orphanages in Boyd County to residential treatment, treatment foster care, prevention services, and outpatient behavioral health. They said the organization shifted about 15 years ago toward engaging families more directly because family involvement improves outcomes and helps keep children safely at home when possible. The presentation continued into program details, but no votes or formal actions were taken on either presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Well,<00:02:01.920><c> they</c><00:02:02.159><c> don't</c><00:02:02.320><c> meet</c><00:02:02.479
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:03.520><c> know,</c><00:02:03.680><c> but</c><00:02:03.840><c> it</c><00:02:04.000><
• c> would</c><00:02:04.079><c> be</c><00:02:04.240><c> amazing</c><00:02:04.560><c> cuz</c><00:02:04.880
• :06.159><c> still</c><00:02:06.320><c> are</c><00:02:06.479><c> y'all</c><00:02:06.640><c> still</c><
• </c><00:02:08.160><c> It's</c><00:02:08.239><c> out</c><00:02:08.399><c> of</c> Pick your bill for Thursday

Bills: SB319

Committee: House Shelby County Legislation

Keywords: civil service, local government, employment policies, boards and commissions, appeals process

Transcript Highlights:

• be</c><00:02:03.360><c> doing</c><00:02:03.680><c> Senate</c><00:02:04.120><c> Bill</c><00:02:04.360>
• So, that<00:02:06.280><c> makes</c><00:02:06.600><c> our</c><00:02:07.080><c> agenda</c><00:02:07.520
• </c><00:02:09.320><c> first</c><00:02:09.600><c> I'd</c><00:02:09.679><c> like</c><00:02:09.880><c> to
• :49.640><c> we</c><00:02:49.760><c> have</c><00:02:49.880><c> a</c><00:02:49.920><c> motion</c><00:02
• Uh I understand<00:02:57.920><c> we</c><00:02:58.080><c> are</c><00:02:58.200><c> in</c><00:02:58.280

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• clerk uh<00:02:26.480><c> clerk</c><00:02:26.879><c> staff</c><00:02:27.360><c> Reggie</c><00:02:27.840
• Chang,</c><00:02:30.720><c> please</c><00:02:30.959><c> stand</c><00:02:31.200><c> up</c><00:02:32.080
• </c><00:02:49.040><c> Welcome</c><00:02:49.280><c> to</c><00:02:49.360><c> the</c><00:02:49.440><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:02:50.319><c> Please</c><00:02:50.480><c> rise</c><00:02:50.640><c> and</c><00:02:50.879><c>
• be</c> welcomed.<00:02:56.239><c> Is</c><00:02:56.560><c> Alex's</c><00:02:57.280><c> guest</c><00:02

Summary: The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection. The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background. The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery. Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:45.120><c> Our</c><00:02:45.519><c> lived</c><00:02:45.840><c> experience</c><00:02:46.400><c
• :02:54.640><c> experts</c><00:02:55.120><c> as</c><00:02:55.440><c> the</c><00:02:56.239><c> is</c> has
• :00.720><c> but</c><01:02:01.040><c> it</c><01:02:01.280><c> says</c><01:02:01.440><c> here</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:10.400><c> JC</c><01:02:10.960><c> Mulan</c><01:02:11.760><c> I</c><01:02:11.920><c> see</
• JC Mulan I see I he<01:02:12.799><c> was</c><01:02:13.040><c> here</c><01:02:13.599><c> for</c><01:02

Bills: SB3263 , SB3261

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:16.879><c> Uh</c><00:02:17.360><c> all</c><00:02:17.520><c> those</c><00:02:17.760><c> in<
• /c><00:02:17.920><c> favor</c><00:02:18.080><c> of</c><00:02:18.160><c> the</c> be none.
• </c><00:02:22.720><c> The</c><00:02:22.959><c> eyes</c><00:02:23.200><c> have</c><00:02:23.360><c> it
• </c><00:02:23.440><c> and</c><00:02:23.680><c> it</c><00:02:23.840><c> is</c><00:02:24.000><c> so</c>
• &gt;&gt; Commission<00:02:28.400><c> is</c><00:02:28.640><c> going</c><00:02:28.879><c> to</c><00:02:

Summary: The commission reconvened in open session and announced it had reached a settlement that would avoid a full adjudicatory hearing. Counsel for Representative Gber waived the hearing and agreed to the settlement, and enforcement counsel recommended acceptance. The commission then voted unanimously to accept the agreed settlement. The matter proceeded to an ethics charge involving a proposed finding of probable cause, an agreed order, and a public reprimand. Representative Gber was sworn in and confirmed that he had seen and agreed to the proposed order, waived the adjudicatory hearing, agreed to the findings of violations and penalties in the agreed order, and waived his right to appeal. The commission accepted the agreement and stated that the matter before it was concluded. After the settlement, the chair noted that pending motions related to the case were dismissed and thanked the witnesses for attending, even though they did not have to testify. The chair and Representative Gber each made brief remarks about the long and difficult process, the complexity of the case, and the hope that it would serve as a learning experience. The commission said signed copies of the agreed order and public reprimand would be available, and then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:02.240><c> here</c><00:02:02.880><c> in</c><00:02:03.200><c> very</c><00:02:03.520><c> strong</c>
• 06.479><c> the</c><00:02:06.640><c> chief</c><00:02:06.880><c> judge</c><00:02:07.119><c> of</c><00:02
• Um, I have<00:02:09.599><c> submitted</c><00:02:10.080><c> my</c><00:02:10.239><c> letter,</c><00:02:
• :12.720><c> um,</c><00:02:12.879><c> I</c><00:02:13.120><c> first</c><00:02:13.280><c> met</c><00:02:
• c> and</c><00:02:24.879><c> just</c><00:02:25.120><c> being</c><00:02:25.280><c> so</c><00:02:25.520>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's we<01:02:01.040><c> don't</c><01:02:01.240><c> go</c><01:02:01.320><c> down</c><01:02:01.560><
• Who<01:02:02.720><c> Who</c><01:02:02.880><c> would</c><01:02:03.040><c> that</c><01:02:03.200><c> be
• Well, so<01:02:06.320><c> most</c><01:02:06.640><c> of</c><01:02:06.720><c> that</c><01:02:06.840><c>
• that's</c><01:02:07.040><c> why</c><01:02:07.160><c> most</c><01:02:07.440><c> of</c><01:02:07.520><
• that's why um so<01:02:14.560><c> like</c><01:02:14.760><c> even</c><01:02:15.080><c> so,</c><01:02:

Bills: HB1700

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments. HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee. HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support. The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:04.759><c> Kenny</c><00:02:05.079><c> fin</c><00:02:05.399><c> director</c><00:02:05.680><c> fin<
• <00:02:13.599><c> in</c><00:02:13.800><c> support</c><00:02:14.680><c> Rod</c><00:02:15.000><c> Miley
• c><00:02:17.640><c> support</c><00:02:18.120><c> Marian</c><00:02:18.519><c> suji</c><00:02:19.440><c
• 02:35.640><c> havayi</c><00:02:36.360><c> and</c><00:02:36.480><c> we</c><00:02:36.599><c> are</c><00
• </c><00:02:41.720><c> in</c><00:02:41.840><c> Wy</c><00:02:42.319><c> Kei</c><00:02:42.560><c> and</c

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:34.160><c> I</c><00:02:34.480><c> believe.
• So this<00:02:36.160><c> is</c><00:02:36.319><c> just</c><00:02:36.560><c> bringing</c><00:02:36.879>
• <c> them</c><00:02:37.200><c> all</c><00:02:37.440><c> into</c><00:02:37.760><c> the</c> this is just
• :38.560><c> that</c><00:02:39.440><c> you</c><00:02:39.599><c> know</c><00:02:39.680><c> if</c><00:02
• ><c> money</c><00:02:43.040><c> that</c><00:02:43.280><c> can</c><00:02:43.440><c> go</c><00:02:43.519

Committee: House Mobile County Legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.720><c> later</c><00:02:47.519><c> um</c><00:02:47.720><c> he</c><00:02:47.879><c> is</c><00:02:48.040
• 02:50.120><c> on</c><00:02:50.400><c> his</c><00:02:50.599><c> own</c><00:02:51.280><c> he</c><00:02:
• ><c> in</c><00:02:53.000><c> Assisted</c><00:02:53.720><c> Living</c><00:02:54.720><c> um</c><00:02:54.959
• Living um but on top<00:02:55.519><c> of</c><00:02:55.680><c> that</c><00:02:56.080><c> U</c><00:02:
• > is</c><00:02:58.319><c> not</c><00:02:58.519><c> just</c><00:02:58.720><c> one</c><00:02:59.040><c>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, passed over House Bill 291, and took up House Bill 479, an act related to dementia training. Rep. Derek Lewis, joined by Rep. Adriel Camel and Mackenzie Wallace of the Alzheimer’s Association, explained that the bill would provide free dementia-specific training for Adult Protective Services workers and help them better recognize and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and the needs of people with dementia. Testimony emphasized the personal impact of dementia on families, the difficulty of navigating diagnosis and care, and the need to connect families to services. A senator asked about the bill’s data and scope, and Wallace explained that the county-level figures reflected Adult Protective Services referrals and diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s or other dementia among people 65 and older. She also noted broader public health efforts related to brain health and a federal grant effort tied to those issues. Several members spoke in support, including Sen. Denine, who described his father’s recent death after a difficult period with dementia and said the training would help families and workers identify and respond to the disease earlier. After discussion, Sen. Heron moved the bill, the motion was seconded, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass House Bill 479 with favorable expression. The chair said it should pass on the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee briefly reviewed administrative regulation 921 KAR 2:100 and found it reviewed with no questions. A child care block grant item was also presented for information only, with no questions raised. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In that case,<00:02:42.720><c> an</c><00:02:42.959><c> appropriate</c><00:02:43.800><c> notice</c><00
• notice will be posted.<00:02:47.120><c> Please</c><00:02:47.440><c> avoid</c><00:02:47.760><c> using
• Please<00:02:51.680><c> refrain</c><00:02:52.319><c> from</c><00:02:52.640><c> profanity</c><00:02:53.440
• or univil behavior.<00:02:55.519><c> Such</c><00:02:55.920><c> behavior</c><00:02:56.480><c> may</c>
• Such behavior may be grounds for<00:02:57.680><c> removal</c><00:02:58.239><c> from</c><00:02:58.480>

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR20, which urges the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to re-evaluate policies on in-person contact visitation at correctional facilities statewide so incarcerated people can stay connected with loved ones who support rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson testified that the department supports the intent of the measure and would review its policies and procedures to see whether contact visits could be restarted at all facilities, noting that some facilities already allow them. The committee also acknowledged 11 written testimonies in support, and one Zoom testifier, Panda Valdono, spoke in favor, arguing that in-person visitation supports rehabilitation, mental health, family connection, and successful reentry, and that visitation is not a major source of contraband. After testimony, the committee initially lacked quorum and recessed until 3:40 p.m. When the meeting reopened with six members present, the chair recommended passing STR20 as is. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation, with members Morikawa, Puo, Witson, and Shimizu voting aye and several members excused. The measure was approved and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:44.560><c> name</c><00:02:44.760><c> is</c><00:02:44.920><c> Jan</c><00:02:45.640><c> and</c><00:02
• Jan and I'm a graduate<00:02:47.000><c> student</c><00:02:48.000><c> at</c><00:02:48.200><c> the</c><
• um</c><00:02:52.200><c> I'm</c><00:02:52.760><c> expressing</c><00:02:53.280><c> this</c><00:02:53.599
• :54.879><c> my</c><00:02:55.040><c> own</c><00:02:55.519><c> and</c><00:02:55.879><c> does</c><00:02:
• school</c><00:02:59.280><c> um</c><00:02:59.640><c> I</c><00:02:59.920><c> I</c><00:03:00.159><c> am<

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted. HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.