Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:33.279><c> of</c> Resources, and the City and County of Resources, and the City and County
• </c> state parks, and city and county parks. state parks, and city and county parks.
• </c> implications would be for the the county implications would be for the the county statewide,<00:
• </c><00:15:03.279><c> on</c> the Hawaii State Council on the Hawaii State Council on Developmental<00
• I am an intern at the Hawaii Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations. The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is also being streamed on the Hawaii State Senate's YouTube channel.
• One member shall be the chair of the Hawaii State Fire Council or designee and be a non-voting member
• One member shall be the adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard or designee and be a non-voting
• National Guard or dese and of the Hawaii National Guard or dese and be<00:05:09.919><c> a</c><00:05:
• </c> chair of the Hawaii state fire uh Hawaii chair of the Hawaii state fire uh Hawaii State<00:05:19.600

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Labor and Technology met on March 14, 2025, to consider House Bill 1064, House Draft 2, relating to fire protection. The bill was described as implementing recommendations from the Phase 3 report by the Fire Safety Research Institute on the August 2023 Maui wildfires, clarifying the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriating funds. Members also discussed structural changes to the State Fire Marshal’s office and whether the office should remain under the Department of Defense rather than the Governor’s office. The committee heard from a senior adviser from the Governor’s office, who said the administration would support creating a State Fire Marshal selection commission and did not object to Senate advice-and-consent involvement for some commission members. He also agreed that placing the office under the Department of Defense made sense. In its decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including accepting proposed amendments from the Attorney General and the Hawaii Insurance Council, with one exception to the Attorney General’s proposal. The adopted amendments would establish a seven-member State Fire Marshal selection commission beginning January 1, 2026, with authority to appoint and remove the State Fire Marshal, receive complaints, and conduct annual performance reviews. The commission would be attached to the Department of Defense for administrative purposes, be subject to the Sunshine Law, and include both voting and non-voting members, with some appointments made by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president. The committee also made technical changes, deleted several pages and lines, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The chair’s recommendation was adopted by both committees, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Community Development Authority is Craig Nakamoto.
• </c> Hawaii is is a huge market for Canada. Hawaii is is a huge market for Canada.
• They choose Hawaii.
• </c> about making sure that Hawaii about making sure that Hawaii consider<02:19:59.439><c> Hawaii</c>
• </c> briefing from our various county mayors. briefing from our various county mayors.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:30.560><c> Department</c><00:14:30.880><c> of</c> of Hawaii at Hilo Department of of Hawaii
• </c> those talented players here in Hawaii. those talented players here in Hawaii.
• On the flip side, talent here in Hawaii.
• And so build healthy soils in Hawaii.
• On behalf of the Hawaii Reef Ted Balden.

Bills: HB2384

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii quality Supreme Court of Hawaii. Hawaii quality Supreme Court of Hawaii.
• ><c> expungement</c><00:35:00.400><c> of</c> Hawaii law already allows expungement of Hawaii law already
• Hawaii remember what I apologize.
• </c><00:50:03.200><c> Officers</c> Hawaii Organization of Police Officers Hawaii Organization of Police
• </c> The fate of Act 191, the Hawaii The fate of Act 191, the Hawaii political<01:13:38.840><c> deepfake

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reach out first um to the Hawaii reach out first um to the Hawaii employers<00:51:57.319><c> Council
• </c><01:20:24.760><c> retirement</c> director uh from our Hawaii retirement director uh from our Hawaii
• </c> roadside safety maintenance on Hawaii roadside safety maintenance on Hawaii Island<02:51:00.040>
• In the state of Hawaii.
• </c><03:37:28.600><c> Youth</c> administrator for the Hawaii Youth administrator for the Hawaii Youth

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. And Mr.
• And at this time, I see seated in the gallery this morning are students from the University of Hawaii
• We have um Cass Loratsiro and County.
• </c><00:37:52.240><c> She</c><00:37:52.480><c> has</c> University of Hawaii at Monoa.
• She has University of Hawaii at Monoa.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Hawaii<00:19:24.880><c> Realtors</c> Hawaii Realtors Hawaii Realtors &gt;&gt; and<00:19:
• </c> on those at either the state or county on those at either the state or county level.<00:37:02.480
• </c> the executive director of the Hawaii the executive director of the Hawaii State<01:09:24.480><c>
• and across Hawaii.
• </c> the counties more but if the counties the counties more but if the counties and<01:54:55.920><c>

Bills: HB1846 , HB2205 , HB1802 , HB1571 , HB2047 , HB2434 , HB2426 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1712 , HB2544 , HB1619

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a county park. >> Okay. Thank you.
• </c> act 307 session laws of Hawaii 2022. act 307 session laws of Hawaii 2022.
• That's a tennis that to the county.
• So, a county park. park. So, a county park. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• There are University of Hawaii.

Bills: SB2613 , SB2147

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• then Hawaii County is just Hawaii County.
• and then<00:43:10.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:43:11.280><c> county</c><00:43:11.520><c> is</c><00:43:11.680
• ><c> just</c><00:43:11.839><c> Hawaii</c> County<00:43:15.480><c> the</c><00:43:15.640><c> hotel</c><
• </c><03:59:45.680><c> so</c><03:59:46.279><c> Maui</c><03:59:46.640><c> County</c><03:59:47.120><c> Hawaii
• </c> Island counties so Maui County Hawaii Island counties so Maui County Hawaii Island<03:59:47.760>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Draft 1, relating to the Hawaii Draft 1, relating to the Hawaii Emergency<00:04:30.320><c> Management
• Emergency Management Agency as an Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as an administrator<00:04:44.240
• </c> 1st, 2027, requires all state and county 1st, 2027, requires all state and county agencies<00:14
• </c><00:45:41.040><c> Community</c> language around the Hawaii Community language around the Hawaii Community
• </c> Senate Bill 3109, Hawaii Senate Bill 3109, Hawaii Emergency<00:46:22.000><c> Management</c><00:46

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

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
• </c><00:25:32.960><c> State</c> Bartolotta uh with the Hawaii State Bartolotta uh with the Hawaii State
• </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:

• </c> so in looking at the impacts of Hawaii so in looking at the impacts of Hawaii 2025<00:11:25.760>
• Hawaii is growing less than the rest of Hawaii is growing less than the rest of the<00:12:40.320><c>
• </c> on the Hawaii tourism authority website. on the Hawaii tourism authority website.
• </c> available to everyone on the Hawaii available to everyone on the Hawaii Tourism<00:38:40.640><c>
• They're going to impact Hawaii. real. They're going to impact Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii state license. Hawaii state license.
• Kim, Mayor, Alamita County, Hawaii, providing support.
• Kim Mayor<00:36:09.040><c> Alamita</c><00:36:09.760><c> County</c><00:36:10.079><c> Hawaii</c><00:36:
• 10.960><c> providing</c><00:36:11.760><c> um</c> Mayor Alamita County Hawaii providing um Mayor Alamita
• County Hawaii providing um in<00:36:12.240><c> support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:40.640><c> Prosecutors</c> main Justice and the County Prosecutors main Justice and the County
• </c> a high-profile cour case in Hawaii a high-profile cour case in Hawaii Federal<00:05:15.880><c> Court
• </c><00:09:40.000><c> we</c> oversight of the different counties we oversight of the different counties
• </c> safety um in solidarity with the Hawaii safety um in solidarity with the Hawaii state<00:27:04.840
• </c> offense of false labeling of Hawaii offense of false labeling of Hawaii grown<00:42:19.319><c> coffee

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of times the counties do fund more for their county.
• And a lot of times the counties do fund more for their county.
• And a lot of times the counties do fund more for their county.
• And a lot of times the counties do fund more for their county.
• DUIs and other interests that the county DUIs and other interests that the county wants<00:20:30.160>

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Hawaii, might dismiss us as having and Hawaii, might dismiss us as having these<00:20:20.400><c>
• </c><00:25:49.120><c> We've</c> average tourist to Hawaii. We've average tourist to Hawaii.
• ,</c><00:26:17.679><c> you're</c> Hawaii because you're in Hawaii, you're Hawaii because you're in Hawaii
• </c> professor University of Hawaii. professor University of Hawaii.
• You all live in Hawaii.

Bills: HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549 , HB1737 , HB1628 , HB1769 , HB2493 , HB2264 , HB1997 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB1805 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469 , HB2233 , HB2519 , HB2141 , HB1904 , HB2201 , HB2410 , HB2007 , HB2385 , HB2444 , HB2349 , HB2235 , HB1872 , HB2416 , HB2291 , HB2292 , HB2263 , HB2359 , HB2455 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1648 , HB2164 , HB2323 , HB1825 , HB2172 , HB1888 , HB2005 , HB2387 , HB2358 , HB2119 , HB2276 , HB2472 , HB1714 , HB2325 , HB1541 , HB1960 , HB2140 , HB2315 , HB2367 , HB2388 , HB1696 , HB2333 , HB2138 , HB2332 , HB2283 , HB2059 , HB2057 , HB2589 , HB2417 , HB2337 , HB1588 , HB2217 , HB2020 , HB1915 , HB1742 , HB2026 , HB1965 , HB1546 , HB2360 , HB1563 , HB1749 , HB2614 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1849 , HB1641 , HB2161 , HB2194 , HB1721 , HB2284 , HB2188 , HB1897 , HB1880 , HB1573 , HB1876 , HB20 , HB2137

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And competing with now the county And competing with now the county to to to you<00:37:12.120><c
• .<00:37:24.080><c> So</c> county.
• So county.
• So, we're Operation Hire Hawaii.
• </c> Operation Hire Hawaii link and banner. Operation Hire Hawaii link and banner.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:28.039><c> on</c> we have the tax Foundation of Hawaii on we have the tax Foundation of Hawaii
• </c><00:22:58.039><c> employment</c> relating to the Hawaii employment relating to the Hawaii employment
• </c> camera and behind the mic here in Hawaii camera and behind the mic here in Hawaii thank<00:38:53.480
• </c> Regan com controller state of Hawaii Regan com controller state of Hawaii Department<00:44:48.800
• state AFL CIO Pride at from AF Hawaii state AFL CIO Pride at work<00:50:15.960><c> Hawaii</c><00:50:

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• [applause] >> Well, he's properly attired for the Hawaii climate. Any further introductions?
• </c> with regard to establishing a Hawaii with regard to establishing a Hawaii dementia<00:04:05.519>
• And approximately 31,000 to Hawaii.
• I chose to speak about every one Hawaii.
• The only announcement people of Hawaii.

Bills: SB2445 , SB2125 , SB2355 , SB2834 , SB3237