Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.320><c> chair</c><00:02:07.560><c> Smith</c><00:02:08.560><c> president</c><00:02:08.959
• of our<00:02:12.440><c> last</c><00:02:12.640><c> meeting</c><00:02:13.239><c> motion</c><00:02:13.640
• :14.720><c> those</c><00:02:14.840><c> in</c><00:02:14.959><c> favor</c><00:02:15.160><c> to</c><00:02
• /c><00:02:16.959><c> likewise</c><00:02:17.360><c> the</c><00:02:17.480><c> motion</c><00:02:18.200><
• :02:20.879><c> order</c><00:02:21.280><c> today</c><00:02:21.800><c> so</c><00:02:22.080><c> I'm</c><

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> some</c><00:02:22.720><c> of</c><00:02:22.800><c> the</c><00:02:22.879><c> the</c><00:02:23.200>
• ><00:02:26.160><c> keep</c><00:02:26.239><c> our</c><00:02:26.480><c> roads</c><00:02:27.280><c> uh</
• :02:30.879><c> received</c><00:02:31.120><c> a</c><00:02:31.280><c> note</c><00:02:31.520><c> from</c
• c><00:02:42.800><c> over</c><00:02:42.959><c> the</c><00:02:43.200><c> last</c><00:02:43.440><c> few<
• ><c> and</c><00:02:44.400><c> and</c><00:02:44.560><c> if</c><00:02:44.720><c> it's</c><00:02:44.959>

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.079><c> and</c><00:02:01.640><c> Nicholas</c><00:02:02.640><c> we</c><00:02:02.840><c> added</c><
• and Nicholas we added those those counties<00:02:04.560><c> to</c><00:02:04.759><c> it</c><00:02:05.000
• :02:07.880><c> change</c><00:02:08.440><c> Mr</c><00:02:08.720><c> chairman</c><00:02:09.599><c> uh</
• a change Mr chairman uh the rest of<00:02:10.200><c> it</c><00:02:10.720><c> your</c><00:02:10.920><c
• > fine</c><00:02:11.239><c> work</c><00:02:11.520><c> that</c><00:02:11.680><c> you</c><00:02:11.840>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> as</c><00:02:02.520><c> it</c><00:02:02.600><c> relates</c><00:02:02.840><c> to</c><00:02:02.960
• <00:02:38.040><c> by</c><00:02:38.320><c> a</c><00:02:38.440><c> constituent,</c><00:02:39.240><c> a<
• And<00:02:43.480><c> it</c><00:02:43.600><c> contains</c><00:02:44.480><c> uh</c><00:02:44.920><c> a<
• > and</c><01:02:05.240><c> then</c><01:02:05.320><c> of</c><01:02:05.440><c> course,</c><01:02:05.960
• </c> Um,<01:02:18.840><c> and</c><01:02:19.280><c> what</c><01:02:19.440><c> we</c><01:02:19.560><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We're honored<00:02:15.760><c> to</c><00:02:16.000><c> be</c><00:02:16.080><c> asked</c><00:02:16.319
• Uh I'm<00:02:18.000><c> going</c><00:02:18.080><c> to</c><00:02:18.239><c> start</c><00:02:18.879><c>
• </c><00:02:23.520><c> Uh</c><00:02:23.760><c> and</c><00:02:24.000><c> then</c><00:02:24.560><c> uh</
• </c><01:02:01.920><c> And</c><01:02:02.640><c> as</c><01:02:02.880><c> you</c><01:02:03.040><c> will<
• And<01:02:46.400><c> in</c><01:02:46.720><c> doing</c><01:02:46.960><c> so,</c><01:02:48.000><c> if</

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:02:09.160><c> is</c><00:02:09.280><c> the</c><00:02:09.399><c> confusing</c><00:02:09.880><c>
• Are we going to<00:02:10.800><c> do</c><00:02:10.880><c> it</c><00:02:11.000><c> 4:30</c><00:02:11.640
• It's<00:02:14.040><c> good</c><00:02:14.200><c> that</c><00:02:14.360><c> our</c><00:02:14.440><c> room
• &gt;&gt; I<00:02:47.440><c> have.</c><00:02:48.000><c> 1:35.</c><00:02:48.960><c> 1:35?
• </c><00:02:50.160><c> Is</c><00:02:50.200><c> it</c><00:02:50.280><c> 1:30?

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:09.200><c> And</c><00:02:09.280><c> if</c><00:02:09.440><c> you'll</c><00:02:09.599><c> call<
• /c><00:02:09.759><c> the</c><00:02:10.000><c> first</c><00:02:10.160><c> bill,</c> us.
• </c><00:02:19.520><c> Um</c><00:02:20.080><c> this</c><00:02:20.239><c> bill</c><00:02:20.480><c> is<
• I think if<00:02:23.120><c> we'</c><00:02:23.360><c> had</c><00:02:23.520><c> this</c><00:02:23.760><
• c> bill</c><00:02:24.879><c> last</c><00:02:25.200><c> year</c><00:02:25.360><c> or</c><00:02:25.599>

Bills: HB393 , HB61 , SB234 , SB234

Committee: Senate Tourism

Keywords: entertainment district, alcohol consumption, local governance, city council, public spaces, home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, Cherokee County, off-road vehicle park, ORV park, ATV, all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike, off-highway vehicle, recreational vehicle, county permit, inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all<00:02:11.920><c> for</c><00:02:12.080><c> coming</c><00:02:12.319><c> back</c><00:02:12.480
• I know you<00:02:13.360><c> were</c><00:02:13.440><c> here</c><00:02:13.599><c> a</c><00:02:13.760><c
• > couple</c><00:02:13.840><c> of</c><00:02:14.000><c> months</c><00:02:14.160><c> ago</c><00:02:14.480
• and concerns.<00:02:17.599><c> So</c><00:02:17.840><c> go</c><00:02:18.000><c> ahead</c><00:02:18.239
• :53.760><c> 2010</c><00:02:54.480><c> to</c><00:02:54.800><c> 2013</c><00:02:55.599><c> we</c><00:02:

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a roll call, approval of the prior meeting minutes, and a set of informational reports. Those reports covered University of Louisville research equipment purchases, a Kent County school district debt issue for elementary school renovations, the University of Kentucky’s planned use of construction management risk for a new engineering building, APA certification reports for underwriter and bond counsel selection committees, and a KCNA status report on infrastructure upgrades and purchases. The main presentation was an informational update from the Louisville Arena Authority. Board representatives said the arena was created to drive economic development and reported about $1.4 billion in economic impact from 2010 to 2013. They explained the authority’s financial structure, including arena operating revenues, TIF revenues, debt service, and a long-term capital plan for major repairs and replacements. Members questioned the low net revenue figures, the long timeline before TIF revenues are projected to exceed debt service, the size of capital expenditure spikes, and the University of Louisville revenue-sharing arrangement. The authority said the $2.42 million annual UL payment is fixed under a 2017 refinancing agreement, while other amounts vary with ticket sales and related revenues. They also said the COVID-era state and Metro funds, combined with authority cash, were used to prepay debt and reduce interest, lowering the debt service schedule. The committee then considered and approved a new capital project for a new HVAC system for the student wellness center pool area. The project, presented by university staff, was approved by the board and required committee action. The committee took a roll call vote, and the project passed unanimously. Finally, Janice Thomas of the state budget office presented two tourism, arts, and heritage cabinet grid resilience projects at Kincaid Lake State Resort Park and Kentucky Down Village State Resort Park. Each project costs $7,834,600 and is funded mostly by a federal grid resilience grant, with the remainder from state utility infrastructure replacement funds and energy policy funds. Staff explained that the projects will move park electrical service ownership and maintenance to regional utilities, allowing the state to exit the infrastructure-management role while continuing to pay utility bills through normal metering. The committee approved the action item by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.479><c> best</c><00:02:00.640><c> way</c><00:02:01.200><c> for</c><00:02:01.439><c> us</c><00:02:
• 01.680><c> to</c><00:02:01.920><c> address</c><00:02:02.320><c> this</c><00:02:02.719><c> from</c> the
• </c><00:02:04.000><c> or</c><00:02:04.320><c> from</c><00:02:04.640><c> a</c><00:02:05.520><c> government
• What we're proposing<00:02:09.119><c> in</c><00:02:09.360><c> this</c><00:02:09.520><c> bill</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:44.560><c> Williams</c><00:02:44.959><c> is</c><00:02:45.200><c> working</c><00:02:45.440>

Committee: Joint Government Structure

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c><01:02:06.240><c> a</c><01:02:06.280><c> federal</c><01:02:06.680><c> trigger</c><01:02:06.960
• 02:14.560><c> to</c><01:02:14.840><c> to</c><01:02:15.000><c> be</c><01:02:15.120><c> approved</c><01
• I<01:02:17.120><c> didn't</c><01:02:17.440><c> go</c><01:02:17.560><c> back</c><01:02:17.840><c> and<
• /c><01:02:18.000><c> look</c><01:02:18.680><c> at</c><01:02:18.800><c> why</c><01:02:18.960><c> that<
• Do you<01:02:23.200><c> recall</c><01:02:23.560><c> why</c><01:02:23.760><c> that</c><01:02:23.960><c

Bills: SB3302 , SB2061 , SB2050 , SB2102 , SB2694 , SB2089 , SB847

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard. A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Tia</c><00:02:53.879><c> heart</c><00:02:54.319><c> director</c><00:02:54.599><c> of</c><00:02:54.760
• </c><01:02:02.599><c> recommend</c><01:02:03.039><c> it</c><01:02:03.440><c> thank</c><01:02:03.559><
• :19.160><c> there</c><01:02:19.279><c> is</c><01:02:19.400><c> a</c><01:02:19.520><c> stamp</c><01:02
• stamps</c><01:02:22.440><c> so</c><01:02:22.559><c> we</c><01:02:22.680><c> ask</c><01:02:22.839><c>
• > 2026</c><01:02:27.960><c> yes</c><01:02:28.559><c> thank</c><01:02:28.720><c> you</c><01:02:28.880>

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just um tell the committee<00:02:37.200><c> a</c><00:02:37.240><c> little</c><00:02:37.440><c> bit</c
• a little bit about yourself and<00:02:39.120><c> why</c><00:02:40.280><c> this</c><00:02:40.480><c>
• is</c><00:02:40.680><c> important</c><00:02:41.200><c> to</c><00:02:41.320><c> you.
• Yes.<00:02:43.880><c> Um</c><00:02:44.400><c> aloha</c><00:02:44.760><c> aloha.</c> Yes.
• My<00:02:46.600><c> name</c><00:02:46.800><c> is</c><00:02:46.920><c> Lakahi</c><00:02:47.240><c> Cruvello

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on April 14, 2026, to consider GM 644, the nomination of Kayla Curvelo to the Hawaii Island Burial Council, shifting her seat from the at-large/large landowner position to the Kona representative seat. Testimony in support came from SHPD Administrator Jessica Pap, who said Curvelo has served faithfully and has strong ties to the Kona community, and from OHA’s Leiloha Macouani, who noted Curvelo has served on the council since 2021 and as chair since August 2025. Curvelo, appearing on Zoom, described her family’s deep roots in Kona and said her focus would be on supporting community and descendant voices in burial matters. In response to questions, she emphasized that burial council decisions should be handled case by case, especially in situations involving inadvertent discovery of iwi, preservation in place, or relocation. She said the council’s role is to listen to families, SHPD, and community needs, and to balance cultural practice, changing conditions, and respect for kupuna and ʻāina. Members asked about her vision for the council and whether iwi could be moved when necessary. Curvelo said relocation can be appropriate when done properly, but there is no single rule; each situation depends on the family, the site, and conditions such as coastal erosion or high surf. After discussion, the chair recommended advise and consent. The committee voted to adopt that recommendation, with Chair Richards, Vice Chair, Senator Kealoha, and Senator Dela Cruz voting aye; Senator Ihara was excused. The nomination was forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone<00:02:23.400><c> else</c><00:02:23.600><c> wishing</c><00:02:23.840><c> to</c><00:02:23.959><c
• We<00:02:27.520><c> have</c><00:02:27.720><c> let</c><00:02:28.040><c> 11</c><00:02:28.400><c> in</c>
• Matthew, would you<00:02:46.600><c> like</c><00:02:46.720><c> to</c><00:02:46.800><c> make</c><00:02:
• No,<00:02:48.880><c> just</c><00:02:49.280><c> I</c><00:02:49.400><c> appreciate</c><00:02:50.480><c>
• Uh I'm<00:02:54.720><c> not</c><00:02:54.920><c> sure</c><00:02:55.120><c> I</c><00:02:55.160><c> need

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, our members<00:02:03.360><c> make</c><00:02:03.600><c> a</c><00:02:03.840><c> wide</c><00:02:04.000
• I eventually<00:02:46.080><c> found</c><00:02:46.319><c> my</c><00:02:46.560><c> way</c><00:02:46.720
• the regulatory<00:02:47.680><c> science</c><00:02:48.080><c> world</c><00:02:48.319><c> and</c><00:02
• ><00:02:50.640><c> in</c><00:02:50.879><c> the</c><00:02:51.040><c> last</c><00:02:51.280><c> 11</c><
• years with<00:02:51.920><c> the</c><00:02:52.080><c> American</c><00:02:52.319><c> Beverage</c><00:02

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, The Chaplain for today is Pastor Noah Mooney from Eagle Brook Church in Maplewood, Minnesota
• There being no quorum under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, the House is adjourned until

Transcript Highlights:

• As the<00:02:28.640><c> recipient</c><00:02:29.120><c> of</c><00:02:29.280><c> the</c><00:02:29.440><
• 00:02:40.640><c> or</c><00:02:40.959><c> taking</c><00:02:41.200><c> those</c><00:02:41.440><c> out</
• ><c> would</c><01:02:15.680><c> you</c><01:02:15.839><c> be</c><01:02:16.000><c> so</c><01:02:16.240>
• :16.720><c> to</c><01:02:16.880><c> keep</c><01:02:17.040><c> some</c><01:02:17.200><c> data</c><01:02
• &gt;&gt; I<01:02:27.599><c> think</c><01:02:27.680><c> that</c><01:02:27.839><c> would</c><01:02:28.000

Summary: The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call. The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%. The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:02:33.760><c> myself,</c><00:02:34.360><c> uh</c><00:02:34.520><c> representative</c><00:02:35.200
• 02:41.120><c> as</c><00:02:41.280><c> manager.
• I<00:02:43.160><c> believe</c><00:02:43.600><c> we</c><00:02:43.760><c> have</c><00:02:44.080><c> not
• </c><00:02:44.400><c> received</c><00:02:45.000><c> our</c><00:02:45.760><c> Fin</c> I believe we have
• :46.959><c> as</c><00:02:47.160><c> of</c><00:02:47.280><c> this</c><00:02:47.520><c> time,</c><00:02

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:12.040><c> site</c><00:02:12.400><c> in</c><00:02:13.000><c> monoa</c><00:02:14.000><c> uh</c>
• /c><00:02:16.440><c> person</c><00:02:16.879><c> to</c><00:02:17.519><c> testify</c><00:02:18.160><c>
• 02:30.920><c> chair</c><00:02:31.840><c> Kim</c><00:02:32.120><c> and</c><00:02:32.360><c> chair</c><
• /c><00:02:38.040><c> we</c><00:02:38.200><c> stand</c><00:02:38.599><c> in</c><00:02:39.080><c> strong
• ><c> we</c><00:02:56.200><c> are</c><00:02:56.680><c> you</c><00:02:56.800><c> know</c><00:02:57.200>

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> do</c><01:02:12.680><c> take</c><01:02:12.920><c> time</c><01:02:13.200><c> to</c><01:02:13.320>
• <01:02:14.400><c> that</c><01:02:14.520><c> we've</c><01:02:14.720><c> had</c><01:02:15.560><c> the</
• And<01:02:22.480><c> then</c><01:02:22.640><c> this</c><01:02:22.760><c> is</c><01:02:22.920><c> just
• </c><01:02:23.160><c> a</c><01:02:23.480><c> an</c><01:02:23.640><c> example</c><01:02:24.200><c> of<
• All of this is<01:02:26.280><c> available</c><01:02:26.840><c> on</c><01:02:27.160><c> the</c><01:02:

Bills: SR185 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2207 , HB2289 , HB1854 , HB2581 , HB20 , HB2296 , HB1707 , HB2297 , HB1890 , HB2241 , HB2474 , HB1688 , HB2546 , HB1574 , HB1546 , HB2218 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1749 , HB2385 , HB1576 , HB1974 , HB2022 , HB1973 , HB2005 , HB1894 , HB1515 , HB1718 , HB1591 , HB2475 , HB1721 , HB1864 , HB1946 , HB1920

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I spent<00:02:01.280><c> 13</c><00:02:01.800><c> years</c><00:02:02.400><c> uh</c><00:02:02.480><
• Uh<00:02:05.479><c> this</c><00:02:05.680><c> is</c><00:02:05.800><c> my</c><00:02:06.040><c> sixth</
• Um<00:02:26.200><c> I</c><00:02:26.360><c> have</c><00:02:26.600><c> the</c><00:02:26.680><c> 123rd</
• We<00:02:30.720><c> are</c><00:02:30.880><c> a</c><00:02:30.920><c> single</c><00:02:31.320><c> wing<
• </c><00:02:33.800><c> Uh</c><00:02:33.920><c> we</c><00:02:34.080><c> are</c><00:02:34.160><c> the</c

Summary: The task force met on October 14, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the September 16, 2025 minutes. Members then received a Kentucky Air National Guard 101 briefing from Brigadier General Bruce Bancroft, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard, who described the Guard’s structure, missions, and statewide role. He emphasized that Kentucky is a single-wing state centered at Louisville’s 123rd Airlift Wing and highlighted several unique capabilities, including the Contingency Response Group, critical care air transport teams, medical detachment for chemical environments, explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, and special tactics personnel. General Bancroft also discussed staffing and readiness, saying the Guard has 1,273 authorized positions, with a mix of AGR, Title 32, and Title 5 personnel. He noted that AGR positions are funded at about 96 percent, while technician positions are funded at about 53 percent, leaving the organization to operate at roughly 75 percent of authorized manpower overall. He said the wing converted from the C-130H to the C-130J in 2021 and completed the transition in about 2.5 years, ahead of the original three-year timeline. The briefing further covered the Guard’s operational tempo and community role. Bancroft said the unit has earned 21 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, has deployed about 500,000 days since 9/11 across 45 countries, and routinely supports federal and domestic missions. He described the C-130J’s tactical airlift, airdrop, and blacked-out operations as directly useful for disaster response in Kentucky, and he pointed to strong ties with UPS and other aviation employers. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes.