Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things that the Alaska Hawaiian merger has added connectivity for people to come more
• Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Thank<02:55:47.040> you.
• Thank you very of Hawaiian Homelands.
• Uh, thanks to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and your, uh, leadership.
• <05:46:46.798> affairs certainly judiciary and Hawaiian affairs certainly judiciary and Hawaiian

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adults who had not completed high school or equivalent were 3.8 times more likely to smoke than Hawaiians
• <00:22:24.240> with<00:22:24.400> a<00:22:24.480> college smoke than Hawaiians
• with a college smoke than Hawaiians with a college degree.<00:22:25.120> So<00:22:25.520>
• 01:37.359> Woodward,<01:01:37.760> Office<01:01:38.000> of<01:01:38.160> Hawaiian
• McKenna Woodward, Office of Hawaiian McKenna Woodward, Office of Hawaiian Affairs<01:01:38.960><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian Insurers Council in opposition. Good morning. Testimony in opposition.
• ><00:16:10.440> got<00:16:10.560> that<00:16:10.680> wrong<00:16:10.839> Hawaiian
• comments oh I got that wrong Hawaiian comments oh I got that wrong Hawaiian insurers<00:16:11.720
• c> of Dodo Mortuary in of Dodo Mortuary in opposition<00:31:54.480> AARP<00:31:55.159> Hawaiian
• opposition AARP Hawaiian opposition AARP Hawaiian support<00:31:57.519> and<00:31:57.679>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• colleague just explained, I think this body has tried to be very understanding and supportive of Hawaiian
• colleague just explained, I think this body has tried to be very understanding and supportive of Hawaiian
• colleague just explained, I think this body has tried to be very understanding and supportive of Hawaiian
• be very understanding and supportive to be very understanding and supportive of<01:10:11.520> Hawaiian
• Electric and and for their of Hawaiian Electric and and for their CEOs,<01:10:17.040> presidents,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, deferred reading of the journal, and noted there were no messages from the governor or Senate communications. Members then offered several introductions recognizing guests in the gallery, including LifeSmarts awardees, DCCA and LifeSmarts program officials, former Representative Pono Chong and his children, an intern from District 39, a landback advocate, and staff from the Education Committee office. The chamber also marked the close of Education Week 2025 with applause and recognition of the visiting students and supporters. The main floor presentation was House Resolution 211, which congratulated the first- and second-place teams at the 2025 Havi LifeSmarts State Competition and the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate. Representative Tam presented the resolution, praising the Eolani Raiders for winning first place and wishing them well at the upcoming Chicago competition. Representative Hashimoto recognized Kalanianaole High School’s second-place team, and Representative Woodson honored Wilson Chow of Maui High School for his leadership and service. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House recessed briefly to allow members to congratulate the honorees. After recess, the House took up a large block of standing committee reports, moving reports 1406 through 1504 with a series of member notations including no votes, reservations, and a few brief explanations. Several members raised concerns about specific measures involving emergency readiness centers, immigration-related legal access, blank votes on ballot questions, electricity costs and Hawaiian Electric, and gambling. Some members spoke in support of measures while noting reservations about cost, process, or policy effects. The full package of reports was ultimately adopted by voice vote. During announcements, Representative Garcia read a statement from Representative Jean Ward announcing her resignation effective at the end of the month due to ongoing health issues, including anemia, sciatica, and pneumonia, after nearly 27 years of service. The House then adjourned by voice vote until 12:00 noon on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• guidance of the inpoint of the Hawaiian guidance of the inpoint of the Hawaiian Kingdom<00:13:17.079
• isaki um from kaha the Hawaiian isaki um from kaha the Hawaiian environmental<00:15:42.279> Alliance
• And so this kind of reminds me of when we had the Grammy Award for the best Hawaiian music album.
• This kind of reminds me of when we had the Grammy Award for the best Hawaiian music album.
• It typically is the trend with what happens in the Hawaiian community, right?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• there was a time when we had a lot of focus on the attacks on the Asian American Pacific Islander Native
• Hawaiian community, especially during COVID.

Keywords: anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the land involved also holds cultural significance to the Native Hawaiians. Community.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing will hold a public hearing on House Bill 1088
• committee Senator kidani thank you your committee on<00:18:31.960> education<00:18:32.559> Hawaiian
• <00:18:32.960> Affairs<00:18:33.280> and on education Hawaiian Affairs and on education
• Hawaiian Affairs and Housing<00:18:33.919> will<00:18:34.080> hold<00:18:34.320> a<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 903, Senate Draft 2, House Draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs.
• draft<00:13:45.120> 2,<00:13:45.279> relating<00:13:45.600> to<00:13:45.760> Hawaiian
• draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs. draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs.
• back into conference on a number of bills on the 2 o'clock agenda, uh, between the Judiciary and Hawaiian
• Welcome to the reconvening of the conference committee between the House Judiciary and Hawaiian

Keywords: 910, house, all

Bills: SB161, SB195, SB216, SB245, SB246, SB257, SB258, SB260, SB278, SB281, SB283, SB93, SB98, SB99, SB306, SB314, SB315

Keywords: vehicle safety, crash test, crashworthiness, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, motor vehicle safety standards, 49 CFR parts 571 and 572, THOR dummy, THOR-50M, THOR-05F, WorldSID, female crash test dummy, male crash test dummy, occupant protection, frontal impact, side impact, vehicle ratings, automotive safety

Transcript Highlights:

• appointed by the House, representation from the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, DLNR, and the Office of Hawaiian
• Advisory Committee, DLNR, and uh, Office Advisory Committee, DLNR, and uh, Office of<00:14:11.959> Hawaiian
• of Hawaiian Affairs. of Hawaiian Affairs.

Bills: HCR206

Keywords: data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on several concurrent resolutions focused on energy, agriculture, water, and food security. Testimony on HCR 206 HD1 concerned the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers, with comments submitted by the PUC, the Energy Office, and others; the measure was recommended for passage without amendment, though one committee deferred formal action until a later meeting because of quorum issues. HCR 31, recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, received strong support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, which emphasized managed grazing, groundwater infiltration, and food production; it was recommended and adopted as passed unamended. HCR 33, on the Pua Kōloa sewage project, was amended to add UH Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, monitoring, and technical assistance, then recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also heard and advanced a series of resolutions on environmental and land-use issues. HCR 36 establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, HCR 19 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 162 creating an arts and data mapping task force, HCR 61 on reforestation investment, HCR 106 endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and HCR 178 urging a Maui water set-aside were all recommended for passage as is and adopted. HCR 14, authorizing a perpetual non-exclusive easement for drainage purposes, was recommended for passage with technical, non-substantive amendments. HCR 179, addressing the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, was amended to create a working group with legislative, Aha Moku, DLNR, and OHA representation to report back for the 2027 session, and was recommended for passage with amendments. In the agriculture and environment hearing, HCR 117 on statewide food security drew testimony from a high school student and others stressing Hawaii’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and the need for local food resilience; it was passed as is. HCR 103, supporting expanded tree canopy and shade trees to reduce urban heat islands, also passed as is after a member noted storm damage concerns and suggested careful plant selection. HCR 180, urging the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore co-locating renewable energy projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure, received strong support from Molokai Clean Energy Hui and others describing the Kalaupapa Reservoir floating solar project and its community planning process; it was passed as is. HCR 144 HD2, calling for a comprehensive statewide food security strategy, was also recommended and adopted without amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Being able to play in front of family and represent the state as a Hawaiian athlete is an opportunity
• and represent the state as a Hawaiian and represent the state as a Hawaiian athlete<00:23:47.840
• know, from the football standpoint, you know, all our values really come from what you know our Hawaiian
• Today, I'm the general manager at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club.
• Hawaiian Golf Club. Hawaiian Golf Club.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Being the newly chairman of Ohana Unit Dep Party and King of Hawaiian Island, we don't get too much representation
• In Hawaii, as in all other states, we believe that Hawaiians should decide mostly for themselves, that
• We believe that Hawaiians should decide mostly for themselves, that most decisions should not be made
• <00:04:18.880> we<00:04:19.040> believe<00:04:19.280> that<00:04:19.479> Hawaiians
• other states we believe that Hawaiians other states we believe that Hawaiians should<00:04:20.560

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Master Shelby Pikachu, billionaire of Ohana Yuni party and Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands, in support
• <00:09:50.320> Islands<00:09:50.800> in Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands in Kingdom
• First up, Ayana Lei, Office of Hawaiian Affairs in support.
• <00:59:43.920> Raj of Hawaiian Affairs in support. Raj of Hawaiian Affairs in support.
• Prince Hawaiian Civic Club provided comments. members of the committee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian Ironworkers Stabilization Fund in support. Department of Transportation with comments.
• Hawaiian Ironworkers Stabilization Fund in support.
• Hawaiian<00:21:07.400> Ironworkers<00:21:08.320> Stabilization<00:21:09.280> Fund

Bills: SCR48

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee met on SCR 48, which declares that affordable housing credits are perpetual and remain valid until redeemed, and asks counties to recognize them without expiration dates. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers saying the resolution clarifies the intent of the 2024 act and provides clear parameters for the credits. No one testified in opposition or offered questions. The committee then took up SCR 48 for decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is. The measure passed with one member voting with reservations. The chair noted this was the committee’s final hearing of the year and thanked advocates, stakeholders, staff, and IT support before adjourning. The transcript also included portions of the Transportation Committee and a joint Transportation/Housing hearing. Transportation advanced SCR 31 on school bus driver licensing and workforce improvements, SCR 132 urging Honolulu to prioritize the rail extension, SCR 145 on studying a demerit point system, and SCR 110 SD 1 on evaluating state-owned logistics facilities for housing projects. SCR 110 drew support from labor groups, with a request to add labor representation to the working group. The committees adopted recommendations on those measures, including SCR 110 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs at the Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, 1:00 p.m. agenda.
• Leiloha Macouani on behalf of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
• Leiloha Macouani, on behalf of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is in strong support of this nomination

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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:

• We have Kalani Vierra, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau Chief and President of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
• And Kirsten Hermstad, who's the executive director of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.
• And Kirsten Hermstad, who's the executive director of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

Bills: HR209, SB3131, SB2494, SB2447, SB2727, SB2145, SB2143, HR22, HCR22, HR97, HCR105, HR138, HCR146, HCR16, HCR35, HCR40, HR3, HCR4, HR161, HCR171, HR109, HCR117, HR33, HCR33, HR141, HCR149, HR190, HCR200, HR193, HCR203, HR194, HCR204, HR196, HCR206, HR197, HCR207, HR191, HCR201, HR12, HCR10, HR148, HCR157, HR184, HCR194, HR195, HCR205, HR192, HCR202, HR173, HCR183, HR179, HCR189, HR181, HCR191, HR21, HCR21, HR23, HCR24, HR60, HCR66, HR113, HCR121, HR145, HCR153, HR74, HCR82, HR77, HCR85, HR90, HCR98, HR27, HCR36, HR165, HCR175, HR187, HCR197, HR5, HCR6, SB2054

Keywords: entertainment, comedy, youth wellness, cultural identity, Hawaiian culture, mental health, public service, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, campaign finance

Transcript Highlights:

• But, uh, I fully support not this resolution, but I fully support what the Hawaiian Humane Society just
• I had to get permission to get onto the property, take him to the Hawaiian Humane Society, it eloquently
• take<00:19:39.840> him<00:19:39.960> to<00:19:40.120> the<00:19:40.240> Hawaiian
• <00:19:40.600> Humane<00:19:40.919> Society, I took him to the Hawaiian Humane Society

Bills: SCR120, SCR71, SCR164, SCR41

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, pastoralism, ranching, ranchers, paniolo, livestock, grazing, grasslands, land management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, agriculture, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, Hawaii counties, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, we have uh Stephanie Kendrick for Hawaiian Humane Society on Zoom. >> Not present on Zoom, Chair
• If not, we have uh Stephanie Kendrick<00:23:29.520> for<00:23:29.679> Hawaiian<00:23:30.240
• > Humane<00:23:30.720> Society<00:23:31.679> on Kendrick for Hawaiian Humane Society
• on Kendrick for Hawaiian Humane Society on Zoom.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs took up several measures, beginning with House Bill 2413 on pre-trial reform, which had been deferred from a prior agenda. The chair said the committee would incorporate judiciary recommendations and other technical, non-substantive amendments to continue discussion, and the measure was adopted with amendments by a 2-1 vote, with one member excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2062, which appropriates funds for gun violence prevention efforts, including processing temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders and funding public awareness campaigns. Supporters, including county, advocacy, law enforcement, and student witnesses, said the bill would improve implementation of an existing law, save lives, and reduce suicides and violence. Opponents argued red flag laws can be abused, raise due process concerns, and may create dangerous enforcement situations. Written testimony was reported as 60 in support, 47 in opposition, and one comment. The committee later passed HB 2062 with amendments, including a corrected effective date, by a 3-1 vote with one member excused. The committee also considered House Bill 1957 on safe entryways, which would establish enforcement procedures in larger cities to prevent blocking of private doorways and entrances. Written testimony included support and opposition, but no oral testimony was offered, and the bill was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. House Bill 253 on fireworks, which expands civil asset forfeiture for felony fireworks offenses and clarifies air-delivery provisions, was also passed with an amended effective date. House Bill 2581 on emergency management, which would narrow the definitions of disasters and emergencies, drew testimony both supporting the bill as a check on emergency powers and opposing it as incomplete or too broad in its current form; decision-making on that measure was deferred to the committee’s March 23 meeting. House Bill 2498 on a care home resilience pilot program was also deferred to March 23 after no testimony was offered.