Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:21:44.640><c> forc><00:21:44.799><c> thatc><00:21:44.960><c> thatc><00:21:45.280><c> type
• c> year of competition for that that type year of competition for that that type of<00:21:45.520><c
• c><00:45:57.640><c> typec><00:45:58.640><c> meansc><00:45:58.960><c> byc><00:45:59.200><c> which
• c><00:45:59.440><c> toc> a two two process type means by which to a two two process type means by
• <c> anyc><01:10:06.320><c> typec><01:10:06.400><c> ofc><01:10:06.640><c> recognitionc> are in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> transparencyc><00:29:14.240><c> uhc><00:29:14.399><c> somec><00:29:14.640><c> typec> child
• to go out and um investigate these types<00:49:18.800><c> ofc><00:49:18.960><c> agriculturec><00:
• c><00:49:19.920><c> Ic><00:49:20.079><c> wasc><00:49:20.160><c> justc> types of agriculture crimes
• come from this<01:34:13.360><c> fromc><01:34:13.600><c> thisc><01:34:13.760><c> typec><01:34:14.080
• c><01:34:15.199><c> Thankc> this from this type of proposal.

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:30:58.320><c> conditionc><00:30:58.720><c> isc><00:30:58.880><c> typec><00:30:59.200><c
• c><00:31:00.240><c> Byc> This condition is type 1 diabetes.
• /c> diagnosed with type one.
• typec><01:17:34.320><c> ofc><01:17:34.480><c> paperworkc> with doing that this type of paperwork
• c><01:35:01.920><c> typesc><01:35:02.159><c> ofc> unpredictability of these types of unpredictability

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow bill and resolution co-sponsorship and vote modifications, approved the previous day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 101, 129, 162, and 170. The clerk then reported second-reading bills and favorable committee reports, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar. The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented as a modernization of Kentucky’s stalking laws and passed 95-0 after debate; a motion to reconsider was tabled. House Bill 220, relating to pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority systems, was amended by House floor amendment 1 to move the effective date back to July 1, 2021 to capture additional employees, then passed 95-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 510, relating to organ donation safety, passed 97-0 after explanation that it would require a pause and restart if anyone in the process believed there were indications of life. House Bill 467, relating to real property, passed 96-0 after adoption of a committee substitute; it creates a process for local governments to identify abandoned or underutilized state-owned property and sets procedures for review, notice, and disposal. House Bill 190, relating to licensed child care centers, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute that adjusts square-footage calculations for certain school-aged child care areas and excludes infants and toddlers. House Bill 141, relating to type 1 diabetes, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute removed an annual distribution requirement and instead made informational materials available in school offices; members spoke in support, including one describing a family experience with the disease. House Bill 518, relating to collection of local business taxes and fees, passed 91-3 after a committee substitute that allows electronic filing while preserving local control, creates an advisory committee, and phases in implementation through July 2029. House Bill 497, relating to post-secondary tuition waivers, was explained as addressing waiver costs to universities and was amended with House floor amendment 3 to expand and clarify eligibility, including up to 128 hours for eligible students and additional provisions for certain groups; discussion was underway when the transcript ended. The meeting also included committee reports on bills covering wildlife depredation, light pollution, limited commercial driver’s licenses, prison educational programs, civil rights, respiratory care, dietitians, temporary structures, controlled substances prescribing authority, the Athletic Trainer Compact, children of military families, local boards of education, youth health services, and class sizes for exceptional children and youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.840><c> ofc><00:30:15.919><c> newc><00:30:16.159><c> typesc><00:30:16.399><c> ofc><00:30:
• 27.520><c> youc><00:30:27.679><c> knowc><00:30:28.159><c> previousc><00:30:28.480><c> typesc>
• <00:31:40.960><c> thec><00:31:41.360><c> typesc><00:31:41.600><c> ofc><00:31:41.760><c> frauds<
• <00:32:01.279><c> typec><00:32:01.360><c> ofc><00:32:01.519><c> fraudc><00:32:01.760><c> we're<
• ><00:35:05.839><c> toc><00:35:06.000><c> likec><00:35:06.160><c> thec> type, right?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bec><00:01:59.920><c> outlinedc><00:02:00.320><c> inc><00:02:00.640><c> thec> programs that
• ><c> seec><00:02:03.439><c> toc><00:02:03.600><c> thec><00:02:03.759><c> childrenc><00:02:04.079
• c><00:02:07.040><c> otherc><00:02:07.360><c> changec><00:02:07.680><c> onc><00:02:07.920><c> this
• c><00:05:01.400><c> Uhc><00:05:02.400><c> ofc><00:05:02.639><c> notec><00:05:02.960><c> onc
• /c><00:05:21.759><c> seec><00:05:21.840><c> onc><00:05:22.080><c> 3.22c><00:05:22.479><c> 22c

Bills: HF2436, HF2435

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> asc><00:02:53.599><c> Ic><00:02:53.760><c> saidc><00:02:54.000><c> Ic><00:02:54.160><c>
• <00:11:24.079><c> thosec><00:11:24.320><c> typec> on some stuff.
• So we we see those type of<00:11:24.640><c> thingsc><00:11:24.959><c> youc><00:11:25.120><c> know
• c><00:13:33.279><c> typesc> kind of layers, you know, there's types kind of layers, you know, there's
• types of<00:13:33.760><c> rules,c><00:13:34.639><c> youc><00:13:34.800><c> know,c><00:13:34.959

Bills: HB558, HB558

Keywords: education funding, public schools, student achievement, RAISE Act, K-12 education, state budget, accountability, rural impact, legislation, report, government analysis, community assessment, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :18.240><c> onc><00:24:18.799><c> onc> that do that type of enforcement on on that do that type of
• /c><02:54:46.560><c> thesec><02:54:46.880><c> typesc> to protect.
• <c> typec><04:32:46.080><c> ofc><04:32:46.560><c> chemicalsc> did not deal with any type of chemicals
• did not deal with any type of chemicals of<04:32:47.439><c> anyc><04:32:47.760><c> type.
• c><04:39:48.878><c> facilityc><04:39:49.520><c> we'rec> type of manufacturing facility we're type

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> passesc><00:44:27.440><c> andc><00:44:27.760><c> thesec><00:44:28.000><c> typesc><00:44:
• 53:26.000><c> knowc><00:53:26.079><c> affordc><00:53:26.480><c> thisc><00:53:26.640><c> typec
• ><c> isc><01:57:35.760><c> thec><01:57:36.000><c> typec><01:57:36.159><c> ofc><01:57:36.400><
• to fly any type of nobody is allowed to fly any type of SUIS<04:07:36.640><c> orc><04:07:36.800><c>
• c> thesec><04:53:12.240><c> typesc><04:53:12.480><c> ofc><04:53:12.560><c> orc> folks who do

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:55:02.160><c> whatc><00:55:02.480><c> isc><00:55:02.680><c> beingc> types of services and
• :56.839><c> thisc><01:01:57.079><c> typec><01:01:57.279><c> ofc> people into to manage this type
• of people into to manage this type of funding<01:01:59.000><c> uhc><01:01:59.400><c> andc><01:01
• the building what<01:07:05.680><c> typec><01:07:05.839><c> ofc><01:07:06.039><c> reportingc><01
• :07:06.559><c> orc><01:07:06.880><c> whatc><01:07:07.039><c> typec><01:07:07.200><c> ofc> what

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Column C shows the<00:16:15.120><c> typec><00:16:15.360><c> ofc><00:16:15.680><c> appropriation.
• c> the type of appropriation. the type of appropriation.
• c><01:04:55.200><c> withc> license type.
• where we've created a license<01:06:03.039><c> typec><01:06:03.920><c> uhc><01:06:04.079><c> or<
• /c><01:06:04.559><c> ac> license type uh or a license type uh or a different<01:06:06.400><c> we've

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 10.200><c> focusedc><00:03:10.640><c> onc><00:03:11.080><c> asc><00:03:11.319><c> wec><00:03:
• whatc><00:03:15.640><c> Ic><00:03:15.720><c> wasc><00:03:15.920><c> justc><00:03:16.080><c>
• /c><00:03:50.599><c> toc><00:03:50.760><c> bec><00:03:50.879><c> ablec><00:03:51.080><c> toc>
• c> wayc><00:05:01.120><c> umc><00:05:01.240><c> toc><00:05:01.440><c> workc><00:05:01.680><c>
• of funds for those types of opportunities<01:42:57.840><c> asc><01:42:58.040><c> anotherc><01:42

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thisc><00:09:50.680><c> typec><00:09:50.880><c> ofc><00:09:50.960><c> situation?
• c><00:10:11.760><c> realizedc><00:10:12.280><c> thec><00:10:12.400><c> typec><00:10:12.720><c
• c><00:15:11.320><c> Fairc><00:15:11.480><c> enough?c> type things. Fair enough? type things.
• <00:49:14.680><c> ofc><00:49:14.760><c> things,c> type of things, type of things, and<00:49:15.840
• c> thec><01:17:20.440><c> typec><01:17:20.720><c> thatc><01:17:20.920><c> co-chairc><01:17:21.400

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:09:37.160><c> thosec><00:09:37.360><c> sortc><00:09:37.560><c> ofc> types so we've clarified
• c><00:19:06.320><c> typesc><00:19:06.520><c> ofc><00:19:06.919><c> businessesc> across different
• 42:33.160><c> typec> have that only one business or one type have that only one business or one type
• ><c> hempc><00:52:47.160><c> uhc><00:52:47.280><c> licensec><00:52:47.760><c> typesc> between
• <c> onec><00:57:27.039><c> licensec><00:57:27.559><c> typec><00:57:28.559><c> uhc><00:57:28.680

Bills: HF1672, HF1877, HF1735, HF1734, HF1271, HF1634, HF1615

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• to tailor the emergency proclamation<00:34:00.799><c> typec><00:34:01.039><c> ofc><00:34:01.279><
• type of activity in a way proclamation type of activity in a way that<00:34:03.200><c> ensuresc><00
• that um we don't have other types<00:34:07.120><c> ofc><00:34:07.440><c> publicc><00:34:07.840><
• c> policyc><00:34:08.879><c> discussionsc><00:34:10.000><c> bec> types of public policy discussions
• /c><00:34:11.919><c> proclamationc><00:34:12.800><c> typec> treated as emergency proclamation type

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec><00:19:26.960><c> practices.
• > allc><00:31:48.399><c> typesc><00:31:48.640><c> acceptc><00:31:48.960><c> ac><00:31:49.120>
• <00:43:10.000><c> opposec><00:43:10.400><c> thisc><00:43:10.640><c> typec><00:43:10.800><c> of<
• /c> Gynecologists oppose this type of Gynecologists oppose this type of legislation<00:43:12.000><c>
• <00:48:40.480><c> thisc><00:48:40.800><c> thisc><00:48:41.119><c> typec><00:48:41.280><c> ofc

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> foodc><00:02:06.159><c> banksc><00:02:06.560><c> inc><00:02:06.680><c> Minnesotac><00:02
• /c><00:03:01.280><c> thatc><00:03:01.519><c> isc><00:03:01.720><c> notc><00:03:01.879><c> inc
• ><c> soc><00:03:09.440><c> umc><00:03:10.280><c> Ic><00:03:10.360><c> justc><00:03:10.480><c>
• is accessible to a type<00:38:55.680><c> 1c><00:38:55.960><c> diabeticc><00:38:56.520><c> thatc
• :38:57.599><c> somec> type 1 diabetic that is in need of some type 1 diabetic that is in need of some

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.360><c> utilizec><00:09:59.680><c> thisc><00:09:59.920><c> tagc><00:10:00.880><c> andc><00
• c><00:21:53.679><c> typec><00:21:53.840><c> ofc><00:21:53.919><c> device?
• c> to this uh that type of device? to this uh that type of device?
• :41:02.319><c> anyc><00:41:02.480><c> typec><00:41:02.720><c> ofc> governmental operations for
• any type of governmental operations for any type of crime.<00:41:03.200><c> Butc><00:41:03.359><c>

Bills: HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114, HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thesec><01:02:57.359><c> typesc><01:02:57.599><c> ofc> first responders to build these types
• :07.679><c> typec><01:12:07.840><c> ofc><01:12:08.000><c> dogc> lot of questions around what type
• :30.400><c> typesc><01:59:30.560><c> ofc><01:59:30.800><c> veryc> treatment or different types
• c><03:52:10.720><c> typec><03:52:10.960><c> ofc> heart problems their every type of heart problems
• <c> itsc><04:30:12.800><c> ownc> provide that type of care to its own provide that type of care to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• providec><00:13:28.560><c> uhc><00:13:28.680><c> somec><00:13:28.839><c> typec><00:13:28.959
• ><c> ofc> articles provide uh some type of articles provide uh some type of certificate<00:13:29.959
• :47.119><c> thatc> different types of um uh criteria that different types of um uh criteria that would
• ><c> veryc><01:44:38.480><c> griefc><01:44:38.920><c> typesc><01:44:39.920><c> inc><01:44:40.080
• ><c> thec> beauty of its very grief types in the beauty of its very grief types in the past<01:44:40.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.440><c> somec><00:37:45.760><c> typec> happen, there may need to be some type happen, there may
• ><c> wec><01:21:51.920><c> wouldc><01:21:52.159><c> considerc><01:21:52.880><c> regionc> types
• c> onc><01:29:06.639><c> somec><01:29:06.880><c> typec> forward is to get them on on some type
• c><01:47:10.960><c> ofc><01:47:11.199><c> whatc><01:47:11.360><c> thosec><01:47:11.679><c> types
• c><01:47:12.000><c> ofc> photo collage of what those types of photo collage of what those types of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.