Transcript Highlights:

• said Hawaii, and we're in this discussion about how we deal with that language, I would be against replacing
• with that language I would<00:25:18.159><c> be</c><00:25:18.360><c> against</c><00:25:18.720><c> replacing
• </c><00:25:19.279><c> Hawaiian</c> would be against replacing Hawaiian would be against replacing Hawaiian

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• commissioners in the commissioner's plan, to non-represented employees compensation plan, as well as replacing
• :25.360><c> as</c> employees compensation plan as well as employees compensation plan as well as replacing
• > u</c><01:22:26.760><c> other</c><01:22:27.760><c> obsolete</c><01:22:28.320><c> references</c> replacing
• u other obsolete references replacing u other obsolete references and<01:22:29.120><c> making</c><01

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We relocated that polling place just a half a mile down the road to a suitable replacement, and from
• ><00:15:36.000><c> to</c><00:15:36.160><c> a</c><00:15:36.240><c> suitable</c><00:15:37.000><c> replacement
• </c><00:15:38.000><c> and</c> the road to a suitable replacement and the road to a suitable replacement

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is actively happening in small rural school districts in Minnesota is just that: the replacement
• ><00:10:29.360><c> just</c><00:10:29.560><c> that</c><00:10:29.839><c> the</c><00:10:30.000><c> replacement
• </c><00:10:30.519><c> of</c> is just just that the replacement of is just just that the replacement of

Bills: HF827 , HF1258 , HF2387 , HF2388 , HF2534 , HF2016

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I also think that we should be replacing our heavily bureaucratic system and removing a whole bunch
• Um, I also think that we should be<00:42:33.839><c> replacing</c><00:42:34.319><c> our</c><00:42:34.880
• ><c> heavily,</c><00:42:35.440><c> as</c><00:42:35.680><c> you</c><00:42:35.839><c> point</c> be replacing
• our heavily, as you point be replacing our heavily, as you point out,<00:42:36.400><c> heavily</c><00

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It replaces it with these requirements that actually favor out-of-state imports over in-state produced
• It replaces it with these requirements that actually favor out-of-state imports over in-state produced
• It was led by Oisín Halal, but you know... rules now replaces it with these rules now replaces it with

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Phthalates made plastics flexible and durable in manufacturing settings as cost-effective replacements
• Phthalates have largely been replaced by alternatives in direct food packaging, yet the bill before us
• Phthalates made plastics flexible and durable in manufacturing settings as cost-effective replacements
• Phthalates have largely been replaced by alternatives in direct food packaging, yet the bill before us

Bills: HF44 , HF2102 , HF2279 , HF2280 , HF2281

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• The city intends to replace the Dwan clubhouse in the next few years, and a robust food and beverage
• The city intends to replace the Dwan clubhouse in the next few years, and a robust food and beverage
• this legislation, if the current vendor were to walk away, the city would face a difficult task in replacing
• this legislation, if the current vendor were to walk away, the city would face a difficult task in replacing

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:56.120><c> this</c><00:18:56.520><c> basically</c><00:18:57.000><c> a</c><00:18:57.240><c> replace
• </c><00:18:57.760><c> all</c> question is this basically a replace all question is this basically a replace
• could be deposited into that fund, as well as the subsequent sentence about the fiscal committee, and replace

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that is currently over the Koochiching River if they can get a bonding bill through this year to replace
• </c><00:43:21.920><c> to</c><00:43:22.079><c> get</c><00:43:22.280><c> that</c><00:43:22.440><c> replaced
• </c> through this year to get that replaced through this year to get that replaced we'll<00:43:23.079

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now that's fine because you've got to replace your septic. What are you going to do?
• $228,000 now that's fine because you got $228,000 now that's fine because you got to<01:31:05.239><c> replace
• 05.639><c> septic</c><01:31:06.000><c> what</c><01:31:06.040><c> are</c><01:31:06.119><c> you</c> to replace
• your septic what are you to replace your septic what are you going<01:31:06.280><c> to</c><01:31:06.480

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there is a fair difficulty in replacing a retiring optometrist and having optometrists join
• optometrist there is a fair<01:18:30.600><c> difficulty</c><01:18:31.159><c> in</c><01:18:32.280><c> replacing
• </c><01:18:33.280><c> um</c><01:18:33.639><c> both</c> fair difficulty in replacing um both fair difficulty
• in replacing um both their<01:18:35.280><c> practices</c><01:18:36.120><c> and</c><01:18:36.639><c>

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're really just, for the most part, replacing existing organizations who close, like because they
• for<01:36:59.119><c> the</c><01:36:59.280><c> most</c><01:36:59.520><c> part</c><01:36:59.920><c> replacing
• </c><01:37:00.679><c> existing</c> for the most part replacing existing for the most part replacing existing

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• want to keep them and continue to attract new ones, and then aging infrastructure and the cost of replacement
• :18.280><c> a</c> aging infrastructure and the cost of a aging infrastructure and the cost of a replacement
• 19.280><c> really</c><01:26:19.800><c> not</c><01:26:20.040><c> unlike</c><01:26:20.440><c> the</c> replacement
• it's really not unlike the replacement it's really not unlike the same<01:26:21.360><c> issues</c><01

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I had this amended and did replace all the methodology for the original bill is still in here
• so when um I had this amended<00:45:38.880><c> and</c><00:45:39.000><c> did</c><00:45:39.280><c> replace
• </c><00:45:39.640><c> all</c><00:45:40.240><c> the</c> amended and did replace all the amended and did
• replace all the methodology<00:45:41.040><c> for</c><00:45:41.200><c> the</c><00:45:41.319><c> original

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying today in opposition to replacing our state's current approach to Social Security tax exemption
• 00:37:24.760><c> in</c><00:37:25.079><c> opposition</c><00:37:25.640><c> to</c><00:37:25.880><c> replacing
• </c><00:37:26.400><c> our</c> today in opposition to replacing our today in opposition to replacing our

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and are compatible with the proposed college savings plan proposal in this measure, and requested replacing
• :07:32.360><c> request</c> measure so we respectfully request measure so we respectfully request replacing
• Hawaii</c><00:07:34.360><c> College</c><00:07:34.759><c> Savings</c><00:07:35.440><c> Program</c> replacing
• Hawaii College Savings Program replacing Hawaii College Savings Program to<00:07:36.319><c> Hawaii's

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a part of our work, we are trying to advocate for the abolition of civil asset forfeiture, replacing
• 51.320><c> forfeiture</c> abolition of civil asset forfeiture abolition of civil asset forfeiture replacing
• 52.440><c> it</c><01:32:52.560><c> with</c><01:32:52.679><c> criminal</c><01:32:53.040><c> asset</c> replacing
• it with criminal asset replacing it with criminal asset forfeiture<01:32:54.280><c> and</c><01:32:54.600

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that 700 million gallons of stuff you have to replace with SAF, and then chasing 20% of that figure
• stuff</c><00:27:08.480><c> you</c><00:27:08.720><c> have</c><00:27:08.880><c> to</c><00:27:09.320><c> replace
• </c><00:27:09.799><c> with</c> of of stuff you have to replace with of of stuff you have to replace with

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony. Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2022 for phase one of this renovation project, which has all been encumbered, and we'll cover replacement
• 00:27:07.159><c> and</c><00:27:07.320><c> we'll</c><00:27:07.559><c> cover</c><00:27:08.200><c> replacement
• </c> encumbered and we'll cover replacement encumbered and we'll cover replacement of<00:27:08.919><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all