Transcript Highlights:

• I believe, if I recall statute correctly, the types of courses that are not intended to be offered through
• So from our perspective, we administer it consistent with statute.
• that we are making a decision as to support in a particular way; we're doing it as outlined in the statute
• Away so much as we're operating within the confines of statute.
• This successful program model has now spread to other states, including New York and Minnesota, who are

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.920><c> that</c><00:02:14.239><c> the</c><00:02:14.560><c> budget</c><00:02:14.879><c> process</c
• coming</c><00:02:16.959><c> on</c><00:02:17.120><c> and</c><00:02:17.360><c> there'd</c><00:02:17.599
• <c> load</c><00:02:21.200><c> in</c><00:02:21.520><c> the</c><00:02:22.400><c> uh</c><00:02:23.120><c
• to allow for<00:02:26.319><c> the</c><00:02:26.560><c> expedited</c><00:02:27.120><c> filing.
• </c><00:02:27.760><c> Uh</c><00:02:28.239><c> but</c><00:02:28.720><c> that</c><00:02:29.840><c> is</

Bills: SF0102 , SF0123 , SF0021 , SF0099

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Are<00:02:33.040><c> there</c><00:02:33.280><c> any</c><00:02:33.840><c> questions</c><00:02:34.959><
• </c> I<00:02:39.760><c> do</c><00:02:40.080><c> have</c><00:02:40.480><c> one</c><00:02:40.879><c> question
• Um I<00:02:47.040><c> not</c><00:02:47.280><c> sure</c><00:02:47.519><c> who</c><00:02:47.920><c> perhaps
• cabinet<00:02:51.519><c> is</c><00:02:51.760><c> here</c><00:02:52.480><c> but</c><00:02:52.720><c> it
• projects pool<00:02:57.840><c> who</c><00:02:58.080><c> might</c><00:02:58.319><c> we</c> >> Janice

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project. The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building. The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or<00:02:06.479><c> the</c> Or the Or the parts<00:02:08.720><c> we</c><00:02:09.840><c> watched</c>
• <00:02:20.826><c> [screaming]</c><00:02:21.040><c> clear.
• <00:02:31.599><c> the</c><00:02:32.480><c> night</c><00:02:32.616><c> [singing]</c> through the night
• [singing] through the night [singing] that<00:02:34.640><c> our</c><00:02:35.120><c> flag</c><00:02:
• Oh,<00:02:40.879><c> say</c><00:02:42.000><c> us</c><00:02:42.879><c> that</c><00:02:43.599><c> star<

Bills: HCR1 , HCR2 , SB2001 , SB2002 , SB2003 , SB2004 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB2007 , SB2008 , SB2009 , SB2010 , SB2011 , SB2012 , SB2013 , SB2014 , SB2015 , SB2016 , SB2017 , SB2018 , SB2019 , SB2020 , SB2021 , SB2022 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2025 , SB2026 , SB2027 , SB2028 , SB2029 , SB2030 , SB2031 , SB2032 , SB2033 , SB2034 , SB2035 , SB2036 , SB2037 , SB2038 , SB2039 , SB2040 , SB2041 , SB2042 , SB2043 , SB2044 , SB2045 , SB2046 , SB2047 , SB2048 , SB2049 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2053 , SB2054 , SB2055 , SB2056 , SB2057 , SB2058 , SB2059 , SB2060 , SB2061 , SB2062 , SB2063 , SB2064 , SB2065 , SB2066 , SB2067 , SB2068 , SB2069 , SB2070 , SB2071 , SB2072 , SB2073 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2079 , SB2080 , SB2081 , SB2082 , SB2083 , SB2084 , SB2085 , SB2086 , SB2087 , SB2088 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2091 , SB2092 , SB2093 , SB2094 , SB2095 , SB2096 , SB2097 , SB2098 , SB2099 , SB2100

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:47.200><c> Thank</c><00:02:47.520><c> you.</c> having them today.
• Yes,<00:02:54.720><c> thank</c><00:02:54.960><c> you</c><00:02:55.000><c> Mr.
• </c><00:02:55.920><c> I'd</c><00:02:56.080><c> like</c><00:02:56.320><c> for</c> Yes, thank you Mr.
• I'd like for my<00:02:57.120><c> Caldwell</c><00:02:57.560><c> County</c><00:02:58.480><c> 4-H</c><00
• :02:58.840><c> members</c><00:02:59.240><c> to</c><00:02:59.360><c> stand</c> my Caldwell County 4-H

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:02:06.000><c> why</c><01:02:07.000><c> so</c><01:02:07.200><c> many</c><01:02:07.440><c> developers
• ><c> we</c><01:02:09.599><c> had</c><01:02:09.680><c> a</c><01:02:09.799><c> lot</c><01:02:09.920><c>
• we</c><01:02:16.240><c> can</c><01:02:16.440><c> achieve</c><01:02:16.839><c> that</c><01:02:17.480>
• :18.319><c> yet</c><01:02:18.480><c> we'll</c><01:02:18.640><c> have</c><01:02:18.720><c> to</c><01:02
• process</c><01:02:21.279><c> but</c><01:02:21.400><c> our</c><01:02:21.599><c> goal</c><01:02:21.839

Summary: The Committee on Finance held informational briefings first with the Department of Defense on its FY 2026 budget request, then with the Hawaii School Facilities Authority. Major General Steve Logan outlined the Department of Defense request for $40.5 million in state funds, which he said would leverage about $74 million in federal matching funds and support 411 open projects that could attract up to $2.3 billion in additional federal grant money. He said the budget focuses on sustainment, safety, and reorganization in light of lessons from the Maui wildfires. Key requests included $1.3 million to sustain IT systems, $2.7 million for 32 HEMA emergency management positions, three new Hawaii Army National Guard positions plus four upgrades, and $1.9 million for the Youth Challenge Program to cover state-mandated fringe costs and staffing needs. He also reviewed capital improvement projects, including Youth Challenge facility upgrades, siren modernization, ADA improvements, building retrofits for disaster resilience, Army facility upgrades, a third state veterans home on Maui, HEMA EOC improvements, and a maintenance/fuel building at Diamond Head. Members asked about the siren modernization timeline, and HEMA said roughly 26 to 31 sirens would be modernized this year, with 15 on Maui, eight on Oahu, and eight on the Big Island. Questions also focused on Youth Challenge and Job Challenge enrollment and vacancies, with the department saying the Hilo Job Challenge Academy is growing and that combining Youth Challenge recruiting statewide into one Kilauea program has helped enrollment. Logan also answered questions about the New Year’s Eve medical transport mission, explaining the Hawaii Air National Guard’s relationship with active-duty Air Force assets and saying the flight cost is about $20,000 per flight hour, though the final bill had not yet been determined. On the Maui veterans home, staff said the University of Hawaii site was no longer viable after faculty senate opposition, so the department is now focused on a 10-acre Puna District site; the project remains tied to a certified $35 million state match and August 2025 and August 2026 federal suspense dates. Logan said the veterans home remains one of the department’s highest priorities, but it could not be moved higher in the submitted CIP ranking. The department also discussed a Governor’s add-on for a fire marshal/Office of Recovery and Resiliency proposal. Logan said the fire marshal position was reestablished last session but has not yet been filled, and that if the function is transferred to the Department of Defense, the department wants funding ready to move quickly. Staff later said the request would include about $1.1 million for seven positions and about $2.2 million for operating costs, though details were still preliminary. The committee then reconvened for the School Facilities Authority briefing, where Executive Director Ricky Fujitani described the agency as a startup created in 2020 to improve school and workforce housing development through standardized designs, prefabrication, best-value procurement, and public-private partnerships. He said Hawaii’s single school district still functions like 15 different districts because of its 264 schools across 15 complex areas, and that the authority’s goal is to create more efficient, maintainable, and cost-effective facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Really,<00:02:46.640><c> the</c><00:02:46.879><c> bulk</c><00:02:47.120><c> of</c><00:02:47.280><c> this
• :49.599><c> to</c><00:02:49.920><c> improve</c><00:02:50.319><c> our</c><00:02:50.800><c> our</c><00:
• our<00:02:51.920><c> database</c><00:02:52.400><c> and</c><00:02:52.640><c> website.
• And it's really<00:02:55.120><c> what</c><00:02:55.280><c> we</c><00:02:55.519><c> rely</c><00:02:55.760
• c><00:02:57.840><c> get</c><00:02:58.000><c> information</c><00:02:58.400><c> out</c><00:02:58.640><c

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• HB<01:02:01.440><c> 565's</c><01:02:02.320><c> given</c><01:02:02.560><c> favorable</c><01:02:02.840>
• </c><01:02:05.200><c> Senate</c><01:02:05.400><c> Bill</c><01:02:05.560><c> 380</c><01:02:06.120><c>
• That<01:02:15.440><c> is</c><01:02:15.920><c> some</c><01:02:16.200><c> higher</c><01:02:16.560><c> ed
• There<01:02:18.840><c> is</c><01:02:19.000><c> an</c><01:02:19.120><c> amendment</c><01:02:20.000><c>
• </c><01:02:24.920><c> of</c><01:02:25.080><c> the</c><01:02:25.760><c> of</c><01:02:25.960><c> the</c

Bills: HB517 , HB98 , HB235 , HB236 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB565 , HB517 , HB98 , HB235 , HB236 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB565 , SB380

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation Education

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response, contract locator

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:11.840><c> to</c><01:02:11.960><c> do</c><01:02:12.280><c> to</c><01:02:12.440><c> help</c
• </c><01:02:14.120><c> I</c><01:02:14.200><c> mean,</c><01:02:14.440><c> are</c><01:02:14.560><c> these
• </c><01:02:18.360><c> Are</c><01:02:18.480><c> they</c><01:02:18.600><c> going</c><01:02:18.720><c> to
• Are they going to be<01:02:18.960><c> able</c><01:02:19.240><c> to</c><01:02:19.360><c> like</c><01:02
• :19.600><c> pick</c><01:02:19.800><c> up</c><01:02:19.920><c> a</c><01:02:19.960><c> phone</c><01:02:

Bills: HB2246 , HB2119 , HB1929 , HB1953 , HB1572 , HB2549 , HB2594 , HB2551 , HB2595 , HB2548 , HB2459 , HB1931 , HB1604 , HB1616 , HB1736 , HB2233 , HB2241 , HB1891 , HB1803 , HB2567 , HB2534 , HB2399 , HB2172 , HB1595 , HB1811 , HB2168 , HB1780 , HB1781 , HB1785 , HB2122 , HB2012 , HB2398 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB1894 , HB1925 , HB2019 , HB1896 , HB2294 , HB2298 , HB2300 , HB2344 , HB2345 , HB2391 , HB2037 , HB2201 , HB1941 , HB1635 , HB1943 , HB2325 , HB1926 , HB2490 , HB1710 , HB2545 , HB1976 , HB2173 , HB1804 , HB1563 , HB2015 , HB1619 , HB2475 , HB1889 , HB2367 , HB2187 , HB1765 , HB1452 , HB2231 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1626 , HB1897 , HB1642 , HB1523 , HB2593 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1596 , HB1732 , HB1842 , HB2476 , HB2478 , HB2022 , HB1588 , HB2575 , HB1163 , HB2153 , HB772 , HB1519 , HB2050 , HB2309 , HB2147 , HB2329 , HB2274 , HB2280 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2306 , HB2148 , HB2088 , HB1764 , HB2438 , HB2117 , HB1860 , HB2604 , HB2118 , HB2017 , HB2155 , HB1832 , HB2216 , HB1601 , HB1934 , HB2297 , HB2397 , HB1893 , HB2533 , HB1890 , HB2454 , HB2004 , HB2427 , HB2207 , HB1810 , HB1840 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1946 , HB1648 , HB2324 , HB2323 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2283 , HB1691 , HB2386 , HB2423 , HB2121 , HB1984 , HB1593 , HB1671 , HB2619 , HB1481 , HB2314 , HB2319 , HB1643 , HB2558 , HB1864 , HB1898 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2488 , HB2009 , HB2007 , HB322 , HB1964 , HB2218 , HB2616 , HB1535 , HB1574 , HB1977 , HB2054 , HB2046 , HB146 , HB2094 , HB2181 , HB2250 , HB2515 , HB2444 , HB2385 , HB1740 , HB1724 , HB1733 , HB1799 , HB1725 , HB2049 , HB2161 , HB1970 , HB2519 , HB1790 , HB2416 , HB1873 , HB2001 , HB2151 , HB1603 , HB1880 , HB1753 , HB2198 , HB1511 , HB1991 , HB2546 , HB1615 , HB1939 , HB2140 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1850 , HB1782 , HB2137

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I want<00:02:36.319><c> to</c><00:02:36.560><c> talk</c><00:02:36.720><c> about</c><00:02:36.959
• ><c> when</c><00:02:40.080><c> we</c><00:02:40.239><c> look</c><00:02:40.400><c> at</c><00:02:40.560>
• When<00:02:45.920><c> we</c><00:02:46.160><c> talk</c><00:02:46.400><c> about</c><00:02:46.720><c> bias
• ,</c><00:02:47.519><c> so</c><00:02:47.840><c> many</c><00:02:48.080><c> of</c><00:02:48.239><c> us</
• ><c> me</c><00:02:59.360><c> see</c><00:02:59.440><c> if</c><00:02:59.599><c> I</c><00:02:59.840><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh basically what<00:02:49.840><c> this</c><00:02:50.080><c> bill</c><00:02:50.400><c> does</c><00:02
• :50.800><c> is</c><00:02:51.360><c> it</c><00:02:51.599><c> it</c><00:02:51.840><c> it</c><00:02:52.239
• it it it says in the<00:02:53.599><c> uh</c><00:02:54.000><c> title</c><00:02:54.319><c> of</c><00:02
• :54.400><c> the</c><00:02:54.560><c> bill</c><00:02:54.800><c> it's</c><00:02:55.040><c> related</c><
• to railroad<00:02:56.000><c> crossings</c><00:02:56.879><c> and</c><00:02:57.120><c> it</c><00:02:57.360

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:02:00.680><c> please</c><00:02:00.920><c> rise</c><00:02:01.280><c> and</c><00:02:01.800><c> be
• And And And &gt;&gt; [applause] &gt;&gt; And<00:02:32.840><c> then</c><00:02:33.280><c> uh</c><00:02:
• 33.400><c> last</c><00:02:33.760><c> and</c><00:02:33.880><c> certainly</c><00:02:34.120><c> not</c>
• :02:36.800><c> think</c><00:02:37.040><c> he's</c><00:02:37.200><c> here,</c><00:02:37.400><c> too.
• There<00:02:39.760><c> he</c><00:02:39.840><c> is.</c><00:02:40.320><c> Welcome.

Bills: SB3123 , HB1853 , HB1961 , HB1965 , HB1962 , HB1959 , HB2505 , HB2576 , HB1801 , HB1804 , HB1864 , HB2319 , HB2314 , HB2115 , HB1854 , HB2062 , HB1511 , HB1535 , HB2614 , HB2282 , HB1870 , HB1695 , HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1972 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1966 , HB1973 , HB2545 , HB1946 , HB1939 , HB1721 , HB1741 , HB1700

Transcript Highlights:

• We're<00:02:44.480><c> going</c><00:02:44.560><c> to</c><00:02:44.720><c> start</c><00:02:44.879><c>
• with</c><00:02:45.120><c> the</c><00:02:45.360><c> first</c><00:02:45.599><c> one</c> We're going to
• <00:02:47.760><c> delegate</c><00:02:48.239><c> from</c><00:02:48.480><c> Anorando</c> recognizing the
• </c><00:02:52.239><c> Thank</c><00:02:52.400><c> you</c><00:02:52.560><c> so</c><00:02:52.720><c> much
• </c><00:02:56.560><c> Body</c><00:02:56.959><c> today</c><00:02:57.760><c> is</c><00:02:58.080><c> in

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:02:29.440><c> the</c><00:02:29.599><c> budget</c><00:02:29.840><c> and</c><00:02:30.000
• budget and the operation of<00:02:30.800><c> of</c><00:02:30.959><c> the</c><00:02:31.360><c> uh</c><
• 00:02:31.840><c> different</c><00:02:32.239><c> branches.
• Uh we I first<00:02:35.120><c> want</c><00:02:35.280><c> to</c><00:02:35.440><c> recognize</c><00:02:
• <c> if</c><00:02:39.840><c> each</c><00:02:40.000><c> one</c><00:02:40.160><c> of</c><00:02:40.239><c

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> recommendation</c><01:02:44.599><c> is</c><01:02:44.720><c> to</c><01:02:45.000><c> pass</c><01:02
• :46.640><c> noting</c><01:02:46.960><c> the</c><01:02:47.160><c> excused</c><01:02:47.680><c> absence
• of Representative<01:02:48.760><c> pick</c><01:02:49.119><c> are</c><01:02:49.240><c> there</c><01:02
• :49.880><c> wish</c><01:02:50.079><c> vote</c><01:02:50.359><c> no</c><01:02:51.359><c> any</c><01:02
• is adopted<01:02:55.160><c> all</c><01:02:55.279><c> right</c><01:02:55.440><c> last</c><01:02:55.920

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> get</c><00:02:20.440><c> my</c><00:02:20.800><c> thing</c><00:02:21.319><c> going</c><00:02:21.560
• ><00:02:37.760><c> think</c><00:02:38.400><c> automatically</c><00:02:39.400><c> It's</c><00:02:39.760
• <00:02:44.280><c> the</c><00:02:44.480><c> last</c><00:02:44.680><c> one</c> 18<00:02:48.599><c> okay
• </c><00:02:49.040><c> D</c><00:02:49.760><c> lnr</c><00:02:50.760><c> or</c><00:02:51.159><c> who's</
• 00:02:58.280><c> that</c><00:02:58.519><c> CH</c><00:02:59.159><c> thank</c><00:02:59.280><c> you</c>

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard SR 18, which asks DLNR to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture to support agriculture. DLNR, through Don Chang, opposed the resolution, saying the department has already been transferring parcels by mutual agreement and should not be required to transfer lands it does not consent to. Ranchers and agricultural advocates strongly supported the measure, arguing that the lands are active production areas, that partial transfers would undermine ranching operations, and that water infrastructure built by ranchers must be protected. Testimony from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land for food production, wildfire management, and long-term ranch viability. Committee members pressed both sides on acreage, specific parcels, and whether negotiations were still ongoing, with DLNR later clarifying that some parcels remain under negotiation and that some proposed transfers have been narrowed or adjusted. Several specific ranches and parcels were discussed, including Batello, Diamond B, Delo, Nobriga, and Kapala Ranch. Witnesses described the operational importance of water systems, grazing areas, and access routes, and said that losing productive acreage would threaten business viability. Some members expressed concern that the proposal appeared to transfer productive land while leaving less useful land with ranchers, and urged the department to continue transparent negotiations and consider the practical impact on agriculture and conservation. A DLNR representative said some transfers were tied to other needs, such as transportation mitigation, and not to a broader effort to take more land. The Department of Agriculture later stated it supports the intent of the measure, but suggested its concerns would likely be addressed if the resolution were narrowed to the specific parcels at issue. The chair also announced that the related House bill on the same subject remains alive and will be heard by Water and Land on Thursday. After concluding SR 18, the committee moved on to SCR 51 and SR 33, which seek a working group to evaluate establishing and administratively placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development indicated support for the concept, noting the office’s value in Maui wildfire recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.359><c> policy</c><01:02:41.760><c> portion</c><01:02:42.000><c> of</c><01:02:42.160><c> this</c>
• Can<01:02:43.920><c> I</c><01:02:44.960><c> Yeah.
• </c><01:02:45.280><c> Can</c><01:02:45.440><c> I</c><01:02:45.599><c> just</c><01:02:45.760><c> clarify
• Absolutely.<01:02:46.960><c> So,</c><01:02:47.599><c> um</c><01:02:47.839><c> this</c><01:02:48.079><
• c> is</c><01:02:48.240><c> in</c><01:02:48.559><c> two</c><01:02:49.119><c> two</c> Absolutely.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• me that pretty much all of the reporting requirements are not actually usable if we did pass this statute
• There are some people here that know more of that, but I believe it has in Minnesota, but it may not
• She grew up in Minnesota and lived in Alaska. So her situation is not paraquat.
• They have to sometimes interpret the statute that you've written, and sometimes we write laws that are
• systems, if you want a different outcome, write a better law, they have to sometimes interpret the statute

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• access it, so, you know, we could construct some language within that, probably have to change the statute
• It's never great to use North Dakota money if 20% of the benefits is going to go to South Dakota or Minnesota
• You know, I was thinking when he's talking about that, you've got 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, you've got

Committee: Joint Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board