Transcript Highlights:

• :08.560><c> to</c><00:02:08.800><c> the</c><00:02:09.039><c> ability</c><00:02:09.280><c> to</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:11.599><c> So</c><00:02:11.840><c> when</c><00:02:12.080><c> it</c><00:02:12.239><c> comes
• implements,<00:02:19.760><c> not</c><00:02:20.000><c> cars,</c><00:02:21.280><c> um</c><00:02:21.599
• So,<00:02:40.879><c> not</c><00:02:41.120><c> only</c><00:02:41.519><c> are</c><00:02:41.760><c> we</
• So, the<00:02:53.920><c> bill</c><00:02:54.319><c> the</c><00:02:54.560><c> bill</c><00:02:55.280><c>

Bills: SF0052 , SF0024

Committee: House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• disparities<00:02:16.160><c> in</c><00:02:16.400><c> Appalachin</c><00:02:17.120><c> and</c><00:02:17.280
• </c><00:02:30.000><c> The</c><00:02:30.239><c> aim</c><00:02:30.480><c> is</c><00:02:30.640><c> to</c
• needed<00:02:33.040><c> for</c><00:02:33.280><c> in-</c><00:02:33.519><c> demand</c><00:02:33.840><c
• 02:42.640><c> both</c><00:02:42.800><c> fiscal</c><00:02:43.200><c> year</c><00:02:43.519><c> 27</c><
• This funding<00:02:46.160><c> would</c><00:02:46.400><c> allow</c><00:02:46.720><c> ATC's</c><00:02:47.440

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and first heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials on career and technical education funding. KDE explained that House Bill 499 created a CTE funding formula using 60% weighted full-time equivalent enrollment and 40% incentives, but House Bill 6’s budget language excluded area technology centers (ATCs) from that supplemental funding. KDE requested approval of an additional budget request of $14,789,352 in each fiscal year 2027 and 2028 to include ATCs in the formula and hold local districts harmless. Officials said ATCs serve students from 117 of Kentucky’s 171 districts and argued the change would reduce funding disparities and better reflect the return on investment from CTE programs, citing growth in dual credit and work-based learning participation. Members asked whether the issue would need to be revisited each budget cycle. KDE responded that the problem could be fixed by removing the notwithstanding language from the budget bill, which they said would allow ATCs to be included under the existing statute. Representative Klein supported the request, saying the current clause could lead to stagnation and that the committee should help the program continue to grow. No vote was taken on the CTE item during the portion of the meeting provided. The committee then heard a presentation from PreK for All on expanding preschool access in Kentucky. Advocates said the state’s preschool program has been funded since 1990 and currently serves about 14,200 children at roughly $84 million per year, but that many working families still fall into a coverage gap. They proposed expanding eligibility to 250% of the federal poverty line, which they said would add about 9,600 children at a cost of $40 million in year two, after a planning year. The proposal also included regulatory flexibility for classrooms and partnerships with private child care providers and nonprofits, with speakers emphasizing child care deserts in some counties and citing research that early learning improves kindergarten readiness and later outcomes. No action or vote was taken on the preschool proposal in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:03.159><c> a</c><00:02:03.560><c> low-risk</c><00:02:04.560><c> uh</c><00:02:05.119><c> mail
• ><c> well</c><00:02:30.000><c> where</c><00:02:30.200><c> we</c><00:02:30.319><c> has</c><00:02:30.480
• </c><00:02:32.280><c> County</c><00:02:33.560><c> um</c><00:02:34.560><c> have</c><00:02:34.720><c> a
• 02:43.159><c> Jefferson</c><00:02:44.120><c> County</c><00:02:45.120><c> uh</c><00:02:45.319><c> have
• a highrisk<00:02:46.200><c> facility</c><00:02:46.599><c> in</c><00:02:46.760><c> Warren</c><00:02:47.720

Summary: The committee heard an overview from Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Randy White on the state’s juvenile detention network and several facility projects. He identified the currently operating detention centers as Boyd County for females, Breathitt County for low-risk males, Fayette County for high-risk males, Adair County for high-risk youth from Jefferson and surrounding counties, Warren County for high-risk males, and McCracken County for low-risk males. Members asked about capacity and staffing; White said Boyd County houses 33 and is usually near full, Breathitt County is about half full, Fayette County runs about 80-90% full, Campbell County’s operational limit is about 25 due to staffing, Adair County can hold 60 and has hit capacity several times this year, Warren County holds 43 and usually runs near capacity, and McCracken County holds 43 and is not currently full. He said staffing is generally harder in higher-risk facilities and in metropolitan areas because of wages and housing costs. White then updated the committee on the Louisville Detention Center downtown renovation and the Lyon facility project. For the Louisville downtown facility, he said schematic design and design development are complete, construction documents are expected by late February or early March, bids are anticipated in April, and completion is projected for March 2027. He explained the delay is due to extensive renovation work needed to bring the building up to current building, life-safety, ACA, and PREA standards, including security, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, food service, and roof work. The project is designed for 64 beds for high-risk Jefferson County boys, with the facility currently vacant and those youth being housed in Adair County and Campbell County. For the Lyon project, he said the contract was issued November 21, 2024, demolition is underway, completion is expected June 14, 2026, and the facility will have 34 beds in four pods for low-risk offenders; he said the project appears to be on time and on budget within the $4.5 million authorization. The committee also discussed the medical services contract. DJJ officials said they are reviewing whether to continue with the current state contract provider, Wellpath, or pursue an RFP, while retaining current merit staff and continuing oversight through four nurse program administrators. They said DJJ uses a state master agreement to staff nurses, APRNs, and the chief medical officer, and that the current contract is about $20 million per year. Members asked about Wellpath’s bankruptcy filing; officials said they were aware of it, asked questions, and were told it would not affect Kentucky service delivery or contracting, though they could not recall the bankruptcy type and offered to provide more detail later. They also said DJJ is working with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to become a Medicaid provider, and any future contractual partner will need to be a Medicaid provider. Finally, White described the proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. He said DJJ must accept court-ordered youth even when they have severe mental illness, but detention centers are not equipped to treat those youth and private psychiatric hospitals often refuse them or discharge them early. He argued that a dedicated secure treatment facility is needed for a small number of highly violent, high-need youth who require intensive psychiatric care and are disruptive in detention. The facility would provide behavioral and psychiatric treatment, reduce delays caused by lack of beds or outside placements, and serve youth determined by clinical assessment to need a secure treatment environment. No votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Intermediate,<00:02:12.000><c> Kanu</c><00:02:12.640><c> Ka</c><00:02:13.280><c> from</c><00:02:13.440
• ><c> Chiefest</c><00:02:17.040><c> Kamaka</c><00:02:17.680><c> Hel</c><00:02:18.319><c> Middle</c> Island
• and Moana High School.<00:02:55.599><c> Let's</c><00:02:55.920><c> give</c><00:02:56.080><c> them</c
• ><00:02:56.319><c> and</c><00:02:56.560><c> all</c><00:02:56.640><c> the</c> School.
• Let's give them and all the chaperons<00:02:57.440><c> and</c><00:02:57.599><c> coordinators</c><00:02

Transcript Highlights:

• [snorts] So um from<01:02:08.559><c> here</c><01:02:08.720><c> on</c><01:02:08.960><c> out</c><01:02:
• be</c><01:02:10.960><c> speaking</c><01:02:11.599><c> um</c><01:02:11.839><c> focus</c><01:02:12.160
• speak to the phone<01:02:18.640><c> part</c><01:02:18.799><c> of</c><01:02:18.880><c> the</c><01:02:
• </c><01:02:19.760><c> But</c><01:02:19.920><c> I</c><01:02:20.160><c> do</c><01:02:20.400><c> want</c
• But I do want to<01:02:20.880><c> as</c><01:02:21.119><c> we</c><01:02:21.280><c> go</c><01:02:21.359

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and we<00:02:46.160><c> have</c><00:02:46.319><c> to</c><00:02:46.400><c> be</c><00:02:46.560><c>
• ><c> terms</c><00:02:49.120><c> of</c><00:02:49.360><c> operating</c><00:02:49.760><c> the</c><00:02:
• Some of<00:02:50.560><c> y'all</c><00:02:50.879><c> know</c><00:02:51.120><c> I</c><00:02:51.440><c>
• fly</c><00:02:51.920><c> and</c><00:02:52.239><c> I</c><00:02:52.720><c> I</c><00:02:53.200><c> own</
• And I'm not going<00:02:57.360><c> to</c><00:02:57.519><c> stick</c><00:02:57.840><c> myself</c><00:02

Committee: House Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

Transcript Highlights:

• aan</c><00:02:37.360><c> support</c><00:02:38.319><c> Lima</c><00:02:38.879><c> deosta</c><00:02:39.360
• 02:42.360><c> Chun</c><00:02:42.760><c> Tanaka</c><00:02:43.239><c> CR</c><00:02:43.599><c> Club</c><
• <00:02:44.400><c> in</c><00:02:44.640><c> support</c><00:02:45.400><c> jany</c><00:02:45.879><c> Shira
• ><c> goo</c><00:02:51.560><c> in</c><00:02:52.159><c> support</c><00:02:52.840><c> William</c><00:02:
• :54.080><c> in</c><00:02:54.280><c> support</c><00:02:55.080><c> Linda</c><00:02:55.519><c> nishihara

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard a series of gubernatorial nominations and board appointments, mostly to health-related advisory councils and commissions. Nominees testified briefly about their backgrounds and reasons for serving, including Melanie Lao for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee; Asana Saragosa Torres and Jessica Stevens for the State Council on Mental Health; several nominees for the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, including S. Brian, Jacob Pelo, Patrick Winfield Lougher, Dr. An Young, Marin Anka, and Kenneth Faria; Roxanne Row for the Hawaii County Health Planning Council; Lewis Johnson and Susie Schulberg for the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs; Mariah Nicholls and Evan Nakatsuka for the State Rehabilitation Council; and Co Woly for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and other individuals and organizations, with several nominees emphasizing lived experience, rural health access, mental health advocacy, EMS experience, or community service. One nomination, GM 522 for Melanie Lao, drew favorable comments about her qualifications and written responses. GM 572, Roxanne Row’s nomination to the Hawaii County Health Planning Council, was the only item that raised concern because the committee had not received her questionnaire answers directly; after questioning, the chair deferred decision-making on that nomination until March 5 pending receipt of the answers. The committee also noted a title correction for GM 548, changing the reference from an advisory board to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to advise and consent on all nominations except GM 572, which was deferred. The adopted recommendations covered GM 522, 523, 525, 526, 540, 541, 548, 575, 576, 577, 579, 629, 630, 631, and 633. The meeting then adjourned after congratulating the nominees and inviting them to remain for a group photo.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<01:02:03.119><c> and</c><01:02:03.839><c> I</c><01:02:04.160><c> will</c><01:02:04.960><c> say</c
• ><c> to</c><01:02:08.960><c> kind</c><01:02:09.119><c> of</c><01:02:09.520><c> fill</c><01:02:09.839>
• > states</c><01:02:22.160><c> to</c><01:02:22.880><c> lean</c><01:02:23.200><c> in</c><01:02:23.760><
• in and create some<01:02:24.720><c> of</c><01:02:24.799><c> their</c><01:02:25.040><c> own</c><01:02
• c> for</c><01:02:27.680><c> a</c><01:02:27.839><c> state</c><01:02:28.079><c> like</c><01:02:28.559><

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions. Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets. The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:11.800><c> build</c><00:02:12.040><c> the</c><00:02:12.239><c> Gathering</c><00:02:12.680><
• ><00:02:14.879><c> we</c><00:02:15.239><c> Maya</c><00:02:16.239><c> uh</c><00:02:16.480><c> this</c>
• </c><00:02:17.080><c> the</c><00:02:17.239><c> WEA</c><00:02:17.680><c> community</c><00:02:18.120><c
• we served<00:02:24.959><c> 718</c><00:02:26.239><c> meals</c><00:02:27.239><c> uh</c><00:02:27.480><
• 00:02:50.000><c> have</c><00:02:50.200><c> given</c><00:02:50.440><c> us</c><00:02:50.760><c> that</c

Transcript Highlights:

• Um it at<00:02:12.879><c> very</c><00:02:13.200><c> last</c><00:02:13.520><c> minute</c><00:02:13.920
• ><c> the</c><00:02:17.520><c> meeting</c><00:02:17.840><c> today,</c><00:02:18.160><c> but</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:20.400><c> So,</c><00:02:20.640><c> I'm</c><00:02:20.879><c> going</c><00:02:21.040><c> to
• :02:22.319><c> that</c><00:02:22.640><c> perhaps</c><00:02:23.120><c> on</c><00:02:23.360><c> our</c>
• <c> for</c><00:02:24.400><c> the</c><00:02:24.560><c> next</c><00:02:25.440><c> uh</c><00:02:25.599><

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April minutes, and several informational reports. Those information items covered upcoming general obligation debt for Bullitt, Jefferson, and Warren counties; Kentucky Communications Network Authority updates tied to House Bill 6; Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation reallocations under House Bill 1; and School Facilities Construction Commission debt activity, including 20 prior debt issues totaling about $386 million with roughly 85% locally supported debt service and 15% SFCC participation. Members then discussed concerns about a Kentucky Communications Network Authority project, focusing on a reported discrepancy between an appropriation of $12.927 million and an apparent payment of about $8.532 million on a project with a cost estimate of $12.449 million. Several members asked for more detailed written information before the next Capital Projects meeting, noting that a lawsuit is pending and that they wanted to better understand the basis for the request and the spending to date. The committee also heard and unanimously approved a donor-funded Northern Kentucky University project to renovate tennis courts, with possible pickleball additions, after questions about why approval was needed, the project’s estimated $3 million cost, and its expected minimal ongoing operating costs. The committee next received Kentucky State University pool allocation reports for three projects: a $2 million McCullen Hall renovation, a $1.75 million walkway and miscellaneous repairs project, and a $2 million academic services building roof-and-window project. A member asked specifically about curb cuts and accessibility in the walkway project, and Kentucky State said existing curb cuts would be repaired and additional accessibility issues would be reviewed by engineers. The lease report from the Finance and Administration Cabinet included one lease modification requiring approval for the Attorney General’s office in Franklin County and one no-action modification for the Board of Cosmetology; the Attorney General lease was approved by roll call vote. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented five loans and 37 grants, with action taken on the loan and grant items. The loans included a Hodgenville wastewater treatment plant increase, a Grant County sewer district treatment plant loan, a Mount Sterling dam rehabilitation loan, and two Morganfield drinking water loans for granular activated carbon treatment, one with full principal forgiveness. Members asked about the Morganfield project’s purpose and were told it was a remediation effort for a water-quality concern, and they also raised questions about engineering fees, which KIA said are compared against a U.S. Rural Development fee schedule that is industry accepted. The committee also reviewed cleaner water program grant reallocations from county allocation pools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does anybody have<00:02:11.360><c> any</c><00:02:11.520><c> guests</c><00:02:11.760><c> they</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:16.640><c> Um</c><00:02:17.120><c> need</c><00:02:17.280><c> a</c><00:02:17.440><c> motion
• of</c><00:02:31.120><c> that</c><00:02:31.360><c> little</c><00:02:31.599><c> house</c><00:02:31.840>
• 02:34.560><c> first</c><00:02:34.879><c> up</c><00:02:35.120><c> we</c><00:02:35.360><c> have</c> mo.
• Brandon,<00:02:41.040><c> you</c><00:02:41.200><c> know</c><00:02:41.280><c> the</c><00:02:41.519><c>

Summary: The committee met and approved the August 21, 2025 minutes. The main presentation came from Brandon Reid of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, who reported that implementation of the Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board created by Senate Bill 28 and House Joint Resolution 31 is ahead of schedule. He said the board has been appointed and has met several times, has adopted guidelines and an application process, and has launched its application on the KDA website. He also noted new staffing, including a project manager, and said the office is already working on projects, though some are confidential because of coordination with the Economic Development Cabinet and nondisclosure agreements. Members praised the effort and emphasized the importance of having agriculture represented in economic development work. Reid also described ongoing outreach by Commissioner Jonathan Shell, including farmer appreciation and classroom visits across the state. The committee then heard from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. executive director Jacob Ball about the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., a public-private partnership involving Lexington-Fayette, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, and Altech. They said the organization aims to make Kentucky a national and international hub for ag tech, and that it has already awarded challenge grants to startups. Ball explained that the program focuses on animal protein, nutrition, sustainability, mid-size farm solutions, and Kentucky traditions such as distilling and equine. He reported that two rounds of grants have totaled $925,000, with the first round’s seven companies leveraging that into nearly $7 million in follow-on investment, supporting 56.5 Kentucky jobs and creating more than a dozen new jobs. The presentation also highlighted statewide outreach, including applications and engagement from counties across Kentucky, and the goal of expanding participation in eastern Kentucky. Members expressed support for both initiatives and discussed the value of agriculture-specific expertise in economic development. Reid said the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Cabinet maintain regular communication and that the new board gives agriculture a seat at the table for future site and industry recruitment efforts. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• municipal road aid. difficult decision and sided with difficult decision and sided with struggling<00:02
• :58.160><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:58.640><c> families.
• 08:35.640><c> with</c><00:08:35.800><c> collections</c><00:08:36.560><c> per</c><00:08:36.760><c> statute
• </c> will align with collections per statute will align with collections per statute for<00:08:37.960

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:04.079><c> We</c><00:02:04.320><c> can</c><00:02:04.399><c> take</c><00:02:04.479><c> the<
• If you<00:02:06.960><c> don't</c><00:02:07.119><c> mind</c><00:02:07.360><c> for</c><00:02:07.600><c>
• we</c><00:02:07.840><c> have</c><00:02:08.000><c> quorum</c><00:02:08.319><c> on</c><00:02:08.479><c
• If not, acting<00:02:26.400><c> vice</c><00:02:26.640><c> chair</c><00:02:26.879><c> roads</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:34.800><c> Vice</c><00:02:35.120><c> Chair</c><00:02:35.519><c> Wai</c><00:02:36.080><c> is

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda. On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight. The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any<00:02:05.920><c> discussion?</c><00:02:06.719><c> Not</c><00:02:06.960><c> sure.
• Anyone<00:02:14.480><c> voting</c><00:02:14.879><c> no</c><00:02:15.120><c> with</c><00:02:15.280><c>
• </c><00:02:18.239><c> CPN</c><00:02:18.720><c> same</c><00:02:18.959><c> recommendation.
• :02:54.400><c> date</c><00:02:54.560><c> to</c><00:02:54.800><c> 20150.
• Any<00:02:56.160><c> discussion?</c><00:02:57.280><c> Not</c><00:02:57.519><c> sure.

Bills: SB2088 , SB2925 , SB3263 , SB2047 , SB2087 , SB2100 , SB2268 , SB2353 , SB2781 , SB2902

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Summary: The joint committee on Ways and Means and Consumer Protection met for decision-making only on two agendas and took action on a large number of Senate bills, with no oral testimony heard. On the 1016 agenda, the committee recommended passage of measures including SB 2088, SB 2925, SB 2781, and several others, and passed a number of bills with amendments. Notable amendments included SB 3263, which adopted AG amendments related to the name, image, and likeness endowment trust fund; SB 2047 on pharmacy benefit managers, which incorporated Hawaii Pharmacist Association changes; SB 2087 on health insurance, which added Insurance Division clarifications; SB 2100 on pesticides, which added a blank appropriation; SB 2353 on outdoor signage, which removed provisions related to the Wiki special district; and SB 2902 on renewable energy, which clarified certification standards for portable solar devices and exempted them from certain disclosure requirements. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though a few members noted reservations on selected bills. The committee also deferred one bill on the agenda, SB 3327. The committee then moved to the 1015 agenda and acted on additional measures. SB 2003 was passed with amendments tied to Act 255, including a repeal trigger if deadlines are missed; SB 2497 on utility-related transparency drew the most discussion, with one member warning about litigation and costs while another argued it was simply about electricity-rate transparency, and it ultimately passed with PUC-related amendments and an exemption for utility cooperatives. Other measures were passed unamended or with technical or fiscal amendments, including bills affecting land planning, tax credits, conveyance tax language, shoreline maintenance, and community improvement projects. Several bills had appropriations blanked or effective dates deferred to 2050, and many were adopted with members noting reservations rather than opposition. On the 1017 agenda, the committee continued approving measures, including SB 709 on crisis intervention officers and assisted community treatment, SB 2153 on defining bona fide farmer/agriculture activity, SB 2694 on water rate adjustments, SB 3025 on income eligibility limits, and SB 3085 on the Hawaii film studio, which included a five-year repeal provision if the studio has not relocated. The committee also passed numerous other bills unamended or with technical amendments, often deferring effective dates or blanking appropriations. Across both agendas, the committee’s actions were largely consistent: bills were advanced with amendments tailored to agency requests, technical corrections, or fiscal adjustments, and votes were generally unanimous or near-unanimous with occasional reservations recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c><01:02:09.520><c> So</c><01:02:09.839><c> we</c><01:02:10.000><c> need</c><01:02:10.160><c> to</c
• ><01:02:10.319><c> think</c><01:02:10.480><c> of</c><01:02:10.720><c> how</c><01:02:11.040><c> we</c>
• um</c><01:02:18.240><c> go</c><01:02:18.400><c> to</c><01:02:18.640><c> any</c><01:02:18.880><c> type
• ><c> from</c><01:02:28.240><c> a</c><01:02:28.400><c> lot</c><01:02:28.480><c> of</c><01:02:28.559><c

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's in your<00:02:21.200><c> son's</c><00:02:21.520><c> name</c><00:02:21.680><c> we</c><00:02:21.920
• </c> Okay,<00:02:32.640><c> we're</c><00:02:32.879><c> going</c><00:02:33.040><c> to</c><00:02:34.480
• ><c> flip</c><00:02:34.720><c> the</c><00:02:34.959><c> ski</c><00:02:35.280><c> uh</c><00:02:35.440>
• :35.840><c> just</c><00:02:36.000><c> a</c><00:02:36.080><c> little</c><00:02:36.160><c> bit</c><00:02
• ><c> Cook</c><00:02:38.640><c> to</c><00:02:38.800><c> come</c><00:02:38.959><c> up</c><00:02:39.200>

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:01.119><c> First</c><01:02:01.280><c> of</c><01:02:01.359><c> all,</c><01:02:01.680><c> let's
• </c><01:02:22.720><c> The</c><01:02:22.960><c> amendment</c><01:02:23.680><c> makes</c><01:02:24.000>
• &gt;&gt; Second.<01:02:32.720><c> Uh</c><01:02:33.040><c> any</c><01:02:34.160><c> objection</c><01:02
• Since you kind<01:02:40.799><c> of</c><01:02:40.880><c> rushed</c><01:02:41.119><c> through</c><01:02
• ><c> change</c><01:02:49.440><c> the</c><01:02:49.599><c> bill</c><01:02:49.760><c> at</c><01:02:49.920

Bills: SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104 , SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, state employees, payroll deduction, salary deduction, comptroller, membership association, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, deferred compensation, state payroll, employee benefits, association dues, withholding, Alabama Code 36-1-4.3

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:02:09.520><c> for</c><01:02:09.680><c> debed</c><01:02:10.400><c> uh</c><01:02:10.520><c> Governor's
• :02:14.760><c> West</c><01:02:14.920><c> Center</c><01:02:15.240><c> modified</c><01:02:15.720><c> to
• 1100 add funds<01:02:20.000><c> for</c><01:02:20.279><c> other</c><01:02:20.559><c> current</c><01:02
• <01:02:45.079><c> 95</c><01:02:46.079><c> bed</c><01:02:46.640><c> 114</c><01:02:47.319><c> sequence<
• :52.079><c> modify</c><01:02:53.160><c> $1</c><01:02:54.319><c> GM</c><01:02:55.319><c> bed</c><01:02

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:00.719><c> Next</c><00:02:00.880><c> is</c><00:02:01.360><c> uh</c><00:02:01.880><c> HP740</c
• ><00:02:02.880><c> HD2</c><00:02:03.439><c> SD2</c><00:02:03.840><c> related</c> Okay.
• </c><00:02:04.719><c> On</c><00:02:04.880><c> behalf</c><00:02:05.119><c> of</c><00:02:05.200><c> the
• On behalf of the House, we have<00:02:05.680><c> myself</c><00:02:06.000><c> and</c><00:02:06.240><c>
• </c><00:02:58.480><c> Sounds</c><00:02:58.720><c> good.</c><00:02:59.040><c> Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.680><c> between</c><00:02:20.000><c> the</c><00:02:20.239><c> departments</c><00:02:21.360><c> um
• ><c> these</c><00:02:22.319><c> parcels</c><00:02:22.800><c> become</c><00:02:23.120><c> ready</c><00
• become ready for um action<00:02:26.959><c> um</c><00:02:27.360><c> that</c><00:02:27.680><c> at</c><
• </c><00:02:32.560><c> Just</c><00:02:32.800><c> making</c><00:02:32.959><c> sure</c> can take place.
• Where's<00:02:47.440><c> the</c><00:02:48.480><c> Sorry</c><00:02:49.280><c> but</c><00:02:49.519><c>

Bills: HCR31

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.