Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> fa,</c><00:32:22.320><c> and</c><00:32:22.559><c> most</c><00:32:22.799><c> especially</c><00:32
• Intelligent<00:32:27.679><c> speed</c><00:32:28.000><c> assist</c><00:32:28.320><c> is</c><00:32:28.480
• ><00:32:36.240><c> much</c><00:32:36.480><c> for</c><00:32:37.279><c> uh</c><00:32:37.440><c> being</
• The eyes are eight.<01:32:09.280><c> The</c><01:32:09.440><c> nays</c><01:32:09.760><c> are</c><01:32
• &gt;&gt; Oh,<01:32:16.719><c> you</c><01:32:16.880><c> were</c><01:32:17.040><c> on</c><01:32:17.120>

Bills: HF3429 , HF3418 , HF3431 , HF1597

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the whole- and<00:32:58.360><c> they</c><00:32:58.520><c> paid</c><00:32:58.760><c> the</c><00:32
• :58.840><c> tax</c><00:32:59.240><c> based</c><00:32:59.560><c> on</c><00:32:59.640><c> what</c><00:32
• Um<01:32:08.320><c> I</c><01:32:08.400><c> believe</c><01:32:08.680><c> it</c><01:32:08.760><c> was</
• c><01:32:08.920><c> 2</c><01:32:09.160><c> years</c><01:32:09.440><c> ago</c><01:32:09.880><c> we</c>
• an<01:32:10.760><c> enormous</c><01:32:11.280><c> seizure</c><01:32:11.680><c> of</c><01:32:11.800><

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> we</c><00:32:44.760><c> can</c><00:32:44.960><c> also</c><00:32:45.200><c> get</c><00:32:45.360>
• get this report for<00:32:46.039><c> you</c><00:32:46.200><c> in</c><00:32:46.639><c> Excel</c><00:32
• c><00:32:48.519><c> great</c><00:32:49.320><c> um</c><00:32:50.120><c> you</c><00:32:50.600><c> somebody
• have<00:32:51.200><c> told</c><00:32:51.399><c> you</c><00:32:51.679><c> what</c><00:32:51.760><c> I
• 32:19.639><c> off</c><01:32:19.880><c> their</c><01:32:20.040><c> bond</c><01:32:20.320><c> early</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:12.040><c> And</c><00:32:12.160><c> they</c><00:32:12.640><c> like</c><00:32:12.880><c> an
• c><00:32:14.120><c> was</c><00:32:14.200><c> like,</c><00:32:14.360><c> "Wait,</c><00:32:14.520><c> can
• I<00:32:21.040><c> don't</c><00:32:21.200><c> think</c><00:32:21.360><c> you</c><00:32:21.440><c> can
• </c> Okay.<00:32:24.720><c> Um</c><00:32:25.160><c> that</c><00:32:25.320><c> was</c><00:32:25.440><c
• I know I've<01:32:02.200><c> had</c><01:32:02.520><c> a</c><01:32:02.600><c> ton</c><01:32:02.880><c>

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.360><c> doesn't</c><00:32:34.760><c> look</c><00:32:34.960><c> like</c><00:32:35.200><c> they're<
• ><c> move</c><00:32:37.559><c> on</c><00:32:37.760><c> to</c><00:32:37.960><c> zoom</c><00:32:38.679>
• in</c> nurses in nurses in support<00:32:44.799><c> not</c><00:32:45.039><c> in</c> Zoom<00:32:48.360
• ><c> um</c><00:32:48.559><c> we</c><00:32:48.720><c> have</c><00:32:48.919><c> the</c><00:32:49.200><
• 32:53.000><c> Tom</c><00:32:53.519><c> thank</c><00:32:53.679><c> you</c><00:32:53.799><c> chair</c><

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:10.080><c> We</c><00:32:10.320><c> know</c><00:32:10.559><c> that</c><00:32:10.960><c> a</
• And<00:32:18.039><c> so</c><00:32:19.039><c> I'm</c><00:32:19.360><c> not</c><00:32:19.519><c> going<
• I</c><00:32:21.360><c> just</c><00:32:21.679><c> think</c><00:32:21.919><c> they're</c><00:32:22.240
• And<00:32:27.919><c> since</c><00:32:28.240><c> you</c><00:32:28.399><c> and</c><00:32:28.640><c> I</
• c><00:32:28.799><c> will</c><00:32:29.039><c> both</c><00:32:29.360><c> be</c><00:32:29.919><c> on</c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to spend funds just<00:32:05.040><c> to</c><00:32:05.120><c> not</c><00:32:05.360><c> lose</c><00:32
• So, um,<00:32:06.960><c> thank</c><00:32:07.200><c> you</c><00:32:07.320><c> for</c><00:32:07.480><c>
• Especially<00:32:09.360><c> not</c><00:32:09.600><c> for</c><00:32:09.720><c> this</c><00:32:10.120><
• </c><00:32:17.520><c> Chair,</c><00:32:17.920><c> Senator,</c><00:32:18.760><c> um,</c><00:32:19.400>
• Members,<00:32:37.840><c> next</c><00:32:38.080><c> item</c><00:32:38.280><c> up</c><00:32:38.440><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :05.120><c> going</c><01:32:05.199><c> to</c><01:32:05.360><c> be</c><01:32:05.600><c> used</c><01:32
• We<01:32:07.679><c> urge</c><01:32:07.920><c> your</c><01:32:08.239><c> support</c><01:32:08.960><c>
• ><c> I'd</c><01:32:18.719><c> just</c><01:32:18.880><c> like</c><01:32:18.960><c> to</c><01:32:19.120
• We as Coloradoatans<01:32:46.880><c> need</c><01:32:47.040><c> to</c><01:32:47.199><c> make</c><01:32
• 01:32:50.719><c> this</c><01:32:50.880><c> area</c><01:32:51.120><c> or</c><01:32:51.440><c> many</c>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:07.320><c> move</c><00:32:07.480><c> on</c><00:32:07.600><c> to</c><00:32:07.799><c> our</c>
• 00:32:15.720><c> the</c><00:32:15.799><c> uh</c><00:32:16.159><c> Cancer</c><00:32:16.440><c> Center<
• :32:21.200><c> up</c><00:32:21.440><c> first</c><00:32:22.399><c> uh</c><00:32:22.600><c> Dr</c><00:32
• :32:46.120><c> will</c><00:32:46.360><c> help</c><00:32:46.600><c> us</c><00:32:46.760><c> to</c><00:
• </c><00:32:49.679><c> uh</c><00:32:49.840><c> the</c><00:32:49.960><c> existence</c><00:32:50.399><c>

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard several measures focused on health, environment, and research. HB 970 would allow chiropractic students to participate in clinical practice under direct supervision; the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic offered comments and asked for a delayed implementation date until July 2027 to allow time to adopt rules, while the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the bill. Members also discussed that there are currently no chiropractic schools in the state. The committee then heard HB 1185, which creates a plant-based building materials working group, and HB 1337, which establishes an endemic plant seed bank pilot program. Supporters of HB 1185 said the bill could help create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and bio-cements, with questions raised about in-state processing. For HB 1337, witnesses supported the goal of preserving endemic species but said a large-scale refrigerated storage and seed-production facility would be needed; one witness estimated startup costs of about $6 million for one island and noted existing seed banks are small-scale and not designed for reforestation. HB 1300 would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center multi-ethnic cohort study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Asians, including environmental and social factors such as proximity to landfills. The Cancer Center, ACS CAN, and labor representatives supported the bill, emphasizing health disparities and concerns about landfill exposure; committee members asked about federal funding, and the Cancer Center said it would pursue NIH, private, and foundation support, with the state share described as $500,000 per year for two years. HB 736 would create a wastewater technology testing pilot program at the Water Resources Research Center; supporters said it could help certify cheaper alternatives to costly cesspool and septic upgrades, and the Department of Health supported the measure. The committee also heard HB 531, which authorizes special license plates for the Cancer Center; supporters said it would raise visibility and funds, and the Cancer Center estimated revenue would likely be under $100,000. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.199><c> that</c><01:32:00.320><c> we</c><01:32:00.480><c> are</c><01:32:00.760><c> able</c><01:32
• 01:32:10.719><c> tell</c><01:32:11.040><c> my</c><01:32:11.199><c> mom</c><01:32:11.480><c> to</c><01
• let's figure<01:32:18.480><c> out</c><01:32:18.760><c> how</c><01:32:19.000><c> we</c><01:32:19.239><
• ><01:32:21.800><c> that</c><01:32:22.000><c> we</c><01:32:22.320><c> give</c><01:32:22.520><c> more</
• /c><01:32:26.800><c> Senator</c><01:32:27.199><c> Clark</c><01:32:28.119><c> uh</c><01:32:28.239><c>

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > memo</c><00:32:12.480><c> that</c><00:32:12.640><c> has</c><00:32:12.920><c> lots</c><00:32:13.320>
• This<00:32:21.240><c> uh</c><00:32:21.360><c> credit</c><00:32:21.720><c> committee</c><00:32:22.480>
• really represents<00:32:23.320><c> a</c><00:32:23.400><c> lot</c><00:32:23.600><c> of</c><00:32:23.680
• </c><00:32:49.120><c> We</c><00:32:49.360><c> do</c><00:32:49.640><c> everything</c><00:32:50.200><c>
• So, you have<00:32:56.120><c> full</c><00:32:56.440><c> access</c><00:32:56.960><c> on</c><00:32:57.120

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:32:09.799><c> we</c><00:32:09.960><c> have</c><00:32:10.760><c> Ashley</c> ryow<00:32:15.000><c> here
• them but<01:32:22.920><c> I</c><01:32:23.040><c> just</c><01:32:23.199><c> look</c><01:32:23.400><c>
• at</c><01:32:23.600><c> this</c><01:32:23.960><c> is</c><01:32:24.199><c> it's</c><01:32:24.440><c>
• ><c> threats</c><01:32:25.400><c> and</c><01:32:25.600><c> assaults</c><01:32:26.000><c> on</c><01:32
• :32:35.520><c> into</c><01:32:35.840><c> instances</c><01:32:36.440><c> here</c><01:32:36.560><c> and

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.200><c> my</c><00:32:45.279><c> name</c><00:32:45.399><c> is</c><00:32:45.519><c> Richard</c><00:
• 32:45.799><c> Salah</c><00:32:46.159><c> I'm</c><00:32:46.279><c> the</c> uh my name is Richard Salah
• Rehabilitation I'm<00:32:48.919><c> sure</c><00:32:49.120><c> you're</c><00:32:49.279><c> familiar</
• familiar with the program<00:32:50.360><c> but</c><00:32:50.720><c> um</c><00:32:51.000><c> the</c><
• 00:32:53.080><c> to</c><00:32:53.279><c> help</c><00:32:53.600><c> New</c><00:32:53.840><c> Hampshire

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.639><c> so</c><01:32:12.159><c> I'm</c><01:32:12.400><c> I'm</c><01:32:12.560><c> fine</c><01:32:
• ><c> um</c><01:32:18.000><c> I</c><01:32:18.159><c> I</c><01:32:18.239><c> don't</c><01:32:18.440><c>
• :19.639><c> a</c><01:32:19.800><c> ballot</c><01:32:20.119><c> if</c><01:32:20.320><c> they</c><01:32
• :20.840><c> identified</c><01:32:21.840><c> i</c><01:32:22.239><c> i</c><01:32:22.400><c> i</c><01:32
• 32:35.160><c> think</c><02:32:35.359><c> they</c><02:32:35.479><c> do</c><02:32:35.800><c> I</c><02:32

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:05.360><c> it's</c><00:32:05.600><c> okay</c><00:32:06.040><c> for</c><00:32:06.240><c> us</c>
• the</c><00:32:07.680><c> people</c><00:32:07.960><c> that</c><00:32:08.120><c> keep</c><00:32:08.400
• So<00:32:09.960><c> we</c><00:32:10.120><c> can</c><00:32:10.320><c> talk</c><00:32:10.600><c> about<
• </c><00:32:19.360><c> Um</c><00:32:20.080><c> and</c><00:32:20.200><c> thank</c><00:32:20.480><c> you
• </c> It's<00:32:27.760><c> hard</c><00:32:28.200><c> to</c><00:32:28.320><c> hear</c><00:32:29.160><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um that carbon<00:32:06.560><c> represent</c><00:32:07.120><c> in</c><00:32:07.280><c> the</c><00:32:
• or</c><00:32:11.120><c> supply</c><00:32:11.840><c> a</c><00:32:11.920><c> specific</c><00:32:12.440
• So<00:32:20.720><c> I</c><00:32:21.360><c> in</c><00:32:21.520><c> my</c><00:32:21.720><c> opinion,</
• :05.720><c> are</c><01:32:06.280><c> where</c><01:32:06.440><c> we</c><01:32:06.600><c> are</c><01:32
• </c> Um<01:32:10.160><c> so</c><01:32:10.280><c> just</c><01:32:10.520><c> quickly</c><01:32:11.280><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.

Transcript Highlights:

• From<00:32:01.880><c> higher</c><00:32:02.280><c> above,</c><00:32:03.080><c> the</c><00:32:03.200><c
• If<00:32:09.840><c> there</c><00:32:10.040><c> wasn't</c><00:32:10.440><c> offset</c><00:32:11.200><c
• :32:14.160><c> a</c><00:32:14.240><c> fiscal</c><00:32:14.640><c> note</c><00:32:14.840><c> that</c><
• say<00:32:15.320><c> that</c><00:32:15.640><c> because</c><00:32:15.960><c> you</c><00:32:16.120><c>
• <00:32:40.840><c> the</c><00:32:40.960><c> top</c><00:32:41.200><c> is</c><00:32:41.400><c> level.

Bills: HF3455 , HF3936 , HF3860 , HF3656 , HF4060

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: public television, funding, Minnesota, operations, appropriation, cybersecurity, state government, legislative commission, extension, technology, civil law enforcement, attorney general, record custody, government transparency, legal services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:32:13.200><c> this</c><00:32:13.519><c> is</c><00:32:13.760><c> in</c><00:32:14.240><c> the</c
• ><00:32:15.200><c> city</c><00:32:15.440><c> of</c><00:32:15.760><c> Providence</c><00:32:16.320><c>
• :17.279><c> County</c><00:32:18.240><c> up</c><00:32:18.480><c> on</c><00:32:18.720><c> the</c><00:32
• Out of the<00:32:35.519><c> 120</c><00:32:35.840><c> counties,</c><00:32:36.880><c> which</c><00:32:37.200
• <00:32:56.159><c> I</c><00:32:56.480><c> realize</c><00:32:56.799><c> this</c><00:32:56.960><c> is</c

Keywords: 0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:38 Approval of Minutes 0:01:02 Information Items 0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants 0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues 1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions. Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system. The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madame Majority Leader.<00:32:14.240><c> Thank</c><00:32:14.399><c> you,</c><00:32:14.559><c> Madam</
• I move to<00:32:15.919><c> confirm</c><00:32:16.240><c> the</c><00:32:16.480><c> appointment</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:19.360><c> Audit</c><00:32:19.760><c> Committee.
• Pursuant<00:32:21.200><c> to</c><00:32:21.440><c> section</c><00:32:22.000><c> 2-3-101,</c> Pursuant
• The motion<00:32:59.360><c> is</c><00:32:59.600><c> adopted.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• defect the date<00:32:23.440><c> I</c><00:32:23.720><c> I</c><00:32:23.840><c> would</c><00:32:24.120
• <00:32:45.720><c> I</c><00:32:45.840><c> can</c><00:32:46.000><c> feel</c><00:32:46.320><c> comfortable
• <00:32:53.120><c> is</c><00:32:53.760><c> the</c><00:32:53.960><c> harbor</c><00:32:54.440><c> users<
• </c><00:32:56.240><c> bunch</c><00:32:56.480><c> of</c><00:32:56.639><c> different</c><00:32:56.840><
• ><c> one</c><00:32:58.399><c> group</c><00:32:58.639><c> of</c><00:32:58.799><c> it</c><00:32:59.159>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.