Transcript Highlights:

• c> to</c><00:49:06.160><c> me</c><00:49:07.119><c> with</c><00:49:07.440><c> issues</c><00:49:07.760>
• ><00:49:10.960><c> come</c><00:49:11.119><c> to</c><00:49:11.280><c> me</c><00:49:11.760><c> but</c>
• </c><00:49:13.359><c> come</c><00:49:13.520><c> to</c><00:49:13.680><c> me</c><00:49:13.920><c> that<
• ><00:49:17.200><c> they</c><00:49:17.440><c> do</c><00:49:17.680><c> not</c><00:49:17.839><c> believe
• > the</c><00:49:18.640><c> some</c><00:49:18.880><c> of</c><00:49:18.960><c> the</c><00:49:19.119><c>

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><00:49:02.400><c> I</c><00:49:02.559><c> was</c><00:49:02.720><c> really</c><00:49:03.040
• </c><00:49:06.240><c> of</c><00:49:06.400><c> the</c><00:49:06.559><c> enforcement</c><00:49:07.040><
• new industry.<00:49:18.960><c> And</c><00:49:19.200><c> so</c><00:49:19.440><c> I</c><00:49:19.599><
• </c><00:49:21.920><c> And</c><00:49:22.160><c> Madam</c><00:49:22.480><c> Chair,</c><00:49:22.720><c>
• c> today,</c><00:49:23.920><c> but</c><00:49:24.160><c> I</c><00:49:24.319><c> want</c><00:49:24.400>

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so</c><00:49:04.359><c> I</c><00:49:04.440><c> think</c><00:49:04.520><c> there</c><00:49:04.640><c>
• past discussions<00:49:05.960><c> where</c><00:49:06.960><c> you</c><00:49:07.119><c> know</c><00:49
• to make<00:49:12.960><c> sure</c><00:49:13.240><c> they</c><00:49:13.359><c> felt</c><00:49:13.640><
• process um<00:49:22.720><c> because</c><00:49:23.599><c> people</c><00:49:24.040><c> don't</c><00:49
• <00:49:31.559><c> 245</c><00:49:32.559><c> um</c><00:49:32.960><c> but</c><00:49:33.119><c> we</c><00

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> I'd</c><00:49:06.400><c> like</c><00:49:06.559><c> to</c><00:49:06.760><c> note</c><00:49:07.040
• </c><00:49:13.160><c> two</c><00:49:13.520><c> exact</c><00:49:14.000><c> issues</c><00:49:14.680><c>
• a senate<00:49:15.960><c> uh</c><00:49:16.200><c> Bill</c><00:49:16.680><c> Bill</c> 2128<00:49:20.440
• /c><01:49:02.119><c> to</c><01:49:02.320><c> any</c><01:49:02.480><c> of</c><01:49:02.639><c> the</c>
• <01:49:03.800><c> about</c><01:49:04.080><c> this</c><01:49:04.239><c> bill</c><01:49:04.639><c> the<

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; But<00:49:04.800><c> at</c><00:49:04.960><c> the</c><00:49:05.040><c> same</c><00:49:05.280>
• :18.800><c> it's</c><00:49:18.960><c> not</c><00:49:19.119><c> tied</c><00:49:19.280><c> to</c><00:49
• So<00:49:20.480><c> we're</c><00:49:20.640><c> going</c><00:49:20.720><c> to</c><00:49:20.800><c> say
• </c><00:49:21.040><c> C5</c><00:49:21.680><c> are</c><00:49:21.839><c> the</c><00:49:22.000><c> most<
• </c><00:49:26.400><c> And</c><00:49:26.559><c> their</c><00:49:26.720><c> typical</c><00:49:27.040><c

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to miss<00:49:11.160><c> the</c><00:49:11.280><c> mark</c><00:49:11.559><c> on</c><00:49:11.760><c>
• :17.960><c> to</c><00:49:18.079><c> do</c><00:49:18.280><c> things</c><00:49:18.839><c> in</c><00:49:
• :49:25.920><c> and</c><00:49:26.119><c> our</c><00:49:26.359><c> last</c><00:49:26.720><c> member</c>
• c><00:49:32.839><c> I'm</c><00:49:32.960><c> an</c><00:49:33.119><c> author</c><00:49:33.400><c> on</
• <c> work</c><00:49:35.520><c> that</c><00:49:35.680><c> you</c><00:49:35.839><c> are</c><00:49:36.000

Bills: HF2543 , HF2566 , HF2627

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's almost you have<00:49:01.440><c> to</c><00:49:01.599><c> s</c><00:49:02.559><c> you</c><00:49
• :02.800><c> can't</c><00:49:03.040><c> do</c><00:49:03.200><c> it</c><00:49:03.359><c> but</c><00:49:
• different<00:49:10.640><c> possibilities</c><00:49:11.599><c> and</c><00:49:12.160><c> uh</c><00:49:
• not</c><00:49:18.319><c> not</c><00:49:18.640><c> going</c><00:49:18.720><c> to</c><00:49:18.880><c>
• ><00:49:28.960><c> him</c><00:49:29.280><c> correctly</c><00:49:29.760><c> real</c><00:49:30.000><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:01.040><c> be</c><00:49:01.839><c> um</c><00:49:01.920><c> in</c><00:49:02.160><c> nursing<
• You<00:49:03.680><c> should</c><00:49:03.920><c> add</c><00:49:04.400><c> language</c><00:49:04.800><
• ><c> is</c><00:49:10.559><c> to</c><00:49:10.720><c> put</c><00:49:10.960><c> kids</c><00:49:11.200><
• </c><00:49:42.160><c> Their</c><00:49:42.400><c> whole</c><00:49:42.640><c> business</c><00:49:43.359
• </c><00:49:45.040><c> world</c><00:49:45.440><c> and</c><00:49:45.760><c> ruling</c><00:49:46.079><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This may sound like<00:49:14.640><c> a</c><00:49:14.880><c> great</c><00:49:15.200><c> idea</c><00:49
• chambers</c><00:49:20.800><c> keep</c><00:49:21.040><c> changing</c><00:49:21.520><c> back</c><00:49
• :49:27.040><c> don't</c><00:49:27.200><c> need</c><00:49:27.839><c> these</c><00:49:28.240><c> local<
• </c><00:49:31.680><c> When</c><00:49:31.920><c> the</c><00:49:32.160><c> people</c><00:49:32.400><c>
• 49:54.480><c> to</c><00:49:54.640><c> build</c><00:49:54.800><c> a</c><00:49:54.960><c> shed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:06.079><c> I</c><00:49:06.319><c> just</c><00:49:06.559><c> I'm</c><00:49:06.800><c> just<
• <00:49:08.000><c> a</c><00:49:08.240><c> little</c><00:49:08.319><c> bit</c><00:49:08.480><c> more</c
• ><c> on</c><00:49:09.200><c> the</c><00:49:09.359><c> bones</c><00:49:09.920><c> so</c><00:49:10.160>
• </c><00:49:19.680><c> of</c><00:49:19.760><c> where</c><00:49:20.000><c> we</c><00:49:20.240><c> find
• 00:49:47.040><c> a</c><00:49:47.119><c> PMP</c><00:49:47.440><c> PM</c><00:49:47.760><c> for</c><00:49

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 Introduction of Board Members – 00:02:04 Overview of the Purpose and Goals of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board – 00:12:46 Medicaid Legislative Update - 00:20:26 Discussion of Next Steps and Future Meeting Dates – 01:04:06 Adjournment – 01:06:37, 958, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board opened with Chair Ken Fleming and Co-Chair Rocky Adams welcoming members, explaining the board’s purpose, and introducing the diverse membership of legislators, providers, advocates, and state officials. Fleming said the board would meet monthly, allow public comment at the end of meetings, and operate transparently with materials posted online and distributed in advance. Both chairs emphasized that the board’s work would focus on improving Medicaid outcomes, efficiency, and oversight, while preparing for possible federal changes and avoiding premature assumptions about what Congress may do. Members then gave brief introductions describing their backgrounds in medicine, nursing, hospital administration, behavioral health, insurance, budgeting, pharmacy, and Medicaid administration. Several noted direct experience with Medicaid populations or managed care, including the Department for Medicaid Services commissioner, health plan representatives, hospital and clinic leaders, and legislators with health care backgrounds. The board also heard from Stephanie Bates of the LRC Office of Health Data Analytics, who said her office supports the General Assembly with health-related data, policy, and research and would serve as a resource to the board. Bates then began a presentation on Medicaid basics, explaining that House Bill 695 created the board and that the presentation would cover eligibility, enrollment, covered benefits, waivers, managed care, the budget, and the federal reconciliation bill. She described Medicaid eligibility as complex, noted that Kentucky had more than 1.4 million enrollees, and explained enrollment churn and the unwinding of pandemic-era continuous coverage. She also outlined mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits, the requirement that services be medically necessary and provided by enrolled providers, and the main waiver types used in Kentucky, including 1115, 1915(b), and 1915(c) waivers. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting beyond organizational setup and receiving the initial informational presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:07.440><c> It's</c><00:49:07.680><c> been</c><00:49:07.920><c> advised</c><00:49:08.319><c
• Okay.<00:49:18.640><c> So</c><00:49:18.960><c> then</c><00:49:19.200><c> going</c><00:49:19.520><c> on
• </c><00:49:19.680><c> to</c><00:49:20.480><c> uh</c><00:49:20.640><c> the</c><00:49:20.960><c> rest</
• > page</c><00:49:22.160><c> three,</c><00:49:23.440><c> the</c><00:49:23.680><c> right</c><00:49:23.920
• </c><01:49:29.520><c> And</c><01:49:29.600><c> then</c><01:49:29.760><c> we</c><01:49:30.000><c> meet

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case. Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:18.680><c> laws</c><00:49:19.120><c> or</c><00:49:19.280><c> ordinances</c><00:49:19.800><
• that<00:49:45.920><c> are</c><00:49:46.040><c> brought</c><00:49:46.480><c> to</c><00:49:46.680><c>
• And<00:49:50.040><c> this</c><00:49:50.320><c> would</c><00:49:50.520><c> be</c><00:49:51.040><c> the
• </c><00:49:51.240><c> under</c><00:49:51.480><c> the</c><00:49:51.640><c> right</c><00:49:51.880><c>
• :52.560><c> it</c><00:49:52.640><c> would</c><00:49:52.800><c> be</c><00:49:52.920><c> the</c><00:49:

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:39.760><c> And</c><00:49:39.839><c> and</c><00:49:40.160><c> that</c><00:49:40.319><c> is<
• 45.119><c> if</c><00:49:45.440><c> one</c><00:49:45.760><c> has</c><00:49:45.920><c> a</c><00:49:46.160
• :47.440><c> and</c><00:49:47.680><c> so</c><00:49:47.839><c> they</c><00:49:48.079><c> have</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:54.319><c> Thank</c><00:49:54.480><c> you</c><00:49:54.640><c> for</c><00:49:54.800><c> that
• Any<00:49:58.640><c> other</c><00:49:59.200><c> questions</c><00:49:59.680><c> for</c><00:49:59.920><

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll we're we're<00:49:13.440><c> we</c><00:49:13.599><c> will</c><00:49:13.839><c> see</c><00:49
• :49:21.760><c> on</c><00:49:22.000><c> page</c><00:49:22.319><c> 35</c><00:49:23.200><c> we</c><00:49
• /c><00:49:35.200><c> in</c><00:49:35.440><c> the</c><00:49:35.839><c> um</c><00:49:37.119><c> rural</
• <00:49:49.440><c> are</c><00:49:49.839><c> exempt</c><00:49:50.240><c> from</c><00:49:50.480><c> that
• </c><00:49:56.079><c> 86</c><00:49:56.960><c> and</c><00:49:57.280><c> 87</c><00:49:57.839><c> were</

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• goals<00:49:04.040><c> thank</c><00:49:04.200><c> you</c><00:49:04.280><c> for</c><00:49:04.440><c>
• ><00:49:17.559><c> measure</c><00:49:17.880><c> we</c><00:49:18.040><c> did</c><00:49:18.240><c> make
• ><00:49:22.680><c> that</c><00:49:23.119><c> thank</c><00:49:23.319><c> you</c><00:49:23.960><c> thank
• <00:49:30.559><c> you</c><00:49:30.680><c> chair</c><00:49:31.079><c> Vice</c><00:49:31.280><c> chair
• <00:49:52.280><c> the</c><00:49:52.440><c> initial</c><00:49:52.880><c> cost</c><00:49:53.200><c> is<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:27.240><c> accepted</c><00:49:28.240><c> in</c><00:49:28.400><c> the</c><00:49:28.720><c>
• </c><00:49:42.559><c> And</c><00:49:43.520><c> when</c><00:49:43.760><c> it</c><00:49:43.920><c> was<
• 00:49:47.839><c> of</c><00:49:47.920><c> the</c><00:49:48.079><c> smaller</c><00:49:48.480><c> halls<
• And uh such<00:49:52.319><c> was</c><00:49:52.480><c> not</c><00:49:52.640><c> the</c><00:49:52.880><
• 49:55.600><c> we</c><01:49:55.840><c> need</c><01:49:56.000><c> to</c><01:49:56.239><c> do</c><01:49:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But<00:49:08.760><c> uh</c><00:49:09.760><c> oh</c><00:49:10.160><c> one</c><00:49:10.319><c> more</c
• So I I was<00:49:12.800><c> one</c><00:49:13.040><c> year</c><00:49:13.119><c> I</c><00:49:13.359><c>
• was</c><00:49:13.440><c> doing</c><00:49:13.839><c> uh</c><00:49:14.520><c> offices</c><00:49:15.520
• <00:49:20.800><c> and</c><00:49:21.359><c> and</c><00:49:21.680><c> he's</c><00:49:22.000><c> staying
• Okay.<00:49:22.880><c> He's</c><00:49:23.119><c> staying</c><00:49:23.359><c> he's</c><00:49:23.520><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:03.880><c> um</c><00:49:04.520><c> of</c><00:49:05.160><c> the</c><00:49:05.480><c> Department
• have to<00:49:20.480><c> be</c><00:49:20.680><c> the</c><00:49:20.880><c> same</c><00:49:21.680><c>
• person</c><00:49:22.079><c> it</c><00:49:22.240><c> may</c><00:49:22.480><c> be</c><00:49:22.960><c>
• </c><00:49:32.359><c> up</c><00:49:33.280><c> um</c><00:49:34.079><c> uh</c><00:49:34.559><c> tax</c>
• that<00:49:35.680><c> have</c><00:49:35.839><c> to</c><00:49:36.000><c> do</c><00:49:36.520><c> with

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um but to<00:49:33.800><c> back</c><00:49:34.160><c> up,</c><00:49:34.800><c> when</c><00:49:35.000><
• c> I</c><00:49:35.080><c> was</c><00:49:35.320><c> asked</c><00:49:35.640><c> to</c><00:49:35.800><c>
• to run, I was<00:49:36.360><c> asked</c><00:49:37.360><c> by</c><00:49:37.720><c> a</c><00:49:37.880>
• 49:56.440><c> of</c><00:49:56.560><c> myself</c><00:49:57.120><c> as</c><00:49:57.280><c> a</c><00:49
• :49:58.360><c> I</c><02:49:58.440><c> spent</c><02:49:58.760><c> on</c><02:49:58.880><c> the</c><02:49

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:00.319><c> at</c><00:49:00.640><c> the</c><00:49:01.040><c> types</c><00:49:01.359><c> of</c
• </c><00:49:05.520><c> in</c><00:49:05.760><c> other</c><00:49:06.000><c> states</c><00:49:06.240><c>
• 49:22.040><c> standalones</c><00:49:23.040><c> and</c><00:49:23.200><c> so</c><00:49:23.599><c> my</c
• my question was<00:49:24.880><c> you</c><00:49:25.040><c> know</c><00:49:25.200><c> where</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:26.480><c> not</c><00:49:26.640><c> you</c><00:49:26.880><c> research</c><00:49:27.200><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.