Transcript Highlights:

• particularly harming neighbor island particularly harming neighbor island markets<00:49:56.520><
• neighbor islands. Mahalo. Thank you. neighbor islands. Mahalo. Thank you.
• ,<00:58:18.320> I Affairs, Senator from Big Island, I Affairs, Senator from Big Island, I
• And she is from your island, Mr. President. And we're all proud of her.
• She is from your island, Mr. President. And we're all proud of her, coming back to Hilo.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are many powerful ways that we experience this on the island.
• So the island is full of history. This was the birthplace of Juneteenth.
• City of Galveston is an island of 53,000 people.
• It has become one of our preeminent events on the island.
• One question you said 53,000 residents, is that just on the island?

Bills: HCR6

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• Even before I filed for protection, attorney Elizabeth Cuchia on the island of Maui was already advising
• Maui<00:04:49.759> was<00:04:50.000> already<00:04:50.320> advising the island
• of Maui was already advising the island of Maui was already advising my<00:04:50.960> abuser<
• When you have unethical attorneys like Elizabeth Cuchia on the island of Maui who lie under penalty of
• of Maui who lie under the penalty island of Maui who lie under the penalty of<00:05:24.400> perjury

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present. After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties. The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• business manager of the Rhode Island business manager of the Rhode Island Laborers<00:35:41.280>
• <00:37:32.880> and Island, I have found memories of Mr. and Island, I have found memories
• Potato Head statues popping up all across Rhode Island.
• Created Rhode Island for Gun Safety to promote common sense gun reform.
• Created Rhode Island for Gun Safety to promote common sense gun reform.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:36.159> and grounds and yeah on the big island and grounds and yeah on the big island
• I'm from the Big Island, but I know the Sprouts are Kohala, and very much so.
• So very excited, and just throwing the pitch out there, because I'm also a Big Island girl.
• So very excited, and just throwing the pitch out there, because I'm also a Big Island girl.
• Hunter on the side of Hawaii uh Island Hunter on the side of Hawaii uh Island and<00:57:58.599><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force in support.
• Big Island Substance Abuse Council in support.
• Big Island Substance Abuse Council in support.
• Students especially in neighbor islands.
• keep care on the neighbor islands keep care on the neighbor<00:45:12.400> islands<00:45:13.280

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha, my name is Vivian Su Tolner from the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Aloha, my name is Vivian Su Tolner from the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Aloha, my name is Vivian Su Tolner from the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.
• We need that alone on the Big Island. Um, please, uh, this is no joke.
• We need that alone on the Big Island. Um, please, uh, this is no joke.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism. Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments. Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• or in the anywhere uh on the island or in the state<00:25:34.520> um<00:25:34.799> it<
• These are our freshwater resources of our island.
• <00:41:44.240> and hydrologic units around the island and hydrologic units around the island
• <00:46:08.720> community sustainable uh for our Island community sustainable uh for our Island
• The cap rock area, shown in light blue here, is about 137 square miles ringing our island.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself. City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time. The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maui allows that, Senator Hashimoto, and we think the other two neighbor island counties should also
• Maui allows that, Senator Hashimoto, and we think the other two neighbor island counties should also
• counties<00:14:04.519> to<00:14:04.759> use<00:14:05.079> their neighbor Island
• :14:18.199> neighbor uh we think the other two neighbor uh we think the other two neighbor Island
• counties should also be able to Island counties should also be able to do<00:14:20.800> that<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing met on February 6, 2025, first in a joint session with the Committee on Labor and Technology. The joint committees heard SB 1235, which would create a Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation program for government employee housing, including a revolving fund and a leasehold rent-to-own program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, the Department of Budget and Finance, and UPW, with one testifier opposing the bill because it was limited to state workers and should be broader. The committees recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes, $450,000 for two positions, removal of an income restriction, and clarification that leasehold and day-one projects are eligible; both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously, and the joint meeting adjourned. The Housing Committee then took up SB 67, SB 1133, and SB 1333. SB 67 would bar inclusionary zoning requirements on certain housing offered for sale or rent to qualifying residents, and it received support from HHFDC, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others; the committee recommended passage with technical amendments and adopted it. SB 1133 would allow counties to set rent increase limits tied to CPI and create a long-term residential lease tax credit; testimony included support from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Realtors, NAIOP Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation, which warned about rent-control consequences. The committee recommended passage with amendments that made the credit nonrefundable, allowed limited carry-forward, restricted claims in certain family-lease situations, set filing deadlines, and applied the measure to disaster-affected counties; the recommendation was adopted. SB 1333 would allow certain counties to use surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure and extend the surcharge period. DBEDT, OPSD, HCDA, county officials, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, while the Tax Foundation opposed it, arguing temporary taxes were becoming permanent. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments, and members noted concerns that prior surcharge revenues had not produced enough housing projects, which were to be reflected in the committee report. Finally, the committee deferred SB 834 indefinitely because it had already been deferred indefinitely by the Hawaiian Affairs Committee, and the Housing Committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Lahina um the island of Maui.
• He's regularly on Aahu and other islands He's regularly on Aahu and other islands practicing,<01
• Candy, Big Island, right?
• <01:13:21.679> Big<01:13:21.920> Island Candy, Big Island, right?
• Big Island Candy, Big Island, right? Big Island since<01:13:22.640> 2012.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently a senior and captain for the surf team at King K High School on the island of Maui.
• <00:38:25.280> of School on the island of School on the island of Maui<00:38:26.960> surfing
• So one would be on Oʻahu, one complex, and another would be on a neighbor island.
• W and one position on neighbor W and one position on neighbor Island<00:49:55.680> okay<00:49:
• 56.200> thank<00:49:56.319> you<00:49:56.839> thank Island okay thank you thank

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how it will affect design and safety of a project, is there a defined turtle nesting area for each island
• nesting area Is there a defined turtle nesting area for<00:05:02.639> each<00:05:02.880> island
• for each island? for each island?
• <00:09:48.560> Again,<00:09:48.880> in<00:09:49.040> the across the islands.
• Again, in the across the islands.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three bills, all related to outdoor lighting or permitting. On SB 2278, which addressed light pollution and outdoor lighting standards, testimony was mixed: the University of Hawaiʻi and others raised concerns that the bill’s 4,000K color temperature standard and other provisions conflicted with dark-sky and wildlife-protection recommendations, while some groups testified in support. A lighting industry engineer also questioned how turtle-lighting provisions would apply in practice and urged a workable standard that balances safety, design, and wildlife concerns. On SB 2908, relating to permitting, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and several business groups testified, generally standing on written testimony or supporting the measure. Committee discussion focused on a proposed statewide permitting intake platform; the Office of Planning said the SPEED Task Force believed counties were better suited to handle permitting information, and members asked whether the appropriation was sufficient. The committee voted to pass SB 2908 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. On SB 2987, also relating to light pollution, the University of Hawaiʻi strongly supported the bill and proposed amendments to create campus lighting zones tailored to safety and foot traffic, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its comments and several other organizations testified in support or opposition. The chair said the committee would address business safety concerns by making technical and nonsubstantive amendments, exempting outdoor light fixtures for airports, highways, and harbors, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committee then adopted the recommendation to pass SB 2987 with amendments and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have Island School. They won KF Champs for the mixed division. Please rise.
• I help coach at Island School, so this is an incredible honor for me to have them here today.
• <00:15:23.680> They<00:15:23.839> won And then we have Island School.
• They won And then we have Island School.
• <00:15:35.760> School,<00:15:36.000> so I help coach at um Island School, so I help

Bills: HB2118, HB1764, HB1815, HB2117, HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566, HB2573, HB1736, HB2425, HB1590, HB1913, HB1573, HB1542, HB1804, HB1976, HB1704, HB1996, HB1541, HB1926, HB1703, HB1866, HB1710

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity for that expansion to move beyond a regional kitchen just on Oʻahu to multiple on this island
• :30:07.159> neighbor communities also on other neighbor communities also on other neighbor Islands
• so I'm really excited to have Islands so I'm really excited to have the<00:30:09.880> opportunity
• <00:30:18.399> multiple<00:30:19.039> on<00:30:19.240> this<00:30:19.440> island
• just on Oahu to multiple on this island just on Oahu to multiple on this island but<00:30:20.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• counterparts and see if neighbor island counterparts and see if that's<00:13:03.920> something
• <00:42:34.079> That's neighbor islands in particular.
• That's neighbor islands in particular.
• the neighbor islands can receive their<00:43:24.079> goods<00:43:24.880> accordingly.
• <00:53:09.040> to billion is flowing out of our islands to billion is flowing out of our islands

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hannah Preston-Pita for Big Island Hannah Preston-Pita for Big Island Substance<00:57:07.560>
• >> on all islands. >> on all islands.
• >> On<01:02:25.560> all<01:02:25.720> islands. >> On all islands.
• >> On all islands.
• <01:28:34.360> on island and on the on the Big Island on island and on the on the Big Island

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't want to do it fine, but let us protect our island. Surrounded by water.
• Rhode Island and Delaware were similar laws prevent the sighting of such facilities.
• You've been a champion for the port of Palm Beach and Pune Island.
• I think I dropped it off at your office, not touching Peanut island.
• Capture another recreational area, including Shell Island, Florida, which is huge.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:41.720> you in East Hawaii uh on Hawaii Island you in East Hawaii uh on Hawaii Island
• We have a little over 200 J-1 teachers in our schools across the islands at this point right now.
• We have a little over 200 J-1 teachers in our schools across the islands at this point right now.
• was bigger than the island of Oʻahu.
• We want to replicate this on a neighbor island.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Big Island is well represented here today.
• The Big Island Thank you, Mr. president.
• The Big Island is<00:05:12.960> well<00:05:13.440> represented<00:05:14.160> here
• She's also involved in community organizations like Island Aquatics and Grow Some Good.
• Um, happy to recognize today Nicole Laa from our side of the island.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Hog Island because that's where they're from, in a long island.
• And the guest of honor is our Hog Island And the guest of honor is our Hog Island boa<00:02:05.960
• They are tropical rainforest island.
• > like<00:02:13.200> Honduras<00:02:13.880> and islands off of like Honduras and islands
• Uh so, unless you're the Hog Islands.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all