Transcript Highlights:

• > As</c><00:22:29.520><c> he</c><00:22:29.760><c> remains</c><00:22:30.080><c> at</c><00:22:30.240><c
• It<03:22:21.840><c> is</c><03:22:22.000><c> solely</c><03:22:22.479><c> financed</c><03:22:23.359><c>
• And<03:22:32.319><c> from</c><03:22:32.800><c> 2017</c><03:22:33.600><c> to</c><03:22:34.000><c> 2023
• ><c> in</c><03:22:49.520><c> 2021</c><03:22:50.720><c> with</c><03:22:51.040><c> the</c><03:22:51.359
• still<03:22:56.399><c> not</c><03:22:56.960><c> meeting</c><03:22:57.359><c> the</c><03:22:57.600><c

Bills: HB6504 , HB6500 , HB2683 , SB269 , HB6732 , HB6715 , HB6719 , SB3424 , HR909

Keywords: Haiti, duty-free imports, economic recovery, trade, Caribbean Basin, tariff, apparel, remote access, national security, export controls, cloud computing, foreign policy, international relations, improper payments, deceased, social security, federal coordination, state agencies, coercion, minors

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the state's<00:22:02.480><c> burden</c><00:22:02.799><c> to</c><00:22:02.960><c> prove</c><00:22
• 00:22:08.480><c> being</c><00:22:08.640><c> attacked</c><00:22:08.960><c> is</c><00:22:09.200><c> the
• </c><00:22:12.559><c> or</c><00:22:12.720><c> believe</c><00:22:12.960><c> that</c><00:22:13.120><c>
• So they're being this<00:22:15.679><c> is</c><00:22:15.840><c> has</c><00:22:16.080><c> to</c><00:22:
• c><00:22:17.919><c> therefore</c><00:22:18.240><c> the</c><00:22:18.480><c> actor</c><00:22:18.880><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• For<00:22:01.039><c> those</c><00:22:01.280><c> of</c><00:22:01.440><c> you</c><00:22:01.679><c> on</
• /c><00:22:06.960><c> off</c><00:22:08.159><c> and</c><00:22:09.440><c> muted</c><00:22:10.000><c> while
• on your end.<00:22:35.600><c> If</c><00:22:35.840><c> there's</c><00:22:36.080><c> a</c><00:22:36.240
• proper<00:22:45.919><c> notice</c><00:22:46.320><c> will</c><00:22:46.559><c> be</c><00:22:46.720><c
• 00:22:53.600><c> your</c><00:22:53.760><c> Zoom</c><00:22:54.159><c> background</c><00:22:55.280><c>

Bills: HB1739 , HB1741 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2608 , HB2294 , HB2431 , HB2375 , HB2582 , HB2585 , HB2231 , HB1601 , HB2424 , HB1956

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > forward</c><00:22:23.919><c> it</c><00:22:24.240><c> makes</c><00:22:24.640><c> fairly</c><00:22:25.039
• ><c> to</c><00:22:25.679><c> me</c><00:22:26.480><c> um</c><00:22:26.720><c> especially</c><00:22:27.120
• ><00:22:29.360><c> that</c><00:22:29.520><c> you</c><00:22:29.679><c> gave</c><00:22:29.840><c> the</
• </c><00:22:35.360><c> And</c><00:22:35.600><c> I</c><00:22:35.760><c> had</c><00:22:35.919><c> a</c>
• ><c> the</c><01:22:49.360><c> student</c><01:22:49.520><c> that</c><01:22:49.760><c> entree</c><01:22

Bills: HF3698 , HF3067 , HF3730

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look on page 5, lines 19 and 20, it repeals section 22.
• On page 5, lines 19 and 20, it repeals section 22, 2811.
• If you look at existing 22, 2811, it has that same $10,000 fine that is now placed in this bill starting
• If you will look on line 32, nothing in this chapter shall, and then go down to line 37B. See?
• 11. unless the producer is in full compliance of Title 37, Chapter 11.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400><c> that</c><00:22:01.120><c> uh</c><00:22:01.280><c> access</c><00:22:01.679><c> plan.
• </c><00:22:02.640><c> Then</c><00:22:02.960><c> section</c> from that uh access plan.
• Then section three<00:22:03.840><c> is</c><00:22:04.559><c> uh</c><00:22:05.120><c> um</c><00:22:05.440
• three is uh um codifying the state complaint<00:22:07.360><c> process</c><00:22:08.320><c> um</c><00
• :22:08.880><c> that's</c><00:22:09.440><c> for</c><00:22:10.080><c> um</c><00:22:10.320><c> a</c> The

Transcript Highlights:

• cost</c><00:22:02.640><c> of</c><00:22:02.799><c> the</c><00:22:03.240><c> program</c><00:22:04.240><
• 22:29.799><c> the</c><00:22:30.000><c> rest</c><00:22:30.200><c> of</c><00:22:30.400><c> the</c><00:22
• > not</c><00:22:44.360><c> the</c><00:22:44.799><c> the</c><00:22:45.159><c> size</c><00:22:45.600><c
• a</c><00:22:50.760><c> prior</c><00:22:51.120><c> injury</c><00:22:52.000><c> did</c><00:22:52.240><
• 22:27.719><c> I</c><01:22:27.800><c> don't</c><01:22:27.920><c> know</c><01:22:28.080><c> if</c><01:22

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've<00:22:00.400><c> lost</c><00:22:00.720><c> a</c><00:22:00.760><c> patient</c><00:22:01.160><c>
• ><c> this</c><00:22:03.560><c> is</c><00:22:03.679><c> not</c><00:22:03.960><c> a</c><00:22:04.000><c
• :22:20.160><c> similar</c><00:22:20.520><c> protections</c><00:22:21.640><c> and</c><00:22:21.800><c>
• </c><00:22:30.679><c> Next</c><00:22:30.920><c> up</c><00:22:31.040><c> is</c><00:22:31.240><c> HMSA<
• :22:57.040><c> to</c><00:22:57.160><c> allow</c><00:22:57.400><c> for</c><00:22:57.520><c> direct</c>

Bills: SB2433 , SB2047 , SB2425 , SB3045 , SB2761 , SB3001 , SB2852 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:22:02.799><c> teachers</c><00:22:03.240><c> he</c><00:22:03.400><c> doesn't</c><00:22:03.640><c> have
• 22:32.000><c> that</c><00:22:32.159><c> we</c><00:22:32.320><c> need</c><00:22:32.520><c> to</c><00:22
• /c><00:22:36.000><c> would</c><00:22:36.200><c> like</c><00:22:36.480><c> to</c><00:22:36.840><c> uh<
• 22:04.400><c> have</c><01:22:04.560><c> studies</c><01:22:05.000><c> up</c><01:22:05.159><c> and</c><
• ><c> to</c><01:22:11.520><c> to</c><01:22:11.760><c> say</c><01:22:12.280><c> that</c><01:22:12.480><

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:22:08.360><c> um</c><00:22:09.200><c> on</c><00:22:10.200><c> I'll</c><00:22:10.400><c> give</c
• ><c> a</c><00:22:25.760><c> a</c><00:22:26.159><c> Hawaii</c><00:22:26.559><c> cakey</c><00:22:26.919
• c> we</c><00:22:31.320><c> um</c><00:22:31.520><c> want</c><00:22:31.720><c> to</c><00:22:31.960><c>
• :32.559><c> the</c><00:22:32.760><c> T</c><00:22:33.080><c> child</c><00:22:33.480><c> can</c><00:22:
• </c><00:22:35.240><c> any</c><00:22:35.520><c> other</c><00:22:35.840><c> child</c><00:22:36.559><c>

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes. The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation. The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:00.080><c> And</c><00:22:00.320><c> on</c><00:22:00.559><c> line</c><00:22:00.880><c> 117<
• And on line 117 is<00:22:02.080><c> the</c><00:22:02.880><c> um</c><00:22:03.200><c> sunset</c><00:22
• c><00:22:12.640><c> has</c><00:22:13.280><c> uh</c><00:22:13.440><c> no</c><00:22:13.760><c> effect</
• > the</c><00:22:14.640><c> next</c><00:22:14.880><c> four</c><00:22:15.120><c> years</c><00:22:15.520
• fund for a<01:22:09.040><c> grant</c><01:22:09.199><c> to</c><01:22:09.360><c> the</c><01:22:09.440><

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And the passage of Scripture is Luke chapter...
• House Bill 807, by the Health and Welfare Committee, an act relating to Medicaid, amending Chapter 22
• To revise terminology, amending section 16, 16, 22, Idaho code, to revise terminology, amending Chapter
• The gentleman from District 22.
• Good gentleman from 22. Ah, ha, you got caught. Ah, ha, you got caught. Is there objection?

Transcript Highlights:

• And as important as the numbers that you see in front of you, it is what Title 22, Chapter 19 looks like
• And as important as the numbers that you see in front of you, it is what Title 22, Chapter 19 looks like
• And as important as the numbers that you see in front of you, it is what Title 22, Chapter 19 looks like
• That scaffolding is laid out in Chapter 19, Title 22, to say go through the appropriate process to utilize
• That scaffolding is laid out in Chapter 19, Title 22, to say go through the appropriate process to utilize

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, legislative staff reviewed the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY 2026–2027 budget requests, including pay adjustments, replacement items, IT hardware, a reappropriation for the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two major one-time requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and urgency of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the state’s rapid response to quagga mussels, and explained how the program uses inspections, stations, chemicals, and other tools to reduce risk. Members asked about grant timing, vehicle replacement, signage costs, research into alternative treatments, chemical costs, possible use of sturgeon, and whether budget cuts would affect inspection stations; the director said some station openings or hours could be delayed or reduced, but priority would be given to border crossings and higher-risk locations. The committee then reviewed the State Liquor Division budget. Staff outlined the division’s dedicated-fund operations, personnel levels, statutory distributions, and FY 2027 requests for inflation, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, all recommended by the governor. Director Andrew Arulenandum said his priorities were safety, legal exposure, and operational continuity, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety needs as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a policy proposal to restrict bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, the division’s pricing and markup structure, and whether Idaho might move away from a state-run liquor model. The director and his staff said the lottery restriction would not have a fiscal impact, that the markup is standardized, and that while the division remains open to efficiency ideas, the current control-state structure is intended to support revenue and temperance. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would return the next day to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• :22:21.000><c> apologize</c><00:22:21.880><c> uh</c><00:22:22.000><c> Mr</c><00:22:22.240><c> Minami<
• </c><00:22:23.400><c> of</c><00:22:23.520><c> the</c><00:22:23.640><c> points</c><00:22:23.960><c> I<
• ><c> U</c><00:22:26.159><c> the</c><00:22:26.320><c> origin</c><00:22:26.720><c> of</c><00:22:26.919>
• </c><00:22:50.080><c> there</c><00:22:50.200><c> for</c><00:22:50.360><c> a</c><00:22:50.559><c> very
• ><c> point</c><00:22:52.640><c> out</c><00:22:52.799><c> in</c><00:22:52.960><c> the</c><00:22:53.080

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:22:02.880><c> current</c><00:22:03.120><c> statute</c><00:22:03.679><c> stated</c><00:22:
• </c><00:22:05.440><c> Legal</c><00:22:05.760><c> service</c><00:22:06.320><c> providers</c><00:22:06.960
• Correct.<01:22:00.159><c> Wait,</c><01:22:00.320><c> what</c><01:22:00.400><c> are</c><01:22:00.560><
• </c> 3105<01:22:05.360><c> SB</c><01:22:05.679><c> 3105</c><01:22:06.560><c> to</c><01:22:06.719><c>
• </c><01:22:14.960><c> I</c><01:22:15.280><c> vote</c><01:22:15.520><c> I.

Bills: SB3275 , SB3105

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

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:

• Amendment number 22, the Senator from Essex has filed an amendment which the clerk will read.
• , well, Madam President, you were so eager to get to this amendment that you called it as Amendment 22
• Amendment that you called it as Amendment 22, but in effect, it's Amendment 23.
• And a Chapter 70 formula that does not capture the need that that creates.
• Chapter 70 is not adequate for a majority Of the communities that struggle.

Summary: The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated. The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.199><c> very</c><01:22:35.480><c> easily</c><01:22:35.920><c> seen</c><01:22:36.880><c> um</c><01
• :22:37.000><c> in</c><01:22:37.159><c> those</c><01:22:37.360><c> dark</c> is very easily seen um in
• c> as</c><01:22:38.639><c> you</c><01:22:38.760><c> get</c><01:22:38.880><c> up</c><01:22:39.000><c>
• > Minnesota</c><01:22:40.080><c> but</c><01:22:40.199><c> I</c><01:22:40.320><c> just</c><01:22:40.560
• ><01:22:43.040><c> hearing</c><01:22:43.480><c> it</c><01:22:44.480><c> okay</c><01:22:45.440><c> uh<

Bills: HF1234 , HF1956 , HF1025 , HF1172 , HF791

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 22, Title 56, Idaho Code, and Chapter 25, Title 56, Idaho Code, to define terms, establish provisions
• Gentleman from 22, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentlemen, from 22. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman 22. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman 22, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're<00:22:14.080><c> happy</c><00:22:14.240><c> to</c><00:22:14.400><c> work</c><00:22:14.480><c> with
• </c><00:22:21.360><c> Thank</c><00:22:21.520><c> you</c><00:22:21.600><c> very</c><00:22:21.760><c> much
• Let's<00:22:28.159><c> go</c><00:22:28.240><c> on</c><00:22:28.400><c> to</c><00:22:28.559><c> the</c
• :48.320><c> First</c><00:22:48.559><c> up,</c><00:22:48.880><c> we</c><00:22:49.120><c> have</c><00:22
• </c> Good<00:22:54.880><c> afternoon,</c><00:22:55.280><c> chair,</c><00:22:55.679><c> vice</c><00:22

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.159><c> and</c><00:22:01.360><c> testimony</c><00:22:01.840><c> and</c><00:22:02.000><c> opposition
• ><c> one</c> from one from one individual<00:22:04.520><c> um</c><00:22:05.440><c> that</c><00:22:05.600
• officials<01:22:13.719><c> from</c><01:22:13.920><c> soliciting</c><01:22:14.560><c> and</c><01:22:14.760
• 01:22:38.120><c> good</c><01:22:38.280><c> afternoon</c><01:22:38.639><c> chair</c><01:22:39.000><c>
• ><c> members</c><01:22:39.679><c> of</c><01:22:39.800><c> the</c><01:22:39.920><c> committee</c><01:22

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.