Video & Transcript Research : 'HTA'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Feb 13, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 15
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lily and, um, I'd also like to recognize her mom, uh, my good friend and kumu at HTA, Ashley Troder.
- Colin was a teacher to my son who attended HTA many, many years ago. I'm aging us.
Keywords:
gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT-GVO, EDT-WLA, EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, is there any way, and knowing that the HTA is looking for expediting especially those opportunities
- knowing<00:04:28.639>
that <00:04:28.880>the <00:04:29.600>the <00:04:30.080>HTA - <00:04:30.720>
is <00:04:30.960>looking and knowing that the the HTA is looking and - knowing that the the HTA is looking for<00:04:32.160>
expediting <00:04:32.960>especially< - SD1 by removing references to the convention center and naming rights due to concerns raised by the HTA
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language.
The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 04-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Carolyn Anderson, HTA. Okay. And, uh, Angela Young, are you on Zoom? Not present, chair.
- Uh, Carolyn Anderson, Anderson, Anderson, HTA.<01:13:47.920>
Okay. - 49.520>
uh, <01:13:49.760>Angela <01:13:50.640>Young, <01:13:51.280>are HTA - And, uh, Angela Young, are HTA. Okay.
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process.
The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe.
The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- but is this information being<01:06:55.680>
related <01:06:56.000>to Being related to HTA - I'm not sure if HTA and DBED is working on that.
- So again, I'm not sure if those island chapters in HTA are looking at these numbers, but I'm sure they
- So again, I'm not sure if those island chapters in HTA are looking at these numbers, but I'm sure they
- So again, I'm not sure if those island chapters in HTA are looking at these numbers, but I'm sure they
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to be adding in HTA and a member of the LGBTQIA plus commission to ensure that they have
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on culture, heritage, and community partnerships. HR 90/HCR 94 would request a proclamation designating Hawaiʻi as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025. HR 123/HCR 127 urged the state to acquire the Hawaiʻi Theater to preserve its historic and cultural significance and keep it publicly accessible; testimony from Hawaiʻi Theater Center leadership emphasized rising insurance costs and the theater’s long-term viability. HR 135/HCR 141 sought a working group to study a Hawaiʻi Cultural Trust, with support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission; the LGBTQ+ Commission asked for a seat at the table to ensure queer history is included. HR 156/HCR 161 urged counties to establish sister-city relationships with Pacific Island municipalities, and HR 158/HCR 163 urged SFCA to create an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, which SFCA said it was already exploring.
During decision-making, the committee adopted all measures. HR 90/HCR 94 and HR 123/HCR 127 were passed as is. HR 135/HCR 141 was adopted with amendments adding the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and a member of the LGBTQIA+ commission to the working group. HR 156/HCR 161 was adopted as is. HR 158/HCR 163 was adopted with a technical amendment clarifying that copies did not need to be provided to the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House. No opposition or reservations were recorded on the votes, and the meeting adjourned after the final adoption.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we have HTA, Hawaii Tourism Authority, with comments.
- you<01:35:15.800>
next <01:35:16.080>we <01:35:16.280>have <01:35:17.000>HTA - comments thank you next we have HTA comments thank you next we have HTA Hawaii<01:35:18.080>
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope.
The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that.
Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 11th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then you can see in the second set of rows, you've got the HTA pool provider tax.
- And what are HTA revenues?
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Tue Jan 13, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, when I look at DBED's reporting and HTA specifically around, you know, the average room rate
- You know, when I look at DBED's reporting<02:22:37.200>
and <02:22:37.439>HTA <02:22:38.000 - >
specifically <02:22:38.640>around <02:22:39.840>uh reporting and HTA specifically - around uh reporting and HTA specifically around uh you<02:22:40.160>
know, <02:22:40.240>the
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM-JDC Informational Briefings 01-14-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We would split that money significantly over to the operations that are going on at HTA that we need
- We would split that money significantly over to the operations that are going on at HTA that we need
- We would split that money significantly over to the operations that are going on at HTA that we need
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-HHS, WAM-EDU Informational Briefings 01-14-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So those relationships, whether they're being facilitated through HTA, whether it's through our teams
- whether they're being<02:09:13.679>
facilitated <02:09:14.239>through <02:09:14.480>hta - ,<02:09:15.280>
whether being facilitated through hta, whether being facilitated through hta - I know you sit on the board, the HTA, whatever board it is on the stadium, but have you actually engaged
- I know you sit on the<02:15:30.079>
board, <02:15:30.480>the <02:15:30.719>hta, <
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-TOU Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, members of our commission are, you know, on the three kind of pillars we represent, so we have HTA
- Um, members of our commission are, you know, on the three kind of pillars we represent, so we have HTA
- Um, members of our commission are, you know, on the three kind of pillars we represent, so we have HTA
Bills:
HB1617
Keywords:
carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments.
The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments.
The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM, WAM Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I worked with HTA and I talked with all those people. What did I get out of government? Nothing.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest.
The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted.
The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we're going to add five more park units next year, and we are in consultation with HTA and DBED in
- we are in Park units next year and we are in consultation<02:34:57.000>
with <02:34:57.680>HTA - /c><02:34:58.399>
debed <02:34:58.880>in <02:34:58.960>terms consultation with HTA - and debed in terms consultation with HTA and debed in terms of<02:34:59.439>
how <02:34:59.600
HI
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Um, nobody from HTA. You know, Farm Bureau, did you guys submit testimony?
- They did submit testimony. >> Um, nobody from HTA.
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays.
Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement.
The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced.
The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Caroline Anderson with HTA. We stand on our written testimony and opposition.
- Through this, we know that HTA does not need to become an office within DBEDT to benefit from the guidance
- Um through this we know that<03:52:10.800>
HTA <03:52:11.359>does <03:52:11.600>not< - 11.760>
need <03:52:11.920>to <03:52:12.080>become <03:52:12.479>an that HTA - does not need to become an that HTA does not need to become an office<03:52:13.920>
um <03:52:
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use.
Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date.
Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-AEN, WAM-JDC Informational Briefings 01-09-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we're still working with DOT and HTA to make sure all of that stuff is seamless.
- That's about the HTA? should happen. I'm not sure why it's not should happen.
- c><00:28:12.720>
that's <00:28:13.200>about <00:28:13.640>the <00:28:13.720>HTA - come to you that's about the HTA? come to you that's about the HTA? No. No. No.
HI
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I just learned that yesterday from HTA, and unfortunately we don't get any... ...you know who does
- <00:09:06.640>
um <00:09:07.120>from <00:09:07.519>hta just learned that yesterday - . um from hta just learned that yesterday. um from hta and<00:09:09.760>
unfortunately <00:09:10.560
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 40
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69
Keywords:
pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau