Transcript Highlights:

• Maui Brewing Company in them. Thank you. Maui Brewing Company in support. support. support.
• Brewing Company, Big Island Brew House, and Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation.
• , Kona Brewing Hawaii, Kauaii Island<01:07:15.280> Brewing<01:07:15.680> Company,<01:07
• :16.160> Big<01:07:16.319> Island<01:07:16.640> Brew Island Brewing Company, Big
• Island Brew Island Brewing Company, Big Island Brew House,<01:07:18.559> Hawaiian<01:07:19.039

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brownsville PUB produces the water for the international port of Brownsville, including the $18 billion
• At Brownsville PUB, we're working to expand our water sources.
• In 2004, the Southmost Regional Water Authority, with Brownsville PUB as the owner-operator, began producing

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting. The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure. The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Twelve years later, Kevin moved to Fresno and would help open the local brewery, Butterfield Brewing
• After leaving Butterfield Brewing Company in 2008, Kevin became the head brewmaster at Tioga Sequoia
• Brewing Company.
• As well as numerous other regional and state awards for his craft of brewing beer.
• Upgate Brewing in Oakhurst, Matt Bolden at 1852 Brewing Company in Visalia, and Tommy Capralin at House

Transcript Highlights:

• And you are a brewery owner representing Barrow Brewing Company? Yes.
• Last year, Barrow Brewing produced just under a thousand barrels of beer.
• And you're the owner of Bold Republic Brewing Company? Yes, sir.
• You're testifying on behalf of the brewing company and yourself? Yes, sir.
• When we brew any beer, we have two big pots or vessels.

Bills: HB249, HB 1186, HB2313, HB2408, HB2508, HB2730, HB2974, HB3045, HB3232, HB3336, HB3710, HB4044, HB4236, HJR133, HB249

Keywords: ad valorem taxes, property taxes, homestead exemption, disabled veterans, senior citizens, tax payments, installment payments, municipal tax revenue, hotel, convention center, tax code, economic development, local government, municipality, tax revenue, qualified projects, municipal taxation, hotel project, municipality funding, veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• Spent grain byproducts are the leftover grains produced during brewing and distilling.
• Last year, Barrow Brewing produced just under 1000 barrels of beer.
• You're Adrian Hodges, sir, and you're the owner of Boulder Public Brewing Company.
• When we brew any beer, we have two big pots or vessels. The first pot is a mash tun.
• You gotta, you gotta brew a lot of beer to get to that level. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HB249

Keywords: real property, ad valorem tax, tax appraisal, property value limitation, real estate taxation, property ownership

Transcript Highlights:

• just went to visitors and engagement I just went to the<00:20:48.280> local<00:20:48.679> pub
• > J<00:20:49.840> dos<00:20:50.360> outside<00:20:50.760> the the local pub
• uh J dos outside the the local pub uh J dos outside the theater<00:20:51.679> and<00:20:51.919

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on March 14, 2025, and heard two measures. On SB 441 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, the committee received strong support from the orchestra, the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, IATSE Local 665, and an in-person testifier, with testimony emphasizing statewide access to music, education and community programming, cultural value, economic impact, and job stability for musicians and staff. The Attorney General’s office offered comments and suggested language related to the State Endowment Fund. Committee members asked about how the funding would be used, the orchestra’s reach, and its history; the orchestra said it preferred direct operating support and described its audience and employment footprint, neighbor-island outreach, and plans to expand season length and education programs. The committee then heard SB 1581 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Japan Pacific Peace Monument. No testifier from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts was present, and no one testified on Zoom. With no discussion from witnesses, the measure was briefly taken up and later advanced. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments to SB 441 SD1, including a preamble describing legislative intent and the orchestra’s history, references to the State of Hawaiʻi endowment fund and statewide public benefits, and language ensuring the funds support statewide purposes and neighbor-island access to music and educational opportunities. The committee also added a deferral date of July 1, 3000 and technical amendments, then voted to pass the measure with amendments. SB 1581 SD1 was also passed forward with amendments, including a July 1, 3000 deferral date and technical changes, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• it was a little confusing in the language that we had put in, which may appear that people who are brewing
• at home would be taxed on the beer that they were brewing at home, which they are not currently taxed
• So this language is meant to ensure that brewing at home you are not taxed for that if you're not selling
• This is a constituent request bill, as I emailed all of you, and this was Currently, it is legal to brew
• beer at home, and we do not get any revenue for the license to brew beer at home.

Bills: HB3011, HB3143, HB3144, HB3881, HB3519, HB3522, HB3530

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, personal use permit, manufacturing, excise tax, Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, alternative nicotine products, vaping, regulations, manufacturing standards, packaging requirements, penalties, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• committee reports, even though they Both committee reports, even though they won't<00:36:13.880> pub
• published<00:36:14.720> in<00:36:14.840> the<00:36:14.920> calendar won't pub
• - be published in the calendar won't pub- be published in the calendar until<00:36:16.120> I<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Lanikai Brewing Company in opposition. >> Podium. Okay.
• Next up, we have Maui Brewing >> Thank you.
• Next up, Lahina Brewing Company in opposition. Should be by Zoom, too.
• Next up, Lahina Brewing Company in opposition. Should be by Zoom, too.
• Next up, Lahina Brewing Company in opposition. Should be by Zoom, too.

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's all right out of Pub. 970, IRS.
• <00:21:37.880> five<00:21:38.480> uh<00:21:38.640> Pub that's all right out
• of Pub five uh Pub that's all right out of Pub five uh Pub 970<00:21:39.880> IRS<00:21:40.880>
• 970 could you uh get a copy um IRS Pub 970 could you uh get a copy to<00:23:36.960> us<00:23:
• <00:23:42.880> 970<00:23:43.559> on it just by putting in IRS Pub 970 on it just by

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every one of the people on pub ed. And, you know, thankfully for Brandon Creighton in the Senate.
• A couple of sessions ago I had the opportunity to serve that one session on pub ed.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Resolution 197, commending Port City Brewing Company.
• H.J. 197 commends Port City Brewing Company of Alexandria for reaching a milestone: 15 years in operation
• , brewing the best beer in America in the best city in America.
• Operating and growing a business is hard, particularly in a competitive industry like brewing.
• delegate from Alexandria moved that the House adopt House Joint Resolution 197, commending Port City Brewing

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rochester, our convention centers, and all of our major sports facilities in the Twin Cities, craft brewing
• 00:03:32.680> Twin<00:03:33.000> Cities<00:03:33.560> craft<00:03:33.879> brewing
• <00:03:34.720> distilling the Twin Cities craft brewing distilling the Twin Cities craft brewing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pub and Self, is that right? For House Bill 3125, is that correct? That's correct. You may proceed.
• Garib, City of McAllen, PUB, and yourself, and you're here for House Bill 3240. Is that correct?

Bills: HB1647, HB2612, HB3125, HB3158, HB3240, HB3506, HB3516, HB3707

Keywords: carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the whole point, because unless they start brewing that Sam Adams in New Hampshire, they can't
• Now they're brewing it here. >> Okay.
• that Sam Adams in New Hampshire brewing that Sam Adams in New Hampshire they<00:37:48.720> can't<
• Now they're now<00:38:38.960> brewing<00:38:39.280> it<00:38:39.520> here.
• now brewing it here. now brewing it here.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Maui Brewing Company in support over Zoom.
• Next up, we have Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation in support. Aloha.
• Helani Breland, and I'm the president and co-founder of Ola Brew.
• Since opening our doors in December 2017, Ola Brew has purchased over $3.6 million in local agriculture
• N. made a wonderful argument, especially looking at what they're doing with Ola Brew, being able to ship

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:

• Uh, pub and self, is that right? and you're for House Bill 3125, is that correct? That's correct.
• Guerra, we show you registers as Dario O'Gara, City of McAllen, PUB, and yourself, and you're for House

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Maui Brewing Company testified online in support.
• Company, K Distillery, Kawaii Island Brewing Company, Hanakoa Brewing Company, Kawaii Beer Company,
• Company K Distillery Works Napo Brewing Company K Distillery Kawaii<01:17:06.120> Island<01:17
• :06.400> Brewing Kawaii Island Brewing Kawaii Island Brewing Company<01:17:08.600> hanakoa<
• /c><01:17:09.199> Brewing Company hanakoa Brewing Company hanakoa Brewing Company<01:17:11.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maui Brewing in support. >> Aloha chairs, vice chairs, members of the committee.
• Maui Brewing in support. >> Aloha chairs, vice chairs, members of the committee.
• Brewing Company in support. Oh, wait. Brewing Company in support. Oh, wait.
• <01:10:57.040> Ma<01:10:57.280> Maui<01:10:57.679> Brewing.
• Ma Maui Brewing. uh Okay. Yeah. Ma Maui Brewing. uh in<01:11:00.480> support.

Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gustafson then thanked Senator McQuade for bringing the bill forward and welcomed her to her press pubs
• welcome<00:25:07.480> to<00:25:07.920> my<00:25:08.160> press<00:25:08.520> pubs
• <00:25:09.200> I forward, and welcome to my press pubs.
• I forward, and welcome to my press pubs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all