Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian should be doing that measure, but I'm here today to make sure that you policy makers understand
• Hawaiian should be doing that measure, but I'm here today to make sure that you policy makers understand
• Hawaiian should be doing that measure, but I'm here today to make sure that you policy makers understand
• And in our 2020 strategic plan, um, we have four pillars: Hawaiian culture, natural resources, community
• And in our 2020 strategic plan, um, we have four pillars: Hawaiian culture, natural resources, community

Bills: SB2187

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have testimony from Shelby Pikachu, billionaire, with the Ohana Unity Party and Kingdom of the Hawaiian
• We have testimony from Shelby Pikachu, billionaire, with the Ohana Unity Party and Kingdom of the Hawaiian
• ><00:01:40.240> Kingdom<00:01:40.479> of<00:01:40.640> the<00:01:40.720> Hawaiian
• Party and Kingdom of the Hawaiian Party and Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands<00:01:41.759> online

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Education committees heard STR 1117 and SR 98, which urge the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and Hawaii County to inventory bus stops used by children on Hawaii Island and develop safety improvements. DOE testified that routes are based on student locations, families must register riders, and access is complicated by county roads and privately owned or HOA-managed roads; members noted the need to focus on the most affected areas and on safety rather than just counting stops. The committees recommended both resolutions be passed with amendments, including adding the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and technical changes, and both measures were adopted by vote. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then heard several resolutions on international relationships and transportation safety. STR 196/SR 76 supporting broader ties with Norway, STR 197/SR 77 supporting broader ties with Sweden, and STR 195/SR 175 supporting broader ties with Sweden all moved forward; testimony generally favored learning from those countries, and the committee adopted amendments to add collaboration language and, in the Norway measure, a reference to prisons and criminal justice. The committee also heard STR 181/SR 51 on lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05; the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance supported the measure and suggested adding flexibility for the DOT director to appoint additional working group members. The committee amended the resolution to broaden the working group and direct it to examine data, impacts, and implementation issues, then adopted it. On later agendas, the committee approved CR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week with amendments to create a task force on light pollution and dark skies. It also passed CR 180/SR 150, which would have DOT report on commercial tour operator safety and performance, after amending it to clarify the purpose, require online public information, involve the NTSB, and create a transparency/scoring framework. STR 150 on subsidizing waterborne cargo transport was also passed with technical amendments. Finally, STR 222/SR 197 on towing companies having on-site ATMs was amended into a task force proposal led by the Office of Consumer Protection, and the committee adopted that recommendation. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was to pass with amendments or, for one Sweden measure, pass unamended, and the votes were unanimous with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:07:35.759> for Abram associate general counsel for Abram associate general counsel for Hawaiian
• :07:37.759> oh<00:07:37.879> there<00:07:37.960> he<00:07:38.039> is Hawaiian
• Electric oh there he is Hawaiian Electric oh there he is afternoon<00:07:39.479> afternoon<00
• I note that this bill was drafted by the Speaker of the House, apparently so, and it's not by request
• Okay, so I could see why the Speaker introduced this bill.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to accept Charter Communications' suggested amendments in their testimony, accept Hawaiian
• We're going to accept Charter Communications' suggested amendments in their testimony, accept Hawaiian
• We're going to accept Charter Communications' suggested amendments in their testimony, accept Hawaiian
• Accept Hawaiian Telecom their testimony.
• Accept Hawaiian Telecom suggested<00:31:33.120> amendments<00:31:33.520> in<00:31:33.679

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard and acted on several resolutions related to housing, emergency preparedness, public safety, corrections, transportation, and wildfire mitigation. Measures discussed included HCR 67 on developing a comprehensive strategy for updated building codes; HCR 164 on maintaining publicly accessible hurricane shelter lists; HCR 180 on coordinated homelessness response; HCR 37 on emergency outreach to kupuna; HCR 121 on expanding Kolekole Pass as an emergency exit route; HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras; HR 69 on vegetation management and wildfire risk; HCR 133 on supporting a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor; HCR 153 on reducing the use of private out-of-state prisons; and HTR 23 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center design and inmate release procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. Supporters included state agencies, advocacy groups, and individuals, with some measures drawing comments or suggested amendments. For HCR 69, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, Charter Communications, and Life of the Land all supported the measure, though some requested amendments or raised due process concerns. For HCR 121, the Department of Transportation said improvements were planned later in the year to allow emergency access through Kolekole Pass, and public testimony emphasized wildfire, tsunami, and evacuation concerns. For HCR 43, DOT supported the study, and testimony noted possible benefits for enforcement and court efficiency. HCR 37 received strong support from ARP Hawaii, social work students, caregivers, and other community groups focused on kupuna safety. The committees took action on all items. HCR 67, HCR 164, HCR 180, HCR 37, HCR 121, HCR 43, HCR 133, HCR 153, and HTR 23 were all recommended for passage, with some measures passed as is and others with amendments. HCR 69 was amended to add the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education, and to incorporate suggested amendments from Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom. HCR 121 was passed with technical amendments. Votes were recorded in favor on each measure, with some members excused and one no vote noted on HCR 43. The meetings concluded with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:49.400> Islands Jamie Detweiler Hawaiian Islands Jamie Detweiler Hawaiian Islands Republican
• If you could turn off your speaker. Mr. Lang, we have H 1499 HD1. Okay, thank you.
• If you could turn off your speaker. Mr. Lang, we have H 1499 HD1. Okay, thank you.
• If you could turn off your speaker. Mr. Lang, we have H 1499 HD1. Okay, thank you.
• If you could turn off your speaker. Mr. Lang, we have H 1499 HD1. Okay, thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• entire process and even as we stand now and the state puts forth its $800 million, it's not clear how Hawaiian
• c><00:09:55.279> not<00:09:55.519> clear<00:09:55.959> how<00:09:56.959> Hawaiian
• million, it's not clear how Hawaiian million, it's not clear how Hawaiian Electric<00:09:57.760>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of House bills in decision-making. HB 309 was recommended to pass with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050 and was adopted unanimously by members present, with one member excused. HB 344 was recommended to pass with amendments changing the EV charger-ready parking stall requirement from a fixed 25% to a standard allowing the Department of Accounting and General Services to determine the number needed in a new facility; that recommendation was adopted. HB 423, HB 833, HB 987, and HB 988 were each recommended to pass unamended and were adopted without objection. HB 596 was recommended to pass with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050 and adding the Department of Defense’s concerns and testimony to the committee report. HB 750 was passed unamended because of the filing deadline, with concerns to be noted in the committee report for conference committee review. HB 1161 was also passed unamended, with the committee report to reflect requested Department of Transportation amendments. HB 1483 was recommended to pass unamended, with the chair voting no with reservation on that measure. The meeting then shifted to a separate agenda item involving the governor’s office and a proposed settlement related to Lahaina. Members questioned why the legislature had not been kept informed during negotiations and expressed concern that the committee was being asked to approve the settlement without meaningful ability to amend it. The governor’s representative said the administration would defer legal questions to the attorney general, but stated that amendments could jeopardize the legal agreement and potentially have significant impacts on the state. Members also raised concerns about transparency, the public nature of the process, and uncertainty over how Hawaiian Electric would cover its share of the judgment. In response, the governor’s office said it would follow up with the attorney general and governor and provide answers directly. The chair then moved to reconsider the prior action and recommended passing the settlement measure with the attorney general’s suggested amendments removing language from page 7, lines 3 to 17, while preserving prior committee-report concerns. That reconsidered recommendation was adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian Children's is not present.
• Hawaiian Children's is not present.
• 00:36:55.720> is any questions thank you very much is any questions thank you very much is Hawaiian
• :56.880> at<00:36:57.720> not<00:36:58.040> present<00:36:59.040> uh Hawaiian
• children's at not present uh Hawaiian children's at not present uh aloh<00:37:01.119> okay<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard. The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker.
• Speaker. I move motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, if Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
• Speaker. Speaker. Speaker.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii<00:33:08.880> Invasion<00:33:09.360> species Chelsea Arut, on behalf of the Hawaiian
• should be visible to and apply in a way to prevent the entanglement of birds, entangle or disturb native
• should be visible to and apply in a way to prevent the entanglement of birds, entangle or disturb native
• entanglement of birds entangle<00:40:31.599> or<00:40:31.800> disturb<00:40:32.240> native
• <00:40:32.560> and entangle or disturb native and entangle or disturb native and beneficial

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several agriculture and food-system bills. SB 1562 would create a Combined Housing Operational Agricultural Mobilization Program to help bona fide farmers live and farm on agricultural lands and provide a tax credit for donated land. Testimony generally supported the goal of housing for farmers and farm workers, but raised concerns about placing the program within the Department of Agriculture, possible constitutional and drafting issues, land-quality standards, lease structure, and whether another agency might be better suited. The committees recommended passing SB 1562 with amendments, including clarifying DOA authority to acquire agricultural lands and establishing an advisory committee within the department; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also heard SB 1171 on providing monofilament netting through hardware stores to help slow coconut rhinoceros beetle spread, SB 1186 on creating a statewide interagency food systems coordination team and working group, SB 1250 on a Farm to Families program, SB 1303 on agricultural loans, SB 1395 on a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund, SB 504 on a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program, SB 1185 on reviewing and repealing obsolete agricultural laws, and SB 187 on funding permanent agricultural biosecurity positions. Most testimony on these measures was in support, with some suggested refinements: for SB 1186, a youth advisory seat and clearer performance benchmarks; for SB 1250, broader eligibility for food pantries, cold storage, and staffing support; for SB 1303, support for lower interest rates and expanded loan tools; for SB 1395, debate over the fund’s structure and revenue source; for SB 504, clearer eligibility for small and beginning farmers, cooperatives, and food hubs; and for SB 1185, interest in joining the working group but concern about overbroad deregulation. No roll-call votes were taken on the other measures in the excerpt, but the chair reported testimony counts on some bills, including 89 in support and none opposed for SB 1250, 13 in support and one opposed for SB 504, and 14 in support with one comment for SB 1395. SB 1303 and SB 187 also drew supportive testimony from the Department of Agriculture, farm groups, food banks, and industry organizations, with SB 187 emphasizing the need to make Act 231 biosecurity positions permanent and fully funded.

Transcript Highlights:

• A neighborhood, for example, is defined as Leilani Estates, not Ainaloa Estates or Hawaiian Beaches,
• Hawaiian Shores, and Hawaiian Parks.
• <00:30:31.360> beaches not of Al Estates or Hawaiian beaches not of Al Estates or Hawaiian
• beaches Hawaiian<00:30:32.200> Shores<00:30:32.559> and<00:30:32.720> Hawaiian<
• 00:30:33.159> Parks<00:30:33.919> we Hawaiian Shores and Hawaiian Parks we Hawaiian Shores

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things that the Alaska Hawaiian merger has added connectivity for people to come more
• Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Thank<02:55:47.040> you.
• Thank you very of Hawaiian Homelands.
• Uh, thanks to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and your, uh, leadership.
• <05:46:46.798> affairs certainly judiciary and Hawaiian affairs certainly judiciary and Hawaiian

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adults who had not completed high school or equivalent were 3.8 times more likely to smoke than Hawaiians
• <00:22:24.240> with<00:22:24.400> a<00:22:24.480> college smoke than Hawaiians
• with a college smoke than Hawaiians with a college degree.<00:22:25.120> So<00:22:25.520>
• 01:37.359> Woodward,<01:01:37.760> Office<01:01:38.000> of<01:01:38.160> Hawaiian
• McKenna Woodward, Office of Hawaiian McKenna Woodward, Office of Hawaiian Affairs<01:01:38.960><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian Insurers Council in opposition. Good morning. Testimony in opposition.
• ><00:16:10.440> got<00:16:10.560> that<00:16:10.680> wrong<00:16:10.839> Hawaiian
• comments oh I got that wrong Hawaiian comments oh I got that wrong Hawaiian insurers<00:16:11.720
• c> of Dodo Mortuary in of Dodo Mortuary in opposition<00:31:54.480> AARP<00:31:55.159> Hawaiian
• opposition AARP Hawaiian opposition AARP Hawaiian support<00:31:57.519> and<00:31:57.679>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just get on Hungry Hungry Hawaiian or Stolen Stuff and you'll be famous in seconds.
• Just get on Hungry Hungry Hawaiian or Stolen Stuff and you'll be famous in seconds.
• Just get on Hungry Hungry Hawaiian or Stolen Stuff and you'll be famous in seconds.
• Just get on Hungry Hungry Hawaiian or Stolen Stuff and you'll be famous in seconds.
• questioning which speaker you were on. questioning which speaker you were on.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker then asked what kind of services or support could come from the creation of something like
• The speaker added that the establishment of infant early childhood mental health specialists in early
• Seeing none, members, we do have written testimony and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
• <01:00:10.760> Affairs<01:00:11.760> uh from the office of Hawaiian Affairs uh from
• the office of Hawaiian Affairs uh members<01:00:12.240> any<01:00:12.400> questions<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Bills: SB161, SB195, SB216, SB245, SB246, SB257, SB258, SB260, SB278, SB281, SB283, SB93, SB98, SB99, SB306, SB314, SB315

Keywords: vehicle safety, crash test, crashworthiness, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, motor vehicle safety standards, 49 CFR parts 571 and 572, THOR dummy, THOR-50M, THOR-05F, WorldSID, female crash test dummy, male crash test dummy, occupant protection, frontal impact, side impact, vehicle ratings, automotive safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Madam Speaker.
• Yes, Madam Speaker.
• Yes, Madam Speaker.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing will hold a public hearing on House Bill 1088
• committee Senator kidani thank you your committee on<00:18:31.960> education<00:18:32.559> Hawaiian
• <00:18:32.960> Affairs<00:18:33.280> and on education Hawaiian Affairs and on education
• Hawaiian Affairs and Housing<00:18:33.919> will<00:18:34.080> hold<00:18:34.320> a<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 903, Senate Draft 2, House Draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs.
• draft<00:13:45.120> 2,<00:13:45.279> relating<00:13:45.600> to<00:13:45.760> Hawaiian
• draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs. draft 2, relating to Hawaiian affairs.
• back into conference on a number of bills on the 2 o'clock agenda, uh, between the Judiciary and Hawaiian
• Welcome to the reconvening of the conference committee between the House Judiciary and Hawaiian

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the land involved also holds cultural significance to the Native Hawaiians. Community.