Transcript Highlights:

• is treated the same as a food processor, which most of their emissions are from boiling a bunch of water
• This bill takes us a step in the direction of Bunch of water to generate steam.
• is treated the same as a food processor, which most of their emissions are from boiling a bunch of water
• This bill takes us a step in the direction of, bunch of water to generate steam.

Bills: HB2689 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB5877

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, if my air conditioner goes out, my dishwasher or something goes out, uh, hot water tank or
• > dishwasher or something goes out, uh, dishwasher or something goes out, uh, hot<01:03:02.079><c> water
• 02.960><c> or</c><01:03:03.200><c> anything</c><01:03:03.520><c> of</c><01:03:03.680><c> that</c> hot water
• tank or anything of that hot water tank or anything of that nature.<01:03:04.240><c> even</c><01:03:

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• need to create a broadcast studio to be able to have that capacity so that you can see our women's water
• that capacity so that you can see our that capacity so that you can see our women's<01:09:59.080><c> water
• c> games</c><01:10:00.080><c> and</c><01:10:00.240><c> our</c><01:10:00.360><c> soccer</c> women's water
• polo games and our soccer women's water polo games and our soccer games<01:10:01.280><c> and</c><01:

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It says, but uh, two ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, cane syrup, right? Corn.
• 37.760><c> ingredients</c><00:09:38.640><c> uh</c><00:09:38.880><c> carbonated</c><00:09:39.440><c> water
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; two ingredients uh carbonated water, &gt;&gt; two ingredients uh carbonated water, sugar

Bills: SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104 , SB57 , SB155 , HB39 , HB77 , HB104

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, state employees, payroll deduction, salary deduction, comptroller, membership association, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, deferred compensation, state payroll, employee benefits, association dues, withholding, Alabama Code 36-1-4.3

Transcript Highlights:

• sign-on letter which is growing over time, with support from the town of Hudson, the Hooksett Village Water
• 00:58:36.079><c> the</c><00:58:36.240><c> Hookset</c><00:58:36.799><c> Village</c><00:58:37.200><c> Water
• </c><00:58:38.079><c> uh</c> Hudson, the Hookset Village Water uh Hudson, the Hookset Village Water uh

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A one-time utility deposit, actual cost of up to $3,000 for each utility source: electric, water, or
• $3,000 for each utility<00:27:21.200><c> source,</c><00:27:21.840><c> electric,</c><00:27:22.320><c> water
• </c> utility source, electric, water, or gas. utility source, electric, water, or gas.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date. Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules. Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.

Transcript Highlights:

• to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test the constitutional waters
• to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test the constitutional waters
• to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test the constitutional waters
• to communicate that to you and would hope that it would not go forward to test the constitutional waters

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to actually get my bail revoked, and I'm sitting in jail for 21 days on a hunger strike, living on water
• hunger<00:08:32.719><c> strike</c><00:08:33.519><c> living</c><00:08:33.760><c> on</c><00:08:34.080><c> water
• </c><00:08:34.880><c> and</c> hunger strike living on water and hunger strike living on water and they're

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held a work session on HB 313, a bill dealing with non-public sessions and when a person discussed in such a session should be notified or allowed to request that the meeting be open. The chair opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and invited public comment before committee discussion. The main public testimony came from Phil Jaru, who described a personal dispute with local officials and said the bill should ensure people are notified when they are being discussed in closed session and can request an open meeting. He also argued for limits on non-public sessions, saying they should not be used for matters outside the board’s authority or for what he characterized as gossip, while also trying to avoid interfering with investigations. Committee members focused on the practical and legal problems with the proposal. Several members questioned whether a person should have a right to attend, to demand an open meeting, or simply to receive notice, and whether that right should apply before the meeting or only once the discussion begins. Members raised concerns about situations involving multiple people, children, victims, or other confidentiality interests, and whether a request to open the meeting could conflict when one person wants openness and another wants privacy. One member suggested the bill may be too broad and proposed narrowing it to simple advance notification, possibly by email, rather than an automatic right to open the meeting. The discussion also touched on existing law governing non-public sessions, including the narrow “reputation” exception and Supreme Court cases interpreting it. Members noted that the current statute already limits non-public discussion to the matters stated in the motion, and some suggested that if the concern is boards using non-public sessions for unrelated discussion, that issue may be better addressed by clarifying the existing statute rather than expanding the bill. No vote or final action was taken; the committee appeared to continue working through possible amendments and whether the bill should be narrowed to notification or a right to attend rather than a right to force the meeting open.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Waters, who are also here and have appreciated their willingness... and medicines.
• </c><00:57:00.799><c> John</c><00:57:01.040><c> Waters</c><00:57:01.839><c> who</c><00:57:02.079><c>
• John Waters who are also here and Mr.
• John Waters who are also here and<00:57:03.119><c> have</c><00:57:03.440><c> appreciated</c><00:57:04.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections four and six through nine: county commissioners, soil and water conservation district supervisors
• nine uh county commissioners,<01:13:13.600><c> soil</c><01:13:13.840><c> and</c><01:13:14.080><c> water
• </c> commissioners, soil and water commissioners, soil and water conservation<01:13:14.960><c> district

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, at what point, you know, and I say we, you know, food, water, shelter, right?
• </c><00:42:17.119><c> you</c><00:42:17.240><c> know</c><00:42:17.480><c> food</c><00:42:18.000><c> water
• </c><00:42:18.319><c> food</c> and I say we you know food water food and I say we you know food water

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• They needed two new city-owned water wells that allowed for the expansion of the business, ultimately
• two<01:03:20.160><c> new</c><01:03:20.400><c> city</c><01:03:20.839><c> owned</c><01:03:21.279><c> water
• c><01:03:21.559><c> wells</c><01:03:22.440><c> uh</c><01:03:22.599><c> that</c> two new city owned water
• wells uh that two new city owned water wells uh that allowed<01:03:23.119><c> for</c><01:03:23.240><

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, why don't we take a five-minute recess so we can go get some snacks and get some water.
• snacks</c><00:57:43.480><c> and</c><00:57:43.839><c> get</c><00:57:43.960><c> some</c><00:57:44.160><c> water
• </c><00:57:45.119><c> use</c> get some snacks and get some water use get some snacks and get some water

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• over to the existing location that they're at now, but you can see there's some leakage issues with water
• 00:50:38.880><c> leakage</c><00:50:39.359><c> issues</c><00:50:39.720><c> with</c><00:50:39.920><c> water
• </c> there's some leakage issues with water there's some leakage issues with water and<00:50:40.319><

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There are such things as water concerns, there are ocean concerns, there are air concerns.
• /c><00:47:42.400><c> such</c><00:47:42.720><c> things</c><00:47:43.119><c> as</c><00:47:44.040><c> water
• </c> about it there are such things as water about it there are such things as water concerns<00:47:45.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They look like a regular fuel truck or a regular water truck, and these look like regular tanks.
• It's supposed to be water unless you get up there and check it, which is hazardous to the troopers.
• And they look like a regular fuel truck or a regular water truck.
• It's supposed to be water unless you get up there and check it, which is hazardous to the troopers.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• on or damage critical infrastructure such as pipelines, utility lines, and substations, as well as water
• substations<00:03:44.879><c> as</c><00:03:45.040><c> well</c><00:03:45.239><c> as</c><00:03:45.439><c> water
• </c><00:03:45.799><c> and</c><00:03:45.959><c> sewer</c> substations as well as water and sewer substations
• as well as water and sewer lines<00:03:48.799><c> peace</c><00:03:49.200><c> officers</c><00:03:49.640

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and and water coming in from above. and and water coming in from above.
• Good morning, Senator Waters. Good morning, everyone. I'm Senator David Waters from District 4.
• And and of water bodies or on rivers.
• </c> we're on we're on brackets of salt water we're on we're on brackets of salt water and<01:04:43.120
• However, we did help Senator Waters with...

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:18:45.280><c> They</c> up, water leak, pole knockdown. They up, water leak, pole knockdown.
• >> The example just given a moment ago: flooding, where we've had flooding affect water mains, which
• , monitoring water flows, um you<04:32:29.920><c> know,</c><04:32:30.080><c> dealing</c><04:32:30.479
• </c> um it's constantly being beaten by water um it's constantly being beaten by water and<04:32:43.120
• , deliver a useful thermal load to water, deliver a useful thermal load to a<05:40:40.878><c> facility

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I represent Lower Bartlett Water Precinct and North Conway Water Precinct.
• I usually testify before Finance on water issues.
• </c> I represent Lower Bartlett Water I represent Lower Bartlett Water Precinct<00:41:08.560><c> and<
• Conway Water Precinct and North Conway Water Precinct.<00:41:10.480><c> They're</c><00:41:10.800><c>
• Uh but today, this these water issues.

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all