Transcript Highlights:

• Joining them is their two directors, the directors of the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer
• Larry Nano and Tony Aliva are the directors of the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer Program
• Welcome to your Miss Hawaii.
• House</c><00:17:58.160><c> of</c> the Hawaii State House of the Hawaii State House of Representatives
• </c> executive director for city and county executive director for city and county of<00:18:20.480><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they shoot on county, they got to go to county office.
• We approve state permits with our Hawaii film office, and county approves their permits.
• county shoot on County they got to go to county office<00:52:31.000><c> if</c><00:52:31.079><c> they
• </c> our Hawaii film office and County our Hawaii film office and County approves<00:53:10.040><c> their
• Hawaii Farm Bureau thank you chair the Hawaii Farm Bureau thank you chair the Hawaii<01:09:39.159><c>

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the collecting from the counties and the ISKs.<01:14:11.440><c> for</c><01:14:11.679><c> Hawaii<
• Now, in Hawaii County, they tried to change that to $2,000 in annual revenue to be eligible as a farm
• Now, in Hawaii County, they tried to change that to $2,000 in annual revenue to be eligible as a farm
• What do officers do in the state of Hawaii in each of the counties in each of the state agencies?
• Hawaii in each of the counties in each Hawaii in each of the counties in each of<05:10:36.160><c> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm at the University of Hawaii Office of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures, testifying on behalf of
• I just want to add that we all know living in Hawaii how amazing it is to lie under a night sky, see
• Under the existing advisory committee that's set up by statute, the University of Hawaii is lead.
• </c> up by statute, the University of Hawaii up by statute, the University of Hawaii is<00:21:48.640>
• </c> 112, SD1, requesting the city and county 112, SD1, requesting the city and county of<00:22:23.200

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Center</c><00:01:10.720><c> also</c><00:01:10.960><c> in</c> Hawaii Home Ownership Center also in Hawaii
• </c> Democratic Party of Hawaii in support. Democratic Party of Hawaii in support.
• In recent years, Hawaii has taken important steps forward.
• In recent years, Hawaii has taken important steps forward.
• Uh inclusive for all Hawaii um people.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 666, the nomination of Rose Kea to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from business and community members, and Kea described her background as a real estate broker, small business owner, and nonprofit volunteer leader, saying her experience with workplace equity and women-owned businesses would help the commission. Senators questioned her about the connection between her background and the commission’s work, and about how she would respond to current threats to women’s rights; she said the commission should serve as a unifying and leading force for gender equity. The committee later voted to advise and consent, with the chair’s recommendation adopted. The committee also considered SCR 128 and SR 107, which sought information on state lands leased to the federal government. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the resolutions as drafted, saying the AG does not maintain the lease inventory and that the request should instead go to the agencies that manage the land, such as DLNR, DOE, and DOT. The committee amended the measures to ask the AG to determine whether there are constitutional or other legal impediments to continued leasing or new leases, including whether nominal lease amounts violate law, and then passed both with amendments. Next, the committee took up STR 153 and SR 123, which request the County of Maui to complete the transfer of the Hoie roads, including Hoie Road F, to resolve jurisdictional ambiguities. The judiciary administrator testified in support, and the measures were passed, with the committee adopting the chair’s recommendation. Finally, the committee heard STR 179 and SR 149 on reviewing the Hawaii Revised Statutes for gender-neutral language. The LGBTQ+ Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women supported the effort, though the women’s commission asked for more time and a set date to dissolve the work group. The committee amended the resolutions to assign the review to the Legislative Reference Bureau, with consultation from the LGBTQ+ Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, civil rights experts, and law-related organizations, and set interim and final reporting deadlines before passing the measures with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ted Anderson in Hawaii in support.
• </c> Maui County Farm Bureau in support. Maui County Farm Bureau in support.
• </c> really fits what the children of Hawaii really fits what the children of Hawaii need<00:34:37.399
• </c> working within the University of Hawaii working within the University of Hawaii system.<01:04:38.120
• <01:09:07.359><c> and</c><01:09:07.799><c> uh</c> Hawaii and uh Hawaii and uh I<01:09:08.480><c> needed

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yikes. detections on Hawaii Island and Maui. detections on Hawaii Island and Maui.
• </c> Hawaii water resources research center. Hawaii water resources research center.
• </c> of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Center. of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Center.
• ><c> Resources</c> University of Hawaii Water Resources University of Hawaii Water Resources Research
• </c><00:47:06.480><c> Green</c> Um, Celeste Connors with Hawaii Green Um, Celeste Connors with Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended. The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended. After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh water resources in Hawaii. uh water resources in Hawaii.
• Thank you. of Hawaii. of Hawaii.
• </c> all of Hawaii. all of Hawaii.
• </c> on Maui and throughout Hawaii. on Maui and throughout Hawaii.
• </c> The county didn't know. The county didn't know.

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 640 for Juanita Rio Colón to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Public testimony and the nominee’s remarks strongly emphasized her water-system management background, Native Hawaiian stewardship values, and representation for Molokai. Committee members praised her qualifications and neighbor-island perspective, and also discussed broader concerns about reforming the Water Commission, including a separate bill to create a more independent authority and reduce politics in water decisions. Colón said she supported the restructuring effort and would serve with integrity and attention to constitutional water rights and climate resilience. The committee then heard GM 639 for Moses Haia III to the same commission. DLNR and OHA testified, and Haia described his long legal career, prior work on the Waihole contested case, and experience with Native Hawaiian rights and water law. Members asked about his ability to serve impartially given his advocacy background; Haia acknowledged that some may perceive a conflict from his prior work but said he did not believe it was a reasonable conflict and would follow the law and balance competing interests. The discussion again returned to the proposed Water Commission restructuring, which Haia said he supported as a way to provide independence and balance. Next, the committee considered GM 649 for Gilbert Coloma to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. DLNR and other testifiers explained that this was a new interstate commission created under the 2024 act, with Hawaii joining six U.S. states to address fisheries issues across state boundaries. Coloma, a commercial fisher from Hilo, said he brought more than 40 years of industry, cultural, and traditional experience and would represent Hawaii’s fishing communities. Members asked about the commission’s structure, meeting rotation, and funding, and were told the state covers dues through special funds. The committee also briefly took up GM 692 for Riley Smith’s reappointment to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported him, while Sierra Club Hui raised concerns about prior decisions affecting Native Hawaiian rights and public trust resources. Smith said he supported more residential uses in East Kapolei if the necessary planning and environmental review changes were made, and he began responding to questions about prior BLNR litigation before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your citizens in Hawaii elect you.
• Your citizens in Hawaii elect you.
• I'm Mark White from Wailuku, Hawaii.
• </c><00:16:45.240><c> and</c> proud resident of Hawaii and proud resident of Hawaii and conventional<
• The county to serve as members, so you would welcome the county as well. Well, okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided. Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states. Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:59.199><c> to</c> celebration for everyone in Hawaii to celebration for everyone in Hawaii
• Um, the Hawaii Labor, uh, Dwight Takam? The intern chair for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board.
• </c> takam the intern chair for the Hawaii takam the intern chair for the Hawaii Labor<00:37:50.760><
• </c><00:47:41.359><c> state</c> 1440 um specifically the Hawaii state 1440 um specifically the Hawaii
• </c><00:47:53.400><c> state</c> uh but the reality at Hawaii state uh but the reality at Hawaii state

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology, Transportation, and Culture and the Arts heard testimony on Senate Bill 396 and Senate Bill 47, then later the Labor and Technology committee took up Senate Bill 136 and Senate Bill 1523. SB 396 drew support from the Metropolitan Planning Organization and others, with a question raised about implementation costs; the director said costs would depend on the scope of the benefit package and the transportation mode involved. The committees recommended passing SB 396 with technical amendments and added appropriation language with a blank amount, and the motion was adopted by recorded votes in both committees. SB 47, which would designate the Lunar New Year as a state holiday, received support from the Office of Collective Bargaining and several individuals, including Charlene Chun, who spoke about family traditions and cultural recognition. Members asked about the cost and whether the day would be a paid day off for state employees; the response was that observance would be subject to collective bargaining. The committees moved SB 47 forward with amendments, noting the collective bargaining and cost issues, and adopted the recommendation by vote. In the Labor and Technology committee, SB 136 on the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund drew strong support from iron workers and related supporters, who argued the bill was about safety, training, and keeping dismantling work within the ironworkers’ trade. Several other unions, including operating engineers, carpenters, laborers, and plumbers and fitters, opposed the bill as too broad and potentially infringing on their jurisdiction. The measure was not decided in the portion provided, but members discussed possible amendments and jurisdictional concerns. SB 1523, which would expand private-sector collective bargaining rights under the Hawaii Employment Relations Act to include independent contractors and others under NLRB jurisdiction, received broad labor support, including from IATSE, AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Unite Here Local 5, and many individual testifiers. Supporters framed it as protecting workers’ rights and strengthening labor protections, while the Hawaii Labor Relations Board warned it could significantly increase workload and require more staffing, space, and operating resources; the board estimated the bill could expand its caseload substantially and suggested an appropriation would likely be needed. The committee then moved on to the next measure, SB 1440, before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Neil Tanaka, planned examining manager, County of Hawaii.
• Hawaii County, I minutes for questions.
• Uh we works here at County of Hawaii.
• Kauaii County and Hawaii County and especially for... here. Um Mr. here. Um Mr. Lang.
• </c><03:14:10.000><c> County</c> plan application fee like Hawaii County plan application fee like Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda. The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning. Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:36.120><c> Pacific</c> and U uh West Wahu Hawaii Pacific and U uh West Wahu Hawaii Pacific
• </c><05:40:37.040><c> Island</c> the eastern half of Hawaii Island the eastern half of Hawaii Island
• So for the County of Hawaii, we account for about 70% of all acute care discharges and about 81% of all
• The County of Hawaii accounts for about 70% of all acute care discharges and about 81% of all emergency
• Hawaii West Hawaii and comprised of East Hawaii West Hawaii and Kawai<05:46:44.798><c> region</c><05

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have Hawaii YBI in support, Hawaii Apple Seed offering comments, and then we have Grassroots
• </c><00:55:23.680><c> of</c><00:55:23.880><c> Hawaii</c> next we have the county of Hawaii next we have
• the county of Hawaii mayor's<00:55:24.799><c> office</c><00:55:25.680><c> offering</c><00:55:26.119>
• </c><00:55:31.079><c> Hawaii</c><00:55:31.520><c> County</c><00:55:31.920><c> County</c> support Hawaii
• Hawaii County County support Hawaii Hawaii County County council<00:55:33.039><c> person</c><00:55:33.359

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education met on January 30 and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with an announcement asking testifiers and members to keep remarks brief because of weather. The vice chair also explained that HB 440, relating to immigration issues in schools and state hospitals, was removed from the agenda because the proposal would not create meaningful legal protections and immigration policy is governed by federal law. The committee then moved through a series of education-related measures, with testimony largely from the Department of Education, the School Facilities Authority, the Attorney General’s office, unions, advocacy groups, and individual testifiers. On HB 330, concerning school impact fees, the School Facilities Authority supported the bill as aligning policy with implementation, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the fee accounts have accumulated large balances, including more than $20 million in impact fee funds and nearly $9 million from predecessor fair-share contributions, and urged that collected money be used rather than left idle. DOE said it would follow up on the balance and why it was not being used. On HB 1188, dealing with workforce housing, DOE and the Charter School Commission offered comments or support, the Attorney General suggested clarifying the phrase “within commuting distance” by using a mileage standard and adding repayment language, and HSTA, HGEA, and others supported the bill, with HSTA saying teachers need housing to be able to live and work in Hawaii. On HB 624 and HB 625, both related to school psychologists, DOE said it would participate in a work group on the pathway bill and supported the incentive program bill; school psychologists and related groups supported the measures, while one testifier said DOE should not lead the work group alone because school psychologists may work in many education settings beyond DOE schools. The committee also heard HB 1314 on youth mental health in schools. DOE described its student support process, universal screening tools, and behavioral health services, saying schools already identify and respond to concerns and that staff are trained to report issues, while the Attorney General warned the bill could expose schools to liability and recommended a broad liability waiver. Testimony was mixed, with several supporters and one opponent. On HB 616, concerning school safety and harassment protections for educational workers, the Attorney General sought clarifying amendments on harassment definitions, temporary restraining order costs, and paid leave, while HSTA, HGEA, and individual teachers strongly supported the bill, describing harassment incidents and arguing for a standardized statewide response. DOE said it already has reporting pathways, visitor codes of conduct, trespass notices, and an ethics hotline, but acknowledged implementation varies by school and that staff can escalate concerns if needed. The committee also began hearing HB 88 on a three-year pilot program for athletic travel, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s testimony is completed or any votes are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how about the counties? Are you working with the counties? Yes, absolutely.
• The rest is all county.
• And how about the counties? Are Gotcha. And how about the counties?
• Uh, I think our role as the Hawaii Youth Transportation County Council is definitely to hold them accountable
• County County County Council<01:35:05.920><c> is</c><01:35:06.320><c> definitely</c><01:35:06.800><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• The resolutions are described as encouraging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association
• We will uh the Hawaii Catelan's Council.
• </c> or county contracts? or county contracts?
• Hawaii.
• This is our uh Hawaii Hey, welcome.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii. Uh, Mr. Miamoto, would you like Hawaii. Uh, Mr.
• Also in support, Patrick of Hawaii.
• I hope I back to work in Hawaii.
• </c> Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Hawaii Workforce Development Council.
• Hawaii in support. Anyone else on GM671? Hawaii in support. Anyone else on GM671?

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will start with Hawaii County. >> Hi, Aaron Spielman.
• County. County.
• Hawaii Utilities Commission. I'm alone, Hawaii Utilities Commission.
• Representative Neil Tanako from the County of Hawaii. I'm alone. >> Sorry, it's Denise Makishi.
• Puma, Hawaii County. Hello. >> Shannon Madison, Hawaii County.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items. The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting. The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for Children in Hawaii. for Children in Hawaii.
• Hawaii Immigrant Support.
• </c> Hawaii in support. Hawaii in support.
• </c> AARP Hawaii in support. AARP Hawaii in support.
• </c> Hawaii Realtors in support? Hawaii Realtors in support?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh, Hawaii Kawaii County Council excuse. Uh, Hawaii Kawaii County Council excuse.
• </c><03:30:19.359><c> County</c> moving on to council Hawaii County moving on to council Hawaii County
• >> I am Hawaii County Council. >> Hawaii County Council in opposition.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I am Hawaii County Council. &gt;&gt; I am Hawaii County Council.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Hawaii County Council in opposition. &gt;&gt; Hawaii County Council in opposition.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:39.480><c> opposition</c> Association uh Sherm Hawaii opposition Association uh Sherm Hawaii
• </c><00:12:46.600><c> children's</c> local 1357 in support Hawaii children's local 1357 in support Hawaii
• compensation</c> Hawaii Hawaii workers comp compensation Hawaii Hawaii workers comp compensation law<
• Seeing none, members, we do have written testimony from the County of Maui, with comments, and Hawaii
• Seeing none, members, we do have written testimony from the County of Maui, with comments, and Hawaii

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all