Video & Transcript : 'Securities Commission' :

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas Ethics Commission will now hold an executive session. 2025 at 9:07 a.m., the Texas Ethics Commission
  • So this rule just makes a clear statement from the commission that once the commission accepts jurisdiction
  • So this rule just makes a clear statement from the commission that once the commission accepts jurisdiction
  • And we received questions about it at the Sunset Commission, Sunset Advisory Commission hearing.
  • and doing as the commission wishes.
Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, yes, the Legislature voted to create the commission, but it's not a constitutional commission.
  • So, yes, the legislature voted to create the commission, but it's not a constitutional commission.
  • Commission? Yes or no? No.
  • You mean for the commission? No, he did not. That would have been the commission members.
  • to put it into a separate commission, then what was the purpose of the commission?
Summary: The Oklahoma State Election Board held a special meeting to address several candidate contests and related procedural matters. After roll call and opening remarks, counsel explained the hearing procedures, burden of proof, and possible outcomes. Several cases were noted as resolved or withdrawn, including Timmons v. Jones, Banning v. Sutterfield, and Roberts v. Gaw. In Ranson v. Riley, the board accepted constructive service after the respondent did not appear, heard that Riley was not a registered voter in the required district for the required period, and voted 3-0 to sustain the petition and strike him from the ballot, with costs assessed to the petitioner. The board then heard Hasenbach v. Pugh, a contest challenging Senator Adam Pugh’s candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction under the Oklahoma Constitution’s emoluments ineligibility clause. The petitioner argued that Pugh was a sitting legislator whose office’s salary and benefits had increased during his term, relying on stipulated facts, a compensation commission order, and prior case law. The respondent argued the salary increase came from an independent commission that expressly excluded current legislators and that benefit changes were automatic under a preexisting statute, so no qualifying increase applied to Pugh. The board resolved several procedural issues first, including striking a reply brief as beyond the original petition and admitting joint stipulations into the record. After a recess and executive session, the board returned to open session and voted 3-0 to deny the petition in Hasenbach v. Pugh, retaining Pugh as a candidate on the ballot and assessing costs to the petitioner. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the secretary and a unanimous vote to adjourn.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • So there was a vote cast 3 days after my appointment to back to the commission.
  • But what I will say conservation us on the commission.
  • and see what is needed on the commission.
  • And it gives the commission factors that are playing into it.
  • And it gives the commission that ability to evaluate all of it.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Feb 9th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It limits health care information collected by the Commission to Commission purposes only, including
  • It clarifies that confidential information obtained by the Commission must only be used for Commission
  • It limits health care information collected by the Commission to Commission purposes only, including
  • Clarifies that confidential information obtained by the Commission must only be used for Commission purposes
  • And finally authorizes a private right of action. by the commission must only be used for commission
Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session and considered seven measures, with staff briefing members on proposed amendments and substitutes. The main policy bills included Substitute Senate Bill 6066 on crash prevention zones, Senate Bill 6131 on the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission’s role in traffic safety and fatality review, Senate Bill 6311 on maintaining pedestrian passage during construction, Senate Bill 6230 on rounding cash transactions to eliminate pennies, Senate Bill 6032 on covering or cleaning towed vehicles with mud or debris, and Senate Bill 6335 revising the State Transportation Commission. The committee also considered Substitute Joint Memorial 8016, urging federal emergency treatment for the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement. Members discussed competing amendments on SB 6066, including proposals to clarify enforcement coordination, signage, penalty amounts, and the scope of local versus state crash prevention zones. On SB 6131, amendments were offered to either remove or narrow the Traffic Safety Commission’s public health authority designation, while another amendment added HIPAA-related definitions and confidentiality protections. For SB 6311, the substitute focused on continuous accessible pedestrian passage near hospitals, parks, and schools, with later clarifications on where the requirement applies, local feasibility standards, and liability limits. SB 6230’s amendments would have allowed exact-payment exceptions and permissive rounding authority, while SB 6032’s amendment would have required reusable covers if a driver chooses to cover a towed vehicle. The committee adopted or accepted substitutes and then advanced all seven measures with do-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. Senator King withdrew his SB 6066 substitute, SB 6131’s withdrawn amendments were replaced by adoption of amendment S-4874.1, and SB 6311’s substitute was withdrawn and then advanced in the revised form. SB 6230’s amendments were withdrawn after members noted a floor substitute was being worked on, and SB 6032’s amendment was set aside because the prime sponsor was absent. The meeting ended with thanks to committee staff and adjournment.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WTL Public Hearing 04-11-2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:47.120><c> the</c> COVID island Reserve Commission the COVID island Reserve Commission the
  • Michael again is our director, Reserve Commission, on behalf of the commission.
  • </c> Commission on behalf of the commission. Commission on behalf of the commission.
  • </c> Commission on Water Resource Management. Commission on Water Resource Management.
  • Recommendations adopted. system commission. Chair's system commission.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • He made that very clear in his first FWC commission meeting during the bear hunt.
  • He made that very clear in his first FWC commission meeting during the bear hunt.
  • and see what is needed on the commission.
  • No, we will still be bringing Silver Glen to a commission meeting.
Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.
OR

Oregon 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Convenes 06/17/2026 11:00 AM

Oregon Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Oregon Governor's Ethics Commission, Larry Givens; Health Evidence Review Commission, Maria Mimi McDonnell
  • Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Sarah Deleski, Oregon Transportation Commission, Donald Shanklin
  • and then on the City Commission.
  • Today, I cannot support the appointments for the Quality Education Commission.
  • ... ...to study this problem and tell us what the commission needs.
Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy. The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate. The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Goodwin for the Real Estate Commission.
  • He will serve the commission through 2031 if nominated and confirmed.
  • So, coming to the commission at the Public Utility Commission, it really has allowed me to...
  • And then it comes back to the PUC for the commission to also approve.
  • She had previously worked at the Commission as well.
Committee: Senate Nominations
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/26/25

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:06:54.520><c> make</c> work I have watched the commission make work I have watched the commission
  • </c><00:08:32.440><c> to</c> but now it is up to the commission to but now it is up to the commission
  • </c><00:09:23.880><c> I</c> that difficult work at the commission I that difficult work at the commission
  • </c><00:10:08.399><c> and</c> allow me to support the commission and allow me to support the commission
  • </c><00:18:56.280><c> expects</c> utilities that the commission expects utilities that the commission
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:37 am

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then going a little bit deeper on that, at the discretion of the commission, who makes up the commission
  • Senator, who makes up the commission, it's The member states make up the commission, and each state has
  • Of the Commission.
  • The commission. The commission. The commission. Where is New Mexico on this?
  • to the principal office of the commission is located or at the discretion of the commission of federal
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy Committee 3/24/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Francis, they believe that a simple mantra should not just apply to national security; it should be a
  • Francis, they believe that a simple mantra should not just apply to national security; it should be a
  • It's about creating environments where children feel secure enough to ask for help and confident that
  • > to special ed overseen by the blue to special ed overseen by the blue ribbon<00:34:31.760><c> commission
  • And right at the end ribbon commission.
Bills: HF751 , HF3550 , HF3764 , HF1490
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Nominations May 19th, 2025

Nominations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Goodwin for the Real Estate Commission.
  • He will serve the commission through 2031, if nominated and confirmed.
  • This commission is certainly of great importance.
  • So coming to the commission at the Public Utility Commission, it really has allowed me to, that's where
  • Thomas Gleason, Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Committee: Senate Nominations
Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs. Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers. The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> of the commission. of the commission.
  • ,</c> the brief two hours by the commission, the brief two hours by the commission, which<00:08:38.800
  • </c> bills and matters before the commission. bills and matters before the commission.
  • </c> the three issues before this commission the three issues before this commission and<00:12:26.560
  • </c><00:15:07.519><c> It</c> commission. Did this conduct occur? It commission.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on November 18, 2025, approved the October 14 minutes, and then took up five motions in ethics matters 24LEC3 and 24LEC6. Those motions included a renewed motion to dismiss and motion to quash by Representative Daniel Gberg, a renewed motion to compel/sanctions and continuance request by Mr. Jenkins, and competing motions in limine concerning evidence and redaction of deposition transcripts. Vice Chair Mike Schaw was appointed hearing officer for the motion practice, and the commission agreed to hear the motions one at a time in open session. Representative Chris Lily joined later by Zoom. Counsel for Representative Gberg argued the remaining allegations were minor, that the commission lacked key exculpatory materials such as an alleged LRC report, policies, procedures, and training materials, and that the record did not support the ethics charges. She also argued the case had been broadened by extraneous allegations and that the respondent had been unfairly prejudiced. Enforcement counsel responded that he had produced all materials in his possession, that any LRC materials were not in the commission’s custody, and that the commission’s probable-cause findings were based on sworn testimony and affidavits already in the record. He argued the motions to dismiss and for summary judgment should be denied because genuine issues of material fact remained and the commission had already found probable cause on three ethics violations. Commission members questioned both sides about the alleged LRC report and whether it was part of the commission’s record. The chair stated the commission had not relied on any LRC report and had not withheld anything, while another member emphasized that the proceeding concerned alleged violations of the ethics code, not LRC sexual-harassment policy. A commissioner also noted the unusual structure of the proceeding and questioned whether the complaints, taken as true, stated a basis for dismissal. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the standard for dismissal and summary judgment, with no final ruling on the motions captured in the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:17.640><c> the</c> legislative coordinating commission the legislative coordinating commission
  • </c><00:02:30.720><c> alternates</c> coordin meeting commission alternates coordin meeting commission
  • um but the joint offices and commission um but the joint offices and commissions<00:03:01.599><c> are
  • </c> from the leg legislative uh Commission from the leg legislative uh Commission on<00:03:47.760><c
  • Commission we're staffing that commission again in partnership with the Department of Revenue.
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance (02/10/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And just a refresher, RSA 5-B gives the Secretary of State and the Bureau of Securities the oversight
  • The Bureau of Securities has the oversight of pool risk organizations.
  • There is an enforcement action through the Bureau of Securities right now with a hearings officer dealing
  • </c><01:20:45.920><c> right</c> through the Bureau of Securities right through the Bureau of Securities
  • We have secured stop-loss reinsurance to protect ourselves during the rebuild period. that's added to
Committee: Senate Finance
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • who are joining us in person, virtually on the website, to today's public meeting of the Special Commission
  • The today's public meeting of the Special Commission on Zaduzi, which is hereby called to order.
  • This appendix will be completed by commission staff when that 24-hour period expires.
  • Commission staff did confirm that number in the original study.
  • I feel privileged to be able to work with you folks on this great commission report.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • year through the commission and my role in the commission, in this committee, through the things that
  • No, but you are ever hopeful, as is this commission.
  • So who is this commission? Where have we come from?
  • So who is this commission? Where have we come from?
  • on disabilities for which every town has a local commission on disabilities.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually to review and gather feedback on its annual report covering July 2024 through June 2025. The chair summarized the report’s main themes: five public meetings on employment data, benefit cliffs, developmental services priorities, health care, civil rights, and workforce stability; active work by the Disability Employment, Workforce Support, and new Long-Term Services and Supports/Health Equity subcommittees; and the second annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration with more than 300 participants. Commissioners praised the report and suggested improvements, including shortening it with an appendix, adding charts/graphs, including dates and raw data alongside percentages, and producing a more visual slide deck or presentation version after submission. Commissioners also discussed the need for clearer outcome-focused goals and strategic planning, especially given limited staff capacity. The chair responded that the annual report is a statutory requirement and that a separate strategic planning effort is underway through the executive board. She said the team would continue refining the report, incorporate feedback, and prepare both a text version and a more visual hard-copy version with photos and alternative text. The report was described as due to appointing authorities by October 30, and the commission planned to continue collaborating on presentation materials. Before adjourning, members briefly discussed the 2025 Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit, which was described as successful but still in need of funding for future years. The chair also previewed the commission’s first community event on November 4, a hybrid community listening session and resource fair, with about 170 registered participants and roughly 35 in-person organizations. The meeting ended with a motion and second to adjourn.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/25/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
  • </c><00:09:21.600><c> the</c> commission makes or the commission the commission makes or the commission
  • </c> been one of the best utility commissions been one of the best utility commissions in<00:09:40.160
  • </c> November and then the commission November and then the commission determined<00:25:32.960><c> that
  • One of the um commission.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Local Government Feb 18th, 2026 at 08:30 am

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Metropolitan commissions, one in Kansas City and one in St.
  • They usually charge the cities a fee to be part of their commission.
  • This bill also contains an updated list of the commissions.
  • The regional planning commission will tell them where that should go.
  • So as their needs shift, the planning commissions shift as well.
Keywords: 959, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HWN Public Hearing 03-06-2025

Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Archie Kppa, and I’m up for a commission seat for the Hawaiian Homes Commission, so a little
  • </c> and not just doing your commission and not just doing your commission meetings<00:10:12.959><c>
  • </c> Voyages will be around my commission Voyages will be around my commission meetings<00:13:26.000>
  • :27.000><c> will</c> meetings as my commission meetings will meetings as my commission meetings will
  • </c> this Commission this Commission my<00:15:00.040><c> PRI</c><00:15:00.440><c> is</c><00:15:00.600
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments. Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.