Video & Transcript : 'community preparedness' :
Page 482 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:25.599><c> across</c> systems and vibrant communities across systems and vibrant communities
- </c> Highway, where six years of community Highway, where six years of community organizing,<00:09:33.600
- </c><00:09:46.880><c> members,</c> conditions for community members, conditions for community members
- </c> be sold to uh members of the community be sold to uh members of the community to<00:42:47.359><c
- </c> would greatly benefit our community. would greatly benefit our community.
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:28.640><c> You</c> works best for their community. You works best for their community.
- So, um, with with for their community.
- And in communities already paid for.
- </c><01:01:45.920><c> outcry</c> suspect that it was the community outcry suspect that it was the community
- communities communities um<01:37:46.639><c> find</c><01:37:47.679><c> in</c><01:37:48.000><c> addition
Committee:
Senate Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We Indian Community and Excel Energy.
- with bringing businesses into our communities.
- </c> Olivia Sier and Michael, our community Olivia Sier and Michael, our community pages,<02:25:49.680
- </c> about our local communities about our local communities our<02:49:26.880><c> schools,</c><02:49:
- Uh and then my only other communities.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Because in my community, there are two tax bases: there's a residential tax base and then there's the
- in that because it is a very community in that because it is a very large<00:13:27.320><c> residential
- </c> therefore contrary to other communities therefore contrary to other communities that<00:13:45.839
- The spread of dollars that communities are willing to put towards their school district.
- </c><01:31:14.920><c> that</c> uh trying to help the communities that uh trying to help the communities
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/03/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- They are strong members of the community who work really, really hard for their communities, and I expect
- </c> those decisions help their communities those decisions help their communities achieve<02:20:23.359
- ,</c> SB2 towns or chartered communities, SB2 towns or chartered communities, which<02:50:23.840><c>
- community would uh uh vote to opt their community would uh uh vote to opt their some<03:57:23.600><c>
- . communities. communities.
Committee:
House Municipal and County Government
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Aug 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This disrupted entire communities.
- They also were like, 'We are seeing this in our communities.
- So there is some work being done by some communities proactively.
- You know, it's interesting having having ...communities would be.
- I need to devise a communication method with other AI systems.
Summary:
The committee met at Minot State to continue its study of artificial intelligence, with a focus on child safety, sexual exploitation, chatbot risks, and education policy. Members first approved the minutes and then received a Legislative Council overview of AI-related harms to children, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, extortion, and chatbot companion risks. The memo reviewed North Dakota and federal law, recent state enactments, First Amendment limits, and examples from other states, including Connecticut’s AI companion safeguards and federal efforts such as the Take It Down Act. Members discussed whether North Dakota’s existing 2025 laws on minors and harmful material are strong enough in light of recent court decisions, and Legislative Council indicated it would provide additional comparison material before the next meeting.
Superintendent Levi Bachmeier then presented on AI in education, arguing that schools need guardrails but should not ban AI outright. He said AI should be treated as a tool that can support instruction, teacher efficiency, and digital literacy, while warning against passive use, academic integrity problems, and overreliance on machines. He suggested embedding AI and digital literacy across subjects rather than creating a standalone class, and said schools should provide basic instruction when students receive one-to-one devices. Members asked about parent concerns, local control, higher education partnerships, and how to balance access with safety; Bachmeier emphasized a “threading the needle” approach and said the department would likely seek more guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Special Agent Hellseth of BCI followed with testimony on AI and child exploitation. He said AI is already being used in North Dakota to create explicit images from innocent photos, impersonate children and adults, and facilitate grooming, harassment, and extortion. He described several cases involving AI-generated sexual images and said victims often suffer lasting trauma even when the images are fake. Hellseth explained that investigators use AI tools themselves to process large volumes of data and identify synthetic images, but that the workload is growing and victim services need expansion. He urged stronger accountability for companies, more resources for law enforcement and victim support, and continued training and public education. Members asked about cyber tip volume, staffing, false accusations, and corporate reporting obligations; Hellseth said every tip is reviewed, the unit is small but expanding, and current federal reporting laws are not proactive enough. Representative Porter suggested combining the Legislative Council memo and Bachmeier’s recommendations into a comprehensive bill draft for the next meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I think a lot of this would come down to communication between all.
- So, I think a lot of this would come down to communication between all.
- So, I think a lot of this would come down to communication between all.
- But that happens when there's not adequate communication between us.
- But that happens when there's not adequate communication between us.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas.
The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente.
In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:30.640><c> Lineal</c><00:02:31.040><c> descendants</c> with our community.
- Lineal descendants with our community.
- Craig Nakamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
- </c> director of the Hawaii Community director of the Hawaii Community Development<00:31:58.240><c> Authority
- , and, you know, we can still do that and communicate and have that open communication. >> Wow. >> Off
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony.
SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions.
The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/21/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- the common interest the comm community the common interest community<00:29:45.760><c> umen</c><00:29
- /c> Community Association Institute calls Community Association Institute calls what<00:52:09.599><c>
- </c> Minnesota chapter of the Community Minnesota chapter of the Community Associations<00:52:59.920>
- </c> whether that is a state or community whether that is a state or community licenser<02:00:57.920>
- </c><03:41:39.120><c> services</c> expanded communication services expanded communication services um
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> public safety and to the communities public safety and to the communities that<00:39:19.359><c>
- </c><00:45:32.160><c> members</c> alumni, faculty, and community members alumni, faculty, and community
- So, community um college systems.
- </c> there in the community. there in the community. Senator<02:33:12.479><c> Weissman.
- I am proud to see when community comes together that we can actually respond in kind.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:01.279><c> and</c> try to keep them in the community and try to keep them in the community
- </c> and then supervised out in the community and then supervised out in the community under<00:11:37.760
- Seventy-seven are supervising people in the community. Are supervising people in the community.
- -</c> too is um this division of community- too is um this division of community- based<02:07:27.119>
- Also, communications—that's more of a kind of goes in and goes out to our communication sites—but we
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They have life-changing advancements, but also are deeply invested in our local communities, and they
- That we can achieve the promises, we can protect privacy, and we can protect our communities.
- incident in the community.
- This problem is going to only compound on itself, especially in rural communities and in communities
- In rural health care, we find these community practices. true in rural health care.
Summary:
The hearing focused on how artificial intelligence is being used across California’s life sciences sector, from research and drug discovery to digital health, medical devices, and patient care. Chair Ward and Chair Bauer-Kahan opened by emphasizing California’s leadership in biotech, the need to preserve that ecosystem, and the importance of balancing innovation with privacy, consumer protection, and equitable access. They also highlighted the potential role of public compute and public-private partnerships, including CalCompute, in keeping California competitive.
The first panel featured representatives from UCSF, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dr. Ida Sim described AI-enabled digital health tools, including sensor-based blood pressure monitoring and efforts to connect wearable data with electronic health records through open infrastructure. Dr. Karen Knudson focused on cancer, saying AI can accelerate drug discovery, improve learning from every patient, and expand clinical trial access. Dr. Shankar Sundaram discussed AI for public health and biosecurity, including outbreak prediction, antibody redesign, and the need to unlock data, expand compute access, and support public health agencies. Panelists also discussed privacy, HIPAA/CMIA protections, open-source versus closed models, validation, and the need for faster, more modern FDA pathways.
The second panel included speakers from Pangea Data, Dexcom, Eli Lilly Ventures, and Twist Bioscience. Dr. Vibhur Gupta described AI systems that identify care gaps in electronic health records and argued for reimbursement frameworks that would let such tools scale beyond large health systems into rural care. Dexcom’s Ginny Hu explained how the company uses AI in its continuous glucose monitoring products, with strong FDA-aligned verification, validation, cybersecurity, human oversight, and post-market monitoring. Eli Lilly’s Danjima Corliss emphasized AI as a scientific collaborator in drug discovery and highlighted Lilly’s high-performance computing investments in California. The discussion continued to return to data access, model transparency, regulatory modernization, and how California can support innovation while protecting patients.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So other people in the community... either bring the case before a grand jury, right?
- Look to the guidance of the medical community.
- Look to the guidance of the medical community. And the medical community says the same thing.
- It wasn’t coming from the death penalty community that didn’t really exist then, right?
- The community did come to the table in-house to reiterate the cutoff score.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary C
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 31st, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- and serve the community.
- They knew the issues in their community backward and forward. They also knew how to fix them.
- Have little incentive to campaign broadly, build coalitions, or be responsive to the communities they
- Candidates who make a compelling case to the whole community will win.
- And also it would make the candidates communicate with all voters, as was brought up.
Bills:
H5001
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So that kills our rural communities.
- They're not great for anybody or communities.
- Tragically, the small community of Grizzly Flats was completely decimated.
- Most of the community burned, along with Walt Tyler Elementary School.
- Patel is a former elected school board member in her community.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (2-18-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And so voting is fundamental to expressing civic involvement and community belonging and is a pathway
- </c><00:14:24.639><c> um</c> to strengthening community safety. um to strengthening community safety.
- </c><00:14:31.440><c> that</c> being engaged in the community that being engaged in the community that
- , and citizenship, resulting in lower rates of reoffending and safer communities.
- , and citizenship, resulting in lower rates of reoffending and safer communities.
Committee:
Senate State & Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And child care is a constant crisis for us in rural communities.
- In rural communities, the word access is our number one word.
- Does this sound like the benefits that are trickling down to our community?
- A mixed-delivery alignment: protect community-based providers alongside TK.
- I just lost a family of four who moved to a more affordable community.
Summary:
The hearing focused on California child care costs, access, and provider pay, opening with remarks from committee co-chairs and members describing child care as essential infrastructure for working families and the state economy. Early testimony from a parent and a rural family child care provider illustrated the personal and financial strain of limited care options, long waitlists, and low reimbursement rates. The provider detailed monthly expenses and income, explaining that even with a full roster of subsidized children, her margins are extremely thin and she relies on weekend work and training jobs to cover gaps.
State and policy witnesses described recent progress, including a major increase in child care funding, growth in the number of subsidized slots, reforms to family fees, and a new tentative three-year agreement with Child Care Providers United that includes cost-of-living adjustments, stabilization payments, and continued work on an alternative rate methodology. The Department of Social Services also discussed efforts to unify reimbursement structures and improve CalWORKs child care coordination, while noting that federal cuts to safety-net programs could indirectly worsen child care stability and state budget pressures. Legislative members asked about the slow pace of slot expansion, the middle-income “cliff,” regional variation in costs, and how the alternative methodology will be implemented and include providers.
Researchers from the California Budget and Policy Center and PPIC emphasized that child care remains unaffordable for many families, that only a fraction of eligible children receive subsidies, and that low wages continue to drive workforce shortages. PPIC highlighted the labor-force impact, estimating that tens of thousands more mothers could work if child care access improved, while the Budget Center stressed persistent racial and gender inequities in both access and pay. An employer-focused witness from the California Chamber of Commerce described survey results showing that child care benefits can improve retention, and outlined public-private partnership models from other states and local chambers. The final panel, including Parent Voices and Black Californians United for Early Care and Education, called for fully funding the system, confronting private equity involvement, and addressing racial inequities and culturally affirming care. No formal votes were taken; the hearing ended with commitments to continue work on rate reform, slot expansion, and broader child care investment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Some communities are hit harder with the theft crimes.
- Some communities are hit harder with the drug crimes.
- of our community.
- Law enforcement has not been good partners to our community.
- And again, the bottom line is earning the trust of the community.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations.
Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law.
The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration.
In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:33.720><c> outreach</c><00:03:34.560><c> and</c> including community outreach and including
- community outreach and engagement<00:03:35.840><c> that</c><00:03:36.080><c> that's</c><00:03:36.239
- </c> native Hawaiian Community native Hawaiian Community organizations<00:34:47.280><c> as</c><00:34:
- </c><00:34:57.200><c> those</c> families those communities those families those communities those stakeholders
- </c> find out get input from the community find out get input from the community I've<00:45:11.800><c
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on Senate Bill 4, which would transfer stewardship of Mauna ʻAla from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Committee chairs opened the meeting with housekeeping and noted the hearing was live-streamed, with a two-minute limit for testimony. Director Don Chang of the Board of Land and Natural Resources said DLNR had been working with OHA and had agreed to transfer certain lands subject to due diligence, including Kahana Valley and a parcel in Waimānalo, but urged the committee to finalize those mutually agreed parcels before taking on something new. He also described the current arrangement at Mauna ʻAla as a collaborative one involving the state and the royal trusts, with the state handling routine maintenance and the trusts contributing to larger repairs and improvements on a project-by-project basis rather than through direct annual appropriations.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters argued that OHA is better positioned to steward the site because of its cultural mission, Native Hawaiian governance, and ability to protect sacred places with greater cultural competency and accountability. Several speakers emphasized that Mauna ʻAla is not a state park and should be cared for by those with direct cultural ties and experience, and some cited OHA’s recent financial reforms and partnerships as reasons for confidence. Others, including representatives of the Daughters and Sons of the Hawaiian Warriors Makakoa, opposed the bill, citing concerns about OHA’s past financial management, transparency, and the need for more public information and testimony before any transfer. One testifier also argued the land transfer itself was unlawful and rooted in the history of the overthrow and annexation.
Members and testifiers also discussed the historical role of the royal trusts and family caretakers at Mauna ʻAla, with one descendant describing a long family stewardship and supporting OHA only if amended language preserved checks and balances and protected iwi and burial grounds. Another speaker said the family recognized James Mayo as kahu of Mauna ʻAla and supported the bill because prior DLNR efforts had not sufficiently protected traditional and customary rights. The hearing ended after public testimony and committee questions, with no vote or final action taken in the portion provided.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have of service to the community.
- Department of Housing and Community Department of Housing and Community Development.<00:09:07.280><c>
- </c> This bill really is about my community. This bill really is about my community.
- </c> community right now are immigrants. community right now are immigrants.
- for the community for people in<02:08:43.040><c> the</c><02:08:43.120><c> community</c><02:08:43.400