Transcript Highlights:

• :21:04.320><c> to</c><00:21:04.480><c> make</c><00:21:04.640><c> sure</c><00:21:04.720><c> that</c><00
• Um, and<00:21:10.799><c> we</c><00:21:11.039><c> appreciate</c><00:21:11.360><c> that</c><00:21:11.520
• c><00:21:13.200><c> some</c><00:21:13.360><c> of</c><00:21:13.520><c> this</c><00:21:13.679><c> issues
• <c> uh</c><00:21:16.720><c> by</c><00:21:17.039><c> making</c><00:21:17.280><c> sure</c><00:21:17.440
• </c><00:21:20.159><c> application</c><00:21:20.559><c> has</c><00:21:21.200><c> uh</c><00:21:21.280><

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• By law, 2022 Chapter 117, Chapter 12, and last 2024 Chapter 70, section, when we link to Department of
• Senate Bill 1167, an act amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, and Title 11, Chapter 2, Article 4,
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, and Section 38-11-21, and amending Title 41
• , Chapter 4, Article 1, and Section 48-1121-7104, relating to public safety employees.
• House Bill 2100, and act in Title 11, Chapter 6. Order 4. of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:21:00.640><c> So</c><00:21:00.799><c> that's</c><00:21:01.039><c> that's</c><00:21:01.360><c> why
• <c> in</c><00:21:08.159><c> the</c><00:21:08.480><c> first</c><00:21:08.799><c> 90</c><00:21:09.120><
• 00:21:14.159><c> then</c><00:21:14.799><c> is</c><00:21:16.159><c> the</c><00:21:16.400><c> initial</
• back</c><00:21:17.360><c> one</c><00:21:17.679><c> month,</c><00:21:18.799><c> but</c><00:21:19.120><
• That's chapter law. That's chapter 141, That's chapter law.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii<00:21:27.280><c> Department</c><00:21:27.600><c> of</c><00:21:27.680><c> Agriculture</c><00:21
• Uh<00:21:31.440><c> Office</c><00:21:31.640><c> of</c><00:21:31.720><c> Planning</c><00:21:32.000><c>
• We stand<00:21:44.640><c> on</c><00:21:44.880><c> our</c><00:21:45.040><c> written</c><00:21:45.360><
• :50.040><c> of</c><00:21:50.080><c> the</c><00:21:50.200><c> bill,</c><00:21:51.000><c> uh</c><00:21:
• 21:53.200><c> item</c><00:21:53.480><c> that</c><00:21:53.680><c> we</c><00:21:53.800><c> are</c><00:

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As is, under 21 years of age and actively enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program or a structured
• As<00:01:25.240><c> is</c><00:01:25.480><c> under</c><00:01:25.680><c> 21</c><00:01:26.040><c> years<
• of</c><00:01:26.320><c> age</c><00:01:26.560><c> and</c><00:01:26.680><c> actively</c> As is under 21
• years of age and actively As is under 21 years of age and actively enrolled<00:01:27.280><c> in</c><
• </c><00:04:41.880><c> 343</c> no significant impact under chapter 343 no significant impact under chapter

Bills: HB2592

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters. On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office. The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; So<00:21:05.360><c> so</c><00:21:05.600><c> no</c><00:21:06.480><c> past</c><00:21:07.360><c
• :24.559><c> guys</c><00:21:24.640><c> is</c><00:21:24.799><c> going</c><00:21:24.880><c> to</c><00:21
• ><c> me</c><00:21:31.840><c> off</c><00:21:32.480><c> we</c><00:21:32.720><c> always</c><00:21:32.960
• Uh,<00:21:41.039><c> let</c><00:21:41.280><c> me</c><00:21:41.440><c> get</c><00:21:41.679><c> back</
• c><00:21:41.919><c> to</c><00:21:42.080><c> you</c><00:21:42.240><c> on</c><00:21:42.400><c> this</c>

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> immediately</c><00:21:03.880><c> after</c><00:21:04.120><c> the</c><00:21:04.240><c> rule</c><00:
• <00:21:05.080><c> in</c><00:21:05.280><c> July</c><00:21:05.679><c> and</c><00:21:05.799><c> it</c><00
• ><00:21:07.799><c> a</c><00:21:08.000><c> contract</c><00:21:08.400><c> in</c><00:21:08.600><c> place
• get a contract in place so we just<00:21:10.200><c> had</c><00:21:10.480><c> our</c><00:21:10.840><c
• > one</c><00:21:42.679><c> of</c><00:21:42.799><c> the</c><00:21:42.960><c> reasons</c><00:21:43.400>

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and adopted the consent calendar without changes. It then took up several administrative rules, beginning with the Missing Adult Program and Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert Program rules (Item 144), which were adopted after the department explained the delay in implementation was due to staffing problems and COVID-related disruptions. The committee then reviewed the Pesticide Control Board’s aquatic pesticide application rules (Item 146), where staff raised a substantive concern that the rule did not clearly explain how the division would reconsider a special permit if treatment were postponed and adverse effects were likely. The agency agreed to consider revisions, and the item was postponed to the March meeting. The Board of Mental Health Practice item was also postponed to April with a waiver of the committee deadline, after OPLC requested more time for a conditional approval request; one member noted concern that the board was not meeting frequently enough. The Department of Revenue Administration’s business profits tax rule (Item 164) was postponed to March as well, after staff said the agency needed to incorporate supporting schedules into the rule text to address a legislative intent issue. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control rule was postponed at a member’s request so concerns about dates, requirements, and impacts on businesses could be reviewed against the statute, though the department noted it had already sought stakeholder input multiple times with no response. The committee then approved the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Women and Children rule (Item 236), which implements a program created in 2023. Staff noted the rulemaking was delayed for nearly two years and pointed out that dried herbs, herb plants, and pickled vegetables are excluded under the state plan; department staff said the delay stemmed from staffing changes and a lengthy contracting process. Members briefly discussed the program’s benefits and the exclusion of herb plants, but the rule was adopted. Finally, the Board of Natural Scientists item was postponed to March with a waiver so OPLC and the board could work on a conditional approval request, and the Board of Psychologists temporary license rule received a preliminary objection because a newly added emergency-practice provision had not been properly noticed for public comment. The committee adjourned after noting the Dental Board matter remained unresolved and was still expected back in April.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:21:04.240><c> particular</c><00:21:04.559><c> bill</c><00:21:04.799><c> will</c><00:21:05.039
• ><00:21:14.320><c> and</c><00:21:14.640><c> are</c><00:21:14.880><c> ready</c><00:21:15.039><c> to</c
• You<00:21:17.919><c> know,</c><00:21:18.080><c> as</c><00:21:18.240><c> we</c><00:21:18.480><c> think
• in<00:21:23.039><c> the</c><00:21:23.120><c> homeland</c><00:21:23.600><c> and</c><00:21:23.840><c>
• And<00:21:39.200><c> I</c><00:21:39.440><c> would</c><00:21:39.520><c> submit</c><00:21:39.840><c> to

Bills: HB517 , HB520 , HB233 , HB354 , HB517 , HB520 , HB233 , HB354

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response, contract locator

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> do</c><00:21:02.080><c> not</c><00:21:02.240><c> fall</c><00:21:02.480><c> in</c><00:21:02.640><
• And so I<00:21:08.320><c> I</c><00:21:08.640><c> wrote</c><00:21:08.799><c> that</c><00:21:09.120><c>
• so</c><00:21:09.280><c> that</c><00:21:09.440><c> I</c><00:21:09.600><c> could</c><00:21:09.760><c>
• say it the<00:21:10.320><c> way</c><00:21:10.400><c> I</c><00:21:10.640><c> thought</c><00:21:10.799>
• </c><00:21:11.440><c> And</c><00:21:11.679><c> so</c><00:21:12.240><c> um</c><00:21:12.960><c> uh</c>

Bills: SB249 , SB259 , HB67 , HB214 , SB249 , SB259 , HB67 , HB214

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: municipal tax, license fee, local tax increase, ordinance, public hearing, 30-day notice, municipal notice requirements, city council, town council, Alabama municipalities, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 11-45-2, open meetings website, newspaper publication, local government finance, tax transparency, fee increase, municipal ordinance procedure, University of South Alabama, Board of Trustees

Transcript Highlights:

• I haven’t looked at 21-1B, I’ve been looking at 21-1B-4. Correct, but 21-1B-4. Thank you.”
• [Speaker continues] “I’ve been looking at 21-1B. Correct, but 21-1B-4. Yes, is the record keeping.
• maintain records as required by 21-1B-4 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Lines 21 and 22 make that perfectly clear. So it is duplicative.
• It's largely codified by Code Section 21-5I-4.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Osowski was key and pivotal in raising the tobacco smoking age from 18 to 21 here in Arizona.
• By your vote of 21 ayes, 29 noes, you have failed to overturn the ruling of the chair.
• By your vote of 21 nays, 31 nays, 7 not voting, and one vacant, the motion has failed.
• By a vote of 21 ayes, 31 nays, 7 not voting, and one vacant, the motion has failed.
• Members, we have 21 bills on third read. Third reading of bills.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including Doctor of the Day Dr. Eric Osowski, State Farm visitors, Donate Life Day participants, and representatives from Ganado and Chinle Unified School Districts. The chamber also read proclamations honoring Ganado Unified for the ASBA Golden Bell Promise Program Award and Chinle Unified for multiple academic and cultural achievements, including national recognition for Chinle Elementary School and district leadership. The body then moved through committee and floor business, including consent for the Senate to adjourn, first and second readings of several bills, and a motion to reconsider HB 2429. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2093 was amended to restore mental health instruction while removing social emotional learning, HB 2229 advanced after debate over reproductive health and abortion-related provisions, HB 2429 and HB 2950 were amended and recommended do pass, and HB 4136 also advanced as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the measures to engrossing. The chamber then considered HB 4001, a bill regulating alternative nicotine products, with amendments and debate focused on licensing, enforcement, youth access, and whether to add a tax or education provisions; the bill was recommended do pass as amended. It also debated HB 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting municipal tax and fee increases and allowing increases tied to inflation or new water-source costs. Amendments offered by Democrats to redirect the measures toward affordability, housing, and health insurance claims were ruled out of order or defeated on roll-call votes, while the Olson substitute amendments prevailed. The House ultimately adopted the Committee of the Whole report, sending HB 4001, HB 4030, and HCR 2052 forward as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current law was 21%. So I capped the rate at 17%.
• The current law was 21%, so we actually reduced the top one down 4%.
• The top tier was 21%. That's going down to 17%. So in essence, we're... ...companies.
• And on the top level, bringing that down from 21 to 17 percent, current law is 21 percent.
• Bringing that down from 21 to 17 percent, current law is 21% on any loan over $7,000.

Bills: HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR143 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , SCR3 , SCR22 , SB4 , SB18 , SB66 , SB106 , SB201 , SB256 , SB274 , SB292 , SB326 , SB386 , SB406 , SB422 , SB423 , SB456 , SB475 , HCR3 , HB1 , HB3 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB345 , HB366 , HB383 , HB446 , HB473 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB836 , HB983 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1126 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB180 , HB192 , HB284 , HB476 , HB915 , HB952 , HB1006 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB750 , HB911 , HB977 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB151 , HB193 , HB310 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773

Keywords: commendation, leadership, energy sector, Shell USA, Louisiana pride, House Resolution 134, HR134, honorary resolution, Bob Lupo, Robert E. Smith Lupo, Lakeview, New Orleans, civic service, philanthropy, real estate development, Hurricane Katrina recovery, community service, charitable giving, public recognition, Louisiana House of Representatives

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:13.440><c> Um</c><00:21:13.840><c> it's</c><00:21:14.320><c> we</c><00:21:14.640><c> believe
• ><c> credit</c><00:21:49.200><c> per</c><00:21:49.600><c> year</c><00:21:49.840><c> for</c><00:21:50.080
• ><c> have</c><00:21:53.039><c> to</c><00:21:53.200><c> be</c><00:21:53.360><c> listed</c><00:21:54.480
• </c><01:21:31.920><c> for</c><01:21:32.239><c> use</c><01:21:32.880><c> and</c><01:21:33.120><c> and<
• </c><01:21:59.120><c> I'd</c><01:21:59.199><c> like</c><01:21:59.360><c> to</c><01:21:59.440><c> go</

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:21:14.480><c> thank</c><00:21:14.640><c> you</c><00:21:14.799><c> so</c><00:21:14.960><c> much
• </c><00:21:15.280><c> Um,</c><00:21:15.760><c> thank</c><00:21:15.919><c> you</c><00:21:16.000><c> for
• &gt;&gt; Um,<00:21:20.720><c> next</c><00:21:21.200><c> we</c><00:21:21.440><c> will</c><00:21:21.679
• </c><01:21:10.239><c> Um,</c><01:21:10.640><c> I</c><01:21:10.960><c> may</c><01:21:11.120><c> have</
• <01:21:32.080><c> now</c><01:21:32.239><c> or</c><01:21:32.480><c> in</c><01:21:32.560><c> a</c><01:21

Bills: HF3422 , HF3461 , HF2904

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:03.640><c> they</c><00:21:03.760><c> found</c><00:21:04.000><c> that</c><00:21:04.280><c> every</c
• ><c> a</c><00:21:07.720><c> way</c><00:21:07.880><c> to</c><00:21:08.360><c> reconcile</c><00:21:09.360
• :10.440><c> in</c><00:21:10.640><c> the</c><00:21:10.919><c> um</c><00:21:11.120><c> carrier</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:14.000><c> ask</c><00:21:14.200><c> you</c><00:21:14.320><c> to</c><00:21:15.120><c> um</c
• </c><01:21:10.960><c> room</c><01:21:11.960><c> but</c><01:21:12.239><c> at</c><01:21:12.400><c> at</

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism. Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments. Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• be pregnant, be homeless due to no fault... ...of the Commonwealth, have children under the age of 21
• for the shelter system must be a legal resident of the Commonwealth, have children under the age of 21
• So certain communities are already getting within their chapter 70, some form. ...are already getting
• Division 2: 21.
• While these needs are important, they're no less important than our overall Chapter 70 funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• in</c><00:21:12.000><c> the</c><00:21:12.159><c> first</c><00:21:12.400><c> two</c><00:21:12.600><c>
• 21:16.159><c> did</c><00:21:16.320><c> in</c><00:21:16.480><c> a</c><00:21:16.640><c> quarter</c><00:
• 00:21:17.320><c> year</c><00:21:17.799><c> prior</c><00:21:18.799><c> as</c><00:21:18.919><c> the</c>
• <00:21:19.159><c> rate</c><00:21:19.919><c> um</c><00:21:20.640><c> of</c><00:21:20.840><c> suicide</
• 245 and restart it delete that chapter 245 and restart it over<01:20:59.520><c> again</c><01:21:00.360

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200><c> to</c><00:21:00.440><c> tap</c><00:21:00.720><c> into</c><00:21:01.200><c> some</c><00:21
• :21:06.080><c> all</c><00:21:06.280><c> have</c><00:21:06.440><c> a</c><00:21:06.679><c> job</c><00:21
• ><c> play</c><00:21:08.200><c> in</c><00:21:08.360><c> that</c><00:21:08.520><c> and</c><00:21:08.640
• 21:14.120><c> hear</c><00:21:14.360><c> stories</c><00:21:14.960><c> from</c><00:21:15.320><c> two</c
• :21:56.880><c> of</c><00:21:57.480><c> uh</c><00:21:58.080><c> what</c><00:21:58.200><c> was</c><00:21

Transcript Highlights:

• :42.080><c> to</c><00:21:42.160><c> the</c><00:21:42.280><c> amount</c><00:21:42.560><c> of</c><00:21
• I'm<00:21:47.200><c> instructed</c><00:21:47.720><c> that</c><00:21:47.840><c> I</c><00:21:47.920><c>
• ><c> on</c><00:21:49.800><c> to</c><00:21:49.920><c> the</c><00:21:50.040><c> next</c><00:21:50.360><
• So,<00:21:51.760><c> this</c><00:21:51.960><c> is</c><00:21:52.080><c> just</c><00:21:52.280><c> the<
• </c><00:21:58.200><c> pile</c><00:21:58.480><c> on</c><00:21:58.560><c> to</c><00:21:58.640><c> that,

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:09.440><c> Good</c><00:21:09.679><c> morning,</c><00:21:10.080><c> Chair</c><00:21:10.400>
• </c><00:21:22.240><c> you</c><00:21:22.400><c> guys</c><00:21:22.559><c> for</c><00:21:22.880><c> for
• ><c> the</c><00:21:23.760><c> bill</c><00:21:24.000><c> and</c><00:21:24.240><c> for</c><00:21:24.400
• > to</c><00:21:25.200><c> testify</c><00:21:26.080><c> with</c><00:21:26.320><c> the</c><00:21:26.480
• I will<00:21:29.520><c> just</c><00:21:29.840><c> add</c><00:21:30.240><c> on</c><00:21:30.480><c> my

Bills: HB1881 , HB2218 , HB1956 , HB2151 , HB1845 , HB1844 , HB2103 , HB2424 , HB1650 , HB376 , HB2599 , HB1861

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.