Transcript Highlights:

• You're not gonna take a vacation out to Hawaii. No, sir. We don't do that. Thank you, sir.
• Because as a condition of bond, they are allowed to be, you know, on bond or be released. least subject
• After a case called Irsan, a deputy that was murdered in in Harris County by two individuals on bond
• That are on bond that are on some form of an ankle monitor and we all see this. you know, he's going
• below bonds personal bonds that go back out continue to re-offend and be shocked at some of the numbers

Bills: SB330 , SB663 , SB1020 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1896 , SB2111 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2797 , SB2798 , SB2371

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:15.679><c> Hawaii</c> Association of Hawaii in support.
• Hawaii Association of Hawaii in support.
• Hawaii Nurse Hawaii Section in support.
• </c><00:18:41.760><c> Hawaii</c> Association Local 15 support, Hawaii Association Local 15 support, Hawaii
• </c><00:30:12.960><c> attending</c><00:30:13.360><c> Hawaii</c> students from Hawaii attending Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax Foundation Hawaii.
• </c><00:19:53.400><c> for</c> Hawaii or traveling to Hawaii for Hawaii or traveling to Hawaii for Education
• <00:32:50.519><c> in</c> Hawaii in Hawaii in Zoom<00:32:53.000><c> Tom</c><00:32:53.519><c> thank</c>
• </c> chair uh Lauren zbo on behalf of Hawaii chair uh Lauren zbo on behalf of Hawaii food<00:33:20.440
• </c><00:33:35.000><c> is</c> on groceries um as you know Hawaii is on groceries um as you know Hawaii

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is David Foundation of Hawaii.
• Hawaii Food Industry Association in support. Hawaii Farm Bureau in support.
• Hawaii and East<00:25:26.480><c> Hawaii</c><00:25:27.480><c> okay</c><00:25:28.000><c> well</c><00:25
• c><00:27:39.039><c> and</c> support next is Hawaii Farm Bureau and support next is Hawaii Farm Bureau
• My name is Kika Kapo with Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network.

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000. The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing. Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of CARES in strong support of the Hawaii of CARES in strong support of the Hawaii Tourism<00:01:
• ><c> with</c><00:02:16.000><c> such</c> Hawaii, they're greeted with such Hawaii, they're greeted with
• </c><00:05:01.759><c> to</c> opportunity for the state of Hawaii to opportunity for the state of Hawaii
• </c> we're able to ramp up sales um in Hawaii we're able to ramp up sales um in Hawaii and<00:05:44.560
• </c> job opportunities, and position Hawaii job opportunities, and position Hawaii as<00:15:50.320><c

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions. Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused. Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products. The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:05.519><c> thank</c> Hawaii thank Hawaii thank you<00:16:08.000><c> Hawaii</c><00:16:09.000><c
• In Hawaii, we tax every penny.
• In Hawaii, we tax every penny.
• In Hawaii, we tax every penny.
• on</c><01:32:24.199><c> our</c> Hawaii Excel Hawaii depend on our Hawaii Excel Hawaii depend on our written

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii in support. Hawaii Medical Association. Dr.
• </c> Party of Hawaii. Abby Simmons on Zoom. Party of Hawaii. Abby Simmons on Zoom.
• in support Hawaii State Party of Hawaii in support Hawaii State LGBTQ<00:09:10.320><c> plus</c><00:09
• </c> Hawaii Medical Association support. Hawaii Medical Association support.
• </c> Hawaii Food and Policy, in support. Hawaii Food and Policy, in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii. Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii.
• Hawaii Women's Caucus, the Hawaii Tax Fairness Coalition, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, opposition
• to Hawaii is.
• of Hawaii, County of Honolulu, Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians, Lupono, Get Fit Hawaii, Maui Food
• </c> own people here in Hawaii. own people here in Hawaii.

Bills: HB2488 , HB2456

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:51.800><c> state</c> charity Hawai in support Hawaii state charity Hawai in support Hawaii
• </c> hb250 but moving on um next up Hawaii hb250 but moving on um next up Hawaii Academy<00:10:52.760
• /c><00:15:36.880><c> Hawaii</c> Association and support H Hawaii Association and support H Hawaii substance
• Hawaii Primary Care Association, in support. And that's Eric Ab, Hawaii Apple Seed, in support.
• Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, in support. Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii, in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a long calendar of health-related measures, beginning with SB 297, a proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom. Supporters included medical, labor, and advocacy groups, while opponents, including Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Christian Coalition, argued the term “reproductive freedom” was too vague and could be misunderstood. Testimony on SB 350, a similar constitutional amendment protecting contraception, also drew strong support from medical and advocacy groups and opposition from religious organizations; one witness said the measure was especially important to protect reproductive care and contraception. Several bills focused on health system administration and public health. SB 1438 on home care agencies, SB 1439 on nuisances, SB 1441 on transferring the AAHU regional health care system to the Department of Health, SB 1442 on children’s mental health services, SB 1443 on the Department of Health, SB 1444 on general excise tax, and SB 1445 on youth mental health all received mostly supportive testimony from state agencies and community organizations. On SB 1445, the Hawaii State LGBTQ Commission asked that LGBTQI+ and Native Hawaiian youth be specifically considered in mental health services. SB 1450, creating an intensive mobile team pilot for houseless individuals with serious brain disorders, drew support from state agencies and providers; a street medicine advocate said the pilot could help address sustainability, insurance, and service delivery on the streets. The committee also heard testimony on access and workforce measures, including SB 1596 on nursing, SB 1565 on acupuncture, SB 1564 on Medicaid, SB 1418 for an emergency DHS appropriation, SB 1417 on crimes against protective services workers, SB 1411 on Medicaid third-party liability, SB 1399 on a family resilience pilot program, SB 1398 on trauma-informed care, SB 1281 on telehealth, and SB 1279 on telepharmacy. Most of these measures drew broad support from agencies, provider groups, and advocacy organizations. On SB 1281, HMSA opposed the bill as written, warning about audio-only telehealth and federal rule changes, while other health groups supported it as important for rural, kupuna, and disabled residents. On SB 1417, a Honolulu Police Department captain supported stronger protections for DHS workers but could not provide complaint data and said he would follow up later. The hearing ended with the chair noting quorum and asking whether the committee was ready for decision making; no votes or final actions were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• — $200,000 Family Promise of Hawaii — $459,000 Five Mountains Hawaii — $560,250 Feed Hawaii — $227,000
• </c> Catholic Charities Hawaii, 300,000. Catholic Charities Hawaii, 300,000.
• ><c> Hawaii</c><00:16:51.440><c> 227,000</c> Feed Hawaii 227,000 Feed Hawaii 227,000 Feeding<00:16:53.440
• Hawaii Literacy, 350,000. Hawaii Meals on Wheels, 450,000. Hawaii Public Radio, 500,000.
• Weed and Seed Hawaii, 100,000. >> West Hawaii Community Health Center, 1.4 million.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million to support Hawaii nonprofits facing uncertainty, including organizations affected by federal funding disruptions. The chair and Senate co-chair thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, legislative leadership, and House and Senate members for helping craft the measure and review the needs statewide. They noted the process drew more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million, showing demand far exceeded available funds, and encouraged unsuccessful applicants to apply again through the regular grant-and-aid process in January. The Senate co-chair explained that the committee prioritized organizations serving healthcare, human services, education, the arts, food distribution, and at-risk populations, especially amid concerns about SNAP, WIC, federal employees, and possible future disruptions. The co-chair then read a long list of recommended awardees and funding amounts, including major allocations to groups such as Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, Child and Family Service, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Hawaii Food Bank, The Food Basket, West Hawaii Community Health Center, and several YWCA and YMCA organizations, among many others. After the awards list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the list of nonprofit awards was adopted, and the informational briefing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Hawaii.
• in Hawaii.
• in Hawaii.
• The Hawaii Kiki Museum is a hands-on learning center in West Hawaii.
• Hawaii. Hawaii.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk. Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience. Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Girl Scouts of Hawaii. leaving tens of thousands of Hawaii leaving tens of thousands of Hawaii
• </c> and Navy Hawaii. and Navy Hawaii. &gt;&gt; All<01:52:04.719><c> right.
• The Hawaii Kiki Museum is a hands-on learning center in West Hawaii.
• We are a program of Hawaii International Child Serving Hawaii since 1975.
• Teach for America Hawaii. &gt;&gt; Thank you. Teach for America Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing focused on Act 310 grants and aid, with committee members hearing one-minute testimony from organizations first in person and then by Zoom. At the outset, the chairs explained there would be no Q&A during the briefing and asked testifiers to focus on how federal cuts were affecting their work. The meeting was organized by registration number and included both neighbor island and Oʻahu applicants. Testimony centered on organizations seeking state support to offset federal funding losses or anticipated reductions. Health and social service providers described impacts from Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidy, Title X, and other federal changes, including Aloha Care, Community Clinic of Maui, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaiʻi, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Other groups highlighted losses affecting food security, housing, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, including the Kohala Center, Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Dynamic Community Solutions, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Several arts, youth, and education organizations also testified, including Hawaiʻi Literacy, Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi, and US Vets, each requesting funding to preserve programs and staffing. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing. The only action was procedural: the chairs moved through the applicant list, limited testimony time, and then transitioned from neighbor island in-person testimony to Oʻahu and later Zoom participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> islands, Hawaii party. islands, Hawaii party.
• Hawaii for allowing me to speak. Hawaii for allowing me to speak.
• Hawaii Health, Hawaii &gt;&gt; No. No overreach.
• </c> Hawaii, providing comments. Hawaii, providing comments.
• Next up, Hawaii Tax Foundation of Hawaii providing comments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Institute of Hawaii, in support; Hawaii Human Services, in support.
• Hawaii Dental Association support. Hawaii Pacific Health support.
• Hawaii Dental Association in support. Hawaii Pacific Health in support.
• Hawaii Dental Association in support. Hawaii Pacific Health in support.
• Hawaii Dental Association in support. Hawaii Pacific Health in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii<00:10:05.000><c> Lieutenant</c><00:10:05.600><c> General</c><00:10:06.079><c> Laura</c> Hawaii
• </c><00:17:26.760><c> is</c> state of Hawaii is state of Hawaii is strong<00:17:28.919><c> now</c><00
• </c> privileged to serve the people of Hawaii privileged to serve the people of Hawaii and<00:17:57.240
• </c> so that families can all live in Hawaii so that families can all live in Hawaii for<00:21:01.120
• </c> million for the University of Hawaii million for the University of Hawaii West<00:23:48.799><c>

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Nurses Association in support. The Democratic Party of Hawaii in support.
• Indivisible Hawaii in support. Hi Hawaii Public Health Institute in support.
• Hawaii State AFL-CIO in support. Um, SHRM Hawaii with comments.
• Indivisible Hawaii in in support.
• Hi Hawaii Public Health support.

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and confirmation to the Hawaii and confirmation to the Hawaii Retirement<00:01:20.080><c> Savings
• </c> Hawaii Ports Maritime Council. Okay. Hawaii Ports Maritime Council. Okay.
• Hawaii Les also in support. Randy Swindell of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council also in support.
• </c><00:14:44.320><c> Hawaii</c> Center in support. Hawaii Center in support.
• </c><00:18:24.880><c> No</c> Hawaii. Okay, thank you very much. No Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Retail Merchants of Hawaii not present. [Music] Hawaii not present.
• Thank you. 350 Hawaii in support. Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association in support.
• And we have 350 Hawaii in support. Hawaii Electric Vehicle Association in support.
• Hawaii Energy Now present in support. emissions in Hawaii and this is one emissions in Hawaii and this
• Climate Protectors Hawaii in support. Ted Bowlan, Climate Protectors Hawaii.

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hola Mua, Hawaii Public Health Institute. Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. DGS.
• ,</c> controller for the state of Hawaii, controller for the state of Hawaii, Department<00:22:40.480
• </c> Re-imagining public safety in Hawaii Re-imagining public safety in Hawaii Coalition.
• </c> Hawaii Oral Health Coalition.
• <00:28:20.320><c> Dental</c> Hawaii Dental Hawaii Dental Service,<00:28:23.039><c> Hawaii</c><00:28:23.520

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:50.000><c> Commission</c> Next we have Hawaii Advisory Commission Next we have Hawaii Advisory
• </c> Kle Aloha Nalani Salzer for Hawaii Kle Aloha Nalani Salzer for Hawaii Advisory<00:04:49.440><c>
• Next up, we have Elena Kabaku, East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support.
• Next up, we have Elena Kabaku, East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support.
• Next up, we have Elena Kabaku, East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments, primarily to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board, the Commission on Fatherhood, and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive across the measures. The Department of Health repeatedly testified in support of the drug and controlled substances nominees, and several nominees and supporters emphasized experience in public health, rural health access, disability advocacy, family services, and elder affairs. Some nominees were not present live but had submitted written answers, which the chair noted had been posted online. For the developmental disabilities nominations, testimony highlighted lived experience and representation from neighbor islands, with supporters saying the nominees would bring valuable perspectives and help strengthen services and advocacy. For the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation nominations, testimony stressed rural health, system collaboration, and broad community and hospital experience. The Commission on Fatherhood nominee said he wanted to advocate for fathers and be a voice for them, and supporters from Maui Family Support Services backed that nomination. The elder affairs nominee also received support from caregiver and aging-related organizations. At the end of the hearing, the committee moved to advise and consent on the nominations it had heard, and each recommendation was adopted by the members present. The chair noted that all members were present for the votes, and the meeting concluded with congratulations to the nominees and adjournment.