Video & Transcript Research : 'semiconductor technology'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/02/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Nudification technology access prohibited 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- AI technology can be used for good in a whole lot of ways.
- Your packets contain two technology.
- The technology advancement is not them.
- materials created using this technology materials created using this technology and<00:04:48.000
- technology is Because this technology is overwhelmingly<00:09:45.519>
used <00:09:45.760>on
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Safeguarding human intelligence and employment in labor displacement HF4369 Mar 17th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- be using these technologies every day, especially our workers.
- be using these technologies every day, especially our workers.
- <00:04:02.400>
um notification for these technologies um notification for these technologies - Um, and I I will say each technology.
- guardrails about how these technologies guardrails about how these technologies are<00:14:28.079
Summary:
The committee held an informational discussion on three proposed bills authored by Representative Gottfried addressing artificial intelligence in the workplace. Gottfried said the bills are intended to create labor protections around AI use, focusing on mitigating harms to workers while preserving innovation. House File 4369 would require notice before implementing technology that could displace jobs and provide a transition period for retraining, reskilling, or upskilling. The other two bills would regulate electronic monitoring systems and automated decision systems by requiring pre- and post-use notice when used for substantive employment decisions, giving workers access to data and a right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate or erroneous data, and setting prohibited and permitted uses.
Melissa Heising of the Minnesota AFL-CIO supported the overall approach and said the bills are an important step toward common-sense workplace AI regulation. She praised the notice, appeal, and anti-discrimination protections, but urged stronger provisions, including mandatory impact assessments, independent third-party review, regular updates, a cease-use requirement if discriminatory outcomes are found, and anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise concerns or refuse to follow harmful automated outputs. Committee members from both parties generally agreed that AI policy should balance worker protections, business competitiveness, and innovation, and several said the issue is urgent because the technology is advancing quickly.
No vote was taken. Chair and members emphasized that the hearing was informational and that the bills were not formally before the committee for action. Several members expressed interest in continued discussion, and Representative Schultz said he had an interest in working with Representative Gottfried on the issue.
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Energy panel considers bill to appropriate funds to Minnesota Energy Alley program, HF1013 3/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We invested three million in this effort, and it's working to help exciting new clean energy technology
- exciting new clean energy technology exciting new clean energy technology scale<00:01:49.719>
- as you will hear shortly Technologies as you will hear shortly the<00:04:04.680>
Minnesota <00 - To date, we have supported over 20 Minnesota-based businesses in advancing their technologies toward
- exactly the right time in our technology exactly the right time in our technology and<00:10:15.959
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Confirmation to the Hawaii technology Confirmation to the Hawaii technology Development<00:01:49.840
- think through the uh Hawaii technology think through the uh Hawaii technology Development<00:04:
- somehow transformed into a technology somehow transformed into a technology firm<00:04:23.240>
representing s Conor for technology representing s Conor for technology Development<00:06:01.000 - Everything is technology now, and so it's very common for people that are professionals in technology
Summary:
The committee heard a series of Governor’s messages for confirmation to several boards and councils, with the chair noting the meeting would continue on Monday and that testimony would be limited due to the large volume of submissions. For Governor’s Message 660, Kelly Oka was nominated to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Oka described her work in workforce development and technology, emphasizing equitable access to tech jobs for local residents, keeping young talent in Hawaii, and using HTDC to attract major technology firms and support cybersecurity and startup growth. Testimony from multiple individuals and organizations was strongly supportive, and members asked about HTDC’s challenges, federal funding, and how to attract more tech investment; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then considered Governor’s Message 529, nominating Fono Cafi Mei to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board. Mei said he had 20 years of crane-operating experience, including work on rail projects, and union representatives and labor organizations testified in support. Next, Governor’s Message 502 nominated Ken Louie to the Workforce Development Council. Louie highlighted his four years on the council, including two as chair, his family business, and his goal of expanding opportunities for younger and adult workers. DBEDT, council members, and labor representatives supported him, and members questioned him about the council’s priorities, staffing, federal funding uncertainty, apprenticeships, and military-to-private-sector transition programs.
The committee also took up Governor’s Messages 581 and 690 together, both relating to Jared Gashi’s nomination to the Workforce Development Council for different terms. Gashi, from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, said he would bring the tourism industry’s perspective to workforce development, citing workforce shortages, internships, scholarships, and the need for a broader tourism voice on the council. Support testimony came from state officials and community members, who praised his reliability and leadership; a member asked how he would broaden the council beyond tourism, and Gashi said HLTA represents a wide range of tourism-related sectors and partners. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 571 for Eric Noi to the Deferred Compensation Plan Board, with Noi citing his fiscal and budgeting background; DHS, the board chair, and others supported him. Finally, Governor’s Message 667 nominated Ty Noara to the same board, and Keith Regan testified in strong support, citing her public service, intelligence, and ability to handle difficult situations. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Governor’s Message 560, nominating David Louie to the Employees’ Retirement System Board, with Louie, the ERS executive director, the finance director, and former Governor Abercrombie offering strong support.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate - 01/22/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, these carrier of last resort rules are technology neutral.
- When you talk to people, they don't even care about the technology.
- and indeed other types of wireless technologies or fixed wireless technologies that are available through
- Spalter, you go back to copper and an inferior technology.
- to invest in areas with these technologies.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition.
CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist.
In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- technology technology promises<01:05:16.319>
and <01:05:16.559>the <01:05:16.720>potential - Uh motans want the technology because they've tried it in other states.
- Uh it's been brand new technology.
- Uh the technologies Minnesota's ready.
- <01:15:35.760>
because Uh motans want the technology because Uh motans want the technology
Keywords:
suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have this hydrogen technology, combustion technology that, again, is recognized by the European Union
- of AV technology.
- Technological advancement is not new.
- Technological advancement is not new.
- I built my career in technology, and I can tell you as a former executive and entrepreneur in technology
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:19.079>
or Care uh technology or Care uh technology or whatever<00:17:20.880>to - <00:20:02.200>
moving adoption of these Technologies moving adoption of these Technologies - I agree that the history of technology is that as new technologies emerge, other opportunities open up
- is that as it as new technology is that as it as new technologies<00:26:28.360>
emerge <00:26: - as president of the Minnesota technology as president of the Minnesota technology Association<00
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 03-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- establishing this uh new technology establishing this uh new technology testing<00:15:50.240>
- I'm not, um, again, I'm not very familiar with the technology, but if that's a technology that wants
- <00:27:32.159>
And <00:27:32.320>how technology any new technology. - And how technology any new technology.
- forward to test their technology.
Summary:
The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended.
The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended.
After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
From AI to autonomous vehicles: New technologies are changing Minnesota; how Senators are responding Apr 10th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 4188 - Omnibus Commerce and Consumer Protection - Part 1 - 05/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- He said, 'Steve, when you're legislating around technology, you should never actually name the technology
- In other words, you regulate the use cases, not the technology itself because the technology changes
- technology itself because the technology technology itself because the technology changes<00:14:
- It doesn't matter what technology they're using if they're using automated decision support technology
- It doesn't matter what technology they're using if they're using automated decision support technology
Summary:
The committee took up H.F. 4188, the Commerce and Consumer Protection Policy Omnibus, and moved through a series of agreed-upon motions to adopt various House and Senate language articles and sections. The adopted provisions covered a wide range of topics, including residential mortgage loan servicing standards, student loan borrower protections, rental home marketplace guarantees, group coverage cancellation, limited lines travel insurance, insurance lead generators, collection agency and credit services organization definitions, proof of identification requirements, scrap metal copper licensing, technical changes to ASTM references and report filings, securities-related provisions, unclaimed property issues involving virtual currency and funeral prepayment funds, repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, reinsurance program changes, and health insurance reporting and oversight provisions. Most motions were adopted without opposition after brief staff explanations and member encouragements to vote yes.
In the health-related sections, the committee adopted language requiring insurers and nonprofit health service plan corporations to notify the Commissioner of Commerce about significant enrollment increases, expanding access to all-payer claims data for oversight, and requiring the sharing of PBM annual transparency reports with the Commissioner of Health. The committee also adopted language on artificial intelligence in utilization review, initially defining AI and prohibiting exclusive reliance on AI for adverse coverage determinations. Representative Elkins then offered an amendment to remove the specific AI definition and replace it with broader language referring to automated processing, arguing that technology-neutral drafting is more durable and that a human must remain in the loop for coverage denials; the amendment was adopted.
After the agreed-upon items were completed, members indicated the chairs would huddle to work on the remaining issues and return after recess. The meeting then recessed to the call of the chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Pre-K, kindergarten screen time prohibition 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , director of instructional technology, and now executive director of technology, working closely with
- Technology can wait. Childhood cannot. Thank you. do? My family.
- How are you teaching about technology?'
- How are you teaching about technology?
- I've looked at some schools' different technology plans.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 01/22/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- as to what do we do with this technology as to what do we do with this technology so<00:13:49.000
- <00:13:58.040>
is you a sense of what this technology is you a sense of what this technology - technology quietly changed in the 1990s technology quietly changed in the 1990s in<00:28:25.760>
the - that 2017 20 years later the technology that 2017 20 years later the technology that<00:40:12.240
- <00:40:50.920>
so in R learning into the technology so in R learning into the technology so
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Jon Koznick Press Conference 3/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- the purpose of driverless technology. the purpose of driverless technology.
- Bringing this technology and innovation to Minnesotans.
- And so you can't stop the inevitable evolution of technology and society.
- And so you can't stop the inevitable evolution of technology and society.
- And so the technology travel and rides. And so the technology is<00:18:09.280>
here.
Summary:
House Republicans held a Transportation Committee press event to promote several bills they said would make driving cheaper and transportation more innovative. The main measures discussed were House File 3526, which would reduce vehicle tab fees; House File 3513, which would legalize automated driverless vehicles with regulatory guardrails; and a bill to consolidate metro-area bus operations and reduce administrative overhead and subsidies. They also said other transportation-related bills, including a school bus stop-arm clarification and a distracted-driving bill, were scheduled for the House floor on Monday.
Representative Patti Anderson argued that Minnesota vehicle registration fees have become unaffordable, citing examples of high costs for newer and older vehicles, and said the state should roll fees back to pre-2023/2024 levels. On automated vehicles, Republicans said the bill had been revised after concerns from committee members, MnDOT, and stakeholders, adding a weight limit to avoid autonomous trucking, accessibility provisions for wheelchair users, a U.S.-based support person requirement, a labor/economic/congestion study, and tighter permitting. They said the bill should advance to the next committee and rejected delaying implementation for further study.
On transit, Republicans said the metro has too many separate bus systems and that consolidation would save taxpayer money by cutting redundant service and administrative costs. They cited high per-ride subsidies and claimed combined reserve funds and reduced waste could save tens of millions of dollars. In questions, they defended using general-fund dollars for transportation, said the system benefits all residents, and argued that autonomous vehicles and related industries would create new opportunities even if some driving jobs are displaced. No formal votes were taken in the press event, though the speakers said they expected committee action on the automated-vehicle bill and that other bills would move to the floor or other committees.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-31-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- evaluate new Wastewater technology evaluate new Wastewater technology systems<00:02:19.920>
in - <00:05:17.199>
that we can get some new technologies that we can get some new technologies - certifying uh new techn Technologies certifying uh new techn Technologies because<00:20:59.400><
- <00:21:03.760>
to users right uh for any new technology to users right uh for any new technology - <00:21:48.799>
that they went with the new technology that they went with the new technology
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1232, which would create a three-year wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center and coordinate testing with state and county agencies. The Department of Health, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaiʻi representatives supported the bill, saying it would help certify new wastewater technologies, lower costs for cesspool conversions, and provide data to the Department of Health. Testifiers said the prior testing effort ended after the departure of Dr. Roger Babcock, and that the new program would use National Sanitation Foundation standards, graduate students, and local wastewater facilities such as Wahiawa. Committee members asked about the $750,000 total cost, the scope of existing research, prior test sites, and whether the program would be tied to individuals or a permanent program. One member raised concerns about the fairness and data basis for sewer conversion decisions in local communities, and the University said it would follow national standards and share results openly.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 686, relating to a short-term management initiative for coconut rhinoceros beetle response and related appropriations. The Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaiʻi testified in support, while a county representative and other advocates urged broader statewide coverage, including Kauaʻi, and asked that appropriated funds be usable on any island. Testimony emphasized the need for immediate action, outreach, tree-trimmer training, canopy treatments, K-9 inspections, container fumigation, and biocontrol research. A member summarized the bill’s funding components, including amounts for training, residential palm treatments, response teams, inspections, fumigation, and research, and noted the importance of directing money toward on-the-ground response. Committee questions focused on how much funding remained available, how the agencies would coordinate with DOA, whether the department was prepared to manage all the bill’s functions, and how infestations were being communicated to the public.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 657, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’s Center for Climate Resilient Development. The Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in strong support, and the Department of Health also supported the measure, noting that it relies on the center’s data to inform decisions and recommendations on projects. The discussion on this item was brief in the portion provided, with no vote or final action shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Autonomous vehicles regulated 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :27.360>
also Autonomous vehicle technology may also Autonomous vehicle technology may also expand - the emerging transportation technology the emerging transportation technology and<00:04:59.280><
- we don't know what this is technology we don't know what this is technology is.<00:15:55.839>
- autonomous driving technology company autonomous driving technology company with<00:18:36.720>
this technology can have to safety. this technology can have to safety.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 5313, a bipartisan bill to create a statewide framework for autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. The author said the bill is intended to improve safety, provide regulatory clarity, avoid a patchwork of local rules, and support economic development and mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill was described as a work in progress, and the committee adopted three author amendments: A12, a technical correction; A15, which states MDOT and Public Safety can absorb the bill’s incidental costs within existing resources; and A14, which added clarifying airport-related language requested by the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport/MAC.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation testified in support of continued discussion but said the bill needs more work in several areas, including an annual MDOT permitting process for AV operators, defining operational design domains, adding stronger enforcement authority, clarifying remote assistance roles, and requiring fully automated vehicles to be registered with Public Safety. MDOT said it has worked with the governor’s connected and automated vehicles council and more than 70 stakeholders on recommendations. Industry and transit witnesses strongly supported the bill, citing existing AV deployments and safety benefits. Southwest Transit’s CEO said its Eden Prairie AV service has carried 27,000 riders over 112,000 miles with no accidents, strong customer satisfaction, and increased ridership. A Whimo representative said the bill would create regulatory certainty and help expand AV deployment.
Several public witnesses emphasized accessibility and safety. A disability advocate described how autonomous vehicles could improve independence for people who cannot drive, including those with epilepsy and other disabilities, and urged passage of the bill. A former 911 dispatcher and state patrol employee said AVs could reduce crashes and protect drivers, pedestrians, and officers, contrasting a dangerous human ride-share experience with a safer autonomous ride. Another disability advocate and blind Minnesotan testified that AVs could help address transportation barriers, though he also noted ongoing discrimination problems with ride-hailing services for blind riders with guide dogs. After the amendments were adopted, the bill was moved to the Commerce Committee.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-TCA, EDT Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- requesting Hawaii Technology uh requesting Hawaii Technology Development<00:15:41.120>
Corporation - next, Sandy Kanei, uh Hawaii Technology next, Sandy Kanei, uh Hawaii Technology Development<00:16
- I know when uh senator car technology.
- ,<00:16:39.360>
Kim tried to do the Milani technology, Kim tried to do the Milani technology - HR156 requesting Hawaii Technology HR156 requesting Hawaii Technology Development<00:26:44.640><
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.