Transcript Highlights:

• This site is a former EPA Superfund site, which was delisted within the last five years.
• This site is a former EPA Superfund site, which was delisted within the last five years.
• The fact that it was a former EPA Superfund site and the issues of contamination, it simply wouldn't
• site<00:03:18.120> is<00:03:18.280> a<00:03:18.519> former<00:03:19.080> EPA
• <00:03:20.000> super airport this site is a former EPA super airport this site is a former

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We were created under EPA, and so that's the umbrella for federal requirements that we have to meet.
• We share our challenges and solutions and coordinate with EPA.
• with EPA Region 10.
• We came from EPA. We continue to work with them.
• EPA wants us to get them committed in a year, you know, and we go by ready to proceed.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would need to apply to the EPA.
• State implementation plan with EPA State implementation plan with EPA pursuant<02:06:27.920>
• EPA um every five years they don't EPA um every five years they don't always<02:08:34.559> get
• <02:11:06.840> promulgates with the standard when EPA promulgates with the standard when EPA
• <03:46:39.560> they went into a negotiation with EPA they went into a negotiation with EPA

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:11:06.840> promulgates with the standard when EPA promulgates with the standard when EPA
• <03:40:37.359> would judgment under the suit then EPA would judgment under the suit then EPA
• withheld again I'm not saying the EPA withheld again I'm not saying the EPA wants<03:43:46.399><
• <03:46:39.560> they went into a negotiation with EPA they went into a negotiation with EPA
• negotiated an agreement points with EPA negotiated an agreement points with EPA whereby<03:46:53.080

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As of right now, they have not got up to the EPA standards.
• As of right now, they have not got up to the EPA standards.
• As of right now, they have not got up to the EPA standards.
• <00:42:58.960> and their class 6 permit with EPA and their class 6 permit with EPA and they've
• EPA gave permission to do these Class 6 wells.

Bills: HB61, HB176, SB12

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, I think we need to use the standards that the EPA proposed but hasn't put into effect yet.
• Instead, I think we need to use the standards that the EPA proposed but hasn't put into effect yet.
• And it is correct that the EPA currently has a proposed rule out, um... bill's intentions were to go
• No, I don't think we did not comment in favor of the proposed EPA changes.
• I've seen we are um I know EPA is still I've seen we are um I know EPA is still looking<00:41:58.319>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we have an EPA lab on environment.
• up the park service, to back up the EPA up the park service, to back up the EPA workers,<00:04:55.199
• It is hard when you are work for the EPA in northern Minnesota.
• It is hard when you are work for the EPA in northern Minnesota.
• It is hard when you are work for the EPA in northern Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What is there a different class that EPA would have? If somebody's a certain class, is it ABC also?
• The EPA requires you— The EPA requires you to have a certificate from them for putting in refrigerants
• or how you withdraw them to protect— that's the only thing that's required by the EPA.
• I've texted somebody and I found out they've got the EPA dip.
• licensed they they would still be they could be licensed for us we don't require them to have that EPA

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just, having that, again, I'll go back to what I've said about EPA in the past, you know.
• You know, then the other thing, too, you know, when we look at science, you know, EPA, I mean, they look
• So, you know, if EPA was doing all the studying themselves, I would feel better about this.
• But because it's the chemical companies themselves, and EPA signs off on it.
• Well, maybe not, but maybe it would have been studied deeper if EPA was the one doing the study.

Bills: HCR3018

Keywords: water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill

Summary: The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure. The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier. The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's been seriously underestimated by the EPA.
• In fact, EPA projections were 40%. Mr.
• The permitting process is currently ongoing and is administered by the EPA.
• The EPA took that...
• Which is a reminder that the EPA currently does.

Transcript Highlights:

• jurisdiction and the power of the EPA jurisdiction and the power of the EPA which<00:55:00.440><
• We rely on the EPA through the federal registration process of pesticides to develop guidelines about
• We<01:02:35.880> rely<01:02:36.320> on<01:02:36.480> the<01:02:36.640> EPA
• through the federal We rely on the EPA through the federal registration<01:02:39.320> process
• beyond what the EPA has has recommended. beyond what the EPA has has recommended.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I helped set up EPA, U.S. EPA.
• The EPA also ruled that this aquifer in Massachusetts.
• The EPA also ruled that this aquifer as sole source.
• The EPA also ruled that this aquifer as sole source.
• The EPA designated that the only viable supply comes from groundwater.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• well established in several federal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, which requires EPA
• :18:50.080> for<00:18:50.160> example,<00:18:50.640> requires<00:18:51.039> EPA
• Clean Air Act, for example, requires EPA Clean Air Act, for example, requires EPA to<00:18:52.080
• But there is no freedom when we pass laws that impact them healthwise. federal government and EPA to
• um crack federal government and EPA to um crack down<00:24:29.200> on<00:24:29.360> these

Bills: SB23, SB71, SB105, SB109, SB115, SB131, SB148, SB165

Keywords: law enforcement, taser, restrained individuals, police procedures, civil rights, income tax, tax exemption, Alabama tax code, Section 40-18-3, civilian employees, Department of Defense, DoD, Armed Forces, military pay, combat zone, deployment, National Guard, Reserve components, emergency response, federal employees

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is a response to a petition filed to the EPA in 2023 with concerns about nitrate levels and
• The bill is a response to a petition filed to the EPA in 2023 with concerns about nitrate levels and
• need it, so please identify yourself for the record, please, sir. response to a petition filed to the EPA
• response to a petition filed to the EPA in<00:04:13.400> 2023<00:04:14.400> with<00:04
• the petition was brought to the EPA the petition was brought to the EPA about<00:30:02.360> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Advocates or EPA case. By a one vote Advocates or EPA case.
• the common interest doctrine per the EPA the common interest doctrine per the EPA case.<01:33:27.360
• The EPA case weakened that transparency.
• The EPA case weakened that transparency.
• The EPA case weakened that transparency.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EPA had a, they kind of did this out of order.
• lot of what we do as an agency um EPA lot of what we do as an agency um EPA one<01:09:28.600>
• part of our program EPA establishes what part of our program EPA establishes what they<01:09:33.279><
• As you can see, EPA does change that on occasion.
• is doing right now if and when what EPA is doing right now if and when those<01:46:08.639> EPA

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The EPA publishes limits that are acceptable.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, those are limits that are posted by EPA drinking and groundwater
• But with EPA approval for how they carry out their business, the general concern seems addressed.
• Those are funds that are capitalized by the EPA.
• So those are funds that are capitalized by the EPA.

Bills: HB2024, HB2053, HB2097, HB2116, HB2117

Keywords: stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, irrigation, non-expansion areas, water management, agriculture, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard House Bill 2024, which would expand the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s water supply development definition to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and facility work. Supporters argued cloud seeding and drone-based silver iodide deployment could increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, uncertainty in the science, and possible environmental or health effects. After debate, the committee approved HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members expressing reservations and requesting more information before floor consideration. The committee next considered House Bill 2053, which would direct the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide and provide $100,000 for the work. The sponsor and ADWR said the bill would expand on prior state-land mapping and help identify recharge opportunities on private land; ADWR was neutral and said it could do the technical mapping but could not make legal determinations about appropriable surface water rights. Salt River Project opposed the bill’s language on surface-water rights, arguing that determinations about unappropriated water belong to the courts and that site-specific recharge projects could affect downstream rights. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2053 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Chelsea McGuire of WIFA then gave a broad presentation on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, describing past investments, current grant awards, and seven potential augmentation projects under development. She said WIFA’s current budget ask was essentially for no additional cuts, while members asked about costs, project qualifications, and public-private structure. The committee then took up House Bill 2097, which would impose a six acre-feet-per-acre groundwater pumping cap in irrigation non-expansion areas, add reporting and well-measurement requirements, and set a $150 penalty for violations. ADWR said the bill could require additional staffing and that the cap and substitution provisions had technical concerns; environmental groups argued the cap was too high and could still encourage overpumping, while supporters said it would finally place a limit on INA pumping. HB 2097 passed 6-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which would appropriate $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund; the sponsor described it as a contingency for ongoing Colorado River negotiations, and the committee moved the bill forward after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• from weight or other things, we're actually very clear with the EPA on why we are an off-road vehicle
• So our emissions fit under EPA. Our safety regulations are under EPA.
• our safety regulations are under EPA we have a number of things that we've worked with the EPA on what
• We have alignment with the EPA as far as the weight.
• The association that works with our federal partners, whether it's the NHTSA, EPA, CPSC, and others,

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met to review the state’s off-highway vehicle program, with opening remarks focused on balancing recreation, safety, tourism, and land-use conflicts among OHV users, hikers, bikers, ranchers, and land managers. Arizona State Parks and Trails reported on OHV fund revenues, grant balances, and process changes intended to speed up mitigation and law enforcement spending. The agency said it has tightened grant oversight, eliminated informal grant “buckets,” increased delegated authority for quicker project approval, and is using contracted trail crews for expedited maintenance and mitigation. Examples discussed included fencing and signage at Bulldog Canyon, erosion-control work at Charlew Gap, and a mitigation project at Windmill Mountain Ranch. Members emphasized that prior committee discussions helped recover nearly $4 million from stale grants and redirect it to current priorities. Arizona Game and Fish reported that OHV education and enforcement activity has increased. The mandatory online safety course has been taken by more than 149,000 people through ADOT and 15,000 through Game and Fish, and officers said compliance, especially helmet use by children, has improved. Game and Fish also described its OHV enforcement role, including seven dedicated officers and 97 field officers, training for about 40 agencies, and a new requirement that OHV law be included in police academy curricula starting in 2026. The department said most citations involve no decal, helmet issues, cross-country travel, habitat damage, and reckless driving. Members asked about speeding standards, road use, and a helmet-law conflict involving children in side-by-sides; Game and Fish said it is currently harmonizing the statutes and has treated children in side-by-sides as exempt under the newer provision. ADOT explained the decal and registration process, including the required safety course, the $25 decal, and the new non-resident 30-day permit for certain out-of-state OHVs. Staff also clarified that the course is required for owners, not every occasional operator, and that rental companies are not statutorily required to have each renter take the course, though some do so voluntarily. The committee then heard a legislative overview of recent OHV bills: 2024’s SB 1576 on safety, age, and helmet requirements; 2025’s SB 1517 creating the temporary non-resident permit and extending the study committee; and this year’s SB 1519, which would raise the OHV weight limit from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds and add a proposed new fee class. Members and stakeholders discussed whether the higher weight limit would broaden the OHV category, affect revenue, and better reflect newer, heavier side-by-sides, while some cautioned against blurring the line between OHVs and regular vehicles. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since EPA allowed prescribed status.
• According to the EPA, EPA, EPA, there is no single definitive known cause for the development of asthma
• According to the EPA, EPA, EPA, there is no single definitive known cause for the development of asthma
• <06:48:19.360> EPA<06:48:20.240> has<06:48:20.478> helped cut in EPA funding
• EPA has helped cut in EPA funding.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the local Department of EPA and the local Department of Agriculture<00:58:37.680> and<00:
• , um, and a carcinogen classified by the California EPA.
• So um you know another California EPA.
• already requires of the what the EPA already requires of the nicotenoid<01:38:08.719> labels.
• EPA labeling and the EPA registration procedures around these chemicals are incomplete and very underprotective

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.