Video & Transcript Research : 'evidentiary hearings'
Page 4 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1978, there was a series of hearings called the Church Commission hearings.
- Two years later, three years later, in this same body, and I think the hearing may have even been in
- The judge holds a hearing or a trial on custody, takes evidence from both sides, and renders a decision
- Did you hear Senator Aluno's speech? Because that's exactly what he said.”
Bills:
HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, HB578, HB668, HB1198, SCR19, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475
Keywords:
privacy rights, surveillance, USA Patriot Act, FISA, Fourth Amendment, civil liberties, government oversight, civil bench warrants, judgment debtors, notification process, judgment debtor examination, Louisiana State Law Institute, property transfer, public records doctrine, bad faith, real estate law, HCR 31, House Concurrent Resolution 31, foreign entities, foreign corporation
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (7-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> very</c><00:22:00.799><c> similar</c> the evidentiary hearing is very similar the evidentiary hearing
- is not available at the evidentiary hearing.
- > a</c> at the evidentiary hearing to beyond a at the evidentiary hearing to beyond a reasonable<00:24
- </c> available at the evidentiary hearing. available at the evidentiary hearing.
- </c> the evidentiary hearing. the evidentiary hearing.
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes of its June 10, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony on House Bill 198, “Angela’s Law,” sponsored by Representative Samara Hein. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Hein and the victim’s parents described the case that prompted the proposal, saying the current law did not allow the conduct to be treated as an aggravating factor because the sexual act occurred after death. They emphasized that the bill would not require a death sentence or life without parole, but would give judges and juries another sentencing factor to consider.
Doug and Angela Kerr gave emotional testimony about their daughter’s murder and said the current sentencing options were inadequate given the facts of the case. Several members expressed sympathy and supported the bill’s purpose. Senator Wheeler said the measure would signal that the Commonwealth will not tolerate such conduct, and Representative Petrie said he supported the concept but urged careful drafting so the language would not be too narrow or unintentionally reach co-conspirators or others whose conduct differed from the principal offender.
The committee then received an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that 202C was enacted in 2021 to address a gap in Kentucky’s civil commitment laws for defendants found incompetent to stand trial after serious offenses. The presentation outlined the process: a Commonwealth’s attorney must file a petition for qualifying offenses, an evidentiary hearing must be held quickly, and if the respondent is found by a preponderance of the evidence to have committed the offense, a commitment hearing follows with a higher burden of proof. They also described the 2024 amendment changing the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and noted the statute’s review-hearing schedule and the availability of later review if circumstances change or new evidence emerges.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (7-24-25) - reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> very</c><00:21:56.159><c> similar</c> the evidentiary hearing is very similar the evidentiary hearing
- is not available at the evidentiary hearing.
- Also, it the evidentiary hearing.
- ><c> a</c> The evidentiary hearing uses a The evidentiary hearing uses a prepoundonderance<00:36:39.280
- </c> the evidentiary hearing.
Keywords:
This meeting was split into two parts due to a technical issue. This is the complete meeting pulled from backups.
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:01
24RS HB198: “Angela’s Law”: 00:01:22
KRS Chapter 202C: 00:11:50
Eminent Domain: 00:54:35, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 198, Angela’s Law, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Heavrin and the victim’s parents described the underlying case and argued the current law does not adequately account for postmortem sexual abuse, leaving the offender parole-eligible despite the family’s view that the conduct warranted harsher punishment. Several members expressed sympathy and support, and one member suggested the proposal should be drafted carefully so it would apply broadly enough to cover co-conspirators or multiple offenders. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that Chapter 202C, enacted in 2021 to close a gap in the civil-commitment statutes, applies to respondents found incompetent to stand trial who are charged with qualifying serious offenses such as capital offenses, certain Class A and Class B felonies causing death or serious injury, rape in the first degree, or sodomy in the first degree. The process begins with a Commonwealth’s petition, followed by a prompt evidentiary hearing, appointment of a guardian ad litem, and then a commitment hearing if the offense is proven.
The presenters outlined the procedural standards and recent statutory changes. At the evidentiary hearing, the Commonwealth must prove the charged offense by a preponderance of the evidence before a judge, with the respondent able to present defenses; if the Commonwealth fails, the respondent must be released. If the case proceeds, the commitment hearing requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of at least one involuntary-commitment criterion, and the hearing may be before a jury if requested. They noted that a 2024 amendment changed the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and added language about recent criminal behavior and prior involuntary hospitalizations under Chapters 202A or 202B. If commitment is ordered, the respondent is placed in a designated forensic psychiatric facility, currently KCPC.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's why those interim hearings are helpful.
- The chair hears none, and House Bill 3237 is left pending. All right.
- Did I hear you say you agree with President Trump?
- Um, you can't expect a longer hearing on Monday. We're going to hear a lot of bills.
- Hearing none, the committee stands adjourned to call to the chair.
Bills:
HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427
Keywords:
collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's why those interim hearings are helpful.
- Chair hears none. House Bill 3826 is left pending.
- Did I hear you say, "Trump"?
- You can expect a longer hearing on Monday. We're going to hear a lot of bills.
- We will not be having a hearing on Wednesday due to the four calendar. So Monday is the hearing.
Bills:
HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427
Keywords:
collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, the substitute is adopted. The Chair moves that...
- Thank you all for hearing my bill today.
- So, did I hear you?
- And then, you'll hear about research.
- The Chair hears none. House Bill 1951 is left pending.
Bills:
HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427
Keywords:
collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You may hear testimony claiming this bill's requirements are more stringent than requirements in this
- Um, and so I, I hear what you're saying and I agree with what a lot of you're saying.
- Hearing none, the chair recognizes Mr. Tepper to close on the bill. Thank you, Chairman.
- The chair hears none, and the bill is left pending. Members, that concludes today's agenda.
- Hearing none, the committee stands adjourned, subject to the call of the chair.
Keywords:
HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair hears none, and the bill is left pending.
- However, tax rate hearing... must be held in person.
- Chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
- An individual can request a hearing after the notice has been provided.
- At the end of today's hearing. Thank you, sir.
Keywords:
HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I hear what you're saying and I I agree with what a lot of you are saying.
- Clearly, he's got a vision. hear what he's trying to accomplish.
- Hearing none the chair recognizes Mr. Tepper to close on the bill. Thank you.
- The chair hears none and the bill is left pending. Members, that concludes today's.
- Hearing none, the committee Stands adjourned subject to the call of the chair. 438 439
Keywords:
HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing
HI
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyHQgbx6HQk, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Ka ‘Aha Kenekoa
THE SENATE
Ka ‘Aha ‘Ōlelo Kanakolu
THE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE
‘Aha Kau Kānāwai 2020
REGULAR SESSION OF 2020
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ke Kōmike Hana Aupuni
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Kenekoa/Senator Laura H. Thielen, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
‘Ōlelo Ho‘olaha No Ka ‘Aha Ho‘olohe
NOTICE OF HEARING
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua, Pepeluali 11, 2020/ Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Hola / TIME: 1:00 PM
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 229 / Conference Room 229
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol
415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 62, SD1
(SSCR2422)
Status & Testimony
RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY.
Requires the legislature, state departments, and boards and commissions to livestream its public hearings and develop procedures for receiving remote testimony. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
TEC/GVO, WAM
Inā lawa ka manawa, e ho‘oholo mana‘o ma hope pono.
Decision Making to follow, if time permits., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Transcript Highlights:
- Katrina Vitale did not know that this was going to end up being an evidentiary hearing.
- On 3/21/2024, Brian Twight filed a motion with the court to continue the evidentiary hearing set for
- The court had scheduled an evidentiary hearing on appointment of guardian conservative for Charlotte.
- On 314, scheduled an evidentiary hearing on appointment of guardian conservative for Charlotte.
- Charlotte was not given notice this was going to be an evidentiary hearing, and neither was I.
Summary:
The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present.
Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers.
Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests.
No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- standard in place that also evidentiary standard in place that also um<00:08:40.320><c> makes</c><00
- </c><00:14:35.720><c> the</c> during enforcement hearing the during enforcement hearing the enforcement
- This is an evidentiary question. This is an attempt to send a new evidentiary standard, basically.
- </c><00:21:43.000><c> standard</c> new evidentiary standard new evidentiary standard basically<00:21:
- It's not as, I mean, it's the way that different evidentiary rules that apply only to murder cases.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:44
Introduction of Guests 01:21
HB 137 Discussion 02:11
HB 137 Roll Call Vote 25:35
HB 346 Discussion 26:15
HB 346 Roll Call Vote 27:24, 958, all
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee met with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior minutes, and recognized visiting guests, including representatives from Nucor Steel and students from Eastern Kentucky University. The main business was House Bill 137, which would require air-pollution enforcement actions by the Energy and Environment Cabinet and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to rely on EPA-approved monitoring methods or scientifically defensible, quality-assured data. The sponsor and industry supporters argued the bill would ensure reliable evidence and protect manufacturers from enforcement based on questionable data.
Opponents, including the Kentucky Resources Council, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, and a former cabinet employee, argued the bill would conflict with the Clean Air Act’s allowance for “any credible evidence,” could exclude community air-monitoring data and citizen complaints, and might weaken enforcement by limiting the use of lower-cost sensors, photos, video, and other nontraditional evidence. Committee members questioned how credible evidence and the Daubert standard would apply, and supporters and opponents debated whether the bill would simply set evidentiary rules or improperly narrow enforcement authority. One member also raised concerns that the bill’s title and scope could be read as affecting the broader air program. House Bill 137 was ultimately approved favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Webb’s aye vote later clarified for the record.
The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a subcommittee. The bill was described as helping about 708 companies and carving out emergency generators used for safety purposes in distilleries, with support from the Kentucky Chamber. The subcommittee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably by roll call vote. The meeting ended with an attempted adjournment and a brief record correction on the vote for House Bill 137.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Rose Raspaff, who is the Republican caucus consultant for this hearing. Welcome, Rose.
- For authors and their staff, you'll note that our hearing is publicly noticed as file order.
- temporarily recess the hearing if necessary so that the sergeants can restore order.
- This is not an evidentiary privilege under the Evidence Code.
- This is not an evidentiary privilege under the Evidence Code.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several labor and retirement bills. AB 1582 by Assembly Member Ortega would make it an unfair labor practice for a higher education employer to disregard or delay arbitration decisions involving contracting out, with make-whole relief including attorney fees and costs. Supporters from AFSCME and other labor groups said UC has repeatedly ignored arbitration outcomes on outsourcing disputes, while UC opposed the bill as an overbroad change that could create systemwide operational and financial risk. The committee passed the bill on a do-pass basis to Appropriations.
AB 1818 by Assembly Member Ortega would repeal an outdated HEERA provision that CSU has used to reopen bargaining when it claims state funding is insufficient. Teamsters and other labor supporters argued CSU has used the provision to avoid honoring negotiated raises, while CSU said the bill would limit its ability to manage compensation responsibly when state funding is uncertain. The committee also passed AB 1818 to Appropriations.
AB 1564 by Assembly Member Arreguín would make communications between an employee and union representative confidential in public employment matters. Labor supporters said the measure would protect trust in the representational relationship and codify existing PERB case law, while school, local government, county, city, and business groups warned it could hinder workplace investigations, including those involving student safety and harassment. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 1844 by Assembly Member Pacheco, placed on the consent calendar, would update Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor benefits and to extend access to survivor options for vested judges; it was approved unanimously, 7-0. After all items were taken up, the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We are holding this committee hearing in Room 2100 of the O Street Building.
- That is very different than a lot of what we were hearing about today.
- I hear you on that.
- I hear the good-faith argument, too.
- Again, I hear the argument about good faith.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the time for survivors of conversion therapy to bring malpractice claims and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Senator Wiener and supporters, including a survivor and a licensed therapist, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued that survivors often cannot come forward within current limitation periods. Opponents, including attorneys and advocacy groups, argued the bill was an unconstitutional workaround to California’s existing ban and could chill legitimate therapy or expand liability. Committee members pressed both sides on the bill’s scope, with the author emphasizing it does not bar exploratory therapy or medical treatment, only attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with the item placed on call; the consent calendar was also adopted 6-0 and placed on call.
The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, as amended, concerning manufactured home parks. The bill would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their designated representatives notice and an opportunity to submit a competitive bid, with timelines intended to allow residents to organize financing and complete due diligence. Supporters said the measure would help preserve naturally occurring affordable housing and give residents a fair chance to buy the land under their homes, especially after fire-related losses and increasing investor ownership of parks. Opponents from park-owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create an unconstitutional taking by imposing long timelines and restrictions that could deter buyers. Several senators questioned the 240-day process and whether the bill should include clearer good-faith or reciprocity provisions; the author said he was open to further adjustments. The transcript ends during committee discussion of SB 1092, with no final vote shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Apr 24, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 51
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
HI
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
HI
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
HI
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
HI
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
HI
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection