Transcript Highlights:

• Now, here in Hawaii, we incarceration. Now, here in Hawaii, we were<00:38:43.599><c> attacked.
• So it's not just the 100th and 442nd, but it's immigration um into Hawaii, the history of Hawaii.
• And um in the Hawaii of Democracy.
• um into Hawaii, the history of<00:50:00.640><c> Hawaii.
• </c> of Hawaii. Um all of that. Yeah. Okay. of Hawaii. Um all of that. Yeah. Okay.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted. The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation. In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:39.480><c> opposition</c> Association uh Sherm Hawaii opposition Association uh Sherm Hawaii
• </c><00:12:46.600><c> children's</c> local 1357 in support Hawaii children's local 1357 in support Hawaii
• compensation</c> Hawaii Hawaii workers comp compensation Hawaii Hawaii workers comp compensation law<
• Hawaii P20 partnership for Association Hawaii P20 partnership for Education<00:39:32.839><c> as</c><
• Hawaii retirement savings act and as Hawaii retirement savings act and as such<01:07:48.720><c> I'm</

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• On Zoom, Gary Lum, Hawaii Thank you.
• </c> and Celeste Nip for the Hawaii and Celeste Nip for the Hawaii Firefighters<00:05:17.360><c> Association
• George, Hawaii Community Foundation, Brian Baker, Hina Mauka, Daniela Spoto, Hawaii Appleseed, Jody
• Uh we also have the Hawaii testified. Uh we also have the Hawaii Women<00:15:53.680><c> Lawyers.
• 39.320><c> and</c> conducted the Hawaii Quality of Life and conducted the Hawaii Quality of Life and

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii, we do have uh a degree of block Hawaii, we do have uh a degree of block grant<00:17:59.679><c
• </c> Hawaii.
• The test foundation of Hawaii Hawaii.
• Appleseed, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and several
• Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Hunger Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Hunger Action<00:28:22.080

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 18, 2026, and heard four bills. HB 2519 would shift University of Hawaii funding toward block appropriations, a stabilization fund, limited procurement and fiscal exemptions, performance-based metrics, and annual reporting. UH supported the bill, saying line-item budgeting hampers systemwide efficiency across its 10 campuses; the State Procurement Office commented on the procurement exemption. The chair proposed amendments to address concerns from Budget and Finance and procurement, including capping UH’s retained funds at 10%, requiring lapse after three fiscal years, removing CIP-to-operating transfers, narrowing procurement exemptions while keeping Chapter 103B principles, shifting performance metric-setting to the Board of Regents, and requiring annual reporting. The committee then voted to pass HB 2519 with amendments. HB 2409 would establish the Hawaii Geological Survey in Hilo and designate its director as the state geologist. UH Hilo supported the concept but said it would need sufficient general-fund support, estimating roughly $200,000 to start. DLNR and the Attorney General offered comments, with the AG calling it a matter of statewide concern. The chair said the DNR testimony raised public safety concerns and that UH Hilo had not identified a firm funding amount, so the committee voted to defer the bill. HB 2141 HD1 concerned state enterprise zones and would expand eligible business activities and allow DBED to designate up to two areas as enterprise zones with gubernatorial approval. DBED, the Tax Foundation, and other organizations submitted support or comments. After discussion, the chair said the current version no longer fit the higher education committee’s focus and recommended reverting to the original bill, which would limit the zone to Kakaʻako Makai for a biomedical health innovation hub near JABSOM and the Queen’s Cancer Center, with a defective date. The committee voted to pass HB 2141 HD1 with amendments. HB 2233 HD1 would appropriate funds to continue the SNAP-Ed program through UH and the Department of Health. DOH supported the bill and said it had been working on nutrition education and environmental changes; it estimated about $600,000 each for DOH and SEAR, or $1.2 million total. Testimony in support also came from several organizations and individuals, including a senior advocate who described the program’s practical benefits. The chair said the committee would reflect the $600,000-per-entity estimate in its report, and the committee voted to pass HB 2233 HD1 as is before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is in support. NAO Hawaii chapter is in support.
• <00:05:30.400><c> in</c> Hawaii in Hawaii in support<00:05:32.560><c> naop</c><00:05:33.000><c> Hawaii
• Hawaii Good Neighbor in opposition. Hawaii Housing Future in support. Sandy Wong in support.
• </c> fund um our first testifier is Hawaii fund um our first testifier is Hawaii public<00:14:36.320>
• NAO Hawaii Chapter in opposition. Catholic Charities Hawaii in opposition.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• California's rocky reef ecosystems, from the Channel Islands to our northern kelp forests, support hundreds
• Some UV filters have been banned in Hawaii in order to protect the marine ecosystem.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills focused on consumer transparency, environmental protection, education accountability, and privacy protections. AB 2143 by Assemblymember Irwin would prohibit online marketplaces from accepting payment for noxious weeds shipped into California; supporters said the bill would close an e-commerce loophole that helps spread invasive species, while TechNet opposed it unless clearer standards and safeguards were added. AB 1744 by Assemblymember Addis, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, would bar sunscreen products containing chemical UV filters from being marketed as “reef safe” or similar claims; supporters, including a Sacramento high school eco club and Surfrider Foundation, said the bill would prevent misleading greenwashing, while the Personal Care Products Council expressed concern about implications for the safety of those ingredients. The committee also heard AB 1861 by Assemblymember Lackey, which would require the California Department of Education to maintain a public, searchable database of special education complaint decisions with personal information redacted. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and help identify patterns of noncompliance affecting students with disabilities, while county education officials argued state resources should instead go toward filling special education vacancies. AB 2624 by Assemblymember Bonta would expand the Safe at Home address confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers and restrict online posting of their personal information when intended to threaten or intimidate; supporters described rising harassment, doxing, and threats against immigrant-serving organizations, while Assemblymember DeMaio raised First Amendment and public transparency concerns and Assemblymember Patterson questioned the bill’s limits on protest and publication. Because the committee initially lacked a quorum, several bills were heard and later voted on once quorum was established. Members generally praised the bills and, in some cases, requested to be added as coauthors. When votes were taken, AB 1861, AB 1744, AB 2143, and AB 2624 all passed out of committee, with AB 2624 receiving 11 aye votes and 2 no votes; the others were reported out on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• California's rocky reef ecosystems, from the Channel Islands to our northern kelp forests, support hundreds
• Some UV filters have been banned in Hawaii in order to protect the marine ecosystem.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• not going to be a divorce with multiple assets, multiple businesses, you know, money in the Cayman Islands
• It is introduced in Hawaii.

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee met in a special morning session and heard several bills related to artificial intelligence and energy. HB 2371 would allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases, with the judge retaining final authority; members raised concerns about binding language, privacy, asset division, and spousal support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation. HB 2311 would require conversational AI systems to disclose to minors that they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols; Google testified in support, noting similar safeguards already exist in its products, while one public commenter opposed the bill as government overreach. The committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill 7-0. The committee then heard HB 2409, which would create a statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. The sponsor argued Arizona needs to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption and teach practical use of the technology, but several members objected to the statewide curriculum and funding implications; the bill passed 4-3. HB 2410 would treat communications with AI as privileged in the same way as communications with human professionals, with the sponsor arguing courts should develop the doctrine through common law as AI use evolves. A criminal justice speaker supported the bill as a privacy and Fourth Amendment safeguard, and the measure passed 6-0 with one present. Finally, the committee considered HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on the ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI. Supporters said students need basic AI literacy and prompt-writing skills, but opponents cited funding and staffing concerns and said districts are already struggling with existing mandates; the bill passed 4-2 with one present. The committee also advanced HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to energy infrastructure and small modular reactors, after amendments replacing references to large industrial energy users with extra high-load factory customers. Supporters tied the bills to AI-driven data center growth and future energy demand, while opponents raised local zoning, environmental, and public participation concerns; both bills received do pass recommendations by 4-3 votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• not going to be a divorce with multiple assets, multiple businesses, you know, money in the Cayman Islands
• It is introduced in Hawaii.

Bills: HB2311 , HB2371 , HB2409 , HB2410 , HB2456 , HB2457 , HB4005

Committees: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation , House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Keywords: HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, artificial intelligence, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children, family court, legal technology, computational system, education

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise today in solidarity with
• Assembly Member of Hawaii, you are recognized. How can I follow that incredible speech?

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• First we'll hear from the University of Hawaii via Zoom.
• , for the University of state of Hawaii, for the University of Hawaii<00:15:56.400><c> to</c><00:15:57.000
• </c> Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund. Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund.
• University of Hawaii is, you know, the University of Hawaii is, you know, the only<00:18:03.280><c> university
• ,</c> from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, but<00:19:05.480

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee heard SB 3263 SD2, which would create a University of Hawaii NIL (name, image, and likeness) endowment trust fund, require UH to establish an NIL program and distribution criteria, allow student athletes to be compensated through registered athlete agents, permit parents or guardians to assist in some areas by agreement, require annual reporting to the legislature, and appropriate funds. UH Athletics Director Matt Helliot testified in strong support, saying NIL funding is critical to recruit and retain athletes and keep UH competitive, especially as the program moves into the Mountain West Conference. He cited the men’s basketball team’s success and said UH had already raised private NIL money for that team. The Iron Workers Stabilization Fund also supported the bill, calling it a modest but important investment in UH athletics and a way to help keep local talent in Hawaii. One supporter said the bill would help UH compete with larger schools and retain athletes amid rising costs and large NIL deals elsewhere. Another supporter, Cliff LaBoy, said the current NIL environment makes funding essential and argued UH needs more money than the bill’s structure provides. A testifier noted the Senate version’s corpus may be insufficient and said they preferred the House version. During questioning, Helliot said UH’s private fundraising target for the current year was $3 million and that the department was already more than two-thirds of the way there. In decision-making, the chair said the committee would move the bill forward as an HD1 replacing the contents with the House version, remove the blank appropriation section because $5 million had already been inserted into the UH budget through HB 1800, and focus the bill on the framework rather than the funding amount. The committee then voted to pass SB 3263 SD2 with amendments, with all voting members present voting in favor and one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority in support, and Catholic Charities Hawaii in support.
• Uh, Ben Park, Hawaii Public Housing Authority director.
• , Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
• Lon, representing Catholic Charities Hawaii.
• Larson with Catholic Charities Hawaii. We ask that you defer this bill.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One came back home from Hawaii.
• She's a came back home from Hawaii.
• I am an attorney here in Hawaii.
• Thank you for attorney here Hawaii.
• </c> all that Hawaii has given to me. all that Hawaii has given to me.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted. For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making. For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii.
• So, Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Hi FICO, and the HR, Hawaii Rifle Associations, I don’t believe either
• So, Hawaii Firearms gun community.
• </c> the oversight coordinator of the Hawaii the oversight coordinator of the Hawaii Correctional<00:
• ><00:43:55.520><c> Guard</c> representing the Hawaii National Guard representing the Hawaii National

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 3040, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Supporters, including Moms Demand Action and a crime-victim advocate, argued the office would improve data collection, research, and coordination to help reduce gun violence. Opponents, including several gun-rights advocates, said the proposal was duplicative, lacked oversight, and would exclude the firearms community. The chair noted 41 testimonies in support and 77 in opposition, but no vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. The committee then moved through a series of decision-making items and adopted the chair’s recommendations on several measures. SB 17 on wildfire mitigation passed with amendments from multiple agencies and a report date shifted to the 2028 session. SB 2730 on criminal justice reform passed with a defective effective date amendment, SB 2749 on sentencing passed with a defective effective date, SB 2688 on compassionate release passed with amendments narrowing eligibility and adding notification and funding language, and SB 2798 on law enforcement passed with a defective effective date to make the agricultural enforcement pilot program permanent. SB 2645, a short-form bill, was amended to insert substantive provisions and recommitted to the committee. SB 2383, which would have provided a $15,000 retention bonus for sworn law enforcement officers, was reconsidered and held in committee because it was identified as a duplicate. The committee also passed SB 2575, relating to firearms, with amendments adopting a proposed SD1 that would establish minimum mandatory prison terms for certain class A firearm felonies and add clarifying language. SB 2720, which would create a Hawaii firearm injury restitution fund funded by firearm manufacturer licenses, also passed with amendments clarifying the fund’s scope and eligible injuries. Later, the committee began hearing SB 3107 on parole eligibility. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii Paroling Authority supported language allowing the parole board to waive certain program requirements, while the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission opposed the bill, warning it could keep people incarcerated longer if program access remains limited. The Department of Corrections said it is working on classification changes and a pilot project to move inmates through the system faster.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have HB 77, and at this time Hawaii Emergency Manager M.
• We have the Hawaii Office of the Governor, Recovery and Resiliency Unit.
• </c><00:04:38.280><c> office</c> you we have the state of Hawaii office you we have the state of Hawaii
• We also have the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team in support.
• We also have the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team in support.

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committees on Economic Development and Technology and Tourism on February 12, 2025, focused on HB 77/HB 1077, a measure related to increasing the transient accommodations tax and directing revenue toward climate mitigation/resiliency and economic development/tourism resiliency. Most testifiers supported the bill, including the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, State Energy Office, Governor’s office, DLNR, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Nature Conservancy, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, Care for Aina Now Coalition, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Ocean Legislative Task Force. Supporters emphasized the need for reliable funding for disaster preparedness, environmental restoration, infrastructure resilience, and tourism-related resilience projects; some cited polling and a reported funding gap for natural resource protection and restoration. Opposition or concerns came from the Kohala Coast Resort Association, which argued the state should fully collect existing taxes from short-term vacation rentals and other accommodations before considering any tax increase. The Attorney General and Department of Taxation offered technical comments, noting the bill’s special fund language referred to fees that the chapter did not actually authorize and recommending either deleting that language or authorizing fee collection through rulemaking. The Hawaii Tourism Authority supported the measure but asked that the funding mechanism have a clear nexus to tourism resiliency. After a brief recess, the chair recommended amendments to redirect the proposed 1.75% TAT increase away from the two special funds and into the general fund, while earmarking 7.3% of total revenue for climate mitigation/resiliency and 7.3% for economic development and tourism resiliency, with technical and defect-effective-date amendments. Both committees then voted to pass the measure with amendments; the recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Wednesday, February 5th, bringing Conference Room 224, Hawaii State Capitol.
• Hawaii Teachers Association. Hello, Chair and Vice Chair.
• The Hawaii State AFL-CIO can support United Public Workers.
• First bill: Senate Bill 183, relating to the Hawaii EUTF trust fund.
• </c> also we'll also be adding uh the Hawaii also we'll also be adding uh the Hawaii state<00:30:37.159

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several labor-related measures. SB 183 would allow arbitration to resolve disputes over state and county contributions to the EUTF benefits trust fund; labor groups supported it, and the committee advanced it with amendments. SB 185, concerning indebtedness to the state, drew support from unions and discussion with DAGS about tiered repayment options for lower-paid employees; DAGS said the system could be programmed to accommodate the bill, and the measure was also advanced with amendments. SB 458 would expand the definition of employer for wage-payment laws to include the state and counties when no comparable public-employee provision exists; HSTA testified in support, citing repeated delayed pay for teachers, while DAGS and county representatives raised operational concerns. The committee deferred SB 458 for further administrative work. SB 425, on qualified community rehabilitation programs and the aggregate contract cap, was advanced with technical amendments after UPW said employers were splitting contracts to exceed the statutory threshold. The committee also considered SB 1287, which would apply unfair and deceptive practices law to tipped food and beverage establishments and require tip-pool signage with wage-division contact information. The Attorney General’s office recommended a savings clause to avoid retroactive application issues, and the committee passed the bill with amendments. SB 1660 would require hospitality employers to adopt anti-harassment measures, training, panic buttons, and anti-retaliation protections; the Commission on the Status of Women and worker advocates supported it, while DLIR noted existing complaint systems and the need for rulemaking. The committee adopted amendments incorporating sexual assault hotline information, panic-button guidance, and employer flexibility on translation languages, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 631, relating to the Department of Human Resources Development, was deferred, with the chair noting a prior law already allows departments to screen and select applicants from initial pools.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can only think of one landfill that was moved in Hawaii after Eniki on Kauai.
• These are our freshwater resources of our island.
• </c><00:41:44.240><c> and</c> hydrologic units around the island and hydrologic units around the island
• </c><00:46:08.720><c> community</c> sustainable uh for our Island community sustainable uh for our Island
• The cap rock area, shown in light blue here, is about 137 square miles ringing our island.

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself. City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time. The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up first, we have HB 9 HD1, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart State.
• I am a proud member of the Purple Heart Chapter 483 in Hawaii.
• I'm send uh submitting my Hawaii.
• So, please wrap up your testimony. recognizing Hawaii as a Purple Heart recognizing Hawaii as a Purple
• </c> continued support uh, of our Hawaii continued support uh, of our Hawaii veterans,<00:14:14.399><

Bills: HB9 , SB2723

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 9 HD1, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart State, and SB 2723, relating to State Sheriff’s Day. On HB 9 HD1, Takumi Abby of Purple Heart Chapter 483 testified in strong support, saying the bill would recognize the service and sacrifice of combat-wounded veterans and honor Purple Heart recipients and their families. Additional support was noted from the Office of Veterans Services, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and CARES, whose representative Angela Melody Young described related veteran-honoring efforts in Honolulu and across Oahu and said the state designation would extend that recognition statewide. Members then moved to decision-making on HB 9 HD1. One member briefly commented on family military service and the importance of remembering Purple Heart recipients. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation to pass the measure as is, with all members present voting aye. For SB 2723, the chair indicated the committee would further defer the date, while also recommending passage with amendments. The committee voted on the amended version and adopted the chair’s recommendation with no objections or reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Chun, Hawaii Military Affairs Council in support.
• ><c> Affairs</c> Jason Chun, Hawaii Military Affairs Jason Chun, Hawaii Military Affairs Council<00:02
• </c><00:02:24.480><c> Rights</c><00:02:24.720><c> in</c> Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights in Hawaii
• </c> Association of Hawaii in support. Association of Hawaii in support.
• </c><00:03:10.640><c> Emergency</c> Transportation and the Hawaii Emergency Transportation and the Hawaii

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 28, 2025, to hear testimony on SCR 24, with a proposed SD1 that would also change the title to urge the U.S. Department of Defense to keep all references to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its public website. Testimony was unanimously in support from veterans’ groups, civil rights organizations, and individual supporters, including Nisei Veterans Legacy, the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, the Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights, and the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club. A senator also voiced strong support, saying the resolution addressed fairness and recognition of nonwhite service members. The committee then discussed STR 96 and SR 79, which urge Maui County, the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Transportation, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop and implement an evacuation route signage program for Maui. There was no testimony on these measures. Members indicated that, consistent with committee practice, the measures would be deferred because of the lack of testimony. For SCR 24, the committee recommended passage with amendments, adopting the proposed SD1 and adding references to the 100th Infantry Battalion after each mention of the 442nd. The committee then took votes and adopted the recommendation. For STR 96 and SR 79, the committees deferred decision-making, with the Public Safety and Military Affairs committee agreeing to the deferral.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I take great pleasure in honoring the life of the late University of Hawaii Professor Dr.
• In 1961, Professor Kwak joined the faculty at the University of Hawaii, where he focused his teaching
• <00:05:00.320><c> in</c> Hawaii in Hawaii in 1974<00:05:02.080><c> the</c><00:05:02.199><c> fellowship
• He's in charge of the map collection at the University of Hawaii Library.
• </c> retired University of Hawaii retired University of Hawaii Communications<00:08:12.759><c> professor

Summary: The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the previous day’s Journal, and heard several introductions. Senator Hashimoto welcomed a visiting Kukui Fellowship Program cohort from Maui, and Senator Chang delivered a tribute honoring the late University of Hawaii Professor Daniel W. Kwak, highlighting his scholarship in Asian studies, his teaching career, and the journalism fellowship and China seminar he founded. A late introduction also recognized retired UH communications professor Gerald Kato for his work in journalism policy. The chamber then processed messages and communications, including Governor’s nominations to boards and commissions, House communications returning Senate bills, and a Judiciary communication transmitting the nomination of Sonia H. Toma to the Family Court of the Second Circuit. The Senate adopted Standing Committee Reports Nos. 1369 and 1370, agreed to disagree with House amendments to Senate Bill 108, and received notice that conferees would be named later. House concurrent resolutions transmitted from the House were referred to committee. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 994, HD1, relating to promoting pornography to minors, and House Bill 1175, relating to tax appeal procedures, both by unanimous consent with 24 ayes and no reservations. The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for a list of Senate concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions so they could meet an upcoming deadline. The President thanked staff for the job fair and noted its value for employees whose service would end at adjournment. The Senate then adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31st.