Video & Transcript Research : 'orphaned animals'
Page 54 of 164
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- After the oil is squeezed, the seed actually becomes this flaky substance, and it's a great animal feed
- <00:13:26.800>
it's <00:13:26.920>a <00:13:27.079>great <00:13:27.440>animal - flaky substance and it's a great animal flaky substance and it's a great animal feed<00:13:28.240
- <00:13:38.079>
and <00:13:38.279>provide would do for the animals and provide would - do for the animals and provide that<00:13:38.920>
that <00:13:39.079>fatty <00:13:39.480
Summary:
The Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on HB 976, a measure related to incentives for renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Supporters said the bill would help close the cost gap between renewable and conventional fuels, strengthen Hawaii’s energy security, support climate goals, and encourage local economic development. Testifiers from Pono Pacific, PAR Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Pacific Biodiesel, Aloha Carbon, and others described ongoing or planned projects, local feedstock development, and potential benefits for agriculture, waste diversion, and emissions reductions.
Several testifiers also discussed proposed amendments. The Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition said it wanted to remove the import tax credit, eliminate the aggregate cap increase to avoid additional state funding, and revise local-production language to rely on a carbon-intensity threshold rather than location-based preferences. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised technical concerns about the bill’s administration, including prorating credits if the cap is exceeded and the feasibility of a 30-day filing window. Some supporters urged keeping solid waste, including construction and demolition debris, as eligible feedstock, while Energy Justice Network opposed that approach and also urged removing GMO-related language and waste-based feedstocks because of environmental and toxic emissions concerns.
Opposition testimony focused on the bill’s cost and feasibility. Energy Justice Network and Ted Metros argued the measure could become a large subsidy for a refinery and questioned whether Hawaii has enough land and water to produce meaningful quantities of biofuel locally. Metros also criticized the refundable credit structure and said the state should not bear the cost for what he described as a benefit largely tied to tourism and imported fuel. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair later noted the committee had received 13 testimonies in support, 18 in opposition, and seven comments, and then invited further discussion on cost allocation and lowering caps to broaden participation.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we also offer a depredation permit that's not a license for nuisance animals, including some of these
- If you own property in Louisiana and you were from Texas, you probably could shoot those three animals
- And we also offer a depredation permit that's not a license for nuisance animals, including some of these
- If you own property in Louisiana and you were from Texas, you probably could shoot those three animals
- For that option to allow for landowners to still be able to address these nuisance animals.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented.
House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable.
Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Ways and Means Committee considers agriculture finance bill, HF2446 4/21/25
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it was my priority that we fully fund the Board of Animal Health with the situation facing turkey
- priority that we fully fund the<00:05:12.560>
board <00:05:12.720>of <00:05:12.880>animal - health with the the the board of animal health with the the situation<00:05:15.280>
facing <00 - board<00:05:27.680>
of Chair Anderson said the committee had fully funded the Board of Animal - Line 261 is an operating adjustment for the Board of Animal Health.
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 6th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an animal unit, which is a cow and calf, depending on the rainfall of the area.
- that, Madam Chair, my I add to your excellent point about increasing food supply, specifically in animal
- But in a cow's position, it's close to two years to get that cow bred. until that animal is ready for
- we import beef from another country, it's either frozen or it's in a sealed barrel because of the animal
- So, if I want to import an animal, say, from England, a high-bred venison, I have to quarantine them;
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- pseudouridine, N-methyl pseudouridine, which is not a... normally a component in DNA or RNA in plants, animals
- dispute and have that conversation, but what we need to recognize here is one question: there was no animal
- And that binary system is how computers work, but in nature, whether it's plants, animals, or humans,
- One of them is uracil in animals, in plants.
- Conservative Coalition... a ban on mRNA-based vaccinations and treatments for disease in humans and animals
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- love to come to the farm, spend time with the horses, ride the ponies, and enjoy time with the other animals
- With the other animals we have on the farm, along with the bees and the chickens, our one son started
- They were beloved, beloved friends, beloved animals.
- They were beloved, beloved friends, beloved animals. My family, Robert Chambliss raises horses.
- I love the animal. I'm a horse owner myself.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS.
The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably.
The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote.
Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a state-of-the-art bivarium, an animal care facility, an animal care facility. research facility
- Obviously there is a lot of preclinical work that goes on including in animals.
- opportunity to have automated cage cleaning, for example, that helps us in automated track. of all of the animals
- where UTMB researchers have created an Alzheimer nasal spray which has shown promising results in animals
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what a risk to himself a Florida highway patrol or patrol and rescue the animal before the dog
- there's not always highway patrol been on hand when an incident like this occurs and there are more animals
- The dogs, former owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
- This bill would make it a third-degree felony to commit extreme animal cruelty.
- We have Diana Ferguson from Florida, Animal Control Association waiving in support.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 093 Apr 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:18:54.280>
at <02:18:54.480>risk <02:18:54.719>for you put those animals - <02:21:26.480>
diseases transferring different animal diseases transferring different animal - This is for the animals, for biosecurity.
- It's largely mechanical, but we have a lot of folks that work in animal care and livestock care.
- animal care and livestock care. animal care and livestock care.
Summary:
The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders.
The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused.
The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
FULL INTERVIEW: Lowering Energy Costs Through Innovation | Senator Nick Frentz May 29th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By the way, we're making this a more cost-effective, keep the zoo open longer, have more animals by using
- 00:15:40.800>
longer, <00:15:41.160>have <00:15:41.320>more <00:15:41.520>animals - the zoo open longer, have more animals the zoo open longer, have more animals by<00:15:42.040>
Summary:
The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response.
A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts.
The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- caused the loss of or damage to livestock, the judge shall order the dog to be surrendered to an animal
- shall order the dog to be surrendered to shall order the dog to be surrendered to an<00:21:47.520>
animal - control<00:21:48.240>
officer <00:21:48.720>for <00:21:48.960>humane an animal - control officer for humane an animal control officer for humane euthanasia<00:21:50.960>
within
Keywords:
cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing
Summary:
The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures.
Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- May this body be animated by a concern for justice that is practical, compassion that is disciplined,
- May<00:02:11.760>
this <00:02:12.000>body <00:02:12.400>be <00:02:12.640>animated - /c><00:02:13.440>
by <00:02:13.680>a <00:02:13.920>concern May this body be animated - by a concern May this body be animated by a concern for<00:02:14.640>
justice <00:02:15.040>
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present and began the session with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom, who urged senators to listen carefully, act with humility and integrity, and keep policy focused on real people and practical justice. His remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including a senior Girl Scout troop from Jefferson, family members of a senator, and visiting teachers, educators, and students from the College Board Foundation.
The main floor action was a resolution recognizing Korean-American Day and honoring the Korean Society of Maryland and the broader Korean American community for their contributions to Maryland and the nation. The sponsor highlighted the community’s history since the first Korean immigrants arrived in North America in 1903 and named several Korean American leaders present in the gallery. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with applause and thanks extended to the guests.
The Senate then handled first-reader bill introductions: Senate Bill 280, relating to state parks terminology in the Natural Resources/Education/Energy/Environment committees, and Senate Bill 281, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, referred to Budget and Taxation. Leadership noted that the early weeks of session would be committee-heavy, with most bills going to standing committees rather than the floor. Committee chairs then gave scheduling updates, including truncated hearing formats due to bill volume, upcoming hearings on longevity, the AHEAD model and emergency department wait times, election law bills, controller briefings, and departmental hearings. The Senate adjourned without objection until Wednesday, January 21, for a 10:00 a.m. pro forma session.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Apr 11, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- And these are skills that ensure proper animal handling for bona fide cattle producers.
- And these are skills that ensure<00:19:23.919>
proper <00:19:24.320>animal <00:19:24.640 - >
handling <00:19:25.120>for ensure proper animal handling for ensure proper animal handling
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 9, February 19, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's extraterrestrial animals doing things. And the pictures are disgusting.
- <00:31:02.720>
It's it's people with animal heads. It's it's people with animal heads. - As we entered animals, guess what that opened up?
- Do we take the animal science books out, or how do we deal with these books?
- and pack animals to how about ATVs?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- patient of ours had a fatal stroke at the age of 29 and was left with four children, ages 12 to 2, orphaned
Summary:
The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda.
Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage.
The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 31 (2-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- seen what happens when there is no conservation, when there is no group out there advocating for animals
- seen what happens when there is no conservation, when there is no group out there advocating for animals
- seen what happens when there is no conservation, when there is no group out there advocating for animals
- seen what happens when there is no conservation, when there is no group out there advocating for animals
- group out there advocating for animals. group out there advocating for animals.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 members, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The chamber also received messages from the House that it had passed House Bills 43, 139, 297, 414, and 485 and requested concurrence. Second reading reports placed several bills in the Rules Committee, including measures on property disposition, children, school district sick leave, unemployment insurance, and status offenses, and a new resolution was introduced honoring the 10th anniversary of the 2016 session and its bullying-prevention legislation.
The main floor action was on Senate Bill 39, relating to fishing in privately owned lakes and ponds. Senators debated multiple floor amendments, with several withdrawn and floor amendment 6 adopted. Supporters said the bill clarified private property rights and allowed stocking of F1 Florida bass without changing existing license requirements, while opponents and some supporters emphasized protecting the public trust, conservation funding, and the North American wildlife management model. After extended debate, the Senate passed SB 39 as amended by a vote of 29-8.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 154, relating to elections. The sponsor said it would strengthen election integrity by removing non-photo identification options, specifically Social Security cards and EBT SNAP cards, from the list of acceptable voter verification methods. Opponents argued the bill would make voting harder without evidence of fraud, citing that many Kentuckians used those IDs in the last election and that transportation and access barriers already exist. The transcript cuts off during debate on SB 154 before a final vote is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Item 3 discusses TVMDL's discontinuation of drug testing for parimutuel racing animals beginning in fiscal
- and they can turn on a dime to assist in the emergency response. a lot in agriculture, both on the animal
- This is a dramatic example, but each day TVMDL detects numerous diseases in animals that are a threat
- to Texas's vital $24 billion animal agriculture industries and. can pose a public health threat to the
- similar laboratories in other states, and private labs operated by for-profit entities within the animal
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/25/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just want to make sure that our area is receptive to animal agriculture.
- <00:26:39.840>
Uh is receptive to animal agriculture. - Uh is receptive to animal agriculture.
- agriculture and sometimes having animal agriculture and sometimes it<00:27:12.320>
feels <00:27 - agriculture, corn, Gas from animal agriculture, corn, soybeans, green hydrogen, CO2, and novel crops
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Animal Rights Hawaii in support. Ocean Legislative Task Force in support. Hi Kaloa in support.
- Animal<00:37:34.480>
Rights <00:37:34.880>Hawaii <00:37:35.280>in <00:37:35.599>< - <00:37:36.800>
Ocean Animal Rights Hawaii in support. - Ocean Animal Rights Hawaii in support.
- Yellow tang collection to over 40,000 animals of that species alone taken from our bay.
Bills:
HB2101
Keywords:
aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable.
Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations.
Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA DEFER, WLA Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- of feel like our ancestors for several million years have eaten some nuts, some berries, and some animal
- <00:27:18.480>
So, <00:27:18.640>I berries, and some animal flesh. - So, I berries, and some animal flesh.
- Uh but we'd like to their animals.
- And then add as a permitted use on page four plant and animal sanctuaries, to be defined in subsection
Bills:
SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996
Keywords:
historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail.
The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs.
A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement.
Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.