Transcript Highlights:

• :02.760> what<00:25:03.640> 2006<00:25:04.600> but<00:25:04.760> we<00:25
• c> H<00:25:07.640> FDC<00:25:08.640> and<00:25:08.919> that<00:25:09.039>
• > just<00:25:15.520> because<00:25:15.799> my<00:25:15.960> concern<00:25
• c> great<00:25:26.679> and<00:25:26.840> was<00:25:27.000> all<00:25:27.240>
• that um<00:25:29.320> on<00:25:29.520> the<00:25:29.880> creation<00:25:30.559>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• > die<00:04:43.400> they project Killers When projects die they project Killers When projects
• > they<01:25:05.719> are<01:25:05.920> providing<01:25:06.440> more<01:25
• <01:25:08.760> rate<01:25:09.080> payers<01:25:09.400> who<01:25:09.480> are<
• > uh<01:25:15.239> the<01:25:15.440> the<01:25:15.800> range<01:25:16.400
• c><01:25:24.080> the<01:25:24.320> the<01:25:24.440> idea<01:25:24.920> that<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:16.480> we<00:25:16.640> had<00:25:16.799> to<00:25:16.960> modify
• <00:25:19.760> year<00:25:20.080> 25<00:25:20.960> because<00:25:22.000>
• um it was<00:25:23.120> going<00:25:23.279> to<00:25:23.440> be<00:25:23.679>
• I'm sorry.<00:25:40.320> Um<00:25:40.960> we<00:25:41.200> were<00:25:41.279>
• <00:25:45.120> at<00:25:45.360> a<00:25:45.520> particular<00:25:45.840>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call. The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%. The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<01:25:38.719> projects<01:25:39.120> for<01:25:39.360> this?
• >> Well, do you have the projects for this? >> We<01:25:40.080> do.
• c><01:25:41.360> list<01:25:41.520> of<01:25:41.760> projects >> We do.
• We do have the list of projects and<01:25:42.400> we<01:25:42.639> are<01:25:43.120>
• . projects. projects.

Bills: SB1, SB4, SB6, SB9, SB16, SB17, SB20, SB22, SB28, SB29, SB36, SB41, SB45, SB77, SB85, SB87, SB96, SB98, SB110, SB126, SB139, SB143, SB164, SB167, SB171, SB186, SB188, SB195, SB197, SB198, SB204, SB205, SB206, SB207, SB209, SB210, SB211, SB217, SB219, SB220, SB225, SB231, SB237, SB238, SB241, SB244, SB246, SB247, SB272, SB294, SB315, SB346, SB364, SB366, SB367, SB386, SB392, SB403, SB415, SB427, SB431, SB437, SB457, SB459, SB469, SB471, SB478, SB484, SB489, SB502, SB503, SB507, SB508, SB510, SB516, SB517, SB518, SB519, SB521, SB535, SB543, SB550, SB564, SB568, SB570, SB575, SB577, SB578, SB590, SB607, SB616, SB621, SB634, SB644, SB647, SB649, SB652, SB655, SB656, SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.559> we<00:25:03.799> did<00:25:04.159> maps<00:25:04.799> of
• > would<00:25:05.640> be<00:25:05.919> to<00:25:06.559> areas<00:25:07.279><
• > known<00:25:19.919> projects for aahu with just the known projects for aahu with just
• the known projects identified<00:25:21.159> projects<00:25:21.600> not<00:25:22.039>
• > including<00:25:23.039> public identified projects not including public identified projects

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:25:33.200> you<00:25:33.360> so<00:25:33.600> much,<00:25:33.840> Mr
• <00:25:35.279> Is<00:25:35.440> there<00:25:35.600> any<00:25:36.000> um<
• 25:41.279> thank<00:25:41.440> you<00:25:41.520> for<00:25:41.679> the uh
• <00:25:55.919> of<00:25:56.400> of<00:25:56.799> these<00:25:57.120> projects
• <00:25:57.679> I<00:25:57.919> think any of of these projects?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:11.120> is project an infographic of the project is project an infographic of the project
• :11.480> of<00:25:11.640> a<00:25:11.760> storage<00:25:12.159> tank<00:25
• in<00:25:13.320> the<00:25:13.440> City<00:25:13.679> of<00:25:13.799> Fairmont
• June of 26<00:25:20.360> and<00:25:20.520> once<00:25:20.720> again<00:25:21.080
• 22.640> tax<00:25:23.159> Madam<00:25:23.559> chair<00:25:24.559> um<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as a<00:25:34.000> group<00:25:34.080> of<00:25:34.240> people<00:25:34.400>
• But I will<00:25:40.799> say<00:25:40.960> this,<00:25:42.240> you<00:25:42.480>
• I live and<00:25:45.440> I<00:25:45.600> ranch<00:25:46.000> and<00:25:46.240>
• > I<00:25:46.480> know<00:25:46.640> those<00:25:47.120> things<00:25:47.360
• :48.080> You<00:25:48.240> have<00:25:48.320> to<00:25:48.799> good<00:25

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• They could request between 25% of the cost, or $12 million, if it was 30% of the cost, if their project
• each year from 16 projects to 25 projects. every year at 350 million, every year at 350 million, and
• . projects. projects.
• <00:25:52.440> at<00:25:52.560> the<00:25:52.640> 25%<00:25:54.040> financed
• federal law, and<00:25:57.400> takes<00:25:57.640> that<00:25:57.800> 25%<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:25:32.320> fruits<00:25:32.559> of<00:25:32.720> his<00:25:32.880><
• :33.360> I<00:25:33.440> know<00:25:33.520> it<00:25:33.760> means<00:25:
• And one<00:25:37.760> last<00:25:37.919> comment<00:25:38.240> if<00:25:38.400><
• <00:25:38.880> I<00:25:40.240> I<00:25:40.559> do<00:25:40.799> have
• I I do have to<00:25:41.120> say<00:25:41.360> I<00:25:41.520> know<00:25:41.679

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• projects County projects uh through projects County projects uh through these<00:08:31.639> uh
• <00:25:20.360> seems<00:25:21.120> that<00:25:21.240> seems<00:25:21.520>
• can increase<00:25:29.200> the<00:25:29.399> co<00:25:29.640> your<00:25:29.919>
• > the<00:25:31.440> cost<00:25:31.760> by<00:25:31.919> over<00:25:32.159
• as some of these projects projects projects get<00:25:48.919> uh<00:25:49.080> moved<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate File 285, a bill to shift MnDOT highway project cost participation away from local governments and onto MnDOT. The bill’s author and several city representatives said current cost-share policies force cities to spend local aid, property taxes, or debt on state highway projects they do not control, leaving less money for local streets and maintenance. Testifiers from Richfield, Elk River, Faribault, Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Association of Small Cities all supported the bill, describing the policy as one-size-fits-all, financially burdensome, and especially harmful to smaller cities and cities with major state highways running through them. Witnesses gave examples of large and sometimes changing local cost-share obligations, including Richfield’s spending of most of its MSA funds on projects it does not own and a small-city project where the estimated local share rose from about $2.3 million to over $3 million. Several testifiers said cities often have little practical ability to refuse MnDOT projects because the projects are valuable and MnDOT can move on if a city declines. One witness also raised concerns about money being paid upfront and held in an account during construction, causing cities to lose interest earnings while funds sit unused. Members asked whether cities truly have a say in these projects and whether there are limits on how much the local share can increase. Testifiers said MnDOT does engage cities, but the cost participation policy largely dictates the outcome, and they described the municipal consent statute as too narrow in practice. Senators expressed concern about fairness and the burden on local budgets, while one member noted the bill may not fully address the broader consent issue. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The total project cost is approximately $25 million.
• When<00:25:07.720> he<00:25:07.840> came<00:25:08.080> from<00:25:08.240> the
• used<00:25:14.320> to<00:25:14.400> the<00:25:14.520> idea<00:25:14.840>
• :25:35.280> the<00:25:35.360> future<00:25:35.880> and<00:25:36.120> curating
• the best<00:25:37.600> zoo<00:25:37.880> that<00:25:38.040> we<00:25:38.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:25:07.840> you<00:25:08.080> members<00:25:08.480> for<00:25:08.720>
• housing project.<00:25:53.679> But<00:25:53.760> we<00:25:54.000> still<00:25:54.159
• > need<00:25:54.240> the<00:25:54.400> land project.
• a component because if they're building a big<00:25:57.039> project<00:25:57.360> and<
• ><00:25:58.320> area big project and the schools in the area big project and the schools in the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Senate Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing heard House Bill 1088 HD1, which would exempt housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) from school impact fees. The Department of Education said it was open to working with DHHL and the Legislature, including possibly eliminating the construction-cost portion of the fee for DHHL and other government affordable housing projects, but it wanted to retain the land-dedication requirement for future school sites where growth would exceed existing school capacity. The School Facilities Authority supported the bill, and DHHL strongly supported it, noting that its testimony referenced an earlier emergency proclamation but that the exemption remains in the current proclamation. DHHL also said it had no objection to a proposed amendment from the Wahiawa Hawaiian Homestead Association. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii testified in opposition to the broader school impact fee program, arguing that the fund has accumulated about $29 million that has not been spent and citing concerns raised in State Auditor Report 19-13, including administrative and constitutional issues. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the fee system is being applied fairly, especially to smaller projects and homeowners, and whether the districts and calculations used to assess fees have been updated. Members questioned the DOE and SFA about the distinction between land and construction costs, the use of fees in areas like Kīhei, Kalihi, Ala Moana, and Ewa, and whether the department had revisited district calculations as recommended in the audit. DOE said it had collected about $500,000 in construction money and $2.8 million in land contributions for Kalihi-related areas, and said it would follow up on questions about land conveyances and district updates. After discussion, the chair called for a vote. The Education committee recommended passing HB 1088 HD1 as is, with Senator San Buenaventura voting with reservation and Senators Ihara and Kole voting aye. The recommendation was adopted. The Housing committee then also deferred the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:04.559> and<00:25:04.720> workers<00:25:05.600> uh<00:25:05.760> who
• 00:25:30.720> great to advocate uh for this this great to advocate uh for this this great project
• :25:33.159> Todd<00:25:33.399> Hurley<00:25:34.120> Madam project uh next I have
• Todd Hurley Madam project uh next I have Todd Hurley Madam chair<00:25:35.399> Madam<00:25:35.679
• 25:37.200> little<00:25:37.360> bit<00:25:37.520> or<00:25:37.679> I<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Do<00:25:01.919> you<00:25:02.080> have<00:25:02.159> a<00:25:02.320>
• We<00:25:12.240> we<00:25:12.559> have<00:25:12.640> a<00:25:12.799> road
• <00:25:13.039> track<00:25:13.440> that's<00:25:13.760> on<00:25:13.919> site
• > well<00:25:14.799> and<00:25:15.039> we've<00:25:15.279> done<00:25:15.440
• that<00:25:19.520> we<00:25:19.679> need<00:25:19.760> to<00:25:19.919>

Keywords: Opening and Roll Call 00:28 Public safety Cabinet 01:09 Juvenile justice MH Facility: 04:30 Department of Corrections Repair and Replacement: 10:29 Department of Criminal Justice Flat Track 19:05 KSP : 27:02 Department of Public Advocacy : 37:35, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County. For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes. The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• . projects. projects.
• <00:25:11.520> your<00:25:12.080> um<00:25:12.400> do<00:25:12.640> you<00
• Um so it is<00:25:40.559> not<00:25:40.799> a<00:25:41.120> building<00:25:41.440
• > per<00:25:41.679> se<00:25:42.320> but<00:25:42.640> a<00:25:42.880>
• :44.559> um<00:25:44.960> near<00:25:45.520> the<00:25:45.760> river<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:32.400> Turn<00:25:32.600> it<00:25:32.720> over<00:25:32.920> to<
• This is a<00:25:46.960> uh<00:25:47.200> 25<00:25:47.760> cent<00:25:48.440>
• up<00:25:48.600> to<00:25:48.680> 25<00:25:49.080> cents<00:25:49.480> for
• <00:25:49.640> a<00:25:49.680> $25 a uh 25 cent up to 25 cents for a $25 a uh 25 cent
• up to 25 cents for a $25 million<00:25:50.880> over<00:25:51.080> 25<00:25:51.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.960> if<00:25:47.080> they<00:25:47.200> were<00:25:47.440> not<00:25
• c><00:25:52.320> that<00:25:52.480> would<00:25:52.600> be<00:25:52.760> a
• good uh<00:25:54.159> good<00:25:54.360> thing<00:25:54.640> to<00:25:55.200>
• include<00:25:55.679> is<00:25:55.840> to<00:25:56.000> have<00:25:56.159><
• Regional<00:25:58.760> Planning<00:25:59.120> Commission<00:25:59.480> so<00:25

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee held public hearings on House Bill 471 and House Bill 373. HB 471 would create a temporary commission to study growth, traffic, planning, and land use issues in a group of southern New Hampshire towns, with possible recommendations on regional planning commission boundaries or coordination. Representative Perez said the bill was requested by Londonderry residents and local officials, and Eric Power of Brookline testified in support, saying the towns share corridor and development issues that cross regional planning commission lines. Several members questioned whether existing law already allows towns to form regional planning commissions under RSA 364:6, whether the bill should be broader, and whether the town list should include additional communities. The hearing closed with testimony counts reported as two in support and three opposed on remote sign-in, plus one opposed and one in support on the blue sheet. HB 373, sponsored by Representative Diane Powers, would revise RSA 41:11-a on town property leases. Powers said current law is too restrictive because leases over five years require repeated town votes, which she argued is impractical for long-term arrangements. She cited examples from Hampton and Brookline, including long-term road and property leases, and said she had found multiple similar cases. The bill would keep select board authority for leases under one year, allow a legislative body to authorize a specific longer lease by a three-fifths ballot vote, and preserve the existing five-year blanket leasing authority with a three-fifths vote, while keeping existing leases valid if authority is later rescinded. Eric Power testified in support, describing recurring lease renewals in Brookline and saying longer terms are needed for projects such as housing, cell towers, and solar arrays. Members asked about the change from a simple town vote to a three-fifths threshold and whether the bill duplicates existing mechanisms; Powers said the higher threshold was intended because the leases involve long-term commitments. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:07.039> And<00:25:07.279> I<00:25:07.440> I'll<00:25:07.679> give<
• Fine<00:25:15.279> Line,<00:25:15.600> which<00:25:15.840> is<00:25:15.919><
• <00:25:21.120> it<00:25:21.360> doesn't<00:25:21.600> apply<00:25:21.919>
• These theaters<00:25:28.000> are<00:25:28.240> just<00:25:28.400> a<00:25:28.640
• <00:25:46.240> And<00:25:46.320> you've<00:25:46.640> heard<00:25:46.799>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> to<00:09:44.320> use projects, and projects required to use projects, and projects required
• Um<00:25:42.520> and<00:25:42.640> if<00:25:42.720> that's<00:25:42.960> the<
• c> are<00:25:52.240> that<00:25:52.440> are<00:25:52.880> um<00:25:53.240>
• Um<00:25:55.600> but<00:25:56.000> I<00:25:56.520> I<00:25:56.640> think<
• 00:25:57.200> you<00:25:57.280> know,<00:25:57.400> I've<00:25:57.840> over

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused. The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation. Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.