Video & Transcript Research : 'contiguous acres'
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AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We're not the big Delta multi-thousand-acre farms. We're 20- and 40- and 80-acre farms.
- We're 20- and 40- and 80-acre farms, and you can go to the county extension office and get help with
- And a farmer with 40 or 60 or 80 acres can't afford to own one.
- reaches out to the people of this state and provides an important service to the 40-, the 50-, the 60-acre
- All the plantation owners or whatever you want to call it, 100,000 acres or so in East Arkansas, if they
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The project will be on a 123-acre site along Texas Highway 121, which is approximately 37 minutes from
- The project will be located on a parcel totaling 560 acres that is currently vacant and sits adjacent
- The city has identified approximately 400 acres of undeveloped land that offer an ideal location for
- In fact, to boot, the city of Carrollton purchased a home on a 110-acre site in 2020 as a generational
- Broussard stated, this is an 87-acre mixed-use development that we are working on.
Bills:
HB 1039, HB2289, HB2370, HB2404, HB3066, HB3076, HB3117, HB3118, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3182, HB3196, HB3241, HB3377, HB3500, HB3567, HB3715, HB3954, HB4098, HB4109, HB4222, HB4226, HB4412, HB4659, HB4682, HB4683, HB4755, HB4926, HB5165, HB5562, HB5596
Keywords:
hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax authority, border counties, tax legislation, municipalities, hotel tax revenue, convention centers, economic development, local government authority, HB 2370, HOT tax, venue projects, convention center, municipal finance, local government code, Section 334.0082, tourism tax, debt financing, bond repayment
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is kind of an ongoing thing, but we got 12 acres on Central Midway through the impact fee law
- and we got like 373.4 acres using a fair share or educational contribution agreement.
- So this is kind of an ongoing thing, but we got 12 acres on Central Midway through the impact fee law
- and we got 373.4 acres using a fair share or educational contribution agreement.
- and we got 373.4 acres using a fair share or educational contribution agreement.
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.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , and over 24 million acres enrolled in the MLDP permitting.
- Chair now calls Tim Acres.
- Acres. Okay, I've got a few questions. Thank you, Mr. Acres. Okay, I've got a few questions.
- Just lost 26,000 acres to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- Judge Shanklin lost 28,000 acres in his county. It's ag-exempt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/20/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:29.920>
This exploration area to about 1 acre. - This exploration area to about 1 acre.
- And so we'll lose two acres for every acre that is impacted.
- And so we'll lose two acres for every acre that is impacted.
- And so we'll lose two acres for every acre that is impacted.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 17, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I just had the question today: what if a Hawaii Island detection is a 3-acre farm, a residence, but it
- ’s a 3-acre farm versus a house on Hawaii Island that’s 10,000 square feet?
- That's over a million acres across Hawaii, which is roughly 25% of the state's land area.
- That equates to 253 acres of our highest priority areas.
- <01:24:54.560>
of <01:24:54.639>our <01:24:54.880>highest equates to 253 ACR
Summary:
The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts.
Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach.
Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- How many one acre of apple trees.
- And so we're using much acres of corn.
- New York grows about a million acres of corn. Just like Quebec, Vermont grows about 100,000 acres.
- Um, in grows about 100,000 acres.
- Quebec's experience, uh, a million acres Quebec's experience, uh, a million acres of<03:05:29.040
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- nearly 1.8 million acres across Arkansas and<04:13:54.600>
Oklahoma. - The Flatside Wilderness was expanded by 640 acres during the 115th Congress.
- The Flatside Wilderness was expanded by 640 acres during the 115th Congress.
- Act directing the sale of 21,000 acres Act directing the sale of 21,000 acres of<05:27:39.520>
- These sites preserve across nine acres.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Since 2024, 77,000 acres of grapevines have already been removed across the state.
- An additional 40,000 acres are projected to be pulled out this year alone.
- Assembly Bill 2770 is a legislative measure that mandates the transfer of approximately 3.68 acres of
- The opportunity for the return of just a few acres of our traditional homeland is extremely important
- Thank you. ...but for a few acres to reconnect us with our history and our home. Ten seconds.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures.
AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations.
AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Heartland Lakes Development Commission is currently working on approximately a 35-acre residential subdivision
- Heartland Lakes Development Commission is currently working on approximately a 35-acre residential subdivision
- Heartland Lakes Development Commission is currently working on approximately a 35-acre residential subdivision
- Heartland Lakes Development Commission is currently working on approximately a 35-acre residential subdivision
- Heartland Lakes Development Commission is currently working on approximately a 35-acre residential subdivision
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, a lot of people do not know that we have almost a 400-acre experiment station right down from the
- I think it's 12 acres.
- A new vineyard, I think it's 12 acres, and building a new facility for processing.
- How many acres do you have there? 385. Yeah. So we are excited.
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In total, they own about 3 million acres of Florida's 30 million uplands.
- He manages a large portfolio of thousands of acres of Florida, and he does a lot of work to make sure
- He manages a large portfolio of thousands of acres of Florida, and he does a lot of work to make sure
- He manages a large portfolio of thousands of acres of Florida, and he does a lot of work to make sure
Summary:
The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes.
The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026.
Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House OKs conference agreement on HF2563, the Legacy finance bill 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The area that we cover is the outdoor heritage fund, protecting over 160,000 acres of land for wildlife
- outdoor heritage fund protecting over uh outdoor heritage fund protecting over 160,000<00:04:34.680>
acres - 36.639>
the <00:04:36.880>wild <00:04:37.440>life <00:04:38.000>and 160,000 acres - land for the wild life and 160,000 acres land for the wild life and nature.<00:04:39.440>
clean
Summary:
The House considered a conference committee report on House File 2563, the legacy bill, and members described it as a bipartisan agreement with the Senate. Representative Vang outlined several major changes from the House version, including restoring funding for Peace in the Valley in parks and trails, moving Wilderness Inquiry funding to the arts and culture fund, increasing the Minnesota Zoo to $3.4 million, raising the Children’s Museum to $1 million, setting aside $1.5 million for a competitive grant pool for children’s museums statewide, and increasing the Science Museum to $700,000. Supporters said the bill invests in clean water, parks and trails, outdoor heritage, arts and cultural heritage, and a new community identity and heritage grant program for underserved communities.
Several members spoke in favor of the report, emphasizing the value of legacy funds for conservation, cultural programming, tourism, and community identity. Speakers highlighted specific beneficiaries and projects, including outdoor heritage groups, the Science Museum, Latino arts and mural projects, and competitive funding for creative arts and music. One member noted that some state agencies also received appropriations in the bill and criticized fee increases on Minnesotans, while another said the bill reflected a fair negotiation process and that some programs saw reductions because of a $33.1 million accounting-related shortfall.
After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report. The clerk then took the roll, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a vote of 113 yeas and 21 nays, with its title agreed to.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They've done it on small lakes, 100 acres. Uh, French Lake, they've tried 850 acres.
- > they've done it on lakes small lakes, they've done it on lakes small lakes, 100<00:50:35.880>
acres - French<00:50:37.280>
Lake, <00:50:37.480>they've <00:50:37.640>tried 100 acres - Uh French Lake, they've tried 100 acres. Uh French Lake, they've tried 850<00:50:38.680>
acres. - Um so, they're uh 850 acres. Um so, they're uh France French Lake, they've tried 850 acres.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 7th, 2026 at 09:06 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Rio Camalo, Rio Frijoles, Rio Medio, Santa Cruz Stream System Association, where there's over 5,000 acres
- Where there's over 5,000 acres of land irrigated and over 7,000 members.
- But they found a good one: 1,800 acre-feet, or I'm maybe getting my numbers right, but a good chunk of
- acre-feet to be used for this new industrial use, even as the users in my district, within the next
- Well, I mean, you could take a moment, but, you know, I want to get a sense per acre-foot how much it
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Put that number in perspective: an acre-foot is the amount of water it takes to fill up one acre with
- Egglands, about 780 acres, is currently inundated.
- That goes up about 120 acres every foot of water.
- And I just used $2,200 per acre. $8.6 million.
- And I just used a $2,200 per acre. 8.6 million.
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information.
The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability.
The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, May 27, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- >
for <00:25:42.760>sagebrush more acres are protected for sagebrush more acres are protected - And that's 30 million acres, 48% of our state lands.
- And that's 30 million<01:42:48.160>
acres, <01:42:48.600>48% million acres, 48% million - Looking at 1.1 million acres to be done every year for the next 14.
- So, we accommodate every acre up there.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- has increased from 300,000 to now 1.2 million acres.
- we had 30,000 acres of spruce budworm-infected trees that burned around Brimson in Lake County.
- Increased from 300,000 to now 1.2 million acres. That's 7% of our forested land.
- we had 30,000 acres of spruce budworm-infected trees that burned around Brimson in Lake County.
- By growing over the acres in Minnesota.
Keywords:
tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This provides the authority for counties to amend district boundary amendments up to 25 acres for the
- This does not change the county's current authority for 15 acres or less.
- This does not change the county's current authority for 15 acres or less.
- <00:59:57.599>
I'm authority 15, um, 15 acres or less. - I'm authority 15, um, 15 acres or less.
Keywords:
housing crisis, manufactured homes, factory-built housing, zoning, relocatable housing units, farm employee housing, agriculture, Hawaii Revised Statutes, agricultural districts, land use, regulation, renewable energy, community development, housing, affordable housing, real estate, state regulation, building codes, construction, permitting
Summary:
The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.
A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making.
The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The total area required for this landfill site is about 150 acres, and 90 acres of that is the actual
- The total area required for this landfill site is about 150 acres, and 90 acres of that is the actual
- The total area required for this landfill site is about 150 acres, and 90 acres of that is the actual
- <00:17:01.639>
and <00:17:01.839>90 <00:17:02.279>90 <00:17:02.560>Acres < - and 90 90 Acres of that is the acres and 90 90 Acres of that is the actual<00:17:03.759>
landfill
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.