Transcript Highlights:

• My friend from the Kona side on Hawaii island is in support.
• Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.
• The Green Party of Hawaii, Susan Roberts Emory in support, Robert Cison in support, Katherine Frier,
• Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.
• Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Repeals a Hawaii early childhood education educator special fund.
• Okay, Virgil Stinet, president, NFB Hawaii? Is she here? Not here. She's in Hawaii, in support.
• Hawaii, and a representative of the state legislature, 48th District Terence Tom.
• I'm James Gashel, legislative chair for the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii.
• National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii supports that version of this bill.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• In the audience, I see the former chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, Sydney Godfrey.
• Alan met his wife here in Hawaii, who is a licensed counselor who helps the severely mentally ill.
• ,</c><00:18:17.320><c> who</c><00:18:17.440><c> is</c> Alan met his wife here in Hawaii, who is Alan
• </c> abuse issue issues here in Hawaii. abuse issue issues here in Hawaii.
• Hawaii. Hawaii.

Bills: HR206 , SB3083 , SB2377 , SB2816 , SB3248 , SB2436 , SB2259 , SB2928 , SB2577 , SB2697 , SB2399 , SB2665 , SB2851 , SB3102 , SB2521 , SB3157 , SB3255 , SB3016 , SB2765 , SB1432 , SB17 , SB2401 , SB2972 , SB3014 , SB3032 , SB3137 , SB847 , SB2261 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2804 , SB3007 , SB3019 , SB3250 , SB2603 , SB3022 , SB2256 , SB2147 , SB2014 , SB2114 , SB2115 , SB2117 , SB2246 , SB2519 , SB3055 , SB3095 , SB3144 , SB3264 , SB2325 , SB2211 , SB3245 , SB2090 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB2250 , SB2497 , SB2032 , SB2487 , SB3136 , SB2756 , SB2615 , SB3262 , SB2024 , SB2177 , SB2552 , SB2319 , SB2407 , SB2153 , SB2321 , SB2805 , SB3010 , SB2892 , SB2781 , SB2489 , SB2174 , SB2169 , SB3123

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> leadership at the University of Hawaii. leadership at the University of Hawaii.
• </c> Hawaii reach the 55? Hawaii reach the 55?
• </c> is Hawaii graduates for Hawaii's future. is Hawaii graduates for Hawaii's future.
• </c> Hawaii graduates for Hawaii's future. Hawaii graduates for Hawaii's future.
• </c> improvements you can show for Hawaii improvements you can show for Hawaii public<00:36:55.280><c

Bills: SB2901 , SB2902 , SB2903 , SB2904 , SB2905 , SB2906 , SB2907 , SB2908 , SB2909 , SB2910 , SB2911 , SB2912 , SB2913 , SB2914 , SB2915 , SB2916 , SB2917 , SB2918 , SB2919 , SB2920 , SB2921 , SB2922 , SB2923 , SB2924 , SB2925 , SB2926 , SB2927 , SB2928 , SB2929 , SB2930 , SB2931 , SB2932 , SB2933 , SB2934 , SB2935 , SB2936 , SB2937 , SB2938 , SB2939 , SB2940 , SB2941 , SB2942 , SB2943 , SB2944 , SB2945 , SB2946 , SB2947 , SB2948 , SB2949 , SB2950 , SB2951 , SB2952 , SB2953 , SB2954 , SB2955 , SB2956 , SB2957 , SB2958 , SB2959 , SB2960 , SB2961 , SB2962 , SB2963 , SB2964 , SB2965 , SB2966 , SB2967 , SB2968 , SB2969 , SB2970 , SB2971 , SB2972 , SB2973 , SB2974 , SB2975 , SB2976 , SB2977 , SB2978 , SB2979 , SB2980 , SB2981 , SB2982 , SB2983 , SB2984 , SB2985 , SB2986 , SB2987 , SB2988 , SB2989 , SB2990 , SB2991 , SB2992 , SB2993 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB2996 , SB2997 , SB2998 , SB2999 , SB3000

Transcript Highlights:

• She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
• She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
• She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
• She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
• </c> five Islands across the state of Hawaii five Islands across the state of Hawaii to<00:20:09.400>

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome and introduce in our chamber today a former Hawaii girl now working out of Washington
• Welcome to the Hawaii House of Representatives. >> Representative Olds. Mahalo, Speaker.
• Uh, today, we'd like to recognize the impactful work of the American Heart Association here in Hawaii
• The association continues to Hawaii.
• Sponsored<00:17:41.600><c> by</c><00:17:41.760><c> the</c><00:17:41.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:17:42.160><

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Alexis Chapman for HFIA, Hawaii Food Industry Association.
• , BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education degree elsewhere
• , BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education degree elsewhere
• as HPU, Chaminade, BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education
• I'm here representing Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and I'm also here representing the Hawaii School

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Congressman Case is a Hawaii-licensed attorney who clerked for Hawaii Supreme Court Justice William Richardson
• </c> government actions are having on Hawaii government actions are having on Hawaii residents.<00:17
• > Hawaii</c><00:18:27.360><c> Supreme</c><00:18:27.679><c> Court</c> who clerked for Hawaii Supreme Court
• Hawaii time, whether I'm in Hawaii or in DC.
• And I guess that's a good Hawaii.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii. Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements. Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax Foundation of Hawaii with &gt;&gt; Thank you. Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments.
• Hawaii Realtors is in support. ARP Hawaii is in support.
• </c> ARP Hawaii in support. ARP Hawaii in support.
• NA Hawaii in opposition. President AP Hawaii in support.
• </c> President AP Hawaii in support. President AP Hawaii in support.

Bills: HB1604 , HB1713 , HB1722 , HB2270 , HB2401 , HB2515 , HB1979 , HB1593 , HB1743 , HB2122 , HB1756 , HB1837 , HB1729

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this informational briefing is for the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and the Hawaii
• It's to help the kind of average Hawaii resident or maybe even lower than the average Hawaii resident
• <c> is</c><00:31:08.640><c> kind</c> the average Hawaii resident who is kind the average Hawaii resident
• And I'm hesitant to return to Hawaii.
• I mean waiting to happen in Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, today we also have students from Kauai, Hawaii Technology Academy.
• Um, with your indulgence, I'd also like to introduce other students from Hawaii Island.
• Um, today, we are also excited to welcome students visiting from Hawaii Island to celebrate Hawaiian
• </c> also have students from Kauaii, Hawaii also have students from Kauaii, Hawaii Technology<00:04:50.000
• Um today, we are also Hawaii Island.

Bills: SB2097 , SB2317 , SB2319 , SB2177 , SB2190 , SB2424 , SB2524 , SB2627 , SB3084 , SB895 , SB896 , SB3102 , SB3157 , SB3215 , SB2050 , SB2090 , SB2211 , SB2572 , SB2096 , SB2025 , SB2127 , SB2046 , SB2262 , SB2354 , SB2387 , SB2487 , SB2955 , SB3234 , SB2851 , SB2573 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB3055 , SB2189 , SB2194 , SB3152 , SB2635 , SB888 , SB2203 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR7 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SCR10 , SCR11 , SCR12 , SCR13 , SCR14 , SCR15 , SCR16 , SCR17 , SCR18 , SCR19 , SCR20 , SCR21 , SCR22 , SR3 , SR5 , SR6 , SR7 , SR8 , SR9 , SR10 , SR11 , SR12 , SR13 , SR14 , SR15 , SR16 , SR17 , SR18 , SR19 , SB2010 , SB3118 , SB3276

Transcript Highlights:

• and Industry of Hawaii in support, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce in support, Kona Kohala Chamber
• of Commerce in support, Flynn Restaurants LLC in support, Fukunaga Electrical in support, and Hawaii
• Uh, Big Island of Hawaii. Uh, just really appreciate the opportunity to be here in front of you.
• Uh, in regards to housing for Hawaii, you know, I think all product types are something that need to
• <00:09:05.320><c> County</c> Hawaii County Hawaii County um<00:09:06.840><c> having</c><00:09:07.280>

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunter Heavin from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ryan Yamamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• Under Heaven from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ran Mimoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you.
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau is down on this testimony in support.
• Yo here on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association.
• Mang O, from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association, on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The joint AEN-PSM hearing on February 7, 2025 focused primarily on three agriculture-related measures and one animal welfare bill, with additional discussion of pesticide drift monitoring, coffee labeling, and a gas-pump labeling bill. SB 762 would create an Agricultural Crimes Council and authorize agricultural crime investigators; testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and several members of the public was generally supportive, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement, community involvement, and in some cases allowing investigators to be armed. Some testifiers also urged changes to the appointment process for council members, preferring neighborhood boards or local officials over gubernatorial appointments. The committee discussed combining related agricultural crime bills and noted concerns about investigator safety in remote areas. SB 763 would establish an agriculture enforcement program within the Department of Law Enforcement and a special fund. Testimony was strongly supportive from state agencies and farm groups, with speakers emphasizing the need for more effective response to agricultural theft, poaching, and related crimes. Several public testifiers linked the bill to broader community safety and asked for clearer funding, training, coordination, performance metrics, and technology use. The committee also heard SB 1022, which would prohibit leaving pets in dangerous conditions in vehicles and allow officers, firefighters, animal control, and in some cases private citizens to rescue animals; the Attorney General said existing cruelty statutes may already cover the conduct and suggested amendments, while HPD opposed the bill. Members asked about liability for rescuers and whether the proposal might affect property-crime enforcement. The committee also heard SB 1304 on pesticide drift monitoring funding, with the Department of Agriculture supporting the measure and explaining it was needed to complete a required project under an EPA-related agreement. A Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action representative raised concerns about the methodology of prior studies, and a public testifier described a recent odor incident near a roadway and school. SB 1015, requiring labels on gas dispensing equipment warning about fossil fuel impacts, drew support from the Department of Agriculture and the Public Utilities Commission but opposition from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association. SB 500 on coffee labeling and regional origin was also heard, with the Department of Agriculture in support. In decision-making, the committees adopted recommendations to pass SB 762 with amendments, SB 763 with amendments, SB 1022 with technical amendments, SB 1304 with technical amendments, and SB 1015 as is; SB 500 was not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:49.120><c> um</c> Program uh for the state of Hawaii um Program uh for the state of Hawaii
• </c> overall finances for the state of Hawaii overall finances for the state of Hawaii you<00:07:19.160
• </c> Department within the state of Hawaii Department within the state of Hawaii and<00:09:17.959><c>
• </c> to make sense for the state of Hawaii to make sense for the state of Hawaii because<00:23:28.559
• </c> Hawaii interim housing program uh Hawaii Hawaii interim housing program uh Hawaii Office<06:00:46.840

Transcript Highlights:

• So I appreciate you as a Hawaii Island Senator working on this measure.
• So I appreciate you as a Hawaii Island Senator working on this measure.
• So I appreciate you as a Hawaii Island Senator working on this measure.
• So I appreciate you as a Hawaii Island Senator working on this measure.
• with the minimum fine of state of Hawaii with the minimum fine of $500<01:15:50.880><c> up</c><01:15

Bills: HB1752 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB2140 , SB2544 , SB2069 , SB2697 , SB874 , SB2043 , SB888 , SB2721 , HB2152 , HB1334 , HB2385 , HB1643 , HB2314 , HB1688 , HB1692 , SB2568 , SB2983 , SB2108 , SB3136 , HB1959 , SB3156 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1824 , HB2137 , HB1810 , HB2279 , HB2309 , HB1548 , HB2078 , HB2293 , SB3262 , SB2169 , SB2607 , SB2964 , SB3255 , HB2576 , HB1481 , HB1864 , HB1550 , SB2818 , SB3067 , SB2061 , HB1728 , HB1881 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1823 , SB2050 , SB2397 , SB2876 , SB2175 , SB2852 , SB847 , SB3001

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:37.440><c> revised</c> part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii revised part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii
• Youth Action Hawaii, and one individual.
• opportunity for youth action Hawaii opportunity for youth action Hawaii<00:34:45.000><c> and</c><00:
• Hawaii, and from one individual.
• 07.680><c> one</c> for youth action Hawaii and from one for youth action Hawaii and from one individual

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure authorizes the Hawaii Medical Board as the state of principal license to investigate and
• Thank you for the Hawaii Medical Board and support. Thank you, Queen's Health Systems, support.
• We also have written testimony and support from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, HMSA, and the Hawaii
• Aloha, I'm Mark Alexander, Chair from the Hawaii Medical Association.
• Again, apologies for the late testimony. from the Hawaii Medical Association and from the Hawaii Medical

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means held a joint hearing on S.P. 1365, which concerns the interstate medical licensure compact. The bill would authorize the Hawaii Medical Board, as the state of principal license, to investigate and request criminal history records for qualified physicians seeking licensure through the compact. Testimony was strongly supportive. SHIPA, the Hawaii Medical Board, Queen’s Health Systems, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, HMSA, and the Hawaii Medical Association all supported the measure. The Hawaii Medical Association said the bill would help move the compact forward as part of Hawaii’s access-to-care strategy and noted that nearly 200 physicians have already come in through the compact. After brief discussion, no members raised questions or objections. The committees recommended passage of the measure unamended. The motion was adopted by vote, with several members voting aye and a few excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Mike Winn with Aloha Care, Angela Marcado with the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• , and Yungi Overly with the American Association of University Women Hawaii.
• , and Yungi Overly with the American Association of University Women Hawaii.
• </c> care Angela Marcado with the Hawaii care Angela Marcado with the Hawaii state<00:23:16.159><c> Coalition
• </c> possible melee Andrade from the Hawaii possible melee Andrade from the Hawaii children's<00:24:18.159

Summary: The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read. The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ag Stewardship Hawaii in support, and Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Association in support.
• Ag<00:01:17.920><c> Stewardship</c><00:01:18.440><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:19.680><c> in</c><00:01:19.880>
• <c> support</c><00:01:20.560><c> and</c> Ag Stewardship Hawaii in support and Ag Stewardship Hawaii in
• support and Lauren<00:01:21.000><c> Zirbel</c><00:01:21.400><c> for</c><00:01:21.560><c> Hawaii</c><
• Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Association<00:01:23.360><c> in</c><00:01:23.520><c> support.

Bills: HCR144

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• PUC has taken this on. They have a docket.
• PUC<01:17:56.000><c> has</c><01:17:56.159><c> taken</c><01:17:56.400><c> this</c><01:17:56.560><c> on
• </c><01:17:56.800><c> They</c><01:17:56.960><c> have</c><01:17:56.960><c> a</c> PUC has taken this on
• They have a PUC has taken this on.
• So maybe we'll bring the PUC docket.

Committee: Senate Transportation