Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii voting'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Aug 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- votes.
- So our speakers from Hawaii...
- My name is Mindy Camura, and I'm the Hawaii Road Usage Program Manager with the Hawaii State Department
- Hawaii was awarded this federal grant in 2018, and that's when the Hawaii road usage charge, or H-RUC
- The Hawaii Department of Transportation conducted numerous focus groups that covered all of our Hawaii
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support.
The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance.
Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use.
Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair for the vote, please. >> Voting on SB 2665 SD2.
- Vice Chair for the vote, please. >> Voting on SB 2665 SD2.
- Any<01:05:57.520>
no <01:05:57.760>votes? Any no votes? Any no votes? - Seeing none, for the vote, please. Voting on SB 2521 SD1.
- sure with the vote, please. sure with the vote, please.
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation heard several measures and took action on each after testimony. SB 2697 SD1 would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, authorize towing or impoundment of vehicles with expired registrations of three or more years, increase certain fines and penalties, and require annual reporting; the Department of Transportation supported it, and the committee later adopted amendments and recommended passage. SB 2399 SD2 would provide a general excise tax exemption for aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and related facility construction; it drew support from industry groups and comments from the Department of Taxation and Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and was also passed with amendments. SB 2665 SD2 would require driver’s license renewal applicants with a recent traffic citation to complete a road-safety course and exam; DOT supported it, the Public Defender opposed it as not clearly linked to safer driving, and the committee amended the bill to raise the trigger from one citation to two citations within five years before recommending passage.
The committee also heard SB 2851 SD1, which would allow deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement; the Disability and Communication Access Board supported it, Peter Fritz testified in support while urging amendments on verification and threshold issues, and the committee adopted amendments and passed the measure. SB 3102 SD2 would clarify DOT’s role in port pilotage standards and appeals; DOT, DCCA, pilots, maritime interests, labor, and harbor users supported it, and it was passed with amendments. SB 2521 SD1 would exempt emergency medical services personnel from CDL requirements, require emergency-vehicle training, and update the definition of authorized emergency vehicle; DOT, DOH, Honolulu emergency services, and UPW supported it, and it too was passed with amendments.
Finally, SB 3157 would transfer unencumbered automated speed enforcement special fund balances above a set threshold to the general fund. DOT supported the concept, but members questioned whether excess funds would ever accumulate and whether the money should instead support safe routes to school; the committee increased the threshold from $12 million to $25 million, discussed but did not adopt a transfer to another special fund, and passed the bill with amendments. The chair noted the next hearing would be held the following Tuesday, likely at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 30, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 6
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joining them is their two directors, the directors of the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer
- Larry Nano and Tony Aliva are the directors of the Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii Teen Volunteer Program
- Welcome to your Miss Hawaii.
- Um welcome to [laughter] Miss Hawaii.
- House<00:17:58.160>
of the Hawaii State House of the Hawaii State House of Representatives
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, if not, Acting Vice Chair Fukunaga for the vote. Chair votes I. Thank you.
- <00:04:31.440>
you for the vote chair votes I thank you for the vote chair votes I thank you - I encourage you to vote no.
- Okay, if not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Chair votes aye. Senator Fukunaga, aye.
- <00:32:59.799>
Yes for the vote chair elante I I vote Yes for the vote chair elante I I vote
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on its 3:15 p.m. reconsideration and hearing agenda. The committee first reconsidered SB 1379 on emergency preparedness and voted to pass it with amendments. The amendments would require HEMA to submit a report to the Legislature on a community readiness centers plan, including public and private sites, funding sources, partnerships, stakeholder coordination, and projected annual funding, due 20 days before the 2026 Legislature convenes. The committee also made technical and fiscal-related changes, including blanking out certain amounts in the bill and committee report while retaining recommended amounts there, and changing the effective date language. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the amended recommendation.
The committee heard SB 1364, which makes emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs. The Department of Budget and Finance supported the bill but said the figures in oral testimony would be slightly higher than those in written testimony and that updated numbers would be emailed later in the week. Because the exact figures were not yet available, the chair deferred decision-making to February 7, 2025. The committee also heard SB 1451 on critical infrastructure, SB 1452 on the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, SB 1149 on hate crimes reporting, SB 1321 on the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and SB 1341 on energy industry information reporting.
For SB 1451, testimony was split, with support from state law enforcement and opposition from the Public First Law Center, which argued the information was already protected under existing law; the committee later adopted a motion to pass the bill with amendments, including a narrower definition of critical infrastructure information and a revised effective date. SB 1452 received support from law enforcement and prosecutors, with a requested cleanup amendment to correct a federal drug-name spelling issue; decision-making was postponed to allow the department to provide language. SB 1149 drew substantial testimony both for and against; supporters emphasized better hate-crime data collection and transparency, while opponents raised concerns about definitions and free speech. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill, with the chair summarizing the move from the older UCR system to NIBRS and noting a public dashboard expected by September 30, 2025. SB 1321 was passed with amendments shortening the oversight coordinator term from four years to three years, though one senator voted with reservations in favor of a longer term. SB 1341 was passed as is after brief support testimony, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights. the Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights.
- Any no votes? 25 eyes. The reservations? Any no votes? 25 eyes.
- Any other no votes?
- Any no votes? No votes. Senators Awa and Dort. 23 eyes, two nos. Thank you.
- Any no votes? No votes. Senators Awa and Dort. 23 eyes, two nos. Thank you.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:44.640>
green director of the Hawaii green director of the Hawaii green infrastructure - the export phase expanding Beyond Hawaii the export phase expanding Beyond Hawaii and<00:23:48.039
- partnered with the University of Hawaii partnered with the University of Hawaii have<00:26:41.080
- This is where you learn and transition, and you leverage the Made in Hawaii or the Hawaii-made brand.
- This is where you learn and transition, and you leverage the Made in Hawaii or the Hawaii-made brand.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER, TCA-PSM Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:43.119>
in Hawaii in Hawaii in person<00:01:45.960>okay <00:01:46.119>in - State Building Code Council voting State Building Code Council voting members<00:04:58.240>
um - Vice Chair: “I vote yes.” Senator Fukunaga: “I vote yes.” Senator T. Court: “No.”
- common charge in the state of Hawaii common charge in the state of Hawaii after<00:19:08.159>
- <00:42:24.440>
I chair votes I Vice chair for the vote I chair votes I Vice chair for the
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely.
The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well.
In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-07-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Chang is excused. Senator Meli votes yes. Senator Dort is excused.
- Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Chang is excused. Senator Meli votes yes. Senator Dort votes aye.
- hearing none Vice chair for the vote hearing none Vice chair for the vote chair<00:10:16.399>
- Any no votes? No vote for Senator Dort. Madam Chair, recommendations adopted. Thank you.
- <00:21:58.640>
but <00:21:58.840>my University of Hawaii but my University of Hawaii
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6.
The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-HHS, AEN, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 04-11-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair votes I. Vice chair votes I. Chair votes I. Vice chair votes I.
- If not, Senator Detroit, I vote yes. Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I.
- If not, Senator Decoy, I vote yes. Okay. Voting on HCR 42 HD1. Chair votes I.
- Uh voting HR 42 Decoy, I vote yes. Okay.
- Chair votes I. Vice chair votes amended. Chair votes I.
Summary:
The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted.
The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted.
The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? 23<00:04:55.280>
eyes. - Any no votes? Senator Awa: I have HCR 12, HCR 177, HCR 69 for no votes.
- Any no votes? consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? 23<00:11:10.160>
eyes. - Any no votes? consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? 23<00:12:31.279>
eyes. - No votes. reservations? Any no votes? No votes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll take the vote. Voting on House Bill 30 HD1 SD1 with amendments.
- Voting on House Bill 30 HD1 SD1 with amendments. I vote aye. Vice Chair.
- Uh, chair Tarnis votes I. amendments. Uh, chair Tarnis votes I. Co-chair<01:07:40.000>
Yamashta. - You okay to go to a vote on that? Yep. Okay. So, we're voting on House Bill 410, HD1, SD1. Okay.
- <01:10:58.800>
Co-chair Uh, Tarnis, uh, votes I. Co-chair Uh, Tarnis, uh, votes I.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group 08-21-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, with that, I'll defer to my co-chair to do the other introductions for voting and non-voting members
- chair elephante uh as uh non- voting chair elephante uh as uh non- voting members<00:04:42.800><
- Um other voting not specifically named.
- <00:05:24.960>
Correctional Patterson from the Hawaii Correctional Patterson from the Hawaii - <00:18:41.760>
member Michael Champion who is a voting member Michael Champion who is a voting
Summary:
The Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group held its first meeting on August 21, 2025, to organize under Act 292, which directs the group to review and recommend laws, policies, and procedures on restrictive housing for vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, those with sensory impairments, and people perceived to be LGBTQIA+. Co-chairs Sen. Brandon Elefante and Rep. Della Au Belatti outlined the group’s purpose, membership, and timeline, noting the final recommendations are due to the Legislature by January 8, 2027. Members and invited participants introduced themselves, including legislative members, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff, the Department of Health, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, ACLU of Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons, UPW, and an OHA representative in the audience.
The working group discussed its initial focus and agreed that a first priority should be understanding current restrictive housing practices at DCR, including policies on solitary confinement, training, reporting, and how the department currently handles vulnerable populations. Co-chair Belatti said the group should also hear from people with lived experience, including incarcerated individuals and family members affected by solitary confinement, and review litigation, settlements, and outside expert work on best practices. DCR Director Tommy Johnson, appearing by Zoom, said the bill contains specific implementation timelines and that the group should use future meetings to surface topics tied to the act’s requirements. Rep. Shimizu asked how the working group’s recommendations would fit with SB 104 and whether they would supersede existing provisions; Belatti responded that the act allows time for review and for both departmental policy changes and legislative recommendations, with section two’s implementation date set for July 1, 2026.
Public comment was limited, with no online testimony. An OHA representative thanked the chairs and said the office looked forward to participating once formally designated. House legislative attorney Sean Aronson suggested the group should hear about any outside or court-mandated oversight of DCR in a future presentation. A member of the working group also asked about scheduling an in-person visit to a correctional facility, and the chairs said that could be arranged with DCR. The group tentatively scheduled its next meeting for October 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., noted that September would be skipped, and discussed holding future meetings on third Thursdays. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote Seeing none, moving to the vote.
- Can I take your<00:24:07.280>
vote? your vote? your vote? Yes,<00:24:07.840>please. - Chair<00:40:00.840>
votes <00:40:01.320>I. Chair votes I. Chair votes I. - For the vote on the House, voting on a CD1, I vote aye. Co-chair Morikawa, aye.
- vote. I vote I. Senator Aquino. I. vote. I vote I. Senator Aquino. I.
Summary:
The conference committees met repeatedly on Friday, April 25, 2025, mostly to wait for finance releases and to roll bills to later times. Several measures were deferred or continued, including HB 1007 on HCDA, HB 987 on procurement, HB 620, HB 961, HB 1293, HB 1320, SB 1252, HB 1168, and others, with members often agreeing to reconvene later in the day when releases might be available. One higher education bill, HB 549 on an early learning apprenticeship grant program, was deferred because the requested expenditure of about $12.5 million could not be approved, and HB 563 on the UH Space Science and Engineering Initiative was also deferred after conferees could not reach agreement in time.
Several bills were successfully amended and passed. HB 329 appropriated $2 million for the Mililani work-for-housing project and $2 million for Maui Central Middle School. HB 736 established a wastewater system technology testing pilot program at the UH Water Resources Research Center and included a $745,325 FY26 appropriation. SB 865 created a full-time permanent CTAHR extension position, funded at $76,570 in each of FY26 and FY27 through the Agribusiness Development Corporation. HB 442 funded two pre-nursing pathway positions at UH with $215,552 each year for two fiscal years, and HB 1146 funded UH graduate assistant positions and planning work for Ala Wai Canal debris management and water quality control, with the conferees correcting the FY26 amount during discussion before approving it.
Later, HB 1168 on UH revenue bonds was approved with amendments, setting the bond amount at $30,750,000 and a July 1, 2025 effective date. HB 961, the librarian pilot program, was ultimately approved with a CD1 restoring the original $132,308 appropriation and two FTE librarian positions for a two-year pilot serving one Oahu complex area and one neighbor island complex area. HB 1293 on Department of Education procurement was also approved with amendments to support the DOE’s farm-to-school goals by exempting certain local food purchases under $250,000 from the electronic procurement system and requiring at least three written quotes instead, effective July 1, 2025, with repeal on June 30, 2028. SB 1252 on dementia was later approved with a CD1 funding two full-time positions in UH Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Geriatric Medicine at $525,000 each in FY26 and FY27.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-EIG, WTL-HOU-HWN, WTL-HOU, HOU-WTL, WTL-HWN Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? Any votes of reservations?
- /c><00:46:05.160>
I voting no with all others voting I voting no with all others voting I recommendations - /c><00:49:38.880>
I voting no no with all others voting I voting no no with all others voting - <00:50:02.160>
hearing votes any votes or reservations hearing votes any votes or reservations - Senator Kale Ki for the vote, Chair. Votes, I. Chair, votes, I.
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments.
The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.
Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Community Development Authority is Craig Nakamoto.
- We actually just voted on that yesterday on ABC's board, so we can plan for Kauai, Maui, as well as Hawaii
- Hawaii is is a huge market for Canada. Hawaii is is a huge market for Canada.
- They choose Hawaii.
- about making sure that Hawaii about making sure that Hawaii consider<02:19:59.439>
Hawaii
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- have to vote. have to vote.
- Chair Kila votes aye. Co-Chair Batti votes aye. Co-Chair Poi votes aye.
- Chair Kila votes aye. Co-Chair Batti votes aye. Co-Chair Poi votes aye.
- I'd like to take the vote. I'd like to take the vote. Chair Keela votes aye.
- Senator Rhoads votes aye. Senator Kanuha votes aye. Senator Deort votes aye.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/JHA Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong support<00:13:14.760>
- So we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii, everybody who works
- Hawaiian Electric, so we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii
- If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Voting on House Bill 982, HD1, with amendments.
- <01:30:56.040>
voting <01:30:56.320>on if not Vice chair for the vote voting on if
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended.
A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions.
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Opening Day Floor Session 01-15-2025 10:00am
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's go, Hawaii! Mahalo.
- the state of Hawaii of the state<00:25:01.799>
of <00:25:02.000>Hawaii <00:25:02.480> - Jr mayor mayor of the county of Hawaii Jr mayor mayor of the county of Hawaii Kimo Kimo Kimo alamida
- Maui County and Hawaii Maui County and Hawaii Island<00:36:36.000>
I <00:36:36.280>left - Resource for the people of Hawaii Resource for the people of Hawaii she<00:55:27.359>
works
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU, WLA-EDT-EDU, EDT Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair Wakai for the vote. Chair goes: I. Senator Fukunaga: I vote yes.
- Naoto Weno from University of Hawaii. Naoto Weno from University of Hawaii.
- <00:03:23.280>
On University Hawaii Cancer Center. On University Hawaii Cancer Center. - Seeing none, um, Vice Chair Wakai for the vote. Chair goes aye. >> I vote yes.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair Wakai for the vote. Chair goes aye. >> I vote yes.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information.
In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 04-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- vital our pelina to Hawaii truly is. vital our pelina to Hawaii truly is.
- chair for the vote. Chair goes I. chair for the vote. Chair goes I.
- Any no votes or votes or present. Any no votes or votes or reservations?
- no votes or votes or reservations? no votes or votes or reservations?
- Any no votes or votes or present. Any no votes or votes or reservations?
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process.
The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe.
The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.