Transcript Highlights:

• Every time someone crosses that bridge, they will cross a space that carries his name and spirit, a reminder
• —must cross a busy state roadway to move between the two sides of campus.
• Despite strict safety protocols, daily crossing presents Despite strict safety protocols, daily crossing
• I was one of the students that made the crossing four or more times each day.
• We also have frequent instances of students crossing...

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on a wide range of bills and topics, including impaired driving, antique and collector vehicles, roadway maintenance, homelessness-related identification cards, a pedestrian tunnel for Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, a bridge naming in Sandwich, historic route designations, and litter prevention. The chairs outlined the hearing process, including three-minute limits for individuals and seven minutes for panels, and noted that elected officials would be taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and then adjourned. On impaired driving, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and tow lot operator Chris Nolan supported a bill creating a 12-hour tow-yard hold for vehicles involved in drug-impaired incidents, similar to the existing alcohol-related hold. On transportation infrastructure and road safety, Representative Howitt testified for several bills requiring reflective tape on temporary loads, restoring road markings after utility work, requiring roadway restoration after excavation, and improving reporting on roadway damage after crashes. AAA Northeast supported bills expanding the distracted driving law to cover video recording while driving, while noting it preferred the offense remain a primary offense. Several witnesses testified in support of bills affecting vehicle enthusiasts, including restoring year-of-manufacture plates for antique vehicles, creating a single rear collector plate, and changing antique vehicle inspection rules. Another major topic was H. 3750/S. 2399, which would provide no-fee state IDs and flexible residency documentation for youth and adults experiencing homelessness; supporters included the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, social workers, city officials, and people with lived experience, all emphasizing that lack of ID blocks access to housing, jobs, health care, and other services. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2414, authorizing a tunnel connecting the north and south campuses of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, with school leaders and students citing safety, accessibility, and traffic concerns. Finally, the committee heard emotional testimony for H. 4374 to name the Quaker Meeting House Road overpass in Sandwich for Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville, and testimony for a resolve creating a roadside litter prevention and cleanup task force.

Transcript Highlights:

• These wildlife crossings have proven to be successful.
• They have no choice but to cross busy roads to find a mate or to find food.
• And so, these crossings are wildly successful. slot tunnels in South Texas.
• They can get wherever they need to go without having to cross busy roads.
• How does the animal know to cross there? Yeah, great question.

Bills: HB370 , HB738 , HB2935 , HB3227 , HB4103 , HB5259 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB1247 , SB1248 , SB2112 , HCR81 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR59 , HCR109 , HCR111 , HCR135 , SCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sure when people are wanting to cross sure when people are wanting to cross the<00:15:32.639><c>
• </c><00:21:04.280><c> a</c> you're a pedestrian wanting to cross a you're a pedestrian wanting to cross
• </c> that as a pedestrian in order to cross that as a pedestrian in order to cross in<00:21:24.320><c
• ... ...and cross.
• ><c> the</c> need a legal way to actually cross the need a legal way to actually cross the street<01:

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it is not the national Red Cross that decides this policy, but the Red Cross director in the
• The Ohio Red Cross is similar.
• And I found that on the Red Cross Form 990, Red Cross made $3.2 billion last year, and 67% of that revenue
• The American Red Cross is a nonprofit.
• , and the Red Cross, like I said, is a nonprofit.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyday crossings are very normal.
• There is a need to begin to fund the next bridge crossing or location crossing.
• But a truck at Zaragoza is paying $20 plus a crossing to cross. been told because we researched that
• Next topic is block crossings.
• Where you say that there's a port at El Paso, this train traffic that crosses the border crosses the

Transcript Highlights:

• Tamara: Representative Cross? Representative Cross: Here. Tamara: Representative Eskamani?
• Chair: Representative Cross, you're recognized.
• Chair: Representative Cross, you're recognized.
• Representative Cross, barcode 176867, you are recognized. Representative Cross: Thank you, Mr.
• Members, Representative Cross is a very friendly member.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk: Representative Cross. Rep. Cross: Here. Clerk: Representative Duggan. Rep. Duggan: Here.
• Representative Cross. Representative Duggan. Representative Eskamani. Eskamani.
• Chair: Representative Cross, you are recognized for debate. Rep.
• Cross: Symbols truly representative of our state and its natural heritage.
• Cross? Rep. Cross: Yes. Clerk: Rep. Duggan? Rep. Duggan: Yes. Clerk: Rep. Eskamani? Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unpredictable crossings make roads less safe and more congested.
• </c> endangers both Walkers and drivers cross endangers both Walkers and drivers cross crosswalks<00:
• feet or am I going to cross um so I feet or am I going to cross um so I think<00:34:28.760><c> we</c>
• The pedestrian crosses when no vehicles are present within 300 feet.
• The pedestrian crosses when no vehicles are present within 300 feet.

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:10:02.239><c> the</c> information to start um to cross the information to start um to cross the
• </c><01:17:18.000><c> the</c> pedestrians must start crossing the pedestrians must start crossing the
• </c> currently pedestrians do start crossing currently pedestrians do start crossing the<01:17:23.679
• </c><01:17:49.280><c> the</c> tell pedestrians to uh not cross the tell pedestrians to uh not cross the
• </c> that remains to safely cross the street. that remains to safely cross the street.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next slide is our cattle crossing.
• A lot of people don't realize that the largest cattle crossing on the U.S.
• They were slated to cross about 600,000 head of cattle this year.
• We are working on the strategic plan for international border crossings.
• Especially the crossing between Santa Teresa and Jeronimo.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a district where a cross subsidy exists, that district pays that cross subsidy from other general
• </c> about the special education cross about the special education cross subsidy<00:42:46.839><c> and
• net cross subsidy 44% of the remaining net cross subsidy um<00:43:31.880><c> in</c><00:43:32.000><c>
• cross cross subsidy<00:44:06.359><c> um</c><00:44:06.559><c> has</c><00:44:06.720><c> varied</c><00:
• </c><00:53:59.400><c> subsidy</c> is the the cross subsidy is the the cross subsidy Gap Gap Gap and<00

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of legislation and policy for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Massachusetts.
• And on behalf of Blue Cross, I want to offer our strong support for this legislation.
• Blue Cross has also taken significant steps to make our workplace menopause-friendly.
• This is not just about Blue Cross.
• And I really do appreciate so much of what Blue Cross has done.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item. The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations. Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that very railroad crossing I had to cross as a school bus driver.
• We railroad crossings, school buses do.
• So, the new rules railroad crossings.
• </c> on Highway 65 is a railroad crossing. on Highway 65 is a railroad crossing.
• I had to And that very railroad crossing I had to cross<00:18:08.640><c> as</c><00:18:08.760><c> a</

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> crosses the line. crosses the line.
• </c><00:09:24.120><c> the</c> There are times where that crosses the There are times where that crosses
• And Representative cross the line.
• </c><00:09:32.400><c> the</c> Finki, I've seen things that cross the Finki, I've seen things that cross
• </c> things that cross the line. things that cross the line.

Transcript Highlights:

• This cross-border fuel crime has disrupted lawful trade and and investment.
• Historically, the bridge crossed an average of 261 daily southbound.
• The port cross is roughly 6,000 miles long. Thousand commercial trucks daily.
• Which ports can cross? I think there's six from Eagle Pass down that can cross fuels.
• But they cross overweight and cross a... are the prohibitions of rolling trucks? At times, yes sir.

Bills: SB2199 , SB2200 , SB2201 , SB2949 , SB2332

Committee: Senate Border Security

Transcript Highlights:

• With these actual trucks, they can cross at the nearest point of entry and run home.
• They change papers on this side of the border prior to crossing.
• They are mitigating the crossings as well.
• of these drivers would then go left to cross through the Pharr bridge.
• The second trailer is then driven to a designated crossing point along the border.

Bills: SB290 , SB2949

Committee: House Energy Resources

Keywords: LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, motor fuel, fuel transport, fuel export, transloading, export fuel transloading facility, fuel terminal, terminal operator, comptroller, Texas Tax Code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Department of Public Safety, DPS, border security, ports of entry

Transcript Highlights:

• She believed that crossing guards, the unsung heroes of the schools, should receive recognition. for
• Crossing guards do all of this to ensure safety of the children and families in their community.
• Throughout the process of my research, I discovered the vital role that a crossing guard plays.
• I also found many stories that prove the crossing guards are true heroes.
• At Texas, a crossing guard even gave her life to keep students safe while on duty.

Bills: SB2232 , SCR1 , SCR6 , SCR15 , SCR27 , SCR32

Committee: Senate Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• And on behalf of Blue Cross, I want to offer our strong support for this legislation.
• Blue Cross has also taken significant steps to make our workplace menopause-friendly.
• Cross are always higher because I think you're...
• Going to be clear, this is not just about Blue Cross.
• And I really do appreciate so much of what Blue Cross has done.

Bills: H4796 , H4838

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: organ transplant, emergency vehicle, transportation, medical personnel, regulation, organs, menopause, perimenopause, healthcare access, female health, public health, medical education, workplace policies, discrimination, accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• Frank and Democratic member, Cross? Yes. representatives Biden is excused.
• Thank you, Chair Salzman, Ranking Member Cross.
• Ranking Member Cross, I didn't see you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you for the point made, Representative Cross. Thank you for that.
• Ranking Democratic member, Cross. No. Excused. Ranking Democratic member Cross? No.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live and work in urban Honolulu, and crossing the street is dangerous.
• , but once it turns the numbers, they cannot cross.
• I cross Cap Parkway and Konola Boulevard almost daily.
• It helps the keiki when they go to school crossing the street.
• And I'd like to say crossing the street.

Bills: HB2392 , HB2462 , HB2423 , HB1771 , HB2081 , HB2334 , HB2336 , HB1666 , HB2375 , HB2415 , HB2451 , HB2373 , HB1641 , HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.