Transcript Highlights:

• To start, I'd like to share a number. That number is 288.
• behavior, conflicts on shared-use paths, and confusion.
• Riding behavior, conflicts on shared-use paths, and confusion among riders and parents about California's
• A city could say that kids under 12 can't ride e-bikes...
• A city could say that kids under 12 can't ride e-bikes...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> contracted rides or basically? >> contracted rides or basically?
• But uh I hope there is shared outrage, and uh if you have some, uh, I'm glad to share that with you.
• It's a it's a share of the ride basis. It's a it's a share of the total<00:46:47.599> funds.
• Um but when you see $200 a ride ride ride You<00:47:42.960> got<00:47:43.119> to<00:47:
• parking ride it is. parking ride it is.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Met Council report from Charles Carlson on high-subsidy transit route analysis required by the transportation bill. Carlson explained that the study uses per-passenger operating subsidy, compares routes by type and service day, and is intended to help providers improve cost-effectiveness while recognizing transit’s importance for access, affordability, safety, and the region’s economy. He noted that routes more than 60% above peer averages are considered the highest-subsidy tier, and that the report also estimates the cost of Metro Mobility associated with those routes. Members asked several questions about why contracted service can cost less than directly operated service, whether contracting affects wages, union membership, or service quality, and why the Met Council targets about 20% of regular route service for contracting. Carlson said contracted service can be cheaper because of lower overhead and other market factors, that the council sets minimum wage and service-quality requirements in contracts, and that customers should not notice a quality difference. He also said the 20% target is meant to balance cost-effective service, geography, and a mix of providers, and that some routes may become more cost-effective with more frequent service depending on local demand. Carlson reported that in 2024, 206 of 264 routes met guidelines, 16 were in the lowest intervention tier, 14 in the middle tier, and 28 were in the highest-subsidy tier. He said the regional share of high-subsidy service was about 4.1%, but the share varied widely by provider, with some at 0% and others much higher. He estimated that discontinuing the highest-subsidy routes would save about $23 million annually and up to $72 million in capital costs. For Metro Mobility, he said the cost associated with trips tied to high-subsidy routes rose from about $368,000 in 2023 to about $6.1 million in 2024, largely because the mix of routes triggering federally mandated paratransit service changed, especially in the Shakopee area.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ride-sharing safety incidents on Lyft are statistically very rare, occurring in 0.5% of rides, with over
• Ride-sharing safety incidents on Lyft are statistically very rare, occurring in 0.5% of rides, with over
• <01:18:11.600> sharing<01:18:12.560> ride remain unique to ride sharing ride remain
• unique to ride sharing ride sharing<01:18:13.440> safety<01:18:13.760> incidents<01:18
• c> income<01:18:46.440> and ride share for supplemental income and ride share for supplemental

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to share... I'll do any time, thank you, but I'd like to share the...
• And I'd like to share, thank you, but I'd like to share that with Deb, Deb from MTA.
• We have a shared contract for that.
• They can't ride their bike or walk.
• We like horse polo, cattle sorting, and riding.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've heard concerns about job security for our ride-share drivers.
• are about 10% more than ride share driver rides.
• are about 10% more than ride share driver rides.
• <01:38:59.200> share<01:38:59.640> driver about 10% more than ride share driver about
• 10% more than ride share driver rides.<01:39:00.480> I<01:39:00.520> know<01:39:00.680

Bills: HF4062, HF4063, HF4065, HF3926, HF4216, HF3176, HF3728, HF3988, HF3865

Keywords: vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads

Transcript Highlights:

• Impose a surcharge on TNC rides to create a pool of money to reimburse drivers in providing WAV rides
• <00:54:34.080> So, a ride, you know." So, a ride, you know."
• <00:54:54.720> shares<00:54:55.680> and transportation network ride shares and transportation
• network ride shares and wheelchair<00:54:56.320> accessibility<00:54:57.600> um wheelchair
• You know, I just kind of want to say it's really great that my ride-share companies are, you know, integrating

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we'll share an explanation that I have emailed some of the members, um, to share an explanation of
• The subsidies ranged as high as $270 a ride to a little over $50 a ride.
• of the rides. of the rides.
• their low percentage of rides. their low percentage of rides.
• the region, the busiest park and ride the region, the busiest park and ride station<00:23:56.880

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know. where you can ride it legally. where you can ride it legally.
• to be forced to ride on sidewalks. to be forced to ride on sidewalks.
• We share the same goal as the bill authors. More helmets, safer riding, fewer kids getting hurt.
• Thank you. ride we sponsor. We support free helmet ride we sponsor.
• . riding. riding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:28.960> Ride<00:34:29.159> program Expand the Hele-On Shared Ride program so
• Expanding shared rides service would give people more flexible transportation, like rides that can pick
• Expanding shared rides service would give people more flexible transportation, like rides that can pick
• Expanding shared rides service would give people more flexible transportation, like rides that can pick
• > the other ride share programs or the other ride share programs or the existing<01:25:12.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 31 and heard a series of resolutions focused on roadway safety, transportation access, and infrastructure coordination. Early measures included HCR 104/HR 96 on advancing coastal trails on O‘ahu’s North Shore and HCR 63/HR 57 on clarifying responsibility for Honouliuli Bridge and addressing safety, wildfire, and emergency access concerns. The Department of Transportation supported both, and a resident testified that the Honouliuli bridge is a single-lane emergency replacement on state land that has limited access for fire protection, heavy vehicles, permits, and repairs. DOT said it was working with DLNR and that jurisdiction may ultimately lie with the County of Maui, with research ongoing. The committee also heard HCR 62/HR 56 on alternative vegetation management along Hana Highway, HCR 43/HR 39 on raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary, and HCR 52/HR 48 on integrating the safe system approach into county road design; these drew support testimony and no opposition. The committee then considered HCR 120/HR 112 on regulating transportation network companies under motor carrier law. DOT and the Public Utilities Commission offered comments, while Lyft opposed, arguing the legislature already created a TNC-specific framework in 2022 and that motor carrier law is not a good fit for app-based ride platforms. In questioning, PUC explained that TNCs would fall under both PUC motor carrier jurisdiction and DOT permitting, and DOT said it would follow up on enforcement questions. Members also discussed HCR 119/HR 111 on an indirect traffic disruption grant program, with the chair asking DOT to clarify how it enforces penalties when contractors or others fail to follow road closure requirements. Other measures discussed included HCR 96/HR 88 on moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system, which DOT supported; HCR 128/HR 120 on coordinating capital improvement planning for Hawaiian Home Lands developments, which DOT and DHHL supported; HCR 127/HR 119 on a state highway police force, which DOT supported; and HCR 125/HR 117 on a statewide plan for derelict utility poles and lines, which drew support from DOT, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawaiian Telcom, with DOT acknowledging it lacks current statutory authority to force immediate removal. The committee also heard HCR 58/HR 54 on school crosswalk safety for Mililani Elementary, HCR 55/HR 51 on using artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety, and HCR 54/HR 146 on expanding the Hele-On Shared Ride program on Hawai‘i Island. Supporters of the Hele-On measure said expanded service would help rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities reach medical appointments and daily activities, while noting cost and technology-access concerns; they said missed or delayed appointments are a real issue in remote areas. The final item discussed in the excerpt was HCR 64/HR 58 on minimizing rumble strip dimensions on Kūhiō Highway on Moloka‘i, with DOT saying it had already removed some strips where large emergency vehicles were affected on narrow curves.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with that, I would like to recognize Representative Lee Davis to share testimony. Thank you.
• And just last year, it provided 25,000 rides with a 95% satisfaction rating.
• It creates a permanent micro-transit fund anchored by a modest 3% Fair Share supplement.
• It's a carve-out of the Fair Share funds. It's about $90 million if you look at FY25.
• Instead of rides for Parkway residents and Hyde Park residents being priced at $6.50 or $7 a ride, they

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of transportation bills focused on rural microtransit, commuter rail fares and service, rail electrification, climate alignment, and safety. Several speakers supported H. 4054 and related microtransit proposals, arguing that rural communities need stable, permanent funding for services like the Tri-Town Connector and Quaboag Connector, which have strong ridership, high satisfaction, and measurable economic and health benefits. Testimony also supported a commission bill to study microtransit funding and definitions, with witnesses emphasizing that current grant programs are helpful but short-term and insufficient for long-term service planning. A major theme was commuter rail equity and expansion. Boston-area officials and advocates backed bills to make all Boston commuter rail stations Zone 1A, citing large fare disparities between nearby stations in Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Readville. Related testimony supported studying an Orange Line extension from Forest Hills to Roslindale Square and expanding The Ride to Foxborough, as well as restoring commuter rail service to Cape Cod via Middleborough to Buzzards Bay and beyond. Speakers said these projects would improve access, reduce car dependence, and better serve neighborhoods and regions that currently face limited rapid transit options. Multiple panels urged action on electrification and climate-focused transportation planning, including H. 3726, the Freedom to Move Act, and bills to electrify commuter rail, buses, school buses, and public fleets. Advocates from environmental, transit, and public health groups said transportation is the state’s largest emissions source and argued that statutory goals, coordinated planning, and streamlined permitting are needed to speed decarbonization while improving safety, affordability, and reliability. The committee also heard support for a bill to streamline rail electrification permitting, a bill to exempt certain transit projects from MEPA review, and a bill to improve commuter rail pedestrian safety with gates, fencing, and warning devices at at-grade crossings. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we started working on ride<00:25:09.520> share<00:25:09.840> safety,<00:25:10.799>
• Um, one was that one of these larger ride shares had made $10 billion.
• apparently we've moved on to ride apparently we've moved on to ride shares.<00:28:58.000> Uh,
• <00:29:20.159> shares<00:29:20.480> had uh one of these larger ride shares had uh one
• of these larger ride shares had made<00:29:21.520> $10<00:29:21.760> billion.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The committee first debated amendments to Senate Bill 35, a road safety measure increasing penalties for improper passing and related dangerous driving offenses. Amendment L17, which would have exempted certain emergency situations and volunteer first responders from the penalties, was opposed by the bill sponsor and others and failed on a voice vote. Amendment L18, which broadened the exemption for first responders en route to emergencies, also failed after discussion. Supporters of the bill argued it targets some of the state’s most fatal crashes, while opponents said the penalties were too harsh and could disproportionately affect rural and working-class drivers. The committee then passed Senate Bill 35 as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 1273 on transportation network companies and driver compensation. Supporters said the bill responds to reduced driver earnings under app-based pricing models and seeks to require a larger share of fares to go to drivers, while opponents warned it could harm the industry, reduce service, and interfere with business decisions. The bill passed after debate. Senate Bill 114, concerning spirituous liquor manufacturers’ sales rooms, then passed with supporters describing it as a limited, locally controlled permit to help distillers offer additional on-premise options while preserving local approval authority. Finally, House Bill 1138 on organized retail theft prevention advanced through committee reports and was presented as a grant-and-advisory-board program housed in the Department of Public Safety. Sponsors said it would fund investigations, prosecutions, technology, training, and prevention efforts aimed at organized retail theft and gift card fraud, modeled after Colorado’s auto theft grant program. The bill was described as targeting felony-level organized theft rather than ordinary shoplifting, with annual reporting and a sunset date built in. The transcript ends during discussion of the bill, after the committee reports were adopted and the bill was introduced for final passage discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• with me fairly early that was uh shared with me fairly early on<00:08:03.240> to<00:08:03.400
• but most importantly not just on to ride but most importantly not just on the<00:25:23.440> trail
• They can ride on our roads.
• I go fishing when I have time, and they love to go ride their side-by-side.
• I go fishing when I have time, and they love to go ride their side-by-side.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• plates Vice share for Testimony Department<00:34:51.760> of<00:34:52.000> Transportation
• <00:36:13.720> for regardless of age Vice share for regardless of age Vice share for Testimony
• <00:37:58.720> mopeds<00:37:59.200> Who of people in Hawaii who ride mopeds Who of
• people in Hawaii who ride mopeds Who currently<00:37:59.720> do<00:37:59.880> not<00:38
• <01:09:57.280> the with reservations share the with reservations share the recommendations

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The meeting included a joint public hearing of the House Housing and Transportation committees, followed by a Transportation Committee hearing. In the joint hearing, members considered SB 662 SD1, which concerned transportation and included two parts: transferring certain streets to the city and clarifying police authority on state streets. The chair recommended moving the bill out as an HD1 with Part One removed, explaining that the street-transfer issue should be worked out by the county and state and that removing it would improve the bill’s chances. The committees voted to pass the measure with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The Transportation Committee then heard several bills. SB 1095, relating to license plates, would increase decal size restrictions for special number plates; the Department of Transportation offered written comments, with testimony split between two individuals in opposition and one in support, and no questions were raised. SB 344 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets; DOT supported the bill, as did TRIAA Hawaii, the Injury Prevention Coalition, and other individuals, while two individuals opposed it. SB 30 would require all moped riders to wear helmets regardless of age; DOT supported it, but Moped Doctors and Hawaiian Style Rentals and Sales opposed it, arguing the bill was overreaching, could be hard to enforce, and should be more narrowly targeted or replaced with education efforts. The committee also heard SB 1216, which would tighten noisy muffler and exhaust enforcement by conditioning inspection certificates, adding inspection-station penalties, increasing fines, and prohibiting repair or installation of noisy systems. DOT supported the measure, and Waiʻanae Neighborhood Board testified in support, while Moped Doctors and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it, saying the bill would burden inspection stations, create liability concerns, and raise questions about insurance-related language as applied to mopeds. The hearing included discussion of enforcement, inspection burdens, and whether the bill’s insurance references applied to mopeds. No final vote was taken on the Transportation Committee bills in the portion provided, and the hearing adjourned after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• where they would ride them normally.
• Because I'm seeing that you must be at least 12 to ride a scooter, but you got to be 15 to ride an e-bike
• <00:24:02.640> an e-bikes you have to be 15 to ride an e-bikes you have to be 15 to ride an
• <00:25:09.080> a<00:25:09.120> scooter, 12 to ride a scooter, 12 to ride a scooter,
• Does rides an e-bike without a helmet.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lyft, to ride Ubers.
• But that study, we will also be happy to share with you.
• Lower prices means more rides. More rides means more opportunities to earn and more money.
• Lower prices means more rides.
• Anything in a shared parking space.

Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would lower uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for rideshare companies from the current $1 million level to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, with added transparency and data-reporting provisions. Uber, Lyft, and several business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce fares and improve affordability, while consumer attorneys, labor groups, and others opposed it as a major cut in protection for injured passengers and drivers. Committee members raised concerns about whether savings would actually reach riders and drivers, but the bill was approved on a do-pass vote to the next committee, with one member not voting. SB 487 by Senator Grayson would change how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed when peace officers or firefighters are injured by a third party, ensuring they receive at least two-thirds of the at-fault party’s liability insurance limits in certain cases. Supporters, including public safety unions and an injured deputy sheriff, said current law can leave injured first responders with little or no recovery after employer reimbursement, while opponents representing cities, counties, and public agencies argued the bill would reduce recovery of taxpayer-funded workers’ compensation costs and lacked sufficient data. The committee members who spoke largely supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with one member not voting. SB 616 by Senator Rubio would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to develop statewide wildfire mitigation recommendations and a post-catastrophe reporting process. The Department of Insurance, local governments, consumer groups, and fire-related organizations supported the measure as a way to improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while water agencies opposed provisions touching water infrastructure and warned of litigation and ratepayer impacts. The bill advanced on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with some members not voting and one member voting no. The committee also heard SB 547 by Senator Perez, coauthored by Senator Rubio, which would extend wildfire-related insurance cancellation/nonrenewal moratoriums to commercial properties; insurers removed their opposition after amendments, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• ride, three-day ride, five-day ride.
• It allows us to share our rides.
• It allows us to share the routes that we've done, share the photos that we've taken on this ride. 10
• It allows us to share our rides.
• It allows us to share the routes that we've done, share the photos that we've taken on this ride. 10

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't share that view. I'm wondering if Ms.
• During the pandemic, the one-seat rides to Wassaic, which is...
• The longer term is what can we do to create one-seat rides for Rockland down?
• What there is is not a one-seat ride.
• The longer term is what can we do to create one-seat rides for Rockland?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , other ride share um uh services, other ride share um uh services, transportation<00:22:28.320><
• Yeah, I think that the point of our testimony is that if you want to tax ride sharing, we already have
• <00:26:11.840> sharing,<00:26:12.159> we uh if you want to tax ride sharing, we uh
• if you want to tax ride sharing, we already<00:26:12.559> have<00:26:12.640> a<00:26:12.880
• >> or per ride. >> or per ride.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second I wanted just to share The second I wanted just to share another<00:13:11.680> story
• to a little over $50 a ride.
• the region, the busiest park and ride the region, the busiest park and ride station<01:04:48.880
• <01:21:08.880> rider which flows into the whole shared rider which flows into the whole shared
• Um, our rides were safe, experience.

Bills: HF3676, HF3593, HF3785, HF3774, HF4111, HF3513

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• and it can be difficult to get a ride and it can be difficult to get a ride from<00:05:18.760>
• Nearly all ride multiple times a week, and many ride every workday.
• And I just want to share with Authority.
• So, if does does a ticket share with us.
• <00:46:01.600> on All right, still need to get a ride on All right, still need to get a ride

Keywords: 1187, senate, all