Video & Transcript Research : 'positional asphyxia'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, of Oregon, to be Secretary of Labor. - Part 2 of 2 Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I am sure you will have the opportunity to explain your position and the Trump Administration's position
- And there is a position where we can be at.
- Directly, uniquely positioned in the center.
- And I truly say that from a position that I've had to move a long ways.
- And if so, has that changed your position? No. Thank you, Senator, on that issue.
Keywords:
PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization
Summary:
The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House state government committee hears Gov. Walz's anti-fraud package 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposal adds staff to program integrity operations with a track record of a positive ROI of 189
- Roi of a189 for every dollar positive Roi of a189 for every dollar invested<00:10:43.519>
Second< - These positions will expand the agency's capacity to effectively monitor providers and other entities
- These positions will expand the agency's capacity to effectively monitor providers and other entities
- complaints two legal councel positions complaints two legal councel positions under<00:21:09.200
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for you to fill the additional positions for you to fill the additional positions provided<00:22
- It's blank on the positions in the bill. How many people do you think you need?
- It's blank on the positions in the bill. How many people do you think you need?
- The Maui and the Kona positions have been historically very difficult to fill.
- So that position's been vacant for kind of a while, and same thing with the Maui position.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration.
Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops.
DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, the turnover rate for the trooper trainee position has decreased from 36% in fiscal year
- So it, it makes, it puts us in a good position to address those threats.
- That's not so in our, in our non-commissioned positions. And there, there's no step increase.
- Also in this is for non-commissioned positions to learn to, that we can hire to process crime scenes.
- I can talk to that briefly and uh and of course I was in a different position, but I'm aware of that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Hicks is here in her position as a planned parent, and that is who she is here representing.
- please name, organization, and position.
- Please limit your comments to your name, organization, if any, and your position on the bill.
- Any additional folks in the room wish to express support, name, organization, and position?
- Name, organization, and position. Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (05/21/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had different bills. 316 was not where the Senate's position has been, 245.
- <00:10:55.360>
which <00:10:55.519>has than the Senate's position which has than the - Senate's position which has been been been 245.<00:10:57.519>
But <00:10:57.760>everybody< - But what it does is it's like a position of we want to enter into, like, get on the 325 list, not go
- But what it does is it's like a position of we want to enter into, like, get on the 325 list, not go
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no new positions, no fiscal attached to the bill that's before you today.
- So, as I mentioned, there are eight positions. There's a liaison for faith and community.
- There's an external relations position.
- My position holds, and I've conveyed this to you. I don't doubt your faith.
- I don't think the association has a position on that, but uh...
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition.
The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you intend to provide verbal testimony or would like to register a position on any of the bills
- Please state your name, position on the bill, and you have two minutes. Good afternoon, Mr.
- Please state your name, position. You have two minutes. Yes. Thank you, Chairman.
- Kennedy, Heather Kennedy, state your name, position, and you have two minutes.
- Please state your name, position on the bill, and you have two minutes to testify.
Keywords:
hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy
Summary:
The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce Mar 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Please state your name, position on the bill, and you have up to two minutes.
- Miguel Escobar, please state your name, position, and begin. Good morning.
- And litigated those positions. All right, excellent.
- It's not something that we've taken a position on.
- Please state your name, position, and begin. Thank you.
Bills:
SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977
Keywords:
utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness
Summary:
The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met with a quorum and first took up pending business, voting out several bills. Senate Bills 1697, 1569, 1202 as substituted, 1029, 1364, 1185, 924, 1008 as substituted, 264, 1376, and 1358 as substituted were reported favorably, with some sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB 1202 and later corrected votes on several measures. SB 924 and SB 1376 drew some opposition, while the rest of the pending bills were reported without dissent or with limited nays.
The committee then heard testimony on SB 1856, which would create an annual capacity-cost recovery rider for Entergy Texas customers in the MISO region. The author and Entergy argued the bill would better match rates to actual capacity costs and improve transparency, while the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Public Utility Commission raised concerns about the short 10-day review period, rider proliferation, and the preference for full rate cases over piecemeal adjustments. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 522 on CPA reciprocity, SB 1664 requiring TDUs to provide clearer, standalone rate-change disclosures, SB 1877 expanding OPUC’s access to market data, SB 1254 and SB 1255 as TDLR cleanup bills on professional employer organizations and mold assessors, SB 1341 updating manufactured housing rules, SB 1239 on sovereign debt and Texas governing law, and SB 1259 streamlining the surveyor-in-training licensing process.
Additional bills discussed included SB 1977, which would cap recoverable legal expenses in electric, water, and sewer rate cases; OPUC and some consumer advocates supported the idea as a way to reduce ratepayer costs, while utility representatives warned it could discourage participation and increase rate shock. The committee also heard SB 1762 clarifying that geothermal energy conservation wells are not battery resources, and SB 783 allowing SECO to proceed with future energy-code rulemaking for state-funded buildings. Both drew supportive testimony from industry and environmental groups. All remaining bills heard during the meeting were left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you intend to provide verbal testimony, we'd like to register a position on one or more bills. 22
- In your position. My... I'm actually here as a resource witness for the Texas Department...
- I think we're getting a very positive response from different prosecutors.
- Your name and official position and affiliation, please, for the record. Sure.
- . position on the bill for the record, please, ma'am.
Keywords:
criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/03/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's a very complicated system, and my position, as well as the position of, uh, likely Mr.
- So it's a very complicated system, and my position, as well as the position of, uh, likely Mr.
- So it's a very complicated system, and my position, as well as the position of, uh, likely Mr.
- So it's a very complicated system, and my position, as well as the position of, uh, likely Mr.
- So it's a very complicated system, and my position, as well as the position of, uh, likely Mr.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The net position chart shows the government-wide statements' net position, which represents what the
- There's the statement of net position, the statement of revenue, expenses, and changes in net position
- There's the statement of net position, the statement of revenue expenses and changes in net position,
- We're in a good financial position.
- And so we are in a difficult position.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- She frankly wasn't really in a position to be able to answer that question.
- We have an opposed unless amended position.
- Unfortunately, we have an opposed unless amended position today.
- as well as educator positions, teacher positions, because people, ...in classified positions as well
- as educator positions, teacher positions, because people aren't being encouraged or aren't seeing the
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote.
The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The budget also includes funding for 917 authorized positions, which is a reduction of 130 positions.
- Authorized positions, which is a reduction of 130 positions compared to fiscal year 2024-25.
- And there was a slight reduction in vacant positions.
- And there was a slight reduction in vacant positions.
- The positions that are being cut are vacant positions, so vacant positions over 90 days.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy.
Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions.
The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (6-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, did Wellpath reduce or slow services, leave positions vacant, or was there a delay in specialty care
- and treatment for these position and treatment for these individuals,<00:20:55.840>
uh <00:20: - If a merit staff member leaves DJJ, then we would evaluate whether that position should remain merit
- But as those positions move over time, we'll then evaluate those. We have already done site visits.
- But as those positions move over time, we'll then evaluate those. We have already done site visits.
Summary:
The committee heard from the Department of Corrections first about Wellpath’s medical services contract and the contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. DOC officials said Wellpath’s reorganization plan was confirmed in May 2025, the contract was automatically assumed, and services have continued without lapses. They said DOC has not seen any reduction in care, staffing problems, or known impact on Kentucky operations, and that DOC and health services staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether “emergence” meant discharge from bankruptcy; staff clarified that Wellpath has not yet been discharged and is still in the process of paying debts.
The discussion then shifted to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. DJJ said the facility is still in the conceptual and preliminary programming stage, with no full design funding yet and no entry into the formal A/B process with DECA. The proposed facility would have 24 beds total, split into 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, and would need to separate males and females as well as high- and low-risk youth under Senate Bill 162. Officials said the concept was developed with DJJ and CHFS mental health staff and outside design experts, and that the project was submitted in the capital plan for consideration.
Members questioned the need for the facility, the estimated construction and staffing costs, and whether the state has enough youth to justify it. DJJ said the number of youth needing this level of care changes frequently, that they currently have one youth in Pennsylvania and typically send one to five youth out of state each year, and that out-of-state placement is increasingly difficult. Officials argued that a dedicated facility would reduce delays, keep youth closer to home, and avoid the need to retrofit multiple detention centers. Some members expressed concern that the projected operating costs seemed high compared with the small number of current out-of-state placements, and asked for more information on annual out-of-state spending and the number of youth who would qualify for the facility.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Work Session on HB 54 (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we want to hear more about the Governor, and I'm not aware of what the Governor's position is
- is on this what the governor's position is on this streaming<00:11:32.480>
I <00:11:32.839> - Well, the board is a volunteer position on the board of Tascal Wellness, one of the state ATCs.
- Well, the board is a volunteer position on the board of Tascal Wellness, one of the state ATCs.
- The department doesn't have a position on the bill.
Summary:
The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position.
Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program.
Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:19:31.039>
ownership investments, equity positions, ownership investments, equity positions - positions, part-time positions, or at-will employment contract positions, is terminated.
- So, does that position still exist in the Governor's office? Is that a filled position? >> Mr.
- that a filled position? that a filled position?
- , used to uh establish these positions, used to uh establish these positions, get<02:46:23.200>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- decades, Positively Third Street Bakery. decades, Positively Third Street Bakery.
- <00:36:09.040>
Um Positively Third Street, Duluth. Um Positively Third Street, Duluth. - for myself, I have been at Positively for myself, I have been at Positively Third<00:36:25.880><
- <00:46:07.120>
So, positively to a structure phase. So, positively to a structure phase. - <01:03:55.400>
at Workers' Rights Coordinator position at Workers' Rights Coordinator position
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- But I understand the Realtors' position.
- But I understand the Realtors' position.
- But I understand the Realtors' position.
- But I understand the Realtors' position.
- But I understand the Realtors' position.
Summary:
The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities.
On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates.
The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We're just about fully staffed for those key positions.
- It is certainly worthy of a lot more positive publicity than it is getting.
- We eliminated certain positions through efficiencies, but there are other critical positions.
- We find ourselves in a position today where we have a healthy fund balance.
- So, our returns were muted, but we were still positive.