Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> be</c><00:32:00.440><c> protected</c><00:32:01.279><c> against</c><00:32:01.600><c> muant
• ><00:32:04.480><c> and</c><00:32:04.679><c> intent</c><00:32:04.919><c> of</c><00:32:05.039><c> the</
• ><c> Right</c><00:32:05.639><c> to</c><00:32:05.760><c> Farm</c><00:32:06.200><c> Act</c><00:32:07.080
• ><c> first</c><00:32:07.399><c> up</c><00:32:07.799><c> is</c><00:32:08.080><c> the</c> Hawaii Right
• c> B<00:32:13.919><c> chairs</c><00:32:14.639><c> Vice</c><00:32:14.919><c> chairs</c><00:32:15.360><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record. SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224. The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> references to chapter 6E so everyone in references to chapter 6E so everyone in the<01:32:01.159
• </c><01:32:18.960><c> chapter</c><01:32:19.560><c> in</c> activities um within this chapter in activities
• um within this chapter in consideration<01:32:20.440><c> of</c><01:32:20.679><c> environmentally</c>
• <01:32:45.320><c> chapter</c><01:32:45.760><c> yeah</c> um so um in this chapter yeah um so um in this
• chapter yeah it's<01:32:48.239><c> um</c><01:32:48.960><c> very</c><01:32:49.480><c> detailed</c><01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:32:04.080><c> section</c><00:32:04.920><c> does</c><00:32:05.120><c> not</c><00:32:06.040><c>
• /c><00:32:12.680><c> of</c><00:32:12.800><c> charged</c><00:32:13.320><c> the</c><00:32:13.480><c> agencies
• I<00:32:38.440><c> believe</c><00:32:38.960><c> today</c><00:32:39.440><c> A&amp;R</c><00:32:40.000><
• Um Um Um we've<00:32:46.240><c> asked</c><00:32:46.520><c> for</c><00:32:46.640><c> the</c><00:32:46.760
• </c> reflect its chapter in chapter 31. reflect its chapter in chapter 31.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an</c><00:32:01.480><c> act</c><00:32:01.760><c> relating</c><00:32:02.320><c> to</c><00:32:02.679><c
• The<00:32:14.840><c> question</c><00:32:15.360><c> is,</c><00:32:15.679><c> shall</c><00:32:15.920><c
• Are<00:32:18.120><c> you</c><00:32:18.240><c> ready</c><00:32:18.440><c> for</c><00:32:18.560><c> the
• <00:32:24.400><c> favor,</c><00:32:25.280><c> please</c><00:32:25.560><c> say</c><00:32:25.880><c> I.
• All<00:32:29.080><c> those</c><00:32:29.360><c> opposed,</c><00:32:29.960><c> please</c><00:32:30.280

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.840><c> like</c><00:32:02.159><c> this</c><00:32:02.399><c> is</c><00:32:02.559><c> just
• ><c> and</c><00:32:05.679><c> and</c><00:32:06.000><c> the</c><00:32:06.240><c> other</c><00:32:06.480
• All<00:32:12.080><c> right,</c><00:32:12.559><c> any</c><00:32:12.880><c> other</c><00:32:13.840><c>
• :32:17.840><c> on</c><00:32:18.080><c> the</c><00:32:18.320><c> fiscal</c><00:32:18.720><c> summary?
• Um, so that members<00:32:29.120><c> is</c><00:32:29.360><c> a</c><00:32:29.600><c> summary</c><00:32

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• him</c><00:32:17.679><c> a</c><00:32:17.919><c> raise</c><00:32:18.480><c> of</c><00:32:18.880><c> $38,000
• This<00:32:26.159><c> is</c><00:32:26.480><c> $3,000</c><00:32:27.519><c> more</c><00:32:27.679><c> than
• To<00:32:31.360><c> give</c><00:32:31.440><c> you</c><00:32:31.600><c> a</c><00:32:31.760><c> few</c>
• 00:32:38.480><c> making</c><00:32:38.799><c> less</c><00:32:39.360><c> than</c><00:32:39.760><c> $5,000
• </c><00:32:50.320><c> 89</c><00:32:50.960><c> Kentucky</c><00:32:51.440><c> corners</c><00:32:51.840>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:08 Roll Call 00:00:29 Discussion of Large Project Siting in Local Governments Following Clover Creek Solar v. Breckinridge County 00:03:34 Discussion of Coroners’ Issues 00:24:49 Adjournment 01:01:11, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is eligible for workers compensation pursuant<00:32:06.799><c> to</c><00:32:07.039><c> chapter</c><00
• :32:07.440><c> five</c><00:32:08.159><c> of</c><00:32:08.480><c> title</c><00:32:09.039><c> 25</c><00
• :32:09.679><c> or</c> pursuant to chapter five of title 25 or pursuant to chapter five of title 25 or
• fund pursuant to compensation trust fund pursuant to chapter<00:32:19.120><c> 29A</c><00:32:20.480><
• <c> be</c> chapter 29A of title 36 shall be chapter 29A of title 36 shall be governed<00:32:23.600><c

Bills: HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627

Keywords: Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:34.159><c> would</c><00:32:34.559><c> we</c><00:32:34.880><c> would</c><00:32:35.039><c> have</c>
• ><c> for</c><00:32:38.880><c> traffic</c><00:32:39.360><c> control</c><00:32:39.840><c> for</c><00:32
• </c><00:44:38.000><c> any</c> chapter 19 chapter 9 supersedes any chapter 19 chapter 9 supersedes any
• :00.159><c> going</c><01:32:00.400><c> on</c><01:32:00.639><c> to</c><01:32:00.800><c> the</c><01:32:
• :32:20.639><c> to</c><01:32:20.800><c> pass</c><01:32:21.199><c> as</c><01:32:21.360><c> is.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools. SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations. SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1017, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• Senate Bill 1017, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• SB 1194, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1557, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1557, enact amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Vice Statutes by adding section 3232

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and received House messages and first-read bills. The chamber moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a range of measures on solar energy, public safety, insurance, health care, agriculture, gaming, education, child welfare, and real property. Several bills were retained on calendar, while many others were advanced with committee amendments and floor amendments. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors drew the most debate. A floor amendment by Sen. Sundareshan sought to require utilities to protect ratepayers from costs associated with large energy users such as data centers; supporters argued it would help keep electricity affordable, while opponents called it a hostile amendment. After a division vote, the amendment failed 12-15, and SB 1419 was reported do pass as amended. SB 1498 (DPS appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also advanced. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, but a later attempt to add the failed Sundareshan amendment to the report on SB 1419 was defeated 13-14. On Calendar 1, the Senate advanced SB 1165, SB 1206, SB 1212, SB 1215, SB 1290, SB 1291, and SB 1347, mostly with committee amendments. SB 1178 on naturopathic physicians and prescription drug pricing saw a contested Sears floor amendment aimed at stopping price gouging on essential generic drugs; supporters said it would lower drug costs, while the sponsor objected that it was not germane. The amendment failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1186 on document retention and donations also drew a Sundareshan amendment on transparency and implementation; it failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1286 on veterinary visits and electronic prescriptions advanced after a proposed Kavanagh floor amendment was defeated on division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and moved on to additional calendars. On Calendar 4, the chamber passed SB 1004 on ESA students and interscholastic activities, SB 1116 on AHCCCS access/behavioral health, SB 1162 on health care institution licensing complaints, SB 1179 on developmental disability/health monitoring, SB 1475 on school district governing boards and eligibility, SB 1821 on DCS training and child placement, and SCR 1012. A request to hold SB 1475 for a reinstatement process was rejected. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1077, SB 1479, and SB 1566; SB 1077 advanced with a Payne floor amendment, SB 1479 advanced with a Carroll amendment classifying certain forged real-property recordings as a class five felony, and SB 1566 began consideration with a Petersen amendment to remove part of a prior amendment. Throughout, the chamber repeatedly adopted committee reports and advanced the bills for further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're<00:32:08.159><c> encouraged</c><00:32:09.120><c> by</c><00:32:09.440><c> the</c><00:32:09.679><
• <00:32:11.600><c> far</c><00:32:12.799><c> and</c><00:32:13.039><c> ask</c><00:32:13.279><c> for</c><
• ><c> find</c><00:32:19.440><c> on</c><00:32:19.679><c> page</c><00:32:20.080><c> 38</c><00:32:20.480>
• Um,<00:32:25.360><c> as</c><00:32:25.600><c> I</c><00:32:25.760><c> said</c><00:32:25.919><c> in</c><
• 00:32:26.080><c> my</c><00:32:26.240><c> floor</c><00:32:26.640><c> speech,</c><00:32:27.360><c> um,<

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not thought<00:32:11.320><c> of</c><00:32:11.440><c> as</c><00:32:11.600><c> having</c><00:32:11.799>
• </c> health<00:32:27.559><c> the</c><00:32:27.679><c> next</c><00:32:27.960><c> next</c><00:32:28.200
• 32:35.440><c> house</c><00:32:35.639><c> research</c><00:32:36.159><c> has</c><00:32:36.840><c> uh</c
• did</c><00:32:37.240><c> send</c><00:32:37.440><c> a</c><00:32:37.559><c> link</c><00:32:37.720><c> to
• </c><00:32:37.880><c> one</c><00:32:38.000><c> of</c><00:32:38.159><c> them</c><00:32:38.720><c> to</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 32-921, 32-923, and 32-924, and 32-9204; and amending Title 32, Chapter 8, Article 2, Arizona Revised
• SB 1017, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1194, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1557, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1557, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that</c> chapters or similar chapters that chapters or similar chapters that currently<00:26:48.960><
• our systems<00:32:03.600><c> within</c><00:32:04.159><c> with</c><00:32:04.399><c> without</c><00:32
• 00:32:10.480><c> don't</c><00:32:10.559><c> have</c><00:32:10.640><c> to</c><00:32:10.799><c> take</c
• ><c> I</c><00:32:15.120><c> will</c><00:32:15.279><c> note</c><00:32:15.440><c> that</c><00:32:15.600
• </c><00:32:18.640><c> of</c><00:32:18.880><c> the</c><00:32:19.360><c> floor</c><00:32:19.679><c> of<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:13.679><c> Hal</c><00:32:13.919><c> Mau</c><00:32:14.799><c> uh</c><00:32:15.720><c> I</c><00:32:
• ><c> I</c><00:32:21.120><c> stand</c><00:32:21.360><c> by</c><00:32:21.559><c> my</c><00:32:21.880><c
• :32:39.639><c> morning</c><00:32:39.880><c> chair</c><00:32:40.200><c> Chang</c><00:32:40.600><c> and
• and</c><00:32:41.639><c> members</c><00:32:41.919><c> of</c><00:32:42.039><c> the</c><00:32:42.480><c
• <00:32:47.000><c> and</c><00:32:47.159><c> we</c><00:32:47.440><c> represent</c><00:32:47.919><c> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159><c> um</c><00:32:00.320><c> and</c><00:32:00.440><c> they</c><00:32:00.559><c> also</c> ulum
• of local literacy<00:32:05.039><c> plans</c><00:32:05.840><c> um</c><00:32:06.039><c> those</c><00:32
• has</c><00:32:07.559><c> to</c><00:32:08.000><c> adopt</c><00:32:09.000><c> um</c><00:32:09.840><c>
• uh they<00:32:10.799><c> were</c><00:32:11.000><c> in</c><00:32:11.159><c> statute</c><00:32:11.600>
• </c><00:32:15.360><c> to</c><00:32:15.480><c> be</c><00:32:15.679><c> in</c><00:32:15.880><c> those</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay.<00:32:30.000><c> Uh</c><00:32:30.240><c> and</c><00:32:30.399><c> I</c><00:32:30.559><c> asked<
• </c><00:32:49.440><c> Was</c><00:32:49.679><c> there</c><00:32:49.840><c> much</c><00:32:50.320><c> back
• </c><00:32:51.279><c> It</c><00:32:51.440><c> seems</c><00:32:51.679><c> to</c><00:32:51.760><c> me</
• c><00:32:51.919><c> if</c><00:32:52.159><c> if</c><00:32:52.480><c> this</c><00:32:52.640><c> is</c>
• </c><00:32:55.279><c> It</c><00:32:55.519><c> was</c><00:32:55.600><c> just</c><00:32:55.760><c> a</c

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:03.279><c> on</c><00:32:03.399><c> behalf</c><00:32:03.639><c> of</c><00:32:03.760><c> na</c><00:
• you</c><00:32:06.960><c> know</c><00:32:07.320><c> uh</c><00:32:07.440><c> hb1</c><00:32:08.000><c>
• </c><00:32:22.159><c> thank</c><00:32:22.279><c> you</c><00:32:22.399><c> chair</c><00:32:22.919><c>
• peruso for Mr Minami<00:32:35.760><c> please</c><00:32:36.760><c> so</c><00:32:37.120><c> I</c><00:32
• ><00:32:53.919><c> broader</c><00:32:54.760><c> expansion</c><00:32:55.279><c> of</c><00:32:55.519><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. to<00:32:06.720><c> adopt</c><00:32:07.039><c> the</c><00:32:07.240><c> pro</c><00:32:07.639
• uh back to Ways and Means<00:32:13.440><c> any</c> discussion<00:32:17.320><c> not</c><00:32:17.519><
• c> CH</c><00:32:17.799><c> vot</c><00:32:18.080><c> i</c><00:32:18.720><c> s</c><00:32:18.960><c> SP<
• ><c> and</c><00:32:34.679><c> recommit</c><00:32:35.159><c> back</c><00:32:35.320><c> to</c><00:32:35.480
• ><c> um</c><00:32:41.720><c> to</c><00:32:42.000><c> recommit</c><00:32:42.639><c> all</c><00:32:42.799

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1124, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 32-3203.03, relating
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 23, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-5-58, amending Title 41, Chapter
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 13, Article 2.1, A.R.S., relating to the practice of medicine
• House Bill 2660, amending sections 32-924 and 32-15.01, A.R.S., by adding section 32-30.03, relating
• We voted 32 ayes, 23 nays, and 5 not voting.

Summary: The House convened, approved the prior journal, received gubernatorial communications, and then moved into an additional Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills on two calendars. In that committee, members adopted floor and committee amendments and reported SB 1100, SB 1160, and SB 1178 out as amended. On the second calendar, the committee considered SB 1200, SB 1560, SB 1627, and SB 1723, adopting amendments on SB 1200, SB 1627, and SB 1723 and reporting all four measures out, while SB 1725 was retained on the calendar. The House then adopted the committee reports and sent the amended bills to engrossing or third reading as appropriate. The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading votes. Several bills passed with recorded votes and some member explanations focused on public safety, parental rights, school safety, health care, local control, property rights, and wildlife management. Among the measures that passed were SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1046, SB 1094, SB 1095, SB 1124, SB 1186, SB 1214, SB 1275, SB 1280, SB 1315, SB 1318, SB 1205 on reconsideration, SB 1327, SB 1416, SB 1418, SB 1582, SB 1613, SB 1662, SB 1664, SB 1670, SB 1711, SB 1741, SB 1821, and several concurrent memorials. A number of bills failed, including SB 1052, SB 1170, SB 1457, SB 1074, SB 1540, SB 1649, and SB 1663. Debate on several bills drew pointed partisan and policy disagreements. Members opposing health-related bills argued they targeted LGBTQ people or medical decision-making, while supporters framed them as protecting children or bodily autonomy. On SB 1170, members said the bill contained a drafting error that would create extreme penalties and strain prison capacity. On SB 1280, supporters and opponents split over Mexican gray wolf management and federal conservation efforts. On SB 1199, the Salt River horse herd bill, members discussed herd management, heritage, property impacts, and a required emergency clause; it passed with the needed two-thirds majority. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous House bills and passed several House bills on final reading, including HB 2013, HB 2016, HB 2028, HB 2086, HB 2118, HB 2140, HB 2170, HB 2226, HB 2244, HB 2248, HB 2249, HB 2327, HB 2379, HB 2380, and others, forwarding them to the Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:30.559><c> can</c><00:32:30.640><c> even</c><00:32:30.799><c> add</c><00:32:31.120><c> if</c><00:
• c> it</c><00:32:35.600><c> would</c><00:32:35.760><c> or</c><00:32:35.919><c> or</c><00:32:36.240><c>
• <00:32:40.559><c> whatever</c><00:32:40.880><c> the</c><00:32:41.120><c> nominal</c><00:32:41.519><c>
• I mean,<00:32:44.799><c> this</c><00:32:44.960><c> is</c><00:32:45.120><c> something</c><00:32:45.279
• for</c><00:32:47.039><c> many,</c><00:32:47.279><c> many</c><00:32:47.600><c> years</c><00:32:47.919>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard testimony on several measures. SB 1402, relating to vessels in state commercial harbors, drew opposition from Captain Andy Sailing Incorporated, and later the committee agreed to amend the bill to exempt tour boat operators before passing it. SB 1411, relating to Medicaid third-party liability, received strong support from the Department of Human Services, which asked that the effective date be restored to upon approval. SB 1438, relating to home care agencies, was supported by the Department of Health and one individual testifier, with the department arguing that unlicensed personnel performing skilled nursing services puts kupuna at risk. The committee later moved that bill forward with a clean date. SB 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association and comments from the Hawaii Association of Health Plans and HMSA. Health plans asked that reporting requirements align with upcoming CMS regulations, and HMSA noted the work of the stakeholder process. The committee discussed the bill as consumer-focused and adopted amendments to add laboratory and diagnostic tests and to require the working group’s first report before the 2026 session and before each session thereafter. SB 1291, relating to certified public accountants, received support from the Board of Public Accountancy, the Hawaii Society of CPAs, Hong Consulting LLC, and Ron Heler, who said it was substantially the same as a previously passed House bill and would help increase the CPA pipeline in Hawaii. The committee also heard SB 752, relating to insurance, with opposition and comments from the Hawaii Insurance Council and Liberty Mutual, which requested amendments on non-payment of premiums, material misrepresentation, and limiting the bill to homeowners insurance. Greg Mskian testified in support but urged clearer notice and denial explanations for homeowners. SB 385, relating to condominiums, drew support from Hawaii Realtors and detailed comments from Ray Tenno and Greg Mskian about making governing documents available online or by email to owners and agents, with discussion of website costs and access. Finally, SB 140, relating to invasive species, received support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and CAPS, while the Department of Agriculture offered comments and proposed streamlining language; supporters emphasized firewood treatment standards and the need to prevent invasive pests. After a brief recess, the committee took votes on several measures, adopting the chair’s recommendations on SB 1402, SB 1411, SB 1438, SB 1449, and SB 1291.