Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message 625, the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management, Robert Harter, who is joined
• I was a University of Hawaii student up in his office, full-time student in the spring of 1972, and I
• <00:05:05.080><c> uh</c><00:05:05.160><c> University</c><00:05:05.560><c> of</c><00:05:05.640><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:05:05.880><c> student</c> I was a uh University of Hawaii student I was a uh University of Hawaii

Bills: SCR56 , SCR79 , SCR85 , SCR120 , SCR129 , SCR181 , SCR63 , SCR112 , SCR194 , SCR195 , SCR196 , HB202 , HB963 , HB1050 , HB1511 , HB1546 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1682 , HB1700 , HB1721 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1878 , HB1969 , HB2005 , HB2078 , HB2152 , HB2246 , HB2270 , HB2279 , HB2289 , HB2385 , HB2417 , HB2429 , HB2503 , HB2599 , SB253 , SB847 , SB1142 , SB1432 , SB2043 , SB2050 , SB2074 , SB2102 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2386 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2433 , SB2446 , SB2521 , SB2544 , SB2567 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2595 , SB2601 , SB2645 , SB2673 , SB2706 , SB2727 , SB2802 , SB2852 , SB2892 , SB2929 , SB2972 , SB3007 , SB3069 , SB3073 , SB3076 , SB3136 , SB3138 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3234 , SB3247 , SB3302 , SB3324 , SB3325 , HB1815 , HB2592 , HCR32

Transcript Highlights:

• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• We all want to feel safe in Hawaii.
• Savannah Sherman, Animal Law section of HSBA, Hawaii State Bar Association, also in support.
• Hawaii can and must be better than a place that turns a blind eye to suffering.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
• I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
• This was superseded by our current 2022 emergency order, which references our Hawaii administrative rules
• Most of these steps are required to close any underground storage tank system in Hawaii, such as a gas
• </c> eager to see what University of Hawaii eager to see what University of Hawaii develops<00:59:06.640

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap. EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps. Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew's Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is interested in international relations.
• Priaryy<00:15:00.639><c> while</c><00:15:00.880><c> here</c><00:15:01.120><c> in</c><00:15:01.279><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:15:01.920><c> and</c><00:15:02.160><c> is</c> Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is Priaryy while
• here in Hawaii and is interested<00:15:02.959><c> in</c><00:15:03.279><c> international</c><00:15:04.000
• outdoorsy, and community-focused teen from Armenia who can't wait to be part of our family here in Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues present in the gallery today, I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing the Hawaii Dental
• Association Foundation for their commitment to improving the oral health of Hawaii.
• dentists I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing<00:16:05.319><c> the</c><00:16:05.440><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:16:05.759><c> Dental</c> representing the Hawaii Dental representing the Hawaii Dental Association
• Much of the last bill is basically all the residents of Hawaii; part of their state income tax goes to

Transcript Highlights:

• Farming in Canyon County and Hawaii County, I love how Senator Bernshaw mentioned this, the bridges in
• That's the only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into Holmdale
• We'll have 10, 12, only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into
• You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder. Thank you.
• You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is also being streamed on the Hawaii State Senate's YouTube channel.
• I'm the University of Hawaii system director of workforce development.
• We also have Lauren Zerbal, president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, in support on Zoom. >>
• First up is Christine Boule, University of Hawaii. >> Did I get that right this time?
• </c> Christine Boule, University of Hawaii. Christine Boule, University of Hawaii.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2567, a Judiciary package measure concerning temporary restraining orders for threats and harassment tied to a public employee’s official actions. Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office and the Judiciary said they had worked out a compromise to address earlier concerns, including a two-year pilot project, broader coverage for state officers and employees across all branches and counties, a special fund to pay for private counsel in some cases, and authority for Judiciary staff attorneys or Judiciary funds to represent Judiciary personnel. Members asked about coverage for retired judges, funding limits, and whether the measure could be used for workplace disputes; the witnesses said retired judges and per diem judges could be covered if the harassment related to their work, the fund would be limited and subject to available appropriations, and petitions would not be allowed between employees in the same branch. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The committee then heard SB 2448, which creates a civil remedy for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act. The bill’s proponent from the Uniform Law Commission explained that a plaintiff would need to show intentional disclosure or threat of disclosure of a private intimate image without consent, and said the privacy question would be fact-specific. Supporters, including the Commission on the Status of Women and Imua Alliance, favored giving survivors civil recourse. Opponents from the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and others warned that the term "private" could invite victim-blaming and broad discovery into a survivor’s past, while still acknowledging the need for some privacy limitation to avoid overbreadth, especially for people who intentionally distribute intimate content online. Committee members questioned whether the definition of "private" should be tightened. The bill’s proponent said the term should remain because it aligns with the related criminal statute and helps keep the measure focused on classic revenge-porn situations, while still allowing Hawaii-specific changes if needed. The committee did not take final action on SB 2448 in the portion provided, but testimony and discussion centered on balancing survivor protections with concerns about discovery and the scope of liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you look at this chart, what we see is California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
• Rhode Island— their prices have gone up.
• ,<00:29:30.720><c> Maine,</c><00:29:31.120><c> Massachusetts,</c> Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Hawaii
• ><c> their</c><00:29:33.600><c> prices</c> Connecticut, Rhode Island, their prices Connecticut, Rhode
• Island, their prices have<00:29:34.080><c> gone</c><00:29:34.320><c> up.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a person who is from Hawaii originally, I particularly appreciate snow removers, and um recognizing
• As a person who is from<00:01:37.800><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:38.160><c> originally,</c><00:01:38.840><c>
• I</c><00:01:39.040><c> particularly</c> from Hawaii originally, I particularly from Hawaii originally

Transcript Highlights:

• This is relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
• dental program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii
• <00:03:02.640><c> personnel</c><00:03:03.040><c> of</c><00:03:03.200><c> the</c><00:03:03.360><c> Hawaii
• </c> enlisted personnel of the Hawaii enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National<00:03:04.080><c> Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Miiamoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farmeign Bureau. You have our testimony.
• Coffee Growers, Greenwell Farms, Kona Mountain Coffee, Hawaii Coffee Association, and Hawaii Cattlemen's
• of Commerce in support. >> Aloha, this is Julian testifying on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
• do want to acknowledge that we do have less testimony in support from the Surfrider Foundation of Hawaii
• accommodation so that there's an equitable application of this safety net for all of us who call Hawaii

Bills: SB2359 , SB2169 , SB2170 , SB2263 , SB2360 , SB3084

Committee: House Tourism

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems heard House Bill 2585 on agricultural tourism. The bill would create statewide uniform standards for agritourism in counties that adopt such ordinances, require registration with county planning departments, and require agritourism to remain secondary and accessory to farming. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure but recommended amendments to make the language more consistent and to ensure agritourism remains tied to agricultural activity; the Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill with the same general guardrails, while the White Tourism Authority offered comments. A member raised concerns about a trailer/roadside-stand provision, and the department ultimately said it did not support that specific language. The chairs then recommended passage with amendments, including a definition of principal farm operations, clarification that agritourism must not interfere with on-farm operations, revised termination rules after 60 consecutive days without active production with notice and cure procedures, restoration of the department’s proposed change to the trailer language, and technical corrections. HB 2585 passed both committees unanimously with excused members noted. The committees then heard House Bill 2602 on sustainable tourism infrastructure, which would establish a matching grant program in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for capital projects that improve sustainability and climate resilience in the visitor industry. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support. The chair recommended passage with a committee report note estimating a roughly $5 million cost and a date correction, and both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. House Bill 1948 on single-use plastics was also heard. It would prohibit lodging establishments from providing certain personal care products in small plastic containers and impose civil penalties. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its testimony, and the Department of Health supported the waste-reduction goal but suggested the language belonged in a different chapter. The chair recommended an HD1 that would omit lotions from the definition of personal care products, adopt the Department of Health’s proposed clarification about reusable containers, and correct the date; the measure passed both committees unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1960 on human trafficking was heard. The bill would require the Attorney General to develop human trafficking awareness training for transit accommodation workers, require employers to provide training, keep records, post signage, adopt prevention policies, and report suspected trafficking, with penalties and rulemaking by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Department of Labor Relations supported the intent but said the Department of Law Enforcement should be the lead agency, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the bill while asking for amendments to recognize existing industry programs and apply the requirements equitably. The chair recommended an HD1 incorporating a July 1, 2027 deadline for training materials and employer training, adopting the hotel industry and DLE-related amendments, and making technical corrections; HB 1960 passed both committees unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Chris Junker on behalf of Mark Wick for the Hawaii State Energy Office.
• Vice Chair Keith Rian, controller, State of Hawaii, Department of Accounting and General Services, sent
• Tom Gamachica for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• Tom Gamachica for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• Uh we will for tax foundation of Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ve taken the students to Alcatraz Island; we’ve done our own... longer there and so it's been integrated
• work with and support Indian education for for San Francisco we've taken the students to Alcatraz Island
• My oldest daughter had opportunity to play softball in Hawaii, but because a coach at Clovis High School

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may hear some other looser definitions that maybe don't even include islanding.
• And his office mate decided to start measuring the carbon dioxide on the side of Hawaii volcano, Mauna

Summary: The Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure held a hearing focused on emerging technologies for climate resilience and infrastructure. The first panel discussed the Calistoga Resiliency Center, a utility-driven microgrid that keeps the city powered during public safety power shutoffs using hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and liquid hydrogen storage. PG&E described microgrids as a resilience tool but emphasized that cost remains the main barrier to wider deployment. Energy Vault explained the project’s design, its ability to provide at least 48 hours of backup power on a small parcel of land, and its use of green hydrogen and battery storage to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. A Calistoga councilmember and NCPA representative also discussed the Lodi Energy Center hydrogen project, saying it could help decarbonize power generation and transportation, but that federal and state funding changes, tax credit timing, and other policy shifts have made the project difficult to advance. The Green Hydrogen Coalition supported the Calistoga model as a blueprint and urged policy changes to create demand and reduce barriers for renewable hydrogen, including addressing behind-the-meter rules and recognizing hydrogen in state energy planning. The second panel focused on water resilience and desalination, with the California Desal Association and Oneka Technologies discussing wave-powered desalination for the City of Fort Bragg. Cal Desal said California’s changing hydrology, reduced snowpack, and drought conditions make local water supply options increasingly important, but noted that conventional desalination is expensive and slow to permit. Oneka described its offshore, wave-powered system as a zero-electricity desalination technology that produces drinking water without greenhouse gas emissions and with limited land use, and said the Fort Bragg pilot is intended to demonstrate the technology under California conditions. The company and Cal Desal both stressed that permitting is a major obstacle, with the project requiring multiple agencies and a timeline far longer than in other jurisdictions. They also said the technology’s autonomous operation could improve water resilience because it does not depend on the electrical grid. The final panel featured the Climate Foundation’s marine permaculture proposal, which aims to restore kelp forests and support carbon removal and coastal food systems. The presenter said warming oceans and nutrient loss have devastated kelp forests along the California coast and argued that offshore platforms that raise and lower seaweed to access nutrients and sunlight could help regenerate ecosystems while producing food, feed, fertilizer, and carbon benefits. He said the technology has shown strong growth rates and storm resilience in other regions, but that California permitting remains a major hurdle, involving 17 state and federal agencies. He proposed a streamlined, code-based permitting approach for smaller projects and said the group is seeking matching funds to complete a first California pilot. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly highlighted the tension between innovation and the high cost, complexity, and length of California’s permitting and funding processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communication No. 1 transmits notice to the Governor of five Senate bills proposing amendments to the Hawaii
• 20.879><c> the</c> Senate bills proposing amendments to the Senate bills proposing amendments to the Hawaii
• > state</c><00:02:21.720><c> constitution</c><00:02:22.280><c> that</c><00:02:22.480><c> pass</c> Hawaii
• state constitution that pass Hawaii state constitution that pass third<00:02:22.959><c> reading</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• Tai</c><00:08:19.639><c> Chang</c> Tai Chang, president of Aloha Green Apothecary and chair of the Hawaii
• Welcome to the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
• And with the former representative are three students from Hawaii Pacific University in his environmental
• Welcome to the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• associate director of the Women's Legislative Network, the Quad Caucus, and she oversees the state of Hawaii
• associate director of the Women's Legislative Network, the Quad Caucus, and she oversees the state of Hawaii
• associate director of the Women's Legislative Network, the Quad Caucus, and she oversees the state of Hawaii
• oversees<00:20:36.799><c> the</c><00:20:36.960><c> state</c><00:20:37.120><c> of</c><00:20:37.280><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:20:38.240><c> Martha</c> oversees the state of Hawaii. Martha oversees the state of Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, finally we have HB 1040 relating to Hawaii Employer Union Health Benefits Trust Fund based
• </c><00:13:03.519><c> employer</c><00:13:03.959><c> union</c> HB 1040 relating to Hawaii Employer Union
• First to testify on this measure, we have Derek Mizuno from the EUTF, the Hawaii Employer Union Health
• Seeing none, we'll be moving on to HB 60 relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund
• least in Hawaii for uh bargain<00:18:53.120><c> in</c><00:18:53.320><c> to</c><00:18:53.480><c> use<

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:50:52.319><c> cheats</c><00:50:52.720><c> to</c><00:50:52.960><c> the</c><00:50:53.280><c> Hawaii
• </c> if not then it cheats to the Hawaii if not then it cheats to the Hawaii election<00:50:54.240><c
• Uh, this should clean the measure up to make it easier to read for those who like to read Hawaii Revised
• Uh, this should clean the measure up to make it easier to read for those who like to read Hawaii Revised
• This should clean the measure up to make it easier to read for those who like to read Hawaii Revised

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my great privilege to introduce the Ohana from JPEG, Hawaii.
• Hawaii has always been at the forefront of organized labor and supporting unions.
• </c><00:12:05.760><c> Hawaii</c><00:12:06.320><c> has</c><00:12:06.639><c> always</c><00:12:07.040><c
• Hawaii has always been at the York City.
• Hawaii has always been at the forefront<00:12:08.720><c> of</c><00:12:09.120><c> organized</c><00:12:

Bills: HB2118 , HB1764 , HB1815 , HB2117 , HB2436 , HB2438 , HB2532 , HB2566 , HB2573 , HB1736 , HB2425 , HB1590 , HB1913 , HB1573 , HB1542 , HB1804 , HB1976 , HB1704 , HB1996 , HB1541 , HB1926 , HB1703 , HB1866 , HB1710