Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii voting'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 11, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 17
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 57.960>
vote alos no vote alos no vote so so so ordered<00:26:01.000>moving <00:26:01.320 - So I'm going to vote no. Representative Alos, no vote, so ordered.
- Um, vote no, please, so ordered. Representative Souza, no vote, so ordered.
- Representative Amato, no vote, no vote, so ordered.
- <00:38:50.160>
no <00:38:50.400>vote <00:38:51.200>so Amato no vote no vote
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-14-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
- reservations no vote for me no vote for reservations no vote for me no vote for Senator<01:39:30.760
- Hearing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. Chair votes aye.
- Any no votes?
- Hearing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. The vote is aye.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others.
HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly.
The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing.
Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:33.960>
for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for - reflect the community we serve Hawaii reflect the community we serve Hawaii has<00:36:16.079>
- of Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services<00:40:36.400>
Hawaii <00:40:36.880>the <00:40:37.000 - >
native <00:40:37.280>Hawaiian Services Hawaii the native Hawaiian Services Hawaii the - anyone when I arrived in Hawaii anyone when I arrived in Hawaii fortunately<00:42:11.800>
for
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HED Info Briefing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:39.039>
and uh uh hard duty of coming to Hawaii and uh uh hard duty of coming to Hawaii - <00:24:15.520>
is we can bring to bear that um Hawaii is we can bring to bear that um Hawaii - with that deep kind of Hawaii with that deep kind of Hawaii experience,<00:25:04.000>
then - The University of Hawaii system has a strategic plan, but Hawaii as a state lacks, or had at the time
- So with higher education in Hawaii.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- studies which is at University of Hawaii studies which is at University of Hawaii at at at monoa
- of Hawaii.
- vulnerable citizens of Hawaii.
- vulnerable citizens of Hawaii.
- vulnerable citizens of Hawaii.
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the Developmental Disabilities Council and related agencies. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including a pilot project for guardian ad litem and capacity evaluations in guardianship/conservatorship cases, a supported decision-making bill, a health disparities study for people with disabilities, an ABLE savings outreach/staffing measure, a Medicaid buy-in proposal, an adult changing tables equity bill, and a resolution on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Council representatives emphasized that supported decision-making would complement tools like powers of attorney and medical releases, and that the health disparities study would help identify unmet needs by ZIP code and improve state data on the intellectual and developmental disability population.
The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii described its role as the research and training arm within the DD system, working with the DD Council and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center. It reported activities such as interdisciplinary training, community education, technical assistance, research collaborations, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, publications, telehealth, ECHO Autism, and counseling for Maui fire survivors. The center said it leveraged about $16 million in outside funding last year and highlighted goals focused on workforce development, community capacity, research with direct participation from people with disabilities, and accessible dissemination of information.
The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the state’s protection and advocacy agency, supported the Council’s priorities, especially supported decision-making, which it said could help some people avoid guardianship while preserving liberty and reducing state resource use. The center also raised concerns about the DD system budget and urged legislators to review whether the Developmental Disabilities Division is requesting enough funding, noting possible backsliding in services and eligibility. The Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health then outlined its statewide waiver program serving just over 3,500 people, its service array, and its budget request for increased waiver funding, a federal initiatives coordinator, and IT upgrades to comply with the new HCBS access rule; no votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CAA Info Briefing - Thu May 22, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:28.800>
Arts And the mission at the Hawaii Arts And the mission at the Hawaii Arts - connected Hawaii. connected Hawaii. All<00:14:40.880>
right. - This was Kumu Hawaii.
- the Hawaii Arts Alliance? the Hawaii Arts Alliance?
- So the Hawaii Arts Alliance helped to sort of put that in place. Hawaii Alliance.
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing on May 22 with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Chair Capella said the purpose was to better understand the organizations’ work and strengthen relationships ahead of the interim and next session. The Hawaii Arts Alliance, led by Executive Director Gay Humphrey, described its mission to enrich Hawaii’s cultural fabric through arts education, advocacy, and community engagement, and highlighted its history tied to Alfred Price, including the creation of Hawaii’s 1% for art law and the alliance’s 45 years of service.
The alliance outlined its current work, including administering SFCA-funded statewide programs such as Artist in the Schools and the new folk and traditional arts program, with 34 teaching partners serving more than 100 public and charter schools and Kumu Hawaii as the single grantee for traditional weaving instruction. It also discussed Arts First Partners, the incubation of Arts at Mark’s Garage, expanded advocacy efforts supported by Creative West grants, and new multi-year philanthropic support from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Atherton Family Foundation. The alliance said it is launching statewide listening sessions and an arts advocacy training program, and noted that most SFCA funds pass through the alliance to program partners, with the organization retaining 10 to 14 percent for administration.
SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald then described the agency’s role as the state arts agency, its strategic planning process, and its main programs, including Art in Public Places, the Capital Modern museum, Artist in the Schools, apprentice mentoring grants, community arts grants, the Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a statewide cultural extension program, and the Hawaii Open Arts Program. She said SFCA has 21 staff with one vacancy, is awaiting a federal NEA partnership agreement, and is considering new revenue streams such as a cultural trust. She also noted that the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission was recently attached to SFCA, which has improved coordination and allows SFCA to provide funding for conservation and upkeep of the King Kamehameha statues statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, with questions deferred until after the presentations.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- reflect the community we serve Hawaii reflect the community we serve Hawaii has<00:47:20.119>
- Hawaii, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, the Domestic Violence
- Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii the<00:51:41.079><
- anyone when I arrived in Hawaii anyone when I arrived in Hawaii fortunately<00:53:15.960>
for - so many positive changes for Hawaii so many positive changes for Hawaii including<00:58:56.960><
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Oct 6, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- oversight coordinator of the Hawaii oversight coordinator of the Hawaii Correctional<00:07:57.919
- He's with the Hawaii audience today. He's with the Hawaii Pearling<00:09:02.880>
Authority. - Why Hawaii?
- Why<00:19:29.280>
Hawaii? - . >> Hawaii.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices.
Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research.
Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 17, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii island and Properties on Hawaii Hawaii island and then<00:37:11.720>
for <00:37:11.960> - >
um <00:50:18.280>no Ho on Hawaii island Hawaii Island um no Ho on Hawaii island Hawaii - Hawaii Island.
- Hawaii Island.
- Hawaii Island.
Summary:
The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts.
Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach.
Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Info Briefing - Fri Jun 19, 2026 @ 1:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, Hawaii.
- Like all these Blue Hawaii, Elvis. P.I. Like all these Blue Hawaii, Elvis.
- do gaming in Hawaii. do gaming in Hawaii.
- is say how Hawaii is Well, Hawaii is say how Hawaii is Well, Hawaii is because<00:49:03.640>
we - reinvesting in Hawaii.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii Youth Council under the Hawaii Public Health Institute is here
- Intermediate, Kanu Ka from Hawaii Intermediate, Kanu Ka from Hawaii Island,<00:02:16.040>
Chiefest - School, Hawaii Pacific School, Hawaii Pacific University,<00:02:45.599>
Kalahel <00:02:46.239>< - His for the state of Hawaii last year.
- Governor's message number Hawaii. File.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? 25 eyes. Thank you. The nominees for said governor's messages have been confirmed.
- <00:03:46.159>
Any <00:03:46.480>no <00:03:46.720>votes? consent? - Any no votes? consent? Any reservations? Any no votes? 25<00:03:48.720>
eyes. - First item is Senate Bill 1369, House Draft 1, relating to Title 24, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
- <00:04:47.040>
revised relating to title 24, Hawaii revised relating to title 24, Hawaii revised
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- dependent care credits, leaving Hawaii dependent care credits, leaving Hawaii families<00:22:05.280
- :52.640>
during protected Hawaii SNAP benefits during protected Hawaii SNAP benefits during the - <00:39:11.280>
where we're working to build a Hawaii where we're working to build a Hawaii coverage <00:45:08.880>for <00:45:09.040>Hawaii to protecting Hawaii coverage for- Hawaii to protecting Hawaii coverage for Hawaii families.<00:45:10.480>
I'm <00:45:10.800>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Info Briefing - Wed Oct 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So for Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, that would be Catholic Charities Hawaii.
- So for Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, that would be Catholic Charities Hawaii.
- Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island, that would be Catholic Charities Hawaii.
- <00:32:17.360>
relief specifically to the Hawaii relief specifically to the Hawaii relief - those TANF funds for um this Hawaii those TANF funds for um this Hawaii relief<00:36:23.280>
Summary:
The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date.
Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules.
Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for residents of Hawaii.
- Hawaii Legislature. Hawaii Legislature.
- the message who protects Hawaii you do. the message who protects Hawaii you do.
- we deal with invasive species in Hawaii? we deal with invasive species in Hawaii?
- insects in Hawaii and plants. insects in Hawaii and plants.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:04:21.200>
because subject to supermajority vote because subject to supermajority vote - That's been the supermajority vote.
- supermajority vote. supermajority vote. >> Chair<01:04:58.000>
Hansen. - So you said that Hawaii fascinating.
- Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you. Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- as we're able to, and in the event we're not able to reconvene, a new notice will be posted on the Hawaii
- legislature's posted on the Hawaii legislature's website<00:00:44.079>
purpose <00:00:44.399>< - And, you know, they're going to vote with their feet.
- Well, I think if you offer it, then people can vote with where they want to go.
- improvements and for the state of Hawaii improvements and for the state of Hawaii to<01:04:13.599
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Hawaii State Hospital hospital.
- Rehabilitation to Hawaii State Hospital. Rehabilitation to Hawaii State Hospital.
- back to Hawaii State Hospital. back to Hawaii State Hospital.
- , I mean, Civil Rights Commission. >> Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction. >> Hawaii Health.
- Health in Hawaii State Hospital. Yes. Health in Hawaii State Hospital. Yes.
Summary:
The briefing focused on the Hawaii State Hospital’s overcrowding, construction defects in the new addition, and how Act 26 and related court-ordered processes are affecting admissions and discharges. The chair said the hospital has become increasingly forensic-focused, has lost beds after the closure of Kahimohala, and may face further costs and possible litigation over the defective addition. Hospital and Department of Health officials said they are working with the attorney general and contractors on repairs, and that the hospital is currently using all 292 licensed beds, including 13 waiver beds, while average daily census last fiscal year was 376.
Officials explained that the high census is driven by both increased admissions and discharge barriers. They said the loss of Kahimohala returned patients to the state hospital, and that Act 26-related petty misdemeanor cases are contributing to admissions. They also said limited lower-level placement options delay discharges. Hospital staff reported that many patients are repeat admissions, about 22% were unhoused before admission, and a significant share are in categories such as fitness-to-proceed evaluations and conditional-release violations. They said these groups could potentially be reduced if evaluations were done elsewhere and if more community or supportive housing were available.
The chair and senators questioned whether some fitness-to-proceed detainees need to be held at the state hospital at all, and whether the Clark consent order requires transfer to the hospital. The attorney general’s office said the Clark injunction does not govern unfitness-to-proceed cases; instead, the requirement comes from state statute, and the statute could be changed. Director Johnson said DCR cannot keep such detainees because the court orders them into the custody of the Department of Health, and the department cannot provide the needed therapeutic level of care in a correctional setting. The discussion also emphasized co-occurring substance use and mental illness, especially among petty misdemeanor defendants, and the need for supportive housing and a decompression plan to reduce readmissions and free beds for civil commitments.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Tue Jan 14, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- collaboration with the Hawaii collaboration with the Hawaii Mesonet<00:40:44.440>
seaw <00 - contributed to particularly on Hawaii contributed to particularly on Hawaii Island<01:40:43.159>
- level and for the uh ask for a Hawaii level and for the uh ask for a Hawaii ant<01:51:23.719>
- Hawaii island in Hilo so that will Hawaii island in Hilo so that will support<01:52:22.199>
the working in parallel with Hawaii working in parallel with Hawaii Department<02:08:55.040>of