Transcript Highlights:

• 00:06:27.039><c> the</c><00:06:27.160><c> University</c><00:06:27.759><c> of</c><00:06:27.919><c> Hawaii
• </c> of regions of the University of Hawaii of regions of the University of Hawaii file<00:06:29.840>
• Just a reminder: outside from basically now till 2:30, the Hawaii Bicycling League has a bunch of low-speed

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally, I think maybe two or three states that still have a four-tier system: Louisiana, Mississippi, Hawaii
• , I think maybe Baltimore, Rhode Island, something like that.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally, I think maybe two or three states that still have a four-tier system: Louisiana, Mississippi, Hawaii
• , I think maybe Baltimore, Rhode Island, something like that.

Bills: HB489 , HB545 , HB555 , HB583 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB814 , HB913 , HB952

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: transfer on death, TOD, beneficiary designation, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, securities, nonprobate transfer, estate planning, succession, probate, community property, forced heirship, financial advisor, broker-dealer, custodian, transfer agent, banking, wealth transfer, inheritance, Louisiana Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• About two years ago, I was in Island Park and I did a float down the Henry Fork of the river there.
• Plus, I served on the Hawaii County Fair Board for 10 or 12 years or so.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires the Hawaii sister state and international partnerships commission to evaluate how a
• It also<00:10:34.520><c> requires</c><00:10:35.160><c> the</c><00:10:35.320><c> Hawaii</c><00:10:35.840
• ><c> sister</c><00:10:36.240><c> state</c> also requires the Hawaii sister state also requires the Hawaii

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• So if these are requesting a Hawaii vacation, that's not what this program's about.
• I think I would do much better at the end of my life on the beach in Hawaii. How about you?
• basically, if we're going to let you out on this program, it's in Washington State, not at a beach in Hawaii
• If we're going to let you out on this program, it's in Washington State, not at a beach in Hawaii.

Bills: SB5873 , SB5895 , SB5911 , SB5940 , SB5942 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message Number 718 withdraws a nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Hurricane
• of directors a nomination to the board of directors of<00:06:50.400><c> the</c><00:06:50.560><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:06:51.039><c> hurricane</c><00:06:51.560><c> relief</c><00:06:51.960><c> fund</c> of the Hawaii
• hurricane relief fund of the Hawaii hurricane relief fund file<00:06:54.400><c> on</c><00:06:54.639>

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal. The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day. At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• , stationed in Hawaii, sending their kids to school in New Hampshire because they believe they'd get
• but they're active duty<02:01:41.279><c> military</c><02:01:42.399><c> from</c><02:01:42.720><c> Hawaii
• ,</c><02:01:43.200><c> stationed</c><02:01:43.600><c> in</c> duty military from Hawaii, stationed in
• duty military from Hawaii, stationed in Hawaii,<02:01:44.640><c> sending</c><02:01:44.960><c> their</
• , sending their kids to school in Hawaii, sending their kids to school in New<02:01:45.920><c> Hampshire

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• We have this big challenge with brain drain in Hawaii, and the challenge of how do we build a future
• We have this big challenge with brain drain in Hawaii, and the challenge of how do we build a future
• right so now they're able to make Hawaii right so now they're able to make books<00:19:54.200><c> and
• </c> partnering with haima so Hawaii partnering with haima so Hawaii Emergency<00:20:01.720><c> Management
• </c><01:12:30.920><c> Ed</c> of the Gemini tool in our um Hawaii Ed of the Gemini tool in our um Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:02.799><c> and</c> I'm just always curious like Hawaii and I'm just always curious like Hawaii
• I could be wrong, but you know, Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you. Great questions. Thank you.
• So you said that Hawaii fascinating.
• So you said that Hawaii exit<01:12:53.679><c> example</c><01:12:54.159><c> they</c><01:12:54.560><c>
• </c> Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you. Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• in Hawaii completely went up in flames.
• </c><00:11:14.000><c> in</c><00:11:14.080><c> Hawaii</c><00:11:14.520><c> completely</c> know, the island
• in Hawaii completely know, the island in Hawaii completely went<00:11:15.160><c> up</c><00:11:15.280
• ><c> Hampshire,</c> Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and<00
• ,</c> that is where I've said Rhode Island, that is where I've said Rhode Island, Connecticut<00:32:46.920

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and</c><00:05:33.360><c> 13</c><00:05:34.200><c> of</c><00:05:34.280><c> the</c><00:05:34.400><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:05:34.680><c> State</c> Sections 12 and 13 of the Hawaii State Sections 12 and 13 of the Hawaii

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• Lewin and Terry (indistinct) are counting on you, as well as all members of the board of the Hawaii Planning
• Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent to Roxann Rowe for the Health Planning Council for Hawaii

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee met for decision making on GM 572, the nomination of Roxann Rowe to the Health Planning Council for Hawaii County, with a term expiring June 30, 2028. The chair noted that the committee had received Rowe’s questionnaire responses and emphasized the committee’s role in reviewing nominees’ qualifications and ability to carry out their duties. No testimony was taken and no questions were raised by members. The chair recommended advising and consenting to the nomination. The committee voted unanimously in favor: the chair, vice chair, Senator Hashimoto, and Senator Keohokalole all voted aye, while Senator Fevella was excused. The recommendation was adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with him is Abby Simmons from the SAL caucus from the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
• Sall caucus from the Democratic<00:15:55.800><c> party</c><00:15:56.000><c> of</c><00:15:56.079><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:15:56.759><c> welcome</c><00:15:57.519><c> Abby</c> Democratic party of Hawaii welcome Abby Democratic
• party of Hawaii welcome Abby thank<00:15:58.720><c> you</c> thank you thank you [Applause] representative

Transcript Highlights:

• And the only two that we are aware of that have it run by the state is Hawaii and California.
• </c><00:27:01.360><c> and</c> that it's run by the state is Hawaii and that it's run by the state is
• Hawaii and California.<00:27:02.799><c> California</c><00:27:03.360><c> has,</c><00:27:03.679><c> I</
• </c><01:08:29.120><c> Um</c><01:08:30.159><c> however</c> defraud the state of Hawaii.
• Um however defraud the state of Hawaii.

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recently enjoyed a family wedding in Hawaii. It was also a great family reunion.
• Ong refugees at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and arrived in the state of Hawaii a year later.
• In Hawaii, he also worked with Vietnamese and Indo-Chinese volunteer. agency, a non-profit organization

Transcript Highlights:

• The company owns and operates the hazardous waste facilities located in Hawaii County, where there's
• along the railroad, where transfers are made from rail cars into trucks that take things out to the Hawaii

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• California, they began labor organizing, because so many of them had come from the sugar plantations in Hawaii
• celebrate Korean American Day as the first group immigration day in 1903, 20,102 farm workers landed in Hawaii
• When I landed in Hawaii during my peaceful time, I encountered those first-generation people.
• That's the example of The example of the Korean farmers, how they came to California from Hawaii, and

Transcript Highlights:

• Plans for VA are not in line with what I believe are right for veterans in Hawaii and across the country
• course, work with him as a member of this committee to make the quality of life better for veterans in Hawaii

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• , and in Colorado, families Hawaii, and in Colorado, families reeling<04:04:31.520><c> from</c><04:04
• </c><04:05:10.800><c> This</c><04:05:11.120><c> legislation</c> Hawaii, and Colorado.
• This legislation Hawaii, and Colorado.
• The gentlewoman from Hawaii is recognized for three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahalo, Mr.
• </c> Colorado, Hawaii, or any place else. Colorado, Hawaii, or any place else.