Video & Transcript : 'Hawaii PUC' :
Page 69 of 143
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:52.239><c> Teacher</c> a nomination to the Hawaii Teacher a nomination to the Hawaii Teacher
- </c> resources and beauty that makes Hawaii resources and beauty that makes Hawaii so<00:30:28.159><c
- The budget enables Hawaii to continue to take the reins of its future.
- So the damage to Hawaii is far than just the less direct cuts.
- So the damage to Hawaii is far than just the less direct cuts.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Apr 4, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 46
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> well as creating and generating a Hawaii well as creating and generating a Hawaii tech tech tech
- </c> of wh who might not know in Hawaii of wh who might not know in Hawaii currently<00:43:26.240><c>
- You know that Hawaii proceed. Thank you.
- </c> of Hawaii. of Hawaii.
- </c> the honorable representative of Hawaii the honorable representative of Hawaii Kai?
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 3, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 45
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> was only about five cases in Hawaii was only about five cases in Hawaii that<01:23:20.800><c> had
- </c> researchers from University of Hawaii. researchers from University of Hawaii.
- The governor, who represents us, the people of Hawaii.
- The governor, who represents us, the people of Hawaii.
- Um, I... represents us um the people of Hawaii. represents us um the people of Hawaii.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of Hawaii Student Senate Caucus<00:02:35.200><c> while</c><00:02:35.519><c> pursuing</c><00:02:35.920
- </c><00:03:07.280><c> Association</c><00:03:07.920><c> of</c> year by the Hawaii Association of year
- </c> draft 1, relating to the Hawaii draft 1, relating to the Hawaii Technology<00:08:14.479><c> Development
- </c><00:12:28.000><c> Correctional</c> 1 relating to the Hawaii Correctional 1 relating to the Hawaii
- We talk story often and shared a common commitment to serving the people of Hawaii.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 14, 2025, 11:30 AM HST - Day 50
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In turn, we have taken vahina in Hawaii.
- We acknowledge indigenous families who are here in Hawaii.
- </c><01:00:06.480><c> state</c> section 7 of the Hawaii state section 7 of the Hawaii state constitution
- And 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution.
- </c> under article 12 section 7 of the Hawaii under article 12 section 7 of the Hawaii state<01:24:49.400
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 2, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, Hawaii Council of Community Associations.
- </c> second to none in the state of Hawaii second to none in the state of Hawaii um<00:44:11.200><c>
- </c><01:26:54.280><c> specific</c> least analyze Hawaii specific least analyze Hawaii specific situation
- </c> in Hawaii in Hawaii we're<01:27:55.480><c> x%</c><01:27:56.360><c> higher</c><01:27:56.760><c> than
- </c><01:40:21.440><c> pharmacist</c> amendments from Hawaii pharmacist amendments from Hawaii pharmacist
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on.
Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.
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Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 8, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As of September, Hawaii good news.
- </c> short-term movement to Hawaii. short-term movement to Hawaii.
- </c> for Hawaii? for Hawaii?
- </c> Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Hawaii Labor Relations Board.
- </c> as retain the skills here in Hawaii. as retain the skills here in Hawaii.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:28.400><c> State</c> list, director of the Hawaii State list, director of the Hawaii State
- The department's position Hawaii.
- Uh, Chong Chang with the Hawaii Broadband Office.
- what's what's broken in Hawaii for us to what's what's broken in Hawaii for us to fix.<00:18:04.160><
- Um and as you've read those uh Hawaii.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Senate Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 2245 would tighten revolving-door restrictions for state employees by barring new employees from acting on matters they worked on before state service and imposing a 12-month post-employment restriction for certain former Governor and Lieutenant Governor staff; the Ethics Commission and League of Women Voters supported it, and the committee later passed it as is. SB 99 would allow certain retirees to return to work as school resource officers or investigators without losing retirement benefits; the Attorney General supported the investigator portion, ERS and other agencies offered comments and suggested amendments, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including changes from the Attorney General, ERS, and the Department of Law Enforcement, plus a far-future effective date. SB 2304, which would expand identity theft law to cover AI/deepfake or materially deceptive media impersonation, drew opposition from the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor over prosecution burdens and First Amendment concerns, while some prosecutors and others supported it; the committee deferred the bill. SB 2115, dealing with collective bargaining impasse procedures for repricing public employee classes, drew opposition from human resources officials who said arbitrators lack the technical expertise needed, while unions and HGA supported the measure; the committee deferred decision-making to a later hearing.
The committee also heard SB 1036, a net neutrality bill that would bar broadband providers from blocking, prioritizing, or zero-rating traffic. Supporters argued Hawaii needs stronger consumer protections, while the Hawaii Broadband Office said it saw no current problem in Hawaii and warned the bill could affect federal BEAD funding unless exempted; the committee deferred the measure. SB 1163 would prohibit the sale of geolocation and browser data and data collected through microphone-based background apps; Consumer Protection supported the intent but urged a broader privacy framework, and the Honolulu Prosecutor sought an exemption for lawful law-enforcement investigations, which the committee later accepted along with Hawaiian Telecom’s proposed amendments before passing the bill with amendments. SB 2076 would update publicity-rights law to address AI/deepfake uses of a person’s likeness; testimony supported the goal and amendments from the Recording Industry Association of America, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including replacing references to AI/deepfake with “digital replica.”
After hearing testimony, the committee recessed briefly to obtain quorum and then reconvened for decision-making. It adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2245 as is, passed SB 99 with amendments, deferred SB 2304, deferred SB 2115 to a later hearing, deferred SB 1036, passed SB 1163 with amendments, and passed SB 2076 with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL, WTL DEFER Public Hearings 03-21-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My friend from the Kona side on Hawaii island is in support.
- Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.
- The Green Party of Hawaii, Susan Roberts Emory in support, Robert Cison in support, Katherine Frier,
- Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.
- Mike Eo with Energy Justice Network, representing our Hawaii-based member organizations.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments.
The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments.
For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Repeals a Hawaii early childhood education educator special fund.
- Okay, Virgil Stinet, president, NFB Hawaii? Is she here? Not here. She's in Hawaii, in support.
- Hawaii, and a representative of the state legislature, 48th District Terence Tom.
- I'm James Gashel, legislative chair for the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii.
- National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii supports that version of this bill.
Committee:
Senate Education
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
LMG Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:45 PM HST
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, in the past, a long time ago, Hawaii had a special election to replace an empty seat, which is
- I'm a director of the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, and I serve on the Wiki Neighborhood Board
- And I'm speaking as an individual, but I'm very concerned for our residents of Hawaii, and I hope that
- had a special election to replace Hawaii had a special election to replace an<00:15:23.279><c> empty
- Retired</c><00:16:00.959><c> Americans,</c> Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, Hawaii Alliance for
Committee:
House Legislative Management
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional.
The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage.
After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 14, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 32
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
- She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
- She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
- She's here from Hawaii Baptist Academy.
- </c> five Islands across the state of Hawaii five Islands across the state of Hawaii to<00:20:09.400>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Alexis Chapman for HFIA, Hawaii Food Industry Association.
- , BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education degree elsewhere
- , BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education degree elsewhere
- as HPU, Chaminade, BYU Hawaii, and then also to include locals who leave Hawaii to pursue their education
- I'm here representing Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and I'm also here representing the Hawaii School
Committee:
Senate Education
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Congressman Case is a Hawaii-licensed attorney who clerked for Hawaii Supreme Court Justice William Richardson
- </c> government actions are having on Hawaii government actions are having on Hawaii residents.<00:17
- > Hawaii</c><00:18:27.360><c> Supreme</c><00:18:27.679><c> Court</c> who clerked for Hawaii Supreme Court
- Hawaii time, whether I'm in Hawaii or in DC.
- And I guess that's a good Hawaii.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of this informational briefing is for the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and the Hawaii
- It's to help the kind of average Hawaii resident or maybe even lower than the average Hawaii resident
- <c> is</c><00:31:08.640><c> kind</c> the average Hawaii resident who is kind the average Hawaii resident
- And I'm hesitant to return to Hawaii.
- I mean waiting to happen in Hawaii.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 16, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:49.120><c> um</c> Program uh for the state of Hawaii um Program uh for the state of Hawaii
- </c> overall finances for the state of Hawaii overall finances for the state of Hawaii you<00:07:19.160
- </c> Department within the state of Hawaii Department within the state of Hawaii and<00:09:17.959><c>
- </c> to make sense for the state of Hawaii to make sense for the state of Hawaii because<00:23:28.559
- </c> Hawaii interim housing program uh Hawaii Hawaii interim housing program uh Hawaii Office<06:00:46.840
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, EIG-HOU Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and Industry of Hawaii in support, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce in support, Kona Kohala Chamber
- of Commerce in support, Flynn Restaurants LLC in support, Fukunaga Electrical in support, and Hawaii
- Uh, Big Island of Hawaii. Uh, just really appreciate the opportunity to be here in front of you.
- Uh, in regards to housing for Hawaii, you know, I think all product types are something that need to
- <00:09:05.320><c> County</c> Hawaii County Hawaii County um<00:09:06.840><c> having</c><00:09:07.280>
Summary:
The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused.
The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM, AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Hunter Heavin from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ryan Yamamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- Under Heaven from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ran Mimoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you.
- The Hawaii Farm Bureau is down on this testimony in support.
- Yo here on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association.
- Mang O, from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association, on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The joint AEN-PSM hearing on February 7, 2025 focused primarily on three agriculture-related measures and one animal welfare bill, with additional discussion of pesticide drift monitoring, coffee labeling, and a gas-pump labeling bill. SB 762 would create an Agricultural Crimes Council and authorize agricultural crime investigators; testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and several members of the public was generally supportive, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement, community involvement, and in some cases allowing investigators to be armed. Some testifiers also urged changes to the appointment process for council members, preferring neighborhood boards or local officials over gubernatorial appointments. The committee discussed combining related agricultural crime bills and noted concerns about investigator safety in remote areas.
SB 763 would establish an agriculture enforcement program within the Department of Law Enforcement and a special fund. Testimony was strongly supportive from state agencies and farm groups, with speakers emphasizing the need for more effective response to agricultural theft, poaching, and related crimes. Several public testifiers linked the bill to broader community safety and asked for clearer funding, training, coordination, performance metrics, and technology use. The committee also heard SB 1022, which would prohibit leaving pets in dangerous conditions in vehicles and allow officers, firefighters, animal control, and in some cases private citizens to rescue animals; the Attorney General said existing cruelty statutes may already cover the conduct and suggested amendments, while HPD opposed the bill. Members asked about liability for rescuers and whether the proposal might affect property-crime enforcement.
The committee also heard SB 1304 on pesticide drift monitoring funding, with the Department of Agriculture supporting the measure and explaining it was needed to complete a required project under an EPA-related agreement. A Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action representative raised concerns about the methodology of prior studies, and a public testifier described a recent odor incident near a roadway and school. SB 1015, requiring labels on gas dispensing equipment warning about fossil fuel impacts, drew support from the Department of Agriculture and the Public Utilities Commission but opposition from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association. SB 500 on coffee labeling and regional origin was also heard, with the Department of Agriculture in support. In decision-making, the committees adopted recommendations to pass SB 762 with amendments, SB 763 with amendments, SB 1022 with technical amendments, SB 1304 with technical amendments, and SB 1015 as is; SB 500 was not acted on in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Feb 25, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 22
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to welcome and introduce in our chamber today a former Hawaii girl now working out of Washington
- Welcome to the Hawaii House of Representatives. >> Representative Olds. Mahalo, Speaker.
- Uh, today, we'd like to recognize the impactful work of the American Heart Association here in Hawaii
- The association continues to Hawaii.
- Sponsored<00:17:41.600><c> by</c><00:17:41.760><c> the</c><00:17:41.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:17:42.160><
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:12:37.440><c> revised</c> part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii revised part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii
- Youth Action Hawaii, and one individual.
- opportunity for youth action Hawaii opportunity for youth action Hawaii<00:34:45.000><c> and</c><00:
- Hawaii, and from one individual.
- 07.680><c> one</c> for youth action Hawaii and from one for youth action Hawaii and from one individual
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.