Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii voting'
Page 69 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm voting no. I'm voting no.
- It's a very simple vote.
- The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
- Ask for a recorded vote. A recorded vote has been requested.
- This will be a 15-minute vote. will record their votes by electronic will record their votes by electronic
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Wed Dec 17, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- percentage of home ownership in Hawaii percentage of home ownership in Hawaii is<00:36:17.599>
- well with [clears throat] our Hawaii well with [clears throat] our Hawaii community,<00:49:25.440
- So it infrastructure here in Hawaii.
- <01:02:09.760>
So 2,000 AOS in the state of Hawaii. So 2,000 AOS in the state of Hawaii.- of a 20 billion hurricane hitting Hawaii of a 20 billion hurricane hitting Hawaii >> at<01
Summary:
The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates.
HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease.
Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks.
HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- > Insurance next we have Hawaii Insurance next we have Hawaii Insurance Council<00:01:35.439>
- Hawaii Medical Association HMA Dr. Okay. Hawaii Medical Association HMA Dr.
- Elizabeth Ignasio Hawaii from Dr.
- Up first we have the SAG AFA Hawaii Up first we have the SAG AFA Hawaii local.<00:15:01.760>
- Hawaii State FedE AFL CIO very much.
Summary:
The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes.
The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it.
No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Tue Jan 7, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- known her she was with transform Hawaii known her she was with transform Hawaii government<04:55
- department and for the state of Hawaii department and for the state of Hawaii uh<04:55:56.638>
- We've got two vacant positions on Hawaii Island: one East Hawaii in our East Hawaii district office,
- Island um One vacant positions on Hawaii Island um One East<04:58:09.798>
Hawaii <04:58:10.600- >
district East Hawaii in our East Hawaii district East Hawaii in our East Hawaii district office
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Law Enforcement on its priorities following the January 1 transfer of law enforcement assets into the department, including the sheriff’s division, narcotics enforcement, criminal investigations, homeland security, and the inspector general’s office. DLE said its goals are to improve public safety, accountability, communications, training, and standards. The department outlined planned initiatives such as stronger federal partnerships, narcotics and gun-violence enforcement, an agricultural crime unit, traffic and commercial vehicle enforcement, an explosive/fireworks enforcement section, gun buybacks, new police facilities in the airport area, Aahu, and the leeward side, a state training center, upgraded law-enforcement IT, and efforts to narrow salary gaps with county departments to improve recruitment.
A major portion of the discussion focused on illegal fireworks enforcement after the recent explosion tragedy. DLE said its current task force is small and relies on ad hoc support from HPD, the Attorney General’s office, criminal investigations, and sheriffs, which is not sustainable. The department requested eight FTEs for the effort—one administrator, two clerical staff, and six investigators—plus funding for a laboratory, equipment, storage, disposal, vehicles, safety gear, and a criminalist. DLE said the explosive enforcement section would use an existing facility and that the initial lab startup cost is about $2 million. Members asked for follow-up materials, and DLE said it would send the explosive enforcement forms and additional details to the Finance and Judiciary chairs.
Members also questioned staffing vacancies, interagency coordination, and whether new specialized units could be filled. DLE said it has about 119 vacancies and that recruitment is hindered by a roughly $28,000 starting pay gap with county police departments; academy classes are down to about 12 to 14 recruits. The department said it is streamlining hiring, using QR-code recruitment, and hopes specialized units will attract applicants. On coordination, DLE said it works closely with HPD and other agencies on operations such as fireworks enforcement and public events, and that DOCARE remains a case-by-case partner but is not currently moving into DLE. The committee also received updates on the Silver Alert program, which is nearing rollout with county MOUs and a coordinator expected later in the month, the special duty officer program, which is being moved to a web-based vendor-managed system at no cost to the department, and the SaferWatch school safety system, which is being deployed statewide with annual software costs of $3,500 per school in the first year and $2,500 thereafter. No votes or formal actions were taken.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
LBT/LAB Joint Info Briefing - Tue Aug 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am outside the state of Hawaii.
- Hawaii Electric has been a board.
- the you know with the county of Hawaii the you know with the county of Hawaii having<00:26:12.559
- of Hawaii, Office of Community State of Hawaii, Office of Community Services.<00:33:39.360>
The and 27 for the state of Hawaii. and 27 for the state of Hawaii.
Summary:
A joint informational briefing of the House Committee on Labor and the Senate Committee on Labor and Technology was held on August 19, 2025, to hear testimony on the Office of Community Services’ proposed Community Services Block Grant state plan for federal fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Ray Domingo of OCS explained that the plan is intended to maintain federal CSBG funding and focuses on compliance monitoring, coordination among community action agencies and state agencies, and strengthening partnerships. He also reviewed the program structure, noting that Hawaii’s four CAAs serve low-income residents, that the state must pass through at least 90% of the grant to CAAs, and that Hawaii received about $3.8 million in FFY 2025, with allocations to HCAP, Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, Kauai Economic Opportunity, and Maui Economic Opportunity. He said statewide CAAs reported serving 40,980 individuals in FFY 2024.
Representatives from each CAA testified in support of the plan and described how CSBG functions as flexible “glue” funding that supports overhead, fills gaps, and helps leverage other public and private resources. HCAP’s Robert Piper said the grant helps sustain its broad service network, including Head Start, job training, weatherization, shelter, food assistance, and energy programs, and emphasized its tripartite board structure and annual service to about 20,000 people. Hawaii County’s Chad Hosigal highlighted support for senior farmers market coupons, Meals on Wheels, and transportation services. Kauai Economic Opportunity’s Mabel Fujiuchi said the agency fully supports the plan and described CSBG as nucleus funding that helps support shelter, Meals on Wheels, weatherization, mediation, and other services, including assistance for homeless families and special needs items such as dentures and hearing aids. Maui Economic Opportunity’s Gay Sabonga described CSBG’s role in disaster response after the 2023 wildfires, including shelter transitions, document recovery, housing and utility assistance, bridge grants for small businesses, youth prevention programs, and employment services.
Committee members asked about the stability of future federal funding, the frequency of federal assessments, and how satisfaction scores in the state plan were measured. OCS said federal funding information has been mixed and uncertain, that communication with federal partners has been limited and informal, and that the federal assessment website appears outdated; staff said assessments are done every two years. On the satisfaction metric, OCS said the score was 92 out of 100 and believed it reflected participant responses, though they offered to follow up with more detail. No votes or formal actions were taken at the informational briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HED/HRE Joint Info Briefing - Wed Nov 12, 2025 @ 1:30 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- know, NIL money found by um Hawaii know, NIL money found by um Hawaii Warrior<00:24:10.640>
um - >
um Warrior um Hawaii Warrior football um Warrior um Hawaii Warrior football um network<00:24 - <00:58:44.160>
taxpayer Hawaii public money, so Hawaii taxpayer Hawaii public money, so Hawaii - <01:33:51.760>
I in Hawaii and we've been blessed. I in Hawaii and we've been blessed. - <01:37:15.280>
our <01:37:15.600>Hawaii competitive but our Hawaii our Hawaii competitive
Summary:
The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH.
Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities.
In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Reggae and local music continue to thrive in Hawaii, with wonderful events like Hawaii Fest drawing locals
- Reggae and local music continue to thrive in Hawaii, with wonderful events like Hawaii Fest drawing locals
- Reggae and local music continue to thrive in Hawaii, with wonderful events like Hawaii Fest drawing locals
- Reggae and local music continue to thrive in Hawaii, with wonderful events like Hawaii Fest drawing locals
- Reggae and local music continue to thrive in Hawaii, with wonderful events like Hawaii Fest drawing locals
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions.
After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection.
In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair votes. remain same recommendation. Chair votes.
- Anyone voting? No. All members present. Anyone voting? No.
- Chair votes eye. Thank you amendments. Chair votes eye.
- Not sure votes. 2027. Any discussion? Not sure votes.
- Chair votes. Anyone Any discussion? Chair votes.
Summary:
The committee took up a long decision-making agenda and repeatedly recommended passage of measures, most either unamended or with technical or date-deferral amendments. Early items included HB 496, which was passed with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050, and HB 700, which was passed with amendments incorporating Alzheimer’s Association language on dementia data collection, standardized cognitive assessments, Medicare Part C, and related definitions. Other bills addressed insurance, health care preceptors, workers’ compensation, labeling, rural emergency hospitals, and numerous budget or policy measures later in the agenda.
Several bills received substantive amendment packages. HB 250 was amended to add an objective on treatments for common chronic or long-term conditions and to clarify that automating determinations is intended to reduce delays in patient care. HB 303 adopted Hawaii Pharmacist Association language clarifying the definition of a nationally accredited pharmacy residency program. HB 1179 was amended to adopt Department of Human Services language relating to Med-QUEST. Later, HB 1293 added a $250,000 cap, a $20 million general-fund appropriation for Department of Education food services, and procurement-reporting language; HB 1153 authorized transfers of various non-general-fund accounts to the general fund and added a blank appropriation for the governor’s office; and HB 1168 added a proviso to a revenue bond appropriation to help in-state residents with demonstrated financial need offset room-and-board increases.
The most notable debate was on HB 1308, a sports wagering bill. Members discussed regulatory structure, youth sports restrictions, tax and fee provisions, and gambling-prevention funding. Several members opposed the bill, citing family impacts, gambling addiction concerns, and the possibility that regulatory and social costs would outweigh revenues; others supported it with reservations. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted, with recorded no votes and reservations. Across the agenda, most remaining bills were adopted with little or no discussion, including many measures passed unamended and several with deferred effective dates or committee-report notes reflecting testimony or appropriation requests.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Wed Jan 8, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:15:36.120>
Pacific and U uh West Wahu Hawaii Pacific and U uh West Wahu Hawaii Pacific - control um evaluating the Hawaii control um evaluating the Hawaii Electric<01:03:26.039>
effects - <05:17:08.120>
the through the University of Hawaii the through the University of Hawaii the - <05:40:37.040>
Island the eastern half of Hawaii Island the eastern half of Hawaii Island - Hawaii West Hawaii and comprised of East Hawaii West Hawaii and Kawai<05:46:44.798>
region <05
Summary:
The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025.
The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions.
Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 17, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 33
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to your Hawaii House of Representatives.
- <00:15:19.680>
house recognized welcome to your Hawaii house recognized welcome to your Hawaii - HSCR No. 1278: Representative Pierick, no vote, so ordered.
- Representative Morikawa, no vote, so ordered. Representative Garcia, no vote, so ordered.
- Standing Committee Report No. 1284: Members, we will be taking a voice vote.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , who has to stay in a hotel in Hawaii, who has to stay in a hotel in Hawaii, which<00:36:40.480>
- We recently did a domain change over to Hawaii police .gov from our previous Hawaii County .gov, and
- <01:19:59.360>
police <01:20:00.159>um.gov Hawaii police um.gov Hawaii police um.gov um - <01:46:35.679>
It Hawaii are very highly protected. It Hawaii are very highly protected. - no West Hawaii correctional facility. no West Hawaii correctional facility.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies.
Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- She was excited to move to Hawaii and to live in the most beautiful community, which is Makaha.
- So, Laura, if you could stand, and we welcome you to the Hawaii State Senate. Thank you.
- <00:01:55.799>
state we welcome you to the Hawaii state we welcome you to the Hawaii state - Christian homeschoolers of Hawaii Christian homeschoolers of Hawaii established<00:02:20.879>
- If you can please rise, and we welcome you to the Hawaii Senate.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Feb 5, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 13
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:55.799>
with recognition purposes I am voting with recognition purposes I am voting - ; Representative Alcos, no vote; Representative Shimizu, no vote.
- Representative Perck, no vote.
- Representative Morikawa, no vote. Representative Reyes, no vote. Representative Oda, no vote.
- Representative Garcia, no vote. Representative Morikawa, no vote. Representative Reyes, no vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Nov 10, 2025 @ 10:15 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we have representatives from the ACLU of Hawaii and the Hawaii Office of the Public Defender.
- Today we have representatives from the ACLU of Hawaii and the Hawaii Office of the Public Defender.
- <00:14:59.360>
Uh, Hawaii. So, Mandy, take it away. Uh, Hawaii. So, Mandy, take it away. - Um, discuss some policy in Hawaii.
- That is up 273% in Hawaii.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on findings from the deportation data project and possible policy responses to increased federal immigration enforcement in Hawaii. In opening remarks, the chair said the committee was concerned about changing federal executive orders, policies, and enforcement actions, and framed the issue as one involving due process and public safety. The chair and presenters described reports of ICE activity on multiple islands, including raids, courthouse presence, and fear in immigrant communities, and said the committee was considering whether state policies should be advanced more quickly.
Mandy Fernandez of the ACLU of Hawaii presented updated deportation data and argued that increased immigration enforcement is creating fear, reducing crime reporting, and potentially making state and local agencies extensions of the federal immigration agenda if they accept federal funding with conditions. She said the deportation data project, housed at UC Berkeley Law with UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, uses FOIA requests and its latest data runs through late July 2025. She reported 153 ICE arrests in Hawaii from January through July 2025, up from 41 in the same period in 2024; 96 removals, up from 15; a federal detention center average daily population of 91 in June 2025 versus 31 in June 2024; and 111 ICE detainers issued in Hawaii from September 2023 through July 2025, with 49 issued in 2025. She also cited an immigration court backlog of 1,144 pending cases as of August 2025 and noted that about one in five Hawaii residents were born outside the United States.
Haley Chang of the Office of the Public Defender said her office is seeing a marked increase in ICE presence around courthouses and more ICE contacts with clients, including reports of people being detained after court appearances or while on supervision. She emphasized that the office is not an immigration law office and that much of its information is anecdotal, but said the pattern appears new compared with prior years. In response to committee questions, she explained that ICE detainers are requests, not judicial warrants, and said local law enforcement is generally not required to honor them unless accompanied by a judicial warrant or other legal authority. She also said the public defender’s office had not yet seen new criminal charges arise solely from an ICE detention or failure to appear tied to immigration enforcement, though cases could be affected if defendants are removed from the criminal process.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/29/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you look at example is Hawaii.
- <00:12:57.519>
costs Hawaii, all their administrative costs Hawaii, all their administrative - nothing higher and that's because Hawaii nothing higher and that's because Hawaii is<00:13:04.079
- , committee votes, it'll have house votes, committee votes, it'll have house votes, it'll<00:42:33.040
- The vote<02:45:32.000>
was <02:45:32.479>hoping vote was hoping vote was hoping >>
Summary:
The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended.
The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal.
The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-WLA-HWN, AEN-HWN, HWN DEFER, HWN Public Hearings 02-12-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Kio Kole votes aye.
- <00:31:14.480>
Senator votes I. Vice chair votes I. Senator votes I. Vice chair votes I. - Chair votes aye. Vice Chair also votes aye. Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Kole votes aye.
- Hearing none, Vice Chair for the vote. >> Okay. Voting members voting on SB 1112.
- Vice Chair for the vote. vote. vote.
Summary:
The Triple C committee heard SB 2799, relating to the Kalopa settlement. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals and homestead organizations urging passage and asking that Hawaiian Homes Commission, HHCA beneficiaries, and community representatives be included in transition planning. The Department of Health opposed the added reporting requirement as unnecessary and argued its role is limited to patient care, while committee members pushed back and emphasized the need for broader community input and landowner participation, especially from DHHL and DLNR. The chair recommended passage of SB 2799 unamended, with a committee report noting that the required May report should include the interagency transition working group timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures. The recommendation was adopted unanimously by the committees present.
The joint agenda also took up SB 2887, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include Hawaiian homelands used for subsistence or agricultural/pastoral purposes and broaden eligible costs to include orchard or fruit-bearing crops and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the concept but requested amendments; the Department of Taxation and Department of Agriculture provided comments and information on administration and existing claims. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but argued the bill should create a new tax credit in Chapter 235 rather than fold DHHL lands into the existing IAL credit. After discussion, the chair recommended passage with the Hawaii Farm Bureau’s amendments and technical changes, and both committees adopted that recommendation.
The Hawaiian Affairs committee then acted on several bills. SB 1406, SB 521, and SB 1654 were deferred indefinitely because the chair said related work was already underway and the committee wanted to avoid duplicative paperwork. SB 3247, relating to Mona Ala/Royal Mausoleum, was amended to convert the proposal into a Royal Mausoleum Working Group with periodic reporting and stakeholder input, and it passed with amendments. SB 112, SB 131, and SB 2443 were advanced with amendments that primarily deferred effective dates to keep the measures moving while discussions continue. The committee also noted that some measures were being deferred or reshaped to align with ongoing administrative or companion-bill processes, and the amended recommendations were adopted by the members present.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for 500 ,000 is to support um the Hawaii for 500 ,000 is to support um the Hawaii ant<00:09:03.440
- why so much more on aahu than Hawaii why so much more on aahu than Hawaii island<00:30:16.399>
- 3 Acre Farm versus a house on Hawaii 3 Acre Farm versus a house on Hawaii Island<00:31:23.320>
- Ho, on Hawaii Island. No? Okay.
- >
um <00:41:23.560>no Ho on Hawaii island Hawaii Island um no Ho on Hawaii island Hawaii - 3 Acre Farm versus a house on Hawaii 3 Acre Farm versus a house on Hawaii Island<00:31:23.320>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those who desire to vote... ...is asking for a no vote. All those who desire to vote...
- All those who desire to vote, all those who desire to vote, all those 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, the clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.
- Vote change: McKinnor, AB 483, not voting. Going from aye to not voting.
Summary:
The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then made a series of guest introductions recognizing Vaisakhi celebrations, nonprofit leaders from San Joaquin County, immigrant and refugee advocate Liu Yang, students from Somerdale Elementary School, Trustee Sylvia Leong, and a Leadership Torrance delegation. The chamber also took up several procedural motions, including a successful motion to withdraw SB 100 from Budget Committee and send it to the second reading file, and unanimous consent to re-refer several Assembly bills to different committees.
On the floor, members considered a number of bills and resolutions. AB 238 on wildfire relief, providing up to a year of mortgage forbearance for fire-impacted homeowners, passed with urgency. AB 373 on client-directed representation for non-minor dependents in foster care passed unanimously, as did AB 287 requiring accessible parking for curbside voting at vote centers. AB 628, requiring new residential leases to include a working refrigerator and stove, passed 49-8. ACR 15 designating April 15 as California Propane Day was adopted by voice vote after adding 55 co-authors. AB 483, requiring disclosure and limiting fees for early termination in fixed-term installment contracts, passed 43-11. AB 234, an urgency bill allowing the Assembly Speaker and Senate Pro Tem or their designees to sit on the Fair Plan governing committee, passed 60-0.
The Assembly also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including for Gustavo Camacho Lopez, retired firefighter William Brett Potter, and Rob Ashley. The day concluded with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session schedule, followed by adjournment until April 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. A later vote change noted Assembly Member McKinnor changed her vote on AB 483 from aye to not voting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- an innovation for Hawaii and our people. an innovation for Hawaii and our people.
- And we all know how that story make sure that Hawaii is a part of that make sure that Hawaii is a part
- Um Hawaii faces important for Hawaii.
- <00:32:44.240>
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I was born and raised in Hawaii. - in Hawaii.
Summary:
The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions.
Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets.
The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.