Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Minnesota's identity is deeply embedded in our lakes and streams, prairies, wetlands, and woodlands
• range, if anyone can see and handle the range, from all sorts of metro, urban, and northern forest prairie

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And on deck is Julia Capanelli, social worker with the Eden Prairie Public Schools.
• Next, Julia Capanelli, social worker with Eden Prairie Public Schools.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the
• An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the

Summary: The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded to routine legislative business. The Transportation Committee reported House Bill 2227 and Senate Bill 1377, and the Judiciary Committee reported House Bill 1434, House Bill 2273, Senate Bill 45, Senate Bill 111, Senate Bill 1235, and Senate Bill 1259, with several bills reported as amended. The House also received multiple bill referrals, including Senate Bill 482 to Aging and Older Adult Services; House Bills 2672 and 2674 to other committees; several Senate bills to Judiciary; and House Resolution 581 to Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. The chamber received a series of reports, including a Joint State Government Commission report on recruitment and retention challenges for police, corrections, and prosecutors, along with annual reports from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission, the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, the General Building Contractors Association, the Affordable Housing Center of Pennsylvania, the Judicial Conduct Board, and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. The House also received notice that the Senate had passed House Bill 1667 with amendment and requested concurrence. On motions from the Majority Leader, House Bill 2460 was recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations, and House Bills 2146, Senate Bills 971, 972, and 1259, along with House Resolutions 165 and 462, were removed from the tabled calendar and placed on the active calendar. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Saturday, June 27, 2026, at noon, unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• is one that’s available at a Massachusetts dispensary, the second is one that’s available in Rhode Island
• hemp beverage, which contains THC and CBD, but this is the type of cannabinoid product that Rhode Island
• This one you could, and I’m assuming this brand also, but this was a colleague of mine in Rhode Island
• that has been successful in other states, including several states very close by to us like Rhode Island
• Pennsylvania and Illinois have a modified New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission. Welcome.
• I'm here as the chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, which I'll talk about as
• permanent state agency solely dedicated to advocating for the nearly 505,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islander
• We've enhanced outreach to the Pacific Islander community.
• recent revocation of the White House initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Fabulous Seven included new senators from Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island, and Oahu. seven. seven.
• election. set new senators from Maui, Kauai, set new senators from Maui, Kauai, Hawaii<00:35:10.800> Island
• Hawaii Island, and Oahu. Hawaii Island, and Oahu.
• about remembering and knowing everything, I remember after the 2016 election being invited to do Island
• I just had to sit there and keep quiet and let them carry the day on Island Insight."

Bills: HB20, HB276, HB644, HB812, HB816, HB916, HB1131, HB1247, HB1518, HB1525, HB1537, HB1541, HB1546, HB1553, HB1562, HB1565, HB1566, HB1576, HB1577, HB1591, HB1605, HB1612, HB1613, HB1614, HB1618, HB1620, HB1650, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1668, HB1676, HB1707, HB1711, HB1713, HB1715, HB1718, HB1727, HB1749, HB1756, HB1774, HB1776, HB1801, HB1802, HB1805, HB1813, HB1815, HB1831, HB1838, HB1853, HB1854, HB1859, HB1863, HB1871, HB1872, HB1918, HB1920, HB1952, HB1965, HB1966, HB1967, HB1969, HB1972, HB1973, HB1974, HB1975, HB1980, HB1985, HB2005, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB2062, HB2113, HB2114, HB2116, HB2138, HB2139, HB2156, HB2158, HB2159, HB2171, HB2208, HB2268, HB2270, HB2272, HB2273, HB2276, HB2289, HB2310, HB2315, HB2335, HB2338, HB2339, HB2340, HB2343, HB2361, HB2384, HB2387, SB2338, SB2431, SB2438, SB2593, SB2907, SB2671, SB2321, SB3084, SB2401, SB3033, SB2972, SB3032, SB2806, SB3014, SB2108, SB2981, SB2973, SB2423, SB2078, SB2322, SB2397, SB2896, SB2088, SB2347, SB2408, SB2970, SB2851, SB2713, SB2697, SB2312, SB2192, SB2363, SB2530, SB3028, SB2024, SB3007, SB2599, SB2596, SB2662, SB2930, SB3334, SB2378, SB3019, SB3231, SB2240, SB2372, SB2175, SB2046, SB2298, SB2922, SB2835, SB3263, SB2174, SB2128, SB2006, SB2489, SB3134, SB2982, SB2425, SB2849, SB2797, SB2795, SB2575, SB2521, SB2765, SB2386, SB2852, SB2022, SB2117, SB2277, SB2387, SB2688, SB2885, SB3132, SB3219, SB2169, SB2591, SB2090, SB2983, SB888, SB3249, SB2611, SB2429, SB2463, SB3154, SB3131, SB3152, SB3315, SB2448, SB2054, SB2140, SB2520, SB2377, SB2986, SB2010, SB2189, SB2026, SB3010, SB2818, SB2002

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, condominiums, annual report, filing fee, real estate, developer, residency, property regime, PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, local produce, agriculture, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, even in small states such as Rhode Island and Delaware, they benefit from over $300 million
• We market our islands as family-friendly, wellness focused, and rooted in community.
• In 2024, the islands endured record-breaking heat, persistent drought, stronger storms, and rising seas
• In 2024, the islands endured Hawaii.
• In 2024, the islands endured record-breaking<01:10:53.920> heat,<01:10:54.719> persistent

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And today I got to meet three leaders from Naio Havio Vice Hawaii Island Council.
• confront these realities so that we can develop coordinated resources and policies to safeguard our islands
• policies to um coordinated resources and policies to safeguard<00:25:30.000> our<00:25:30.240> islands
• <00:25:30.559> for<00:25:30.799> future safeguard our islands for future safeguard
• our islands for future generations.<00:25:32.159> I'm<00:25:32.400> concerned<00:25:32.799

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and you know, to look at the districts that now compose HCDA, and more so from the west side of the island
• and uh more so from the west side<00:32:27.039> of<00:32:27.240> the<00:32:27.399> island
• side of the island side of the island uh<00:32:28.760> where<00:32:29.080> there<00
• Deborah has come from Aina, which is a very active agency on the island of Maui, but with that said,
• So again, as the Director did say, having a person in that position representing the island as well is

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6. The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American community are invaluable to our state.
• are proud to participate in the longstanding traditions. and rich culture of our Asian and Pacific Islander
• We recognize that Asian and Pacific Islanders are not alone.
• Pacific Islander communities continue to face hardships as a result of hate-motivated violence.
• But we are deeply moved by the resilience and the courage of our Asian and Pacific Islander neighbors

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Island is policed. Um, and they can provide security functions at the airports just as easily.
• Island<01:09:32.080> is<01:09:32.400> policed.
• Um, and they can Island is policed.
• We want to opportunities off island.
• here on Hawaii Island, we've encountered several<01:31:58.560> instances.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For what purpose does the gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition?
• Rhode Island seek recognition? Rhode Island seek recognition?
• At the height of COVID, he helped the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation create the pledge
• At the height of COVID, he helped the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation create the pledge
• You can go to Hawaii, which is an island state after all, and you'll get gas for 20 cents cheaper than

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second place is Hawaii, an island state where gas is 39 cents cheaper.
• Second place is Hawaii, an island<00:22:10.799> state<00:22:11.600> where<00:22:12.080>
• gas is 39 cents island state where gas is 39 cents cheaper.<00:22:15.360> Not<00:22:15.679>
• The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Magaziner, for five minutes. Mr.
• Adesia Nutrition in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is one of the factories that produces Plumpy'Nut.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ; on September 2nd to the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce; on September 4th to the Hawaii Island Native
• On September 2nd to the Hawaii Island.
• > Hawaiian 4th to the Hawaii Island Native Hawaiian 4th to the Hawaii Island Native Hawaiian Chamber
• The planning the outer islands.
• This is Daryl Oliver on the Big Island.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda. The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning. Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.

Transcript Highlights:

• resolution filed by Representative Beal of Boston commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island
• Representative Beal of Boston commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island Association

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted a resolution commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island Association and his work preserving Fort Independence. The House also concurred in a Senate petition concerning improved public access and climate resiliency on the Mystic River and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, the House suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and another creating a Legion of Merit motor vehicle license plate. The chamber then advanced House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, suspending Rule 7A, taking a second reading, and ordering it to a third reading. On third reading, House Bill 5034, waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officers for Matthew Cummings, was passed to be engrossed. House Bill 1338, allowing fair compensation of Massachusetts credit union directors, was amended to add an emergency preamble and strike Section 2, then passed to be engrossed as amended. Later, the House recessed and then returned to final passage on House Bill 1646, concerning violations of regulations regarding the hot work process, and House Bill 5511, concerning teacher preparation and student literacy; both were passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island
• , THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS SENATORIALLY ADOPTED BY MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND
• The land, you can imagine, especially in places in the Hudson Valley or on Long Island, that land can
• THE LAND YOU CAN IMAGINE, ESPECIALLY IN PLACES IN THE HUDSON VALLEY OR ON LONG ISLAND THAT LAND CAN BE
• Our electric grid is antiquated in New York State and especially on Long Island.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's the same, because we have people going, sometimes working on Oahu, and they live on another island
• And so, we have people um living<00:21:07.200> in<00:21:07.480> island,<00:21:07.840>
• <00:21:08.720> So Living in one island, working in another.
• That's just my comment, and thank you. islands and that was done by a Vietnam islands and that was done
• right now here on the island. right now here on the island.

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So really appreciate you supporting chambers of commerce, especially the neighbor island chambers, who
• So really appreciate you supporting chambers of commerce, especially the neighbor island chambers, who
• One in three individuals suffer from food insecurity on Hawaii Island; it's 40%.
• And three individuals suffer from food insecurity on Hawaii Island; it's 40%.
• The chair noted the first set of testimony was from the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce in support

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.