Video & Transcript Research : 'Hawaii SNAP'

Page 6 of 189
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-WLA-EIG, WLA-AEN-EDT, WLA-AEN, WLA-AEN-PSM Public Hearings 03-20-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next is Julie Yunker from Hawaii Gas. Julie Yunker with Hawaii Gas.
  • </c> and farmers to produce food for Hawaii. and farmers to produce food for Hawaii.
  • Hawaii Farm Bureau. Mimoto. Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • Hawaii Farm Bureau. &gt;&gt; Okay. Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • </c> behalf of the Hawaii Cataman's Council. behalf of the Hawaii Cataman's Council.
Bills: HB1979
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2026

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
  • This is our Hawaii State Senate CPN committee 10:01 a.m. agenda on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, in
  • conference room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol.
  • </c><00:02:14.720><c> Uh</c><00:02:15.200><c> the</c> in the state of Hawaii.
  • Uh the in the state of Hawaii.
Bills: SB3275
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making on SB 2760, which had previously been heard jointly with the Agriculture and the Environment Committee. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including language authorizing suspension of certain regulations as needed to enable quarantine treatments and changing the effective date. No members objected, and the recommendation was adopted by unanimous aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and other senators present. The committee then reconvened on SB 3275 relating to cannabis. The chair explained the bill was being kept moving so the Legislature could continue discussing the impacts of recent federal actions on the hemp industry, especially cultivation and processing of CBD products in Hawaii. The proposed amendments would strike several sections and pages of the bill, remove references to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and substitute the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation, along with technical non-substantive changes. During discussion, several senators raised concerns about CBD purveyors and the effect on the 329 program, and noted constituent communications on both sides of the issue. One senator said they would vote with reservations, and others said they would vote no. Despite the concerns, the committee voted to pass SB 3275 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-EDU-HWN, HWN Public Hearings 02-03-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Hawaii Industrial Pan. Hawaii Industrial Pan.
  • Um we represent Hawaii Industrial Hemp.
  • Over the past two week, as just Hawaii.
  • I'm Brian Miamoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • </c> the official languages of Hawaii the official languages of Hawaii whenever<00:33:41.840><c> there
Bills: SB2178
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Hawaii Yimi in support. >> Limb Hawaii in support. >> ARP Hawaii
  • </c> Hawaii Yimi in support. Hawaii Yimi in support.
  • </c> Limb Hawaii in support. Limb Hawaii in support.
  • Hawaii Yimi in support. in support. Hawaii Yimi in support.
  • Hawaii Yimi in support. &gt;&gt; Thank you. Hawaii Yimi in support.
Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:07:04.560><c> Lifeguard</c> president of the Hawaii Lifeguard president of the Hawaii Lifeguard
  • ,</c> people in Hawaii, people in Hawaii, but<00:07:41.640><c> it's</c><00:07:41.800><c> also</c><00:
  • And Hawaii— Department.
  • </c> Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii State Capitol.
  • </c> Hawaii Department of Defense. Hawaii Department of Defense.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Tax Foundation of Hawaii with &gt;&gt; Thank you. Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments.
  • Hawaii Realtors is in support. ARP Hawaii is in support.
  • </c> ARP Hawaii in support. ARP Hawaii in support.
  • NA Hawaii in opposition. President AP Hawaii in support.
  • </c> President AP Hawaii in support. President AP Hawaii in support.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC-JHA Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:01 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:14:30.560><c> Department</c><00:14:30.880><c> of</c> of Hawaii at Hilo Department of of Hawaii
  • </c> those talented players here in Hawaii. those talented players here in Hawaii.
  • On the flip side, talent here in Hawaii.
  • And so build healthy soils in Hawaii.
  • On behalf of the Hawaii Reef Ted Balden.
Bills: HB2384
Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Number four, West Hawaii EIS, although it was affirmed by the Hawaii Supreme Court, the Supreme Court
  • Then we have Ocean Janitors Hawaii in support. Hawaii Humane Society in support.
  • </c> Legislature of the Territory of Hawaii Legislature of the Territory of Hawaii in<00:43:50.160><c
  • Hawaii is not for sale. Mahalo. from it. Hawaii is not for sale. Mahalo.
  • </c> throughout Hawaii. The science is clear. throughout Hawaii. The science is clear.
Bills: HB2101
Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable. Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations. Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP-HSH Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Dibs Hawaii in support. in support. Dibs Hawaii in support.
  • It's not Hawaii.
  • It's not Hawaii.
  • It's not Hawaii.
  • It's not Hawaii.
Bills: HB2284
Summary: The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted. The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Mar 23, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 32

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the audience, I see the former chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, Sydney Godfrey.
  • Alan met his wife here in Hawaii, who is a licensed counselor who helps the severely mentally ill.
  • ,</c><00:18:17.320><c> who</c><00:18:17.440><c> is</c> Alan met his wife here in Hawaii, who is Alan
  • </c> abuse issue issues here in Hawaii. abuse issue issues here in Hawaii.
  • Hawaii. Hawaii.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 329 Conference AM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 411 Conference PM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 329 Conference PM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the Hawaii Farm to Families program.
  • Can you send it to SNAP? I sure do. Just remember you have the power. Thank you very much.
  • state of Hawaii because it died in the federal.
  • shutdown um for SNAP and the food<03:41:03.360><c> bank.
  • </c> force within the University of Hawaii force within the University of Hawaii Manoa<04:10:25.280><
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 325 Conference AM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 309 Conference AM/PM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri May 1, 2026, 6:30PM HST - Day 56

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, in the gallery, we also have Chris Caufield from the Hawaii Public Health Institute.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

RM 325 Conference PM - Fri May 1, 2026

Hawaii House Floor Meeting