Transcript Highlights:

• Hunter Heavin from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ryan Yamamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• Under Heaven from Hawaii Farmers Union in support. Ran Mimoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you.
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau is down on this testimony in support.
• Yo here on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association.
• Mang O, from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association, on behalf of Hawaii Energy Marketers Association

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint AEN-PSM hearing on February 7, 2025 focused primarily on three agriculture-related measures and one animal welfare bill, with additional discussion of pesticide drift monitoring, coffee labeling, and a gas-pump labeling bill. SB 762 would create an Agricultural Crimes Council and authorize agricultural crime investigators; testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and several members of the public was generally supportive, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement, community involvement, and in some cases allowing investigators to be armed. Some testifiers also urged changes to the appointment process for council members, preferring neighborhood boards or local officials over gubernatorial appointments. The committee discussed combining related agricultural crime bills and noted concerns about investigator safety in remote areas. SB 763 would establish an agriculture enforcement program within the Department of Law Enforcement and a special fund. Testimony was strongly supportive from state agencies and farm groups, with speakers emphasizing the need for more effective response to agricultural theft, poaching, and related crimes. Several public testifiers linked the bill to broader community safety and asked for clearer funding, training, coordination, performance metrics, and technology use. The committee also heard SB 1022, which would prohibit leaving pets in dangerous conditions in vehicles and allow officers, firefighters, animal control, and in some cases private citizens to rescue animals; the Attorney General said existing cruelty statutes may already cover the conduct and suggested amendments, while HPD opposed the bill. Members asked about liability for rescuers and whether the proposal might affect property-crime enforcement. The committee also heard SB 1304 on pesticide drift monitoring funding, with the Department of Agriculture supporting the measure and explaining it was needed to complete a required project under an EPA-related agreement. A Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action representative raised concerns about the methodology of prior studies, and a public testifier described a recent odor incident near a roadway and school. SB 1015, requiring labels on gas dispensing equipment warning about fossil fuel impacts, drew support from the Department of Agriculture and the Public Utilities Commission but opposition from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association. SB 500 on coffee labeling and regional origin was also heard, with the Department of Agriculture in support. In decision-making, the committees adopted recommendations to pass SB 762 with amendments, SB 763 with amendments, SB 1022 with technical amendments, SB 1304 with technical amendments, and SB 1015 as is; SB 500 was not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome and introduce in our chamber today a former Hawaii girl now working out of Washington
• Welcome to the Hawaii House of Representatives. >> Representative Olds. Mahalo, Speaker.
• Uh, today, we'd like to recognize the impactful work of the American Heart Association here in Hawaii
• The association continues to Hawaii.
• Sponsored<00:17:41.600><c> by</c><00:17:41.760><c> the</c><00:17:41.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:17:42.160><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:37.440><c> revised</c> part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii revised part seven of chapter 92 Hawaii
• Youth Action Hawaii, and one individual.
• opportunity for youth action Hawaii opportunity for youth action Hawaii<00:34:45.000><c> and</c><00:
• Hawaii, and from one individual.
• 07.680><c> one</c> for youth action Hawaii and from one for youth action Hawaii and from one individual

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second proposal is part of the Proposition 4 climate bond expenditure plan, which allocates $10 million
• My name is Tenicia Herring, on behalf of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference, in strong support
• This funding has directly enabled the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference to build...
• This funding has directly enabled the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference to build and expand a

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Mike Winn with Aloha Care, Angela Marcado with the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• , and Yungi Overly with the American Association of University Women Hawaii.
• , and Yungi Overly with the American Association of University Women Hawaii.
• </c> care Angela Marcado with the Hawaii care Angela Marcado with the Hawaii state<00:23:16.159><c> Coalition
• </c> possible melee Andrade from the Hawaii possible melee Andrade from the Hawaii children's<00:24:18.159

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read. The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:28.039><c> on</c> we have the tax Foundation of Hawaii on we have the tax Foundation of Hawaii
• </c><00:22:58.039><c> employment</c> relating to the Hawaii employment relating to the Hawaii employment
• </c> camera and behind the mic here in Hawaii camera and behind the mic here in Hawaii thank<00:38:53.480
• </c> Regan com controller state of Hawaii Regan com controller state of Hawaii Department<00:44:48.800
• state AFL CIO Pride at from AF Hawaii state AFL CIO Pride at work<00:50:15.960><c> Hawaii</c><00:50:

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Bicycling League in support.
• bicycling league in support Hawaii bicycling league in support<00:22:22.640><c> Hawaii</c><00:22:23.080
• </c><00:24:49.080><c> and</c> Commerce Hawaii and Commerce Hawaii and support<00:24:50.960><c> department
• I'm with the Hawaii apple seed Center I'm with the Hawaii apple seed Center for<00:27:44.480><c> Law<
• Hawaii Workers Center in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in Room 430 at the Hawaii State Legislature, and this is our first hearing for the matters on
• McMillan for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. We will stand on our written comments. Thank you.
• </c> that he file a complaint with the Hawaii that he file a complaint with the Hawaii Civil<00:42:09.200
• Retail Merchants of Hawaii in support on Zoom, and one individual in support.
• </c> you thank you retail merchants of Hawaii you thank you retail merchants of Hawaii in<00:59:14.200

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting. The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance. Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The high points have been working with my colleagues here in Hawaii.
• Um you my colleagues here in Hawaii.
• You know, I'm a registered lobbyist for the state of Hawaii.
• </c><00:10:48.959><c> My</c> lobbyist for the state of Hawaii. My lobbyist for the state of Hawaii.
• Next up is Bey Shapiro for League of Women Voters Hawaii in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first considered Governor’s Message 574, confirming Michael Tenoi to continue serving on the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation through June 30, 2028. Several supporters testified, and Tenoi said he valued working with Hawaii and national commissioners and hoped to focus on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data security. The committee recommended advise and consent and adopted the measure, with a photo taken afterward. The committee then heard HB 1519 on campaign contributions, which would require disclosure of compensated officers and immediate family members of certain state contractors and grantees. The Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office supported the bill but asked for clarifying amendments; several advocacy groups supported the measure but urged stronger language, including removing branch-of-government limits and narrowing loopholes. The chair proposed amendments to remove monetary thresholds, limit the bill to paid officers, add appropriations for the Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office, define “officer” more broadly, and note that false-name contributions are already felonies. The committee voted to pass HB 1519 with amendments. HB 2250, the claims against the state bill, drew testimony from the Attorney General and multiple departments in support, but members raised extensive questions about why many claims would be paid from the general fund, how corrective action is being pursued, and the handling of several specific claims, including wrongful imprisonment, a cesspool citation, Department of Corrections deaths, a large special education settlement, a charter school lease dispute, and an outdated check. Because of those outstanding questions, the committee postponed decision-making on HB 2250 until Tuesday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 016. Later, the committee also considered Governor’s Message 725, confirming Daniel M. Gluck as an associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the committee recommended consent and adopted the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure authorizes the Hawaii Medical Board as the state of principal license to investigate and
• Thank you for the Hawaii Medical Board and support. Thank you, Queen's Health Systems, support.
• We also have written testimony and support from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, HMSA, and the Hawaii
• Aloha, I'm Mark Alexander, Chair from the Hawaii Medical Association.
• Again, apologies for the late testimony. from the Hawaii Medical Association and from the Hawaii Medical

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means held a joint hearing on S.P. 1365, which concerns the interstate medical licensure compact. The bill would authorize the Hawaii Medical Board, as the state of principal license, to investigate and request criminal history records for qualified physicians seeking licensure through the compact. Testimony was strongly supportive. SHIPA, the Hawaii Medical Board, Queen’s Health Systems, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, HMSA, and the Hawaii Medical Association all supported the measure. The Hawaii Medical Association said the bill would help move the compact forward as part of Hawaii’s access-to-care strategy and noted that nearly 200 physicians have already come in through the compact. After brief discussion, no members raised questions or objections. The committees recommended passage of the measure unamended. The motion was adopted by vote, with several members voting aye and a few excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:58.960><c> in</c> speaking on behalf of Kal Hawaii in speaking on behalf of Kal Hawaii in
• </c> rulemaking under chapter 91 the Hawaii rulemaking under chapter 91 the Hawaii administrative<01:
• Sierra Club of Hawaii in support. Sierra Club of Hawaii in support.
• Sierra Club of Hawaii in support.
• Next up, we have Hawaii Farm Bureau in support. Next we have, um, Hawaii Farmers Union.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> does not become a reality in Hawaii does not become a reality in Hawaii Hawaii<00:08:13.720><c>
• </c> 1950 since then temperature in Hawaii 1950 since then temperature in Hawaii has<00:19:13.240><c>
• </c> not aloha economic future for Hawaii not aloha economic future for Hawaii most<00:33:00.559><c>
• Council Hawaii Hawaii Cattleman's Council Hawaii Farmers<00:40:32.960><c> Union</c><00:40:33.359><c>
• </c> under sered producers here in Hawaii under sered producers here in Hawaii indigenous<00:41:07.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and expert um administrator from Hawaii and expert um administrator from Hawaii County<00:12:48.320
• Um you know that's on Hawaii Island.
• </c> management, city and county and Hawaii management, city and county and Hawaii County<00:17:52.720
• engage Hawaii volcanoes observatory engage Hawaii volcanoes observatory um<00:28:25.120><c> and</c><
• state DOT support agency agency Hawaii state DOT support agency Hawaii<00:36:34.560><c> County</c><00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii quality Supreme Court of Hawaii. Hawaii quality Supreme Court of Hawaii.
• ><c> expungement</c><00:35:00.400><c> of</c> Hawaii law already allows expungement of Hawaii law already
• Hawaii remember what I apologize.
• </c><00:50:03.200><c> Officers</c> Hawaii Organization of Police Officers Hawaii Organization of Police
• </c> The fate of Act 191, the Hawaii The fate of Act 191, the Hawaii political<01:13:38.840><c> deepfake

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Dommy Johnson, State of Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in support.
• to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and the County of Hawaii
• /c><00:16:53.519><c> conduct</c><00:16:53.759><c> an</c><00:16:54.120><c> inventory</c> County of Hawaii
• ><c> stops</c><00:16:56.079><c> on</c><00:16:56.240><c> on</c><00:16:56.560><c> Hawaii</c><00:16:56.959
• ><c> Island</c> of bus stops on on Hawaii Island of bus stops on on Hawaii Island utilized<00:16:58.560

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation met on Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. with a short agenda focused on two resolutions. STR 32 requested that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was received in support from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and an individual, Frank Schultz. No one testified in opposition or with reservations. The committee also heard STR 117 SD1 HD1, which urged the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by children traveling to school and to develop safety improvements at those locations. Testimony in support came from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Education, and Frank Schultz. Again, there was no opposition or additional public testimony. After taking the measures up, the committee voted to pass both resolutions unamended as is. The chair’s recommendations were adopted, with some members excused from the vote on STR 32. Before adjournment, the chair noted this was the last traditional transportation committee hearing of the session, thanked staff, members, and advocates, and said the committee would move into conference on nearly 45 transportation measures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• terms of partnerships, some of the partnerships for workplace learning, for example, include the Hawaii
• for example for workplace learning for example include<00:03:30.439><c> the</c><00:03:30.599><c> Hawaii
• lodging and tourism include the Hawaii lodging and tourism association<00:03:33.080><c> with</c><00:
• Nate Hicks, Hawaii Public Health Institute, testified in support of the bill.
• </c> name is Daniela Spoto I am with Hawaii name is Daniela Spoto I am with Hawaii apple<00:22:12.360

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education and Labor and Technology heard Senate Bill 420, which would extend Department of Education workers’ compensation coverage to newly graduated high school students participating in DOE-sponsored work-based learning programs through July 31 after graduation. DOE testified in support, estimating the bill could affect about 50 to 100 students in the first year and saying it would help students gain experience and transition to employment. Members asked about current coverage, costs, and partnerships; DOE said current coverage ends at graduation, there had been no incidents, and the bill would create no additional cost. The committees voted to pass SB 420 with amendments, including an amended effective date, and the bill was adopted. The Committee on Education then took up several education measures. It adopted a proposed SD1 for SB 894, a Farm to School measure that would appropriate funds to help meet a goal of serving 30% locally sourced food in public schools. The committee also heard SB 789 on school cafeteria meal costs; DOE said it wanted the existing requirement lowered from 50% of meal preparation cost to 25% rather than repealed, to align with its administrative package, and explained current prices were about $2.75 while meal costs were about $9. Testifiers from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported removing the requirement entirely or at least reducing it, saying it would avoid large price jumps and move toward free school meals. The committee later voted to pass SB 789 with amendments lowering the threshold to one-fourth of meal cost and changing the effective date. The committee also heard SB 449 on a school facilities planning database. DOE said it supports better planning but believes the database should be housed within DOE rather than duplicated under the School Facilities Authority, while SFA supported the bill as a proactive decision-making tool. The Attorney General’s office suggested clarifying language to make clear references to the Board of Education. In later agenda items, the committee heard SB 423, which would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; EOEL and the board chair supported it and suggested technical language to preserve required representation. The committee also heard SB 1384, a housekeeping bill redirecting repaid early childhood educator stipend funds to the Early Learning special fund after the prior special fund was repealed; EOEL supported it and said about $31,864 was being recouped from nine recipients. Finally, SB 684 would require the Board of Education to adopt rules banning cell phones at DOE schools; testimony was in support, and members discussed the need for a consistent statewide policy, with the board expected to work on one in collaboration with DOE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State Senate and mahala for your continued support and we look forward
• </c><00:04:52.240><c> Major</c> the Salvation Army Hawaii. Major the Salvation Army Hawaii.
• </c><00:05:16.639><c> State</c> Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State
• Congratulations, and thank you so much for your service, as well as Adrienne Trullock from the Hawaii
• In 2023, over 21% of Hawaii residents are over the age of 65 years old.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For 35 years, students from Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii.
• Locally, we have David Arawa from the community relations at the Hawaii United Okinawan Association,
• </c><00:02:02.079><c> it's</c> Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii it's Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii
• United Okinawan Association the Hawaii United Okinawan Association as<00:02:43.680><c> well</c><00:02
• Can we welcome them to the Hawaii Senate?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Hawaii Finance Corporation stands for testimony and support. Thank you.
• Next, we have County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, followed by Agatha Joyce
• I am a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa pursuing my master's in social work.
• I would like to say that houselessness continues to be a prevalent issue in Hawaii, with ever-increasing
• My name is Jan, and I'm a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted. HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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• Unite Us or Unite Hawaii. Um there's Unite Us or Unite Hawaii.
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• We for the state of Hawaii, do we?
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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.