Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><01:49:25.520><c> sales</c><01:49:25.880><c> equated</c><01:49:26.240><c> to</c><01:49:26.360
• Then<01:49:32.320><c> you</c><01:49:32.440><c> add</c><01:49:32.680><c> into</c><01:49:32.840><c> the
• </c><01:49:38.440><c> and</c><01:49:38.520><c> my</c><01:49:38.640><c> wife</c><01:49:39.040><c> and<
• </c><01:49:42.000><c> My</c><01:49:42.200><c> oldest</c><01:49:42.480><c> daughter,</c><01:49:42.680>
• And<01:49:50.320><c> so,</c><01:49:50.760><c> the</c><01:49:51.000><c> idea</c><01:49:51.400><c> was<

Committee: Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :40.400><c> know,</c><00:49:41.000><c> as</c><00:49:41.320><c> many</c><00:49:41.520><c> of</c><00:49
• But<00:49:47.200><c> that</c><00:49:47.560><c> can</c><00:49:47.840><c> be</c><00:49:48.080><c> the</
• c><00:49:48.200><c> same</c><00:49:48.560><c> thing</c><00:49:49.120><c> in</c><00:49:49.480><c> the<
• ><c> and</c><00:49:50.480><c> urban</c><00:49:50.800><c> areas</c><00:49:51.200><c> as</c><00:49:51.360
• So,<00:49:54.480><c> with</c><00:49:54.960><c> the</c><00:49:55.080><c> knowledge</c><00:49:56.000><c

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:04.880><c> these</c><00:49:05.000><c> moms</c><00:49:05.280><c> would</c><00:49:05.440><c>
• ><c> support</c><00:49:06.000><c> of</c><00:49:06.160><c> someone</c><00:49:06.440><c> who</c><00:49:
• c><00:49:13.559><c> system</c><00:49:14.240><c> so</c><00:49:14.440><c> for</c><00:49:14.680><c> those
• take<00:49:16.960><c> any</c><00:49:17.200><c> questions</c><00:49:17.520><c> that</c><00:49:17.640>
• 49:28.880><c> if</c><03:49:29.000><c> I</c><03:49:29.080><c> can</c><03:49:29.239><c> have</c><03:49:

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would I<00:49:04.880><c> have</c><00:49:05.040><c> to</c><00:49:05.200><c> reopen</c><00:49:06.079><c
• </c><00:49:39.920><c> Um</c><00:49:40.400><c> I</c><00:49:40.640><c> I</c><00:49:40.960><c> just</c><
• portfolio standard,<00:49:46.800><c> which</c><00:49:46.960><c> is</c><00:49:47.119><c> a</c><00:49:
• :48.800><c> It's</c><00:49:49.040><c> one</c><00:49:49.119><c> of</c><00:49:49.200><c> the</c><00:49:
• ><c> has</c><00:49:51.839><c> uh</c><00:49:52.000><c> in</c><00:49:52.160><c> in</c><00:49:52.559><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard. Representative Bose explained that the bill would modify class one definitions, eliminate class two, reduce the utility obligation for class one thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjust alternative compliance payments for classes one, three, and four. He said the changes were intended to save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, would not materially harm the renewable portfolio standard, and would have little effect on class two because that market is already saturated. Members questioned the impact on consumers, the state budget, and the renewable energy fund; Bose said the fund had already been redirected in the state budget, and another member noted an amended fiscal note showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue. The committee also discussed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and later removed by the Senate, and Bose said the Senate’s eventual action was hard to predict. The committee then heard House Bill 164 on local records retention from Secretary of State David Scanlan. He said the long-standing local records manager position had never been funded, but that the need for it had grown as towns increasingly digitize records and must ensure accessibility, including ADA compliance. He described the bill as a way to provide state support and expertise to municipalities, especially smaller towns with limited resources, and said the fiscal note for hiring the position remained accurate, though broader website and storage costs could rise over time. Members asked about retrieving lost records, the cost of a public website, and whether records should remain local or be stored at the state level; Scanlan said the state would serve as a resource rather than take control of local records. Finally, the committee began work on House Bill 365, also with Secretary Scanlan, concerning proof of U.S. citizenship for indigent voters. He said the bill would help voters who may lack required documents under the new voter registration law by allowing the state to verify qualifications through federal, private, or other state databases and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to earlier voter ID accommodations and said the goal was to help qualified voters meet the new requirements without weakening them. Members raised questions about defining “indigent,” how out-of-state birth records would be handled, and the practicality of the verification process; Scanlan said the term would likely need further discussion and that the state would try to assist voters before election day whenever possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Johnson</c><00:49:04.839><c> moved</c><00:49:05.119><c> over</c><00:49:05.319><c> to</c><00:49:05.480
• 49:10.839><c> edge</c><00:49:11.040><c> of</c><00:49:11.400><c> homelessness</c><00:49:12.040><c> veterans
• on the<00:49:12.599><c> edge</c><00:49:12.799><c> of</c><00:49:12.920><c> homelessness</c><00:49:13.440
• <00:49:23.240><c> was</c><00:49:23.359><c> a</c><00:49:23.520><c> County</c><00:49:23.760><c> Veteran
• :49:26.599><c> um</c><00:49:26.799><c> um</c><00:49:27.359><c> he</c><00:49:27.520><c> did</c> Mr.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:02.240><c> it</c><00:49:02.359><c> an</c><00:49:02.520><c> annual</c><00:49:02.880><c> report</c>
• is it<00:49:03.960><c> pending</c><00:49:04.559><c> or</c><00:49:04.760><c> is</c><00:49:04.839><c>
• ><c> know</c><00:49:13.280><c> that</c><00:49:13.480><c> the</c><00:49:14.280><c> um</c><00:49:14.440
• round<00:49:17.520><c> to</c><00:49:17.680><c> review</c><00:49:17.960><c> and</c><00:49:18.079><c>
• 00:49:21.839><c> uh</c><00:49:22.040><c> this</c><00:49:22.200><c> issue</c><00:49:22.559><c> and</c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.359><c> that</c><00:49:11.480><c> there</c><00:49:11.680><c> be</c><00:49:11.839><c> a</c><00:49:
• /c><00:49:14.839><c> from</c><00:49:15.000><c> your</c><00:49:15.280><c> perspective</c><00:49:15.920
• that<00:49:20.040><c> this</c><00:49:20.200><c> be</c><00:49:20.440><c> captured</c><00:49:20.880><c
• ><c> practice</c><00:49:24.400><c> well</c><00:49:24.480><c> you</c><00:49:24.599><c> know</c><00:49:
• :43.400><c> um</c><00:49:44.200><c> a</c><00:49:44.400><c> tax</c><00:49:44.799><c> dispute</c><00:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 199, which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions seeking damages from PFAS contamination from six years to 20 years. The prime sponsor and other supporters argued that PFAS contamination in southern New Hampshire has long-term and often delayed health and property impacts, making the current six-year period too short for victims to discover harm, connect it to exposure, and seek relief. Supporters described contamination in places such as Merrimack and surrounding communities, cited health concerns including cancer, developmental issues, and other illnesses, and said a longer period would better preserve legal rights while still requiring proof of causation. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but acknowledged the contamination and ongoing work to address it. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that evidence becomes stale over time, memories and documents fade, and a longer window would make it harder to determine causation when other exposures or intervening factors may be involved. Committee members questioned both sides about causation, the difficulty of proving PFAS-related illness, and whether a 20-year period was necessary if a plaintiff already knows of the injury and its source. Supporters responded that PFAS effects can emerge slowly, that scientific understanding continues to develop, and that current knowledge is still incomplete. Opponents said the existing discovery rule already starts the clock when harm and causal connection are known, and that extending the period would reduce clarity and fairness in litigation. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing on HB 199. The committee then opened House Bill 268 FN, which was described as a technical measure to confirm that the Board of Tax and Land Appeals may hold hearings in its Concord hearing rooms. The sponsor indicated the bill reflects current practice and does not require additional facilities. With only one witness listed and no apparent opposition, the discussion was brief and focused on why the authorization should be placed in statute rather than left to practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> but</c><00:49:00.400><c> the</c><00:49:00.640><c> but</c><00:49:00.799><c> the</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:03.720><c> a</c><00:49:03.920><c> civil</c><00:49:04.720><c> case</c><00:49:05.720><c> and
• :49:20.920><c> we</c><01:49:21.040><c> hold</c><01:49:21.199><c> it</c><01:49:21.400><c> at</c><01:49
• :49:52.080><c> and</c><01:49:52.199><c> as</c><01:49:52.280><c> a</c><01:49:52.400><c> labor</c><01:49
• <04:49:39.798><c> hi</c><04:49:40.320><c> um</c><04:49:40.480><c> my</c><04:49:40.680><c> my</c><04:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting<01:49:04.200><c> on</c><01:49:04.480><c> SB</c><01:49:04.880><c> 2396</c><01:49:06.160><c> SD1
• c> move</c><01:49:14.760><c> on</c><01:49:14.880><c> to</c><01:49:14.960><c> SB</c><01:49:15.280><c>
• 49:35.520><c> every</c><01:49:35.720><c> 2</c><01:49:35.960><c> years</c><01:49:36.360><c> asking</c>
• customer<01:49:38.000><c> about</c><01:49:38.360><c> improvements</c><01:49:38.920><c> the</c><01:49
• Uh<01:49:44.160><c> the</c><01:49:44.880><c> insurance</c><01:49:45.320><c> agents</c><01:49:45.680><

Bills: SB2607 , SB2031 , SB2043 , SB2623 , SB2876 , SB2396 , SB2964 , SB2089

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• :23.079><c> be</c><00:49:23.200><c> able</c><00:49:23.319><c> to</c><00:49:23.440><c> raise</c><00:49
• 49:27.440><c> just</c><00:49:27.599><c> not</c><00:49:28.280><c> necessary</c><00:49:29.280><c> um</c
• 00:49:30.200><c> harmful</c><00:49:31.319><c> to</c><00:49:32.319><c> single</c><00:49:32.680><c> out
• > and</c><00:49:42.319><c> it</c><00:49:42.440><c> doesn't</c><00:49:42.880><c> necessarily</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:56.799><c> having</c><00:49:57.079><c> gone</c><00:49:57.359><c> through</c><00:49:58.359>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:06.240><c> um</c><00:49:06.520><c> I</c><00:49:06.680><c> am</c><00:49:07.240><c> against<
• ><c> who</c><00:49:19.200><c> use</c><00:49:19.559><c> gun</c><00:49:19.920><c> VI</c><00:49:20.280><
• </c><01:49:12.320><c> a</c><01:49:12.480><c> def</c><01:49:12.679><c> facto</c><01:49:13.000><c> ban<
• ><c> from</c><01:49:19.199><c> being</c><01:49:19.440><c> banned</c><01:49:19.760><c> from</c><01:49:
• we<01:49:28.320><c> have</c><01:49:28.560><c> he</c><01:49:28.800><c> all</c><01:49:29.159><c> about<

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:07.200><c> we</c><00:49:07.319><c> have</c><00:49:07.440><c> the</c><00:49:07.599><c> amount</c><00
• :49:17.520><c> would</c><00:49:17.680><c> the</c><00:49:17.839><c> tax</c><00:49:18.079><c> rate</c><
• decrease uh<00:49:19.280><c> this</c><00:49:19.400><c> is</c><00:49:19.559><c> also</c><00:49:19.799
• c> this</c><00:49:41.200><c> is</c><00:49:41.319><c> only</c><00:49:41.520><c> done</c><00:49:41.680>
• expenditure<00:49:55.760><c> is</c><00:49:55.920><c> defined</c><00:49:56.240><c> in</c><00:49:56.359

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:05.359><c> none</c><00:49:05.599><c> let's</c><00:49:06.000><c> move</c><00:49:06.200><c> on</c><
• c> up</c><00:49:08.480><c> we</c><00:49:08.599><c> have</c><00:49:08.760><c> House</c><00:49:09.040><
• :49:32.040><c> and</c><00:49:32.160><c> we</c><00:49:32.280><c> feel</c><00:49:32.559><c> for</c><00:
• for the J1 teachers<00:49:34.400><c> but</c><00:49:35.079><c> we</c><00:49:35.240><c> want</c><00:49
• /c><00:49:48.920><c> license</c><00:49:49.240><c> and</c><00:49:49.359><c> many</c><00:49:49.640><c>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:16.880><c> Uh,</c><00:49:17.680><c> well,</c><00:49:17.920><c> we</c><00:49:18.079><c> can't
• </c><00:49:39.280><c> If</c><00:49:39.520><c> you</c><00:49:39.680><c> have</c><00:49:39.839><c> any<
• </c><00:49:46.240><c> Um</c><00:49:47.200><c> I</c><00:49:47.520><c> will</c><00:49:47.680><c> get</c
• c> um</c><00:49:53.200><c> that</c><00:49:54.160><c> conveniently</c><00:49:55.599><c> her</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:57.839><c> So</c><00:49:58.400><c> uh</c><00:49:59.040><c> I</c><00:49:59.359><c> think</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session to consider HB 314, which would prohibit the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities. Representative Turkot offered a replace-all amendment intended to be a compromise measure focused on transparency and local control. He explained that the amendment narrows the bill to registered lobbyists, clarifies that public officials and employees who are not required to register as lobbyists are not restricted from testifying, and adds a process allowing municipalities to opt in to lobbying-related spending if approved locally and disclosed in annual reports. He also said the amendment was designed to address confusion he believes has been caused by misinformation about the bill’s effect on municipalities and associations. Committee members raised repeated concerns about how the amendment would apply to school districts, cooperative districts, counties, and other associations beyond the New Hampshire Municipal Association. Turkot and others said the language in RSA 15 and the added references to RSA 318-A were intended to cover lobbying entities generally, while the NHMA section was included because it is separately addressed in statute. Several members questioned whether the amendment’s intent was clear enough without explicit references to schools and counties, and whether the committee should have held a public hearing on the substantially revised language. Supporters argued the amendment was clear, that school districts and municipalities are distinct legal entities, and that cooperative districts could handle the issue through their existing annual-report and voting processes. The discussion also covered how local approval would work, including whether the proposal would require an opt-in vote and how county budgets would reflect lobbying-related dues or expenses. Members noted that in cooperative districts and county settings, approval would likely be handled through existing budget or annual report procedures, with majority vote rules applying where relevant. No final vote on the amendment or bill is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee spent most of the session debating the scope, clarity, and transparency requirements of the proposed changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:03.319><c> and</c><00:49:03.880><c> they're</c><00:49:04.599><c> kind</c><00:49:04.760><c> of<
• :12.680><c> when</c><00:49:12.839><c> we're</c><00:49:13.160><c> in</c><00:49:13.319><c> our</c><00:49
• 00:49:18.359><c> we'll</c><00:49:18.520><c> be</c><00:49:18.599><c> hearing</c><00:49:19.000><c> the<
• </c><00:49:24.200><c> than</c><00:49:24.960><c> what</c><00:49:25.160><c> is</c><00:49:25.480><c> uh<
• </c><00:49:26.119><c> wasn't</c><00:49:26.319><c> an</c><00:49:26.440><c> intent</c><00:49:27.079><c>

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• clear um and 1933<03:49:16.399><c> and</c><03:49:16.600><c> your</c><03:49:17.319><c> bill</c><03:49:
• removed mhm<03:49:23.840><c> so</c><03:49:24.600><c> in</c><03:49:25.600><c> I</c><03:49:25.680><c>
• 03:49:32.319><c> is</c><03:49:32.439><c> it</c><03:49:33.399><c> my</c><03:49:33.600><c> associate</c
• looking</c><03:49:34.399><c> up</c><03:49:34.640><c> trying</c><03:49:34.920><c> to</c><03:49:35.920
• ><c> on</c><03:49:44.080><c> that</c><03:49:45.000><c> difficult</c><03:49:45.159><c> that</c><03:49:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar. The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review. Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:00.720><c> up</c><00:49:00.880><c> for</c><00:49:00.960><c> it</c><00:49:01.119><c> were</c> These
• then<02:49:02.160><c> the</c><02:49:02.399><c> other</c><02:49:02.560><c> route</c><02:49:02.960><c>
• </c><02:49:22.319><c> kind</c><02:49:22.560><c> of</c><02:49:22.720><c> industry</c><02:49:23.439><c>
• ><c> and</c><02:49:25.200><c> then</c><02:49:25.359><c> on</c><02:49:25.520><c> the</c><02:49:25.680>
• and building and<02:49:31.359><c> these</c><02:49:31.600><c> are</c><02:49:31.680><c> our</c><02:49:

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:

• </c><00:49:05.040><c> So</c><00:49:05.359><c> to</c><00:49:05.680><c> me,</c><00:49:06.160><c> rather
• seal</c><00:49:20.400><c> it</c><00:49:20.880><c> that</c><00:49:21.119><c> they</c><00:49:21.359><c>
• ><c> of</c><00:49:22.800><c> it</c><00:49:23.040><c> and</c><00:49:23.280><c> be</c><00:49:23.440><c>
• </c><00:49:25.520><c> I</c><00:49:25.839><c> would</c><00:49:26.079><c> like</c><00:49:26.240><c> to<
• c> the</c><00:49:30.559><c> help</c><00:49:30.880><c> that</c><00:49:31.200><c> they</c><00:49:31.520

Bills: HB348 , HB106 , HB347 , HB54 , SB118 , SB167 , SB195 , HB260 , HB263 , HB328 , HB348 , HB106 , HB347 , HB54 , SB118 , SB167 , SB195 , HB260 , HB263 , HB328

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: bail reform, illegal aliens, violent offenses, pretrial detention, flight risk, court hearings, doxing, personal identifying information, harassment, online safety, law enforcement, public servants, penalties, consumer protection, illicit material, private rights, digital privacy, nonconsensual distribution, incarceration, pregnancy

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c><00:49:02.880><c> they</c><00:49:03.520><c> have</c><00:49:03.920><c> options</c><00:49:
• And as<00:49:15.040><c> I've</c><00:49:15.280><c> shared</c><00:49:15.520><c> with</c><00:49:15.680><
• c> you</c><00:49:16.400><c> uh</c><00:49:17.119><c> in</c><00:49:17.359><c> this</c><00:49:17.520><c>
• <00:49:21.920><c> in</c><00:49:22.160><c> opposing</c><00:49:22.640><c> in</c><00:49:23.760><c> in</c
• c> to</c><00:49:25.359><c> my</c><00:49:25.760><c> position</c><00:49:26.079><c> on</c><00:49:26.240>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• more</c><00:49:12.079><c> money</c><00:49:12.960><c> and</c><00:49:13.520><c> going</c><00:49:13.839>
• </c><03:49:16.399><c> So,</c><03:49:17.199><c> um</c><03:49:18.239><c> I</c><03:49:18.560><c> just</c
• </c><03:49:26.640><c> a</c><03:49:26.800><c> of</c><03:49:27.040><c> a</c><03:49:27.279><c> much</c><
• </c><03:49:47.600><c> Um</c><03:49:48.319><c> I</c><03:49:48.479><c> I</c><03:49:48.800><c> think</c>
• ><c> be</c><03:49:55.279><c> worked</c><03:49:55.520><c> out</c><03:49:56.239><c> are</c><03:49:56.800

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all