Video & Transcript : 'Hawaii PUC' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/02/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the best way, I mean, the Minnesota PUC does not have the ability to eliminate carbon credits
- Seeing none, Chair's prerogative is to say you have been an outstanding member of the PUC.
- you have been an outstanding member of you have been an outstanding member of the<00:15:51.880><c> PUC
- 15:53.000><c> to</c><00:15:53.080><c> have</c><00:15:53.320><c> you</c><00:15:53.480><c> and</c> the PUC
- We are lucky to have you and the PUC.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Organizations that really support the professionalism of PUCs across the country and here in New Mexico
- Are there other Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) that currently follow that model? Mr.
- She's the accountant, but I did the math, and it's almost three-quarters of PUCs operate in a system
- In those systems, those fees are sequestered into a non-reverting fund that is used to fund their PUCs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The customers should know how to file a complaint with the PUC and how to file a complaint if the PUC
- when they don't actually listen to your vegetation management recommendations and how to navigate the PUC
Bills:
HB346 , HB1360 , HB1510 , HB1606 , HB1804 , HB1805 , HB2156 , HB2391 , HB2767 , HB3022 , HB3044 , HB3272 , HB3293 , HB3493 , HB3809 , HB3824 , HJR110 , HB2463
Committee:
House State Affairs
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- I do want to talk a little bit about the PUC process.
- Broadband for All includes the work of the California Broadband Council and its member entities, CDT, PUC
- program, we did it not so much in the context of a stand-alone grant but really in the context of the PUC
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-28-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
- I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
- We all want to feel safe in Hawaii.
- Savannah Sherman, Animal Law section of HSBA, Hawaii State Bar Association, also in support.
- Hawaii can and must be better than a place that turns a blind eye to suffering.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences.
Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill.
At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 23, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 3
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Andrew's Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is interested in international relations.
- Priaryy<00:15:00.639><c> while</c><00:15:00.880><c> here</c><00:15:01.120><c> in</c><00:15:01.279><c> Hawaii
- </c><00:15:01.920><c> and</c><00:15:02.160><c> is</c> Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is Priaryy while
- here in Hawaii and is interested<00:15:02.959><c> in</c><00:15:03.279><c> international</c><00:15:04.000
- outdoorsy, and community-focused teen from Armenia who can't wait to be part of our family here in Hawaii
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. superintendent for the safety of the superintendent for the safety
- :29.160><c> the</c> congressman Charles duu welcome to the congressman Charles duu welcome to the Hawaii
- Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. If we can all give a round of applause and a good talk.
- </c><00:14:59.959><c> directly</c> make a difference in how Hawaii directly make a difference in how
- Hawaii directly from<00:15:01.240><c> the</c><00:15:01.480><c> most</c><00:15:02.120><c> trusted</c><
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And so based on that and also other reports that have come through, AB 2700 orders and directs the PUC
- And so, as they move forward, there are mechanisms at the PUC that could be identified to ensure that
Committee:
House Appropriations
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee - 03/25/26
Local Government and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- energy service agreement, this was something that was worked on with our power providers and with the PUC
- piece of legislation that we heard in a different committee this morning related to... ...with the PUC
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN DEFER, WTL-PSM, WTL Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the bill does: we'll adopt the Attorney General's amendments to clarify the process by which the Hawaii
- measure to require that before submitting a project or proposal for residential development to the Hawaii
- The Supreme Court has ruled over and over again that Hawaii trust assets like Ala Wai Harbor cannot be
- water we do representative of Hawaii water we do service<01:11:47.400><c> we</c><01:11:47.520><c> do
- </c> Public Utilities regulated by the Hawaii Public Utilities regulated by the Hawaii Public<01:11:54.360
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means.
Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no.
The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this bill was offered by a good colleague from Hawaii Island, and I believe the changes that the
- :10:53.680><c> good</c><00:10:53.880><c> colleague</c><00:10:54.440><c> from</c><00:10:54.640><c> Hawaii
- </c> offered by a good colleague from Hawaii offered by a good colleague from Hawaii Island<00:10:55.880
- Institute of Human Services, Parents and Children Together, the Salvation Army Mahalamae, and the Hawaii
- </c> Hawaii Women's Prison Project Mahalamae. Hawaii Women's Prison Project Mahalamae.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii Island is second, but what percentage is it on the wait list from Oahu?
- When you talked about Makuu, you're talking about Hawaii County now, yeah?
- County now yeah talking about Hawaii County now yeah Hawaii<01:03:59.559><c> count</c><01:03:59.839>
- </c><01:54:24.400><c> to</c> obligations of the state of Hawaii to obligations of the state of Hawaii
- </c> thick right Senator fella on Hawaii thick right Senator fella on Hawaii music<01:57:58.119><c> dance
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Hawaiian Affairs committee heard a budget presentation from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on its biennium requests for critical projects, repairs and maintenance, and operations. DHHL described its role in administering the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, noted the large beneficiary wait list, and said prior funding, including Act 279, has helped the department accelerate land development and reduce vacancies. Officials said they have about 47,219 applications involving 29,548 Native Hawaiians, roughly 28 projects underway, and that about $471 million of a $600 million appropriation has been encumbered, with the remaining lapse-fix funds expected to be resolved before the June 30, 2026 deadline.
DHHL emphasized that its current request would support additional lot development and could help produce roughly 6,000 units from the existing project pipeline, with another phase of requests potentially adding about 2,000 more units. The department said it is prioritizing shovel-ready projects, accelerating lease awards and orientations, and using a mix of approaches including paper leases, rental-with-option-to-purchase, owner-builder, and loan programs. Officials also discussed a shift toward denser urban development, citing projects in West Oahu and Honolulu, and said the department is working to reduce its vacancy rate and move beneficiaries onto the land more quickly.
Members questioned why Oahu, despite having the largest wait list, was receiving comparatively lower amounts, and DHHL responded that land availability and cost drive those decisions, with Oahu having limited developable land and very high acquisition costs. The department pointed to land acquisition on Kauai and other islands, and to urban high-rise projects that can yield far more units on small parcels. Members also raised long-term maintenance and wildfire risk, asking whether current acquisition and development choices account for future infrastructure costs; DHHL said maintenance is a growing concern, especially on large unused or isolated lands, and that it is pursuing Firewise planning, federal funds, and partnerships to reduce risk. The discussion also touched on mixed-use and community-led development, with DHHL explaining that it leases land to nonprofit homestead associations under general leases with milestones, business-plan requirements, and land-use restrictions to support local services and community goals.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MN House debates bill to designate January as Snow Professionals Appreciation Month 5/6/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As a person who is from Hawaii originally, I particularly appreciate snow removers, and um recognizing
- As a person who is from<00:01:37.800><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:38.160><c> originally,</c><00:01:38.840><c>
- I</c><00:01:39.040><c> particularly</c> from Hawaii originally, I particularly from Hawaii originally
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation & Defense Committee - 03/18/26
Transportation and Defense
Transcript Highlights:
- Farming in Canyon County and Hawaii County, I love how Senator Bernshaw mentioned this, the bridges in
- That's the only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into Holmdale
- We'll have 10, 12, only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into
- You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder. Thank you.
- You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder.
Committee:
House Transportation and Defense
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Special Committee on Red Hill Info Briefing - Thu Oct 2, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
- I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
- This was superseded by our current 2022 emergency order, which references our Hawaii administrative rules
- Most of these steps are required to close any underground storage tank system in Hawaii, such as a gas
- </c> eager to see what University of Hawaii eager to see what University of Hawaii develops<00:59:06.640
Summary:
The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap.
EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps.
Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Feb 13, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 19
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues present in the gallery today, I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing the Hawaii Dental
- Association Foundation for their commitment to improving the oral health of Hawaii.
- dentists I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing<00:16:05.319><c> the</c><00:16:05.440><c> Hawaii
- </c><00:16:05.759><c> Dental</c> representing the Hawaii Dental representing the Hawaii Dental Association
- Much of the last bill is basically all the residents of Hawaii; part of their state income tax goes to
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Aug 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> study ever done in the state of Hawaii. study ever done in the state of Hawaii.
- Um I uh personally have in Hawaii.
- </c> that this is rooted in history of Hawaii that this is rooted in history of Hawaii and<00:53:09.599
- </c> to become, you know, to have a Hawaii to become, you know, to have a Hawaii effect<00:58:29.040>
- </c> child in the entire state of like Hawaii child in the entire state of like Hawaii just<01:14:27.760
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year.
The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach.
The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for the Hawaii homes commission<00:10:04.399><c> and</c><00:10:04.519><c> more</c><00:10:04.720><c>
- So when I carry the burden of being a commissioner, I also carry a burden of representing Hawaii on a
- </c><00:12:57.560><c> or</c> responsibility is to put Hawaii or responsibility is to put Hawaii or Hawaiian
- </c><00:13:12.440><c> on</c><00:13:12.560><c> a</c><00:13:12.800><c> national</c> representing Hawaii
- on a national representing Hawaii on a national level<00:13:15.600><c> so</c><00:13:16.519><c> to</c
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments.
Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later.
The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We had no people from the PUC, no people from the utilities, and no people that were affected.
- We had no people from the PUC, no people from the utilities, and no people that were affected.
- and</c><00:55:45.920><c> the</c><00:55:46.079><c> Department</c><00:55:46.400><c> of</c> between the PUC
- and the Department of between the PUC and the Department of Energy<00:55:46.800><c> as</c><00:55:47.040
- of the PUC and creating department<01:00:42.960><c> of</c><01:00:43.119><c> energy</c><01:00:43.760>
Committee:
House Finance
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This is relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
- dental program, and vision coverage to all officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii
- <00:03:02.640><c> personnel</c><00:03:03.040><c> of</c><00:03:03.200><c> the</c><00:03:03.360><c> Hawaii
- </c> enlisted personnel of the Hawaii enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National<00:03:04.080><c> Guard