Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 200 people showed up for our community 200 people showed up for our community presentation<00:08
• </c> slide in 1976 the Hawaii Community slide in 1976 the Hawaii Community Development<00:13:35.920><
• </c> underutilized urban communities underutilized urban communities throughout<00:19:41.360><c> the<
• <00:19:46.679><c> Development</c> Community Development Community Development District<00:19:49.400><
• I was the community outreach...

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:41.919><c> safe</c> every day to keep our communities safe every day to keep our communities
• </c><00:57:00.039><c> health</c> organization might be a community health organization might be a community
• </c> year the appropriation for Community year the appropriation for Community Mental<03:41:40.000><c
• </c><04:07:50.920><c> engagement</c> a work and Community engagement a work and Community engagement
• </c> their normal duties out into communities their normal duties out into communities like<04:09:02.040

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> schools, Copiah-Lincoln Community schools, Copiah-Lincoln Community College,<00:24:40.840><c> Jones
• </c> the community mental health centers. the community mental health centers.
• <02:39:31.720><c> community</c><02:39:32.280><c> mental</c><02:39:32.520><c> health</c> community community
• had a number of community and we've had a number of community mental<02:42:03.520><c> health</c><02:
• </c> without the approval of the community without the approval of the community mental<02:44:47.160>

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is make sure that there's communication is make sure that there's communication between<00:20:38.720
• </c> right you you mentioned um communication right you you mentioned um communication is<00:21:46.720
• </c> Property Owners or the Community Property Owners or the Community Association<00:24:01.720><c> if
• </c> testimony and knowledge of the community testimony and knowledge of the community is<00:50:28.280
• </c><00:50:55.319><c> Development</c> support Community Development support Community Development uh

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community. Our community. Together in unity, you and me, community.
• Community. Community. Community. Our<00:07:36.600><c> community.</c> Our community. Our community.
• When we're talking about communities.
• </c> a lot of people in my cultural community a lot of people in my cultural community have<02:13:34.760
• Communities, and lower public cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> countries</c><00:20:36.720><c> like</c> communities afloat in countries like communities afloat in
• communities.
• > communities</c> serve those small communities serve those small communities better.<05:14:30.320><c
• </c> communities. This is the way they do it. communities. This is the way they do it.
• </c> community care is far from reality. community care is far from reality.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legacy rooted in family and community. legacy rooted in family and community.
• </c><00:42:13.440><c> In</c> become a beloved community hub. In become a beloved community hub.
• </c><00:51:09.520><c> This</c> community spirit and progress. This community spirit and progress.
• </c> dedicated service to their community. dedicated service to their community.
• </c> community and for that we are grateful. community and for that we are grateful.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to keep them away from animals, and our community needs to know who they are.
• The community is in an uproar.
• But that man didn't have to do anything for me or my community.
• It gives you time for community discussions.
• I will not vote to criminalize community. I will not vote to dismantle democracy.

Bills: HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , SB304 , SB608 , SB2312 , SB494 , SB530 , HB45 , HB2520 , HB35 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1119 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB4042 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB2607 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1612 , HB138 , HB15 , HB1971 , HB1338 , HB2989 , HB267 , HB 1201 , HB2954 , HB5265 , HB1804 , HB5061 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Summary: The Florida House considered multiple bills on Day 59 of the legislative session. Key legislation included CS for HB 1103 on developmental disabilities services, which expanded a pilot program statewide while maintaining current contracts. CS for SB 1730 addressed affordable housing with amendments protecting historic districts. CS for HB 443 on charter schools allowed stricter codes of conduct and virtual student athletic participation. CS for HB 209 prohibited golf courses and hotels in state parks. Lucy's Law (CS for HB 289) increased boating safety penalties and education requirements. CS for HB 1205 significantly restricted citizen ballot initiatives by requiring petition circulator registration, limiting volunteer collections to 25 signatures, adding financial impact statements, and imposing new penalties. The House also passed bills on animal cruelty databases, waste incineration restrictions, and spectrum alerts for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Derelict Fishing Gear and Coastal Cleanup is relatively new.
• </c><03:28:48.080><c> And</c> branch, members of the community.
• And branch, members of the community.
• This is primarily supported by donations, individuals within the local community.
• This is primarily supported by donations, individuals within the local community.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review inactive and dedicated accounts, note prior legislation that had passed, and begin its annual review of agency funds. Members discussed several inactive funds, including some HHS-related accounts, a law enforcement memorial fund, and possible cleanup of accounting references where funds had been reorganized or merged. Staff noted that some newer funds may simply not have started receiving revenue yet, and the committee agreed to follow up on specific accounts later rather than address everything immediately. The committee then heard from Fish and Game on its dedicated funds. Topics included the statewide public boat access account, which is used for boat ramp and access-site maintenance and is supported by boat registration fees and federal funds; the ORV education, training, and enforcement account, which has declined over time and may need attention because revenue depends heavily on weather and snowmobile use; and the search and rescue account, which is funded by Hike Safe cards, a $1 fee from boat and OHRV registrations, and court-ordered fees. Fish and Game also explained that the conservation license plate fund had been merged into the non-game species management account, which is supported by donations, federal funds, and a statutory general fund transfer, and that pheasants are treated as game species under a separate program. The committee spent considerable time on the lifetime license account, an off-book Treasury-held account that collects lifetime license sales and returns funds to Fish and Game based on annual sales plus 9% of the fund balance. Members questioned why the account’s presentation did not clearly show the transfer as a revenue reduction and suggested the reporting format needed cleanup so the flow of money would be easier to understand. Fish and Game said the account is operating properly and that the transfer to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund exceeded $400,000 in the most recent year. The committee also reviewed the publications and fundraising revolving fund, which keeps a $100,000 balance for inventory purchases and transfers excess year-end funds to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund; members again raised concerns that the reporting format did not clearly show the transfer, and staff said they could add a note or other clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
• Mr clerk are there any Communications Mr clerk are there any Senate<00:23:38.640><c> Communications<
• commun a community already disservice to commun a community already injured<01:15:19.920><c> by</c><
• Community and youth programs, and an entire community that is, uh, looking out for each other.
• business community, and find common threads that can really move our community forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• She shaped our entire community.
• As one shaped our entire community.
• </c> communities in the name of safety. communities in the name of safety.
• </c> of our communities will be prioritized. of our communities will be prioritized.
• </c> the local community. the local community.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from our communities. from our communities.
• </c> Alpena Community College in my district. Alpena Community College in my district.
• </c> community. Mr. Speaker, I yield back. community. Mr. Speaker, I yield back.
• </c> schools, roads, and community services. schools, roads, and community services.
• </c> communities and for other purposes. communities and for other purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> lays before the house a communication lays before the house a communication from<00:04:46.720><c
• </c><00:12:03.639><c> on</c> pillar of the lair heurst community on pillar of the lair heurst community
• </c> the founder of the Hearst Community the founder of the Hearst Community organization organization
• </c> unwavering commitment to our community unwavering commitment to our community and<02:00:34.079><
• </c><02:15:50.960><c> communities</c><02:15:51.880><c> but</c> indigenous community communities but indigenous

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> excavating community and the public. excavating community and the public.
• ,</c> representing the business community, representing the business community, isn't<04:18:55.439><c
• </c> community would be interested in? community would be interested in?
• </c> community power? community power?
• So, many about rural communities.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> million from our community million from our community colleges.<04:04:00.800><c> That</c><04:04:
• Our communities pay the price.
• </c> million cut to our community colleges. million cut to our community colleges.
• The federally broader community.
• </c> area and in the community health area. area and in the community health area.

Transcript Highlights:

• communication with folks from Bea they communication with folks from Bea they were<00:53:23.160><c> talking
• <01:57:06.840><c> all</c> Community all Community all right<01:57:10.000><c> thank</c><01:57:10.159><
• So we have the Waki River Basin that feeds 10 communities around that.
• Bottom line is these are pass-throughs to community water systems or wastewater systems.
• We also do a lot of response planning for both inland and coastal potential spills.

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented an overview of its budget and operations, emphasizing that it is the lowest-spending agency in state government and that its general fund allocation has declined since 2019. Commissioner Arling House explained that DAS also handles back-office functions for several administratively attached boards, which has affected staffing and spending comparisons. He said the department’s current general fund spending is roughly split between retiree health and other operations, and that the presentation was based on adjusted authorized spending rather than the original budget figures. A major portion of the meeting focused on retiree health benefits and the long-term effort to control costs. Deputy Commissioner Cassie Keane described how the state moved from a projected deficit in retiree health to savings through a series of changes, including higher premium contributions, co-pay adjustments, and shifting Medicare retirees into Medicare Advantage arrangements to capture federal reimbursement. She said the state has about 12,500 retirees and spouses on the plan, with roughly 10,906 Medicare retirees and 1,580 non-Medicare retirees, and that the savings have depended heavily on federal funding and procurement decisions. She also noted that Medicare retirees pay Part B premiums and that the state has grandfathered older retirees from some premium contributions. Members asked about what the expenditures cover, why the state offers retiree health instead of simply giving retirees a payment to buy coverage themselves, and whether out-of-pocket costs changed under Medicare Advantage. Keane said the plan covers actual health claims or insurance premiums, that co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket limits remain in place, and that the state has no authority to change benefit details without legislative action. She explained that retiree health is a long-standing employee benefit that wraps around Medicare and is not collectively bargained in the usual sense, though its eligibility rules and cost-sharing have been tightened over time to better target the benefit to long-term state service. The discussion also covered vendor performance problems. Keane said Anthem recently won the contract back from Aetna, but its pharmacy subsidiary, Caroline, caused serious service disruptions. DAS responded by withholding payments, assessing more than $2 million in performance guarantees, and hiring a third-party auditor to review the pharmacy processes. The current contract runs through the end of calendar year 2026, and officials said they are watching federal Medicare Advantage reimbursement changes closely because future savings are uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• . community. community.
• </c> impacts on our communities. impacts on our communities.
• , urban communities, suburban communities across the land, apparently?
• , urban communities, suburban communities across the land, apparently?
• , urban communities, suburban communities across the land, apparently?

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:45:08.160><c> gaps</c><00:45:08.480><c> in</c> community to identify the gaps in community
• Thank you, and I yield back. community to this day. She is also known community to this day.
• We must let our communities lead.
• We must let our communities lead.
• We must let our communities lead.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> continued commitment to our community. continued commitment to our community.
• </c> they pose a danger to the community. they pose a danger to the community.
• </c> community safety. And I yield back. community safety. And I yield back.
• </c><03:28:39.359><c> communities</c> going to make more community communities going to make more community
• </c> communities pay for police officers. communities pay for police officers.

Transcript Highlights:

• school community.
• Community schools seem to be doing a great job in engaging community.
• strong community... ...exemplary community schools framework, which was developed with strong community
• community-based partners.
• And the community was very happy.

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.