Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on to our last measure, House Bill 22, relating to collaboration with the federal government
• <02:21:28.560> with<02:21:28.720> the<02:21:28.800> federal collaboration with the
• federal collaboration with the federal government<02:21:30.080> this<02:21:30.240> measure
• with the federal government collaborate with the federal government for<02:21:34.520> immigration
• with the federal to actually collaborate with the federal government<02:50:27.920> when<02:50

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• collaboration on this 48 hour hold collaboration on this 48 hour hold conversation<00:59:16.880> and
• <01:04:49.680> This thank them for their collaboration.
• This thank them for their collaboration.
• But it's rooted in collaboration. It's rooted in empathy.
• President, thank you for your collaboration. Please vote green. Let's keep going.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill mandates that the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Governor's Office.
• We spend our time knowing who we are. collaborating with and knowing who's funding those collaborators
• We move forward with that collaborative spirit.
• I'm also someone who collaborated extensively with.
• I think research, because the collaborator is from China.

Bills: HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133

Keywords: foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy

Transcript Highlights:

• we're really wanting to um collaborate we're really wanting to um collaborate and<00:09:04.079><
• consumers and team members collaborating consumers and team members collaborating with<00:36:17.880
• Cloud and give us the opportunity to celebrate and support collaboration.
• What the bill does is it supports a collaboration between the St.
• and how to play which how to collaborate and how to play which is<01:09:37.839> really<01:09:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the collaboration.
• I want to begin by thanking the Chair and the committee for working collaboratively with our office.
• They were collaborative, I would say. Yes, there we go. Meanwhile, you know, you certainly...
• If this is the foundation for future bills, it being collaborative between the two houses, being collaborative
• I think it's a good thing and would love to see some more collaboration on it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are very much in that system of collaboration and support, not in directive mode like that.
• Um, but we are very much in that system<01:03:06.000> of<01:03:06.400> collaboration<01
• :03:06.960> and<01:03:07.280> support,<01:03:08.079> not system of collaboration
• But maybe the process is to work collaboratively between how we deal with each other.
• I would um times as collaboration.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly, we collaborate with other entities, other groups, and organizations that have similar visions
• We also collaborate on technical assistance for things like plain language and easy-read formats.
• Mostly we collaborate<00:42:14.880> with<00:42:15.200> other<00:42:15.440> entities,
• <00:42:16.079> other collaborate with other entities, other collaborate with other entities
• And then um we also<00:43:07.040> uh<00:43:07.280> collaborate<00:43:08.160> on<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This concern can be addressed mindfully and with further collaboration, so I do propose that we change
• This concern can be addressed mindfully and with further collaboration, so I do propose that we change
• This concern can be addressed mindfully and with further collaboration, so I do propose that we change
• This concern can be addressed mindfully and with further collaboration, so I do propose that we change
• so I do propose further collaboration so I do propose that<00:31:31.000> we<00:31:31.159>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to acknowledge the thorough and collaborative process undertaken by the OLA in reviewing
• The OIG has created strong relationships with law enforcement to effectively collaborate and cooperate
• <00:48:43.640> has prosecutions to date C collaboration has prosecutions to date C collaboration
• Interagency collaboration is a priority for everyone here.
• but you're started out by collaboration but you're started out by talking<01:24:46.520> about

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings. The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies. Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to collaborate with the board if any of those questions or concerns come up.
• I would like to collaborate with the board if any of those questions or concerns come up.
• I need to be proactive with collaborating with stakeholders, with the consumer advocate, with the current
• Therefore, in order to be effective, I must immediately work collaboratively with my commissioners, my
• <00:52:07.080> with<00:52:07.240> stakeholders, collaborating with stakeholders, collaborating

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• as important in terms of expressing the Legislature's interest in getting the state agencies to collaborate
• Moving on to the present on this agenda, this is HCR 173 and HR 163, urging Maui Health to collaborate
• Let's see the results on the 10 a.m. agenda: HCR 173 and HR 163, urging Maui Health to collaborate with
• We believe Senate Bill 2907 will enable that collaboration and success, and the team strongly supports
• And, hello, Bill Collaborative in support. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• Apparently, the foreign countries who bought land here are not collaborating or being transparent to
• the neighborhood boards as well, so they need more collaboration about what they intend.
• or being transparent to collaborating or being transparent to the<01:00:28.599> neighborhood<
• <01:00:33.079> of well so they need more collaboration of well so they need more collaboration
• <01:00:48.799> with Korean and have non collaborated with Korean and have non collaborated

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025. The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations. The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the zones to make them more efficient in delivering services, identifying how they can be more collaborative
• Or how they can be more collaborative long-term in helping the system be more efficient and more effective
• be a transition-age student or an adult, or they can call us, and where there is opportunity to collaborate
• So that's where we find that we are collaborating in most instances.
• While the statutory language established the framework for oversight and collaboration, the following

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the study directed MnDOT to consult and engage in meaningful collaboration in conducting the study
• and engage in meaningful collaboration and engage in meaningful collaboration in<00:33:50.280>
• We look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you.
• We look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Runnels.
• And yes, I invite us all into a collaboration to try to get some action on this list of recommendations

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also envision this academic building as the home to the University of Minnesota's one-of-a-kind collaborative
• also envision this academic building as the home to the University of Minnesota's one-of-a-kind collaborative
• also envision this academic building as the home to the University of Minnesota's one-of-a-kind collaborative
• the home to the University of Minnesota's<00:58:44.040> one-of-a-kind<00:58:44.800> collaborative
• Minnesota's one-of-a-kind collaborative Minnesota's one-of-a-kind collaborative for<00:58:45.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We look forward to our continued collaboration. Thank you. My name is Michael Cox.
• We operate dimensions collaborative school as well as community Montessori which is a green ribbon school
• So making these important steps, making these, you know, work together collaboratively it takes so much
• And these teachers collaborate with. another in lesson planning, oftentimes teaching the same lesson
• Thank the Chair and Assemblymember Avila Farias for their collaboration. on this bill and ask for your

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:21.800> with and also Foster collaboration with and also Foster collaboration with
• So for example, Haena, you know, our parking reservation, that's been in collaboration with community
• So for example, Haena, you know, our parking reservation, that's been in collaboration with community
• So for example, Haena, you know, our parking reservation, that's been in collaboration with community
• with um Community in collaboration with um Community Partners<01:01:29.960> and<01:01:30.440>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill Bill Bill 1573<00:23:25.480> we<00:23:25.600> work<00:23:25.960> collaboratively
• <00:23:26.880> with<00:23:27.120> our 1573 we work collaboratively with our 1573 we
• work collaboratively with our Bureau<00:23:27.760> of<00:23:27.880> children's<00:23:28.520
• I think I was witness to some of that, but I will say that after that, we’ve all worked very collaboratively
• uh we've all worked very collaboratively uh we've all worked very collaboratively um<00:26:42.960

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been a collaborative effort, and it's going to be good for her.
• in local school districts. talked many times this has been a talked many times this has been a collaborative
• effort and it's going to collaborative effort and it's going to be<00:27:48.760> good<00:27:48.960
• This collaborative effort has produced legislation we can all embrace.
• education Community this collaborative education Community this collaborative effort<00:31:19.840

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first took up House Bill 14, which would establish Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky public schools. The bill, as amended by committee substitute, would allow districts to implement wearable panic alert systems for school staff beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Sponsor Rep. Kevin Jackson and supporters described the system as a silent badge/button that can alert school offices, 911, first responders, and other personnel, with different button sequences for different emergencies. Testimony from Lori Alade, Alyssa’s mother and founder of Make Our Schools Safe, emphasized that “time equals life” and said the technology can help in active threats, medical emergencies, weather events, and other urgent situations. Students from St. Margaret Mary’s Kentucky Youth Assembly also supported the bill, citing the Georgia school shooting response as an example of how such systems can save lives. Members asked about vendor neutrality, costs, training, and whether the system could be used off campus; sponsors said the bill is intended to be vendor neutral, estimated statewide costs ranged from about $2 million to $6 million, training would be provided before the school year, and they would follow up on the off-campus question. The committee approved HB 14 with the committee substitute attached. The committee then reconsidered and approved House Bill 48, a cleanup measure related to school reporting requirements. The substitute was described as addressing department concerns about eliminating certain reporting forms while preserving district flexibility and reducing burdensome reporting. It would allow schools to maintain or use alternative reporting methods, provide KDE a timeline and guidelines for reporting on Cognia software used for CPS and C-dips, and require a written report to the LRC describing reporting requirements imposed on public schools and districts, with items not reapproved by the legislature sunsetting in 2026. The bill passed the committee with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 190, as amended by committee substitute, which would shift the measure from a planning-and-action bill to a planning-only bill for advanced coursework and codify some gifted-student regulations. Rep. Duvall and Dr. Julia Link Roberts of WKU said the bill is intended to expand opportunities for high-potential students by requiring districts to set policies on advanced coursework or accelerated learning options for grades 4 through 12. The substitute changes the standard from “proficient” to “distinguished,” allows districts flexibility in how they implement the policies, and may require automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished, with opt-out provisions and a principal exception if coursework conflicts with career pathways or CTE access. Members discussed how the proposal differs from current advanced programs, the broader inclusion of students, and district variation in available opportunities. No final vote on HB 190 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:15.599> innovated<00:02:16.200> programs<00:02:16.720> and collaboration
• innovated programs and collaboration innovated programs and equal<00:02:17.319> opportunities<
• in a policy arm and we we collaborate in a lot<00:15:30.399> of<00:15:30.560> the<00:15
• We collaborate with multiple agencies, and we collaborated with at least 43 agencies for research.
• We’re sort of the legal arm of the tri-agency collaboration, and we do collaborate a lot with both of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the Developmental Disabilities Council and related agencies. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including a pilot project for guardian ad litem and capacity evaluations in guardianship/conservatorship cases, a supported decision-making bill, a health disparities study for people with disabilities, an ABLE savings outreach/staffing measure, a Medicaid buy-in proposal, an adult changing tables equity bill, and a resolution on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Council representatives emphasized that supported decision-making would complement tools like powers of attorney and medical releases, and that the health disparities study would help identify unmet needs by ZIP code and improve state data on the intellectual and developmental disability population. The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii described its role as the research and training arm within the DD system, working with the DD Council and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center. It reported activities such as interdisciplinary training, community education, technical assistance, research collaborations, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, publications, telehealth, ECHO Autism, and counseling for Maui fire survivors. The center said it leveraged about $16 million in outside funding last year and highlighted goals focused on workforce development, community capacity, research with direct participation from people with disabilities, and accessible dissemination of information. The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the state’s protection and advocacy agency, supported the Council’s priorities, especially supported decision-making, which it said could help some people avoid guardianship while preserving liberty and reducing state resource use. The center also raised concerns about the DD system budget and urged legislators to review whether the Developmental Disabilities Division is requesting enough funding, noting possible backsliding in services and eligibility. The Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health then outlined its statewide waiver program serving just over 3,500 people, its service array, and its budget request for increased waiver funding, a federal initiatives coordinator, and IT upgrades to comply with the new HCBS access rule; no votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.