Transcript Highlights:

• > we<00:45:04.000> stand<00:45:04.240> on<00:45:04.359> our<00:45:04.520>
• c><00:45:06.960> of<00:45:07.160> loose<00:45:07.520> dogs<00:45:07.800> on
• :45:16.520> even<00:45:16.720> if<00:45:16.880> they<00:45:17.040> don't<
• attack the<00:45:17.800> livestock<00:45:18.480> they<00:45:18.640> cause<00:45:
• :24.640> so<00:45:24.839> thank<00:45:25.000> you<00:45:25.119> for<00:45

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and<00:45:33.440> then<00:45:33.599> it<00:45:33.839> flows<00:45:34.079>
• Um<00:45:48.160> and<00:45:48.400> this<00:45:48.720> okay<00:45:48.960> so
• c><00:45:49.119> this<00:45:49.440> shows<00:45:49.760> the<00:45:50.560> uh<
• >> Let's<01:45:05.920> let's<01:45:06.239> not<01:45:06.480> listen<01:45:
• Um because<01:45:08.080> we<01:45:08.400> have<01:45:08.560> to<01:45:08.880>

Bills: HF331, HF916

Keywords: school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• 33, Section 1; Laws 2025, Section 1; Laws 2028, Chapter 303, Section 1; and Laws 2020, Chapter 305,
• Senate Bill 1849 continues: an act amending Laws 2021, Chapter 406, Section 30; Laws 2022, Chapter 33
• amended by Laws 2025, Chapter 211, Section 1, and Laws 2025, Chapter 21-C, Section 2.
• Senate Bill 1445, amending sections 45-341, 45-409, 45-425, 45-145, and related statutes, relating to
• I mean sections 45-341, 45-409, 45-425, and 45-145, as the statutes linked to water quality.

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:00.880> Let's<01:45:01.119> move<01:45:01.280> on<01:45:01.440> to
• <01:45:05.119> to<01:45:05.199> make<01:45:05.360> decisions<01:45:05.920>
• <01:45:10.560> out<01:45:11.199> uh<01:45:11.360> to<01:45:11.600> you
• > let's<01:45:28.480> see<01:45:29.040> section<01:45:29.520> three<01:45
• :45:35.199> collection<01:45:35.440> and<01:45:35.679> sharing<01:45:36.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> explanation<01:45:18.480> of<01:45:18.639> what<01:45:18.880> that<01:45:
• :45:23.280> sent<01:45:23.440> us<01:45:23.760> did<01:45:24.080> include
• <01:45:26.960> late<01:45:27.119> in<01:45:27.280> the<01:45:27.360> session,
• :50.480> here<01:45:50.719> that<01:45:51.119> if<01:45:51.440> the<01:45
• <01:45:55.920> system<01:45:56.400> and<01:45:56.800> might<01:45:57.360>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:05.760> Okay,<00:45:06.480> up<00:45:06.720> next<00:45:06.800> we
• <00:45:20.560> I'm<00:45:20.640> an<00:45:20.720> intern<00:45:20.960> at
• c><00:45:26.000> just<00:45:26.160> want<00:45:26.319> to<00:45:26.480> say
• <00:45:28.160> We<00:45:28.319> want<00:45:28.400> to<00:45:28.560> say
• we<00:45:46.160> thank<00:45:46.240> you<00:45:46.319> for<00:45:46.480>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.

Transcript Highlights:

• we<01:45:02.719> also<01:45:03.040> have<01:45:03.960> um<01:45:04.080><
• Integrity um is<01:45:13.159> the<01:45:13.320> party<01:45:13.599> that<01:45:
• 45:16.760> for<01:45:17.080> those<01:45:17.239> who<01:45:17.360> are<01
• /c><01:45:21.800> as<01:45:22.000> other<01:45:22.639> um<01:45:23.080> types
• there's a small<01:45:31.639> element<01:45:32.080> of<01:45:32.239> our<01:45:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• for 10<00:45:16.920> years<00:45:17.119> within<00:45:17.359> the<00:45:17.480>
• 45:19.079> or<00:45:19.280> if<00:45:19.400> you<00:45:19.520> worked<00:
• <00:45:28.880> we<00:45:29.000> want<00:45:29.119> to<00:45:29.559> get
• the<00:45:39.720> 65<00:45:40.280> years<00:45:40.440> of<00:45:40.599> age<
• /c><00:45:40.800> or<00:45:40.960> older<00:45:41.760> and<00:45:41.880> then

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes. The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project. The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um,<00:45:20.880> again,<00:45:21.200> we're<00:45:21.359> not<00:45:21.520>
• kind of taking<00:45:24.720> a<00:45:24.960> look<00:45:25.040> at<00:45:25.200
• <00:45:26.000> This<00:45:26.160> is<00:45:26.319> not<00:45:26.480> a
• ><00:45:38.079> the<00:45:38.240> way<00:45:38.319> the<00:45:38.560> markets
• 00:45:49.040> You<00:45:49.119> know,<00:45:49.359> others<00:45:49.760> feel

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then chapter 514B that would<00:02:21.720> control.
• We’d like to harmonize chapter 139 with chapter 710 and add a plainclothes identification exemption.
• chapter chapter 710. 710. 710.
• We are is Tuesday, April 7th, 10:45 a.m.
• It is uh we're on 10:45 a.m. agenda. It is 10:52<00:38:02.840> a.m.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a large decision-making agenda and adopted most measures, often with technical or clarifying amendments. Bills addressed wildlife habitat conservation plans, civil identification cards for 16- and 17-year-olds, electronic and mail voting for associations, remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, traffic safety around stationary vehicles and pickup truck passengers, expedited permitting for housing for people with disabilities, rainwater catchment systems, EMS advisory committee membership, social media account deletion, limits on immigration-enforcement cooperation, prompt payment rules for professional solicitors, fetal death vital statistics, protections for gender-affirming care, passenger ropeways, law-enforcement facial coverings and immigration-related detention, domestic violence, health care facility access, guardianship record sealing, child protective proceedings, remote driver’s license hearings, disposable vaping products, dog attacks, insurance premium increase explanations, the DOE harm-to-student registry, Hawaiian Homes lease succession, EMS law modernization, hoisting machine regulation, release on recognizance, language interpretation rules, civil asset forfeiture for fireworks offenses, and assisted community treatment. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1897, HB 1957, HB 2121, and HB 2324, while HB 1957 was deferred indefinitely. Most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though HB 1875 and HB 1961 drew no votes from Vice Chair Gabbard, and HB 2413 was adopted with reservations. A number of bills received substantive amendment instructions. HB 1682 was amended with committee report language noting concerns about departing from the model act. HB 1768 and HB 1886 were revised to narrow or clarify immigration-enforcement restrictions and law-enforcement identification and facial-covering provisions, including plainclothes and undercover exceptions, a narrower civil immigration arrest/detention offense, and savings clauses. HB 2540 received extensive amendments to convert policy language into mandatory terms, refine facial-covering and identification rules, align criminal and policy exemptions, narrow immigration-related offenses, and clarify the definition of law enforcement agency. HB 2413 was amended to define violent offenses, change written findings to oral findings on the record, limit reconsideration of bail, and restrict who may request sanctions or financial conditions. Other amendments included technical fixes, bad-date corrections, severability clauses, and chapter-consistency changes. The committee also heard a joint Education/Judiciary item, SCR 105 and SR 99, urging the Department of Education to provide students information on pre-registering to vote before reaching voting age. Testimony was reported in support from the Department of Education, Office of Elections, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and the League of Women Voters. With no opposition or further discussion, the committee voted to pass both resolutions with technical, non-substantive amendments (SD1).

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Bierman Uh<00:45:16.359> just<00:45:16.600> a<00:45:16.640> comment<00:45:
• 17.040> that<00:45:17.600> I'd<00:45:17.760> like<00:45:17.960> to<00:45:
• has picked out 45 days<00:45:20.640> or<00:45:20.800> this<00:45:21.080> odd<00
• :45:23.080> is<00:45:23.280> in<00:45:23.480> the<00:45:23.560> guidance<
• <00:45:26.760> So,<00:45:27.200> we'll<00:45:27.440> we'll<00:45:27.640>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the Health Finance and Policy bill, and first adopted the A8 amendment, described as a set of technical fixes. Members then considered a large A9 amendment that bundled a wide range of Children and Families provisions, including child care licensing modernization, crisis nursery licensing, SNAP/MFIT-related language, child care provider self-reporting, a physical abuse recognition poster, child protection and welfare provisions, funding for parent support outreach, and forensic interview training scholarships. Supporters described it as bipartisan work with relatively small fiscal impact, while opponents said it greatly expanded the bill and should be handled separately; after a roll call, the A9 amendment failed 7-14. Representative Scott then offered the A11 amendment, raising concerns about new all-payer claims database language and whether it should have been heard in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee. Department of Health staff explained the data-sharing safeguards, de-identification process, fee structure, and enforcement provisions, but Scott remained concerned about privacy and the scope of the program and withdrew the amendment. The committee then moved to final bill discussion. Members and authors described HF 4466 as a lean health finance bill largely conforming Minnesota law to federal HR1 Medicaid-related changes, including work requirements, retroactive eligibility limits, cost-sharing, and home equity provisions. Supporters argued conformity was necessary to avoid major federal funding losses and noted a few additional member bills in the package; opponents criticized the federal changes as harmful, especially for vulnerable populations such as victims of trafficking and domestic violence. Fiscal staff said the bill would save just over $2 million in FY 2026-27 and almost $98 million in FY 2028-29. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Alabama district chap chapters and the Alabama district chap chapters for<00:14:05.519><
• <00:45:00.720> Thank<00:45:00.880> you<00:45:01.119> so<00:45:01.359> much
• >> Thank<00:45:02.160> you,<00:45:02.400> Representative<00:45:02.880> Mooney.
• I appreciate<00:45:03.680> those<00:45:03.920> kind<00:45:04.240> words.
• > page<00:45:58.240> two<00:45:58.400> of<00:45:58.560> the<00:45:58.720>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:45:00.560> the<00:45:00.640> Catholic<00:45:01.000> Church<00:45:01.280
• c> to<00:45:02.560> share<00:45:02.840> our<00:45:03.000> support<00:45:03.520
• <00:45:06.160> ask<00:45:06.400> you<00:45:06.480> to<00:45:06.560> vote<
• to sign<00:45:12.320> over<00:45:12.480> their<00:45:12.640> data<00:45:13.000><
• 45:14.800> out<00:45:14.960> their<00:45:15.120> parents<00:45:15.440> even

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > if<01:45:28.880> let<01:45:29.000> me<01:45:29.199> take<01:45:29.400><
• because<01:45:45.599> there<01:45:46.040> was<01:45:46.480> at<01:45:46.719>
• :45:48.199> custody<01:45:48.679> would<01:45:48.800> have<01:45:48.960> been
• <01:45:50.080> trying<01:45:50.320> to<01:45:50.480> think<01:45:51.480>
• :45:57.360> so<01:45:58.000> if<01:45:58.119> it<01:45:58.280> had<01:45:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > consideration<00:45:28.240> as<00:45:28.480> we<00:45:28.640> go<00:45:
• > who<00:45:35.839> you<00:45:36.000> know<00:45:36.160> I<00:45:36.319><
• <00:45:40.960> it's<00:45:41.280> the<00:45:41.599> success<00:45:42.000> is<
• <00:45:55.440> I<00:45:55.680> feel<00:45:55.920> for<00:45:56.160> for
• c><00:45:57.680> in<00:45:57.920> the<00:45:58.079> state<00:45:58.640> and

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:05.839> Um<00:45:06.240> thank<00:45:06.480> you<00:45:07.040> uh<
• :45:13.359> believe<00:45:13.599> this<00:45:13.839> amendment<00:45:14.400>
• c><00:45:22.960> hadn't<00:45:23.680> known<00:45:24.000> about<00:45:24.319>
• :45:27.040> one,<00:45:28.400> uh<00:45:28.640> the<00:45:29.119> advocate
• <00:45:44.400> I<00:45:44.720> also<00:45:44.960> notice<00:45:45.680> uh

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 273, that you must live in that district.
• it's Chapter 75 or Chapter<00:02:13.560> 273,<00:02:14.880> that<00:02:15.840> you<
• <00:02:19.760> 2<00:02:20.280> Chapter because, of course, Chapter 2 Chapter because
• , of course, Chapter 2 Chapter Chapter<00:02:20.920> 75s<00:02:21.600> are<00:02:22.200
• and overridden by the council within 45 and overridden by the council within 45 days<00:13:32.960

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:04 Roll Call 00:00:14 HB 682 Discussion 00:01:41 HB 682 Vote 00:03:10 HB 731 Discussion 00:04:33 HB 731 Vote 00:06:26 HB 607 Discussion 00:09:24 HB 607 Vote 00:32:15 Adjournment 00:34:12, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'm a<00:45:11.520> no<00:45:11.760> on<00:45:11.920> this<00:45:12.079>
• <00:45:12.560> I<00:45:12.880> just<00:45:13.440> uh<00:45:13.680> think<
• :17.200> as<00:45:17.440> fast<00:45:17.680> as<00:45:17.839> they<00:45:
• Okay.<00:45:31.200> If<00:45:31.440> not,<00:45:31.680> Senator<00:45:31.920>
• <00:45:43.359> This<00:45:43.599> concludes<00:45:44.000> our<00:45:44.319><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.

Transcript Highlights:

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• uh because<00:45:14.960> we<00:45:15.280> have<00:45:15.359> so<00:45:15.599>
• not. um you<00:45:25.839> know<00:45:26.160> uh<00:45:26.400> so<00:45:26.640>
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• <00:45:35.359> this<00:45:35.599> board<00:45:36.079> does<00:45:37.359>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><00:45:28.040> final<00:45:28.400> decisions<00:45:29.119> on<00:45:29.280>
• > the<00:45:30.359> process<00:45:30.880> actually<00:45:31.160> is<00:45
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• > of<00:45:58.960> us<00:45:59.240> that<00:45:59.359> work<00:45:59.800>

Keywords: 1183, house