Transcript Highlights:

• Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, 9:30 a.m. informational briefing agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii
• This is the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• Um I had a Hawaii School for Girls.
• So today I come trauma-informed Hawaii.
• </c><01:37:19.640><c> is</c> the broadband funding for Hawaii is the broadband funding for Hawaii is

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> the</c><00:36:23.839><c> state</c> Hawaii and Maui, uh, the state Hawaii and Maui, uh, the state
• We continue to provide science Hawaii.
• </c> with the county of um county of Hawaii with the county of um county of Hawaii to<01:32:47.520><c
• </c><02:34:04.640><c> with</c> working for the state of Hawaii with working for the state of Hawaii with
• </c><02:39:01.280><c> Island,</c> utility costs for Aahu, Hawaii Island, utility costs for Aahu, Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So he has the members across Hawaii.
• Um, Madia in West Hawaii and in Kona.
• </c> vital our pelina to Hawaii truly is. vital our pelina to Hawaii truly is.
• because Hawaii has the key, and that key is aloha.
• </c> is looking for peace will look to Hawaii is looking for peace will look to Hawaii because<01:02:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.

Transcript Highlights:

• if I could add to Representative Igo's point, if you look at what the provided information here, the PUC
• is already looking at three separate subsidiaries and saying, 'You are one,' so I think the PUC has
• And if you did see these shell corporations stand up, I think the PUC would realize that very quickly
• So my concern about this, and thinking about it, is that I think the PUC looked at your claims and said
• So, like, the PUC has a lot of expertise and has looked at that and came, and then, as is your right,

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Hawaii State Energy Office will stand on testimony with comments. Thank you.
• state energy office will stand M Hawaii state energy office will stand on<00:02:27.680><c> testimony
• would in Supply Hawaii County would in support<00:27:36.279><c> Hawaii</c><00:27:36.640><c> County</
• > yimi</c> economic Justice in support Hawaii yimi economic Justice in support Hawaii yimi in<00:43:33.160
• </c> in support grassroot Institute of Hawaii in support grassroot Institute of Hawaii in<00:43:35.720

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• This is our Friday, February 1st, 2025, 9:45 a.m. agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol
• and acknowledge my mentor and former chair, Bob Her, is the one who brought the captive industry to Hawaii
• </c><00:03:02.599><c> and</c><00:03:02.720><c> maybe</c> captive industry to Hawaii and maybe captive
• industry to Hawaii and maybe next<00:03:03.239><c> year</c><00:03:03.440><c> we</c><00:03:03.519><c>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 1, 2025, for decision-making on two measures previously heard on January 14. For SB 146, relating to condominiums, the committee recommended passage with amendments. The amendments were described as incorporating Real Estate Commission language to clarify the bill and narrowing its scope to managing agents with budget and replacement reserve responsibilities and authority to communicate with unit owners, thereby excluding smaller associations. The committee also deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050 and made technical, non-substantive changes. The measure was adopted without objections. The committee also considered SB 1050, relating to insurance and captive insurance. Members described ongoing discussions between the Insurance Division and the captive insurance industry over revised language intended to support industry growth while preserving the state’s regulatory oversight and solvency protections. The committee noted receipt of compromise amendments developed after a week of negotiations and again deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050. A member thanked the chair and referenced the role of former chair Bob Her in bringing the captive industry to Hawaii, expressing support for continued momentum in the sector. For SB 1050, the committee recommended passage with amendments, with the chair voting aye and no reservations or objections from members present. Both measures were therefore adopted by the committee for recommendation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Council for the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Nicole Galassi on Zoom. Aloha.
• Nicole Galassi on behalf of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council. HCC is in support of this measure.
• </c><00:25:48.159><c> HCC</c><00:25:48.720><c> is</c> the Hawaii Cattleman's Council.
• HCC is the Hawaii Cattleman's Council.
• Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard HB 511, House Draft 1, relating to public lands. The bill would remove the requirement that a land survey be completed before public lands are set aside to a state department or agency. Testimony from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with requests for clarification. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure, arguing that surveys are costly and time-consuming and can delay transfers needed for agricultural use and land stewardship. One member of the public testified in strong opposition, arguing that eliminating surveys would weaken due process, transparency, and the state’s fiduciary duties over public lands. The chair then proposed amendments to narrow the bill’s effect. The amendments would create tiered survey requirements based on land risk: high-risk lands would still require a survey before transfer, while low-risk state agricultural lands with clear historical records could defer surveys if sufficient mapping or GIS data exists. If a survey is deferred, the recipient agency would have to complete one within five years unless exempted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The amendments would also allow GIS and related mapping tools for approximate administrative boundaries, require a centralized digital registry of public land transfers, and establish a mediation process for boundary disputes before litigation. Senator McKelvey said he had concerns about the original bill but would support it with the amendments. The committee chair recommended passage with amendments, noting the bill would also go to the Judiciary Committee. The committee adopted the recommendation by vote, with the chair and vice chair voting aye and Senator Dort voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ging in and reconvening our committee agenda for 2:00 here in conference room 411 in the Hawaii State
• </c> for the islands of Aahu and Hawaii for the islands of Aahu and Hawaii Island<00:57:38.640><c> to
• </c> Inner Island Ocean Carriers, Hawaii Inner Island Ocean Carriers, Hawaii longline<01:47:48.159><c
• Explicitly, the intent is for Hawaii County, but we don't legislate for specific things.
• “Pass this measure to bring positive change and accountability to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Keywords: Conference Notices: AGR 2:30 PM:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Director of Finance for the State of Hawaii.
• University of Hawaii.
• University of Hawaii.
• University of Hawaii.
• Then, uh, this is for general funded positions within the University of Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, this month the Senate joins the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in celebrating its annual
• Mahalo and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. [Applause] Thank you, Madam President.
• Mahalo and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. [Applause] Thank you, Madam President.
• Um, mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such
• Mahalo for being here. ...Mahalo and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This requires that<00:10:38.920><c> the</c><00:10:39.000><c> Hawaii</c><00:10:39.280><c> State</c><00
• :10:39.560><c> Teachers</c><00:10:39.960><c> Board</c> that the Hawaii State Teachers Board that the
• </c><00:14:54.280><c> A</c> corporations doing business in Hawaii.
• A corporations doing business in Hawaii.
• </c><00:15:11.760><c> corporations</c> advantage over Hawaii-based corporations advantage over Hawaii-based

Bills: SB2057

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 5, for a series of decision-making agendas and considered a long list of Senate bills. Early measures included SB 2151, which clarifies state and local authority during emergencies and revises the definition of “emergency”; the committee agreed to restore the broader, long-used definition and add a sunset date, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 3055, concerning false impersonation of an employee organization representative, was amended to remove liquidated damages and passed. Several technical or conforming bills also advanced, including SB 3067, SB 3077, SB 3131, SB 3134, SB 3144, SB 3152, SB 3154, and SB 3249, with most passed with technical amendments or unamended; some members noted reservations on SB 3249. The committee also took up bills affecting public safety, health, and education. SB 3083 was amended to narrow notice requirements for protective orders involving military-affiliated individuals to a designated military security force, and SB 3118 on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children passed as is. SB 3134 modernized emergency medical services statutes, while another SB 3134 item addressed dangerous intoxication and civil protective custody. SB 3262, requiring the Hawaii State Teachers Board to submit nominees to the Board of Education, was amended to include a defective effective date. SB 3315, allowing a one-time medical cannabis purchase while registration is pending, was also amended to a delayed effective date and passed. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on law enforcement and immigration-related proposals. SB 3322, which restricts facial coverings by law enforcement, requires visible identification, and sets agency policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to remove an affirmative defense, make the penalty a misdemeanor, and incorporate exceptions for undercover work and related preparation; it passed with one no vote. SB 3251, barring certain former ICE and Border Patrol personnel from employment in specified state agencies, was narrowed to apply to those with more than 90 cumulative days of such work during a defined period and passed with reservations. SB 2057, a reconsideration measure limiting use of state personnel and funds to assist federal immigration agents beyond their authority, was further amended to clarify definitions, protect First Amendment activity, and preserve cooperation required by federal law; it then passed without objection. The committee adjourned after adopting each measure considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the Department of Education uh in support and the Hawaii Community Foundation in support
• Community Foundation in and the Hawaii Community Foundation in support.<00:12:19.600><c> Okay.
• </c><00:15:03.279><c> on</c> the Hawaii State Council on the Hawaii State Council on Developmental<00
• I am an intern at the Hawaii Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• Hawaii Disability Rights Center is in support, and one individual is providing comments.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations. The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > morning</c><00:12:21.040><c> uh</c><00:12:21.160><c> Ian</c><00:12:21.440><c> Robertson</c> The Hawaii
• We also have the Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments via Zoom.
• Jade McMillan, on behalf of Tom MAA for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, said they submitted comments on
• um</c><00:13:56.440><c> we</c><00:13:56.720><c> have</c><00:13:57.720><c> the</c><00:13:57.839><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:13:58.199><c> Humane</c> okay um we have the Hawaii Humane okay um we have the Hawaii Humane

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 547 HD1, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support spay/neuter services, funded in part through a tax return check-off and other sources. The Department of Taxation said it could implement the check-off; the Attorney General and Budget and Finance raised drafting and placement concerns about which department should house the fund; and the Hawaii Humane Society strongly supported the bill, emphasizing statewide need and the importance of distributing funds to areas of greatest need, including neighbor islands. The Tax Foundation opposed the measure on special-fund grounds, arguing there was no sufficient nexus between the bill’s purpose and the proposed revenue source. The committee later recommended HB 547 HD1 with technical amendments and sent it to Finance, with members voting aye and no objections noted. The committee also heard HB 925 HD1, relating to arts funding, which would impose a 1% fee on ticket sales from concerts at state venues and direct the proceeds to a dedicated arts fund. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the measure, while the Attorney General suggested defining “concerts” for clarity and Budget and Finance was available with comments. In discussion, the committee chair asked about how other states fund arts programs, and Director Ewald said many states use dedicated funding sources such as concert fees, bond funding, cultural trusts, and hotel lodging taxes. The committee recommended HB 925 HD1 with amendments, including a preamble, a new Performing Arts special fund, a definition of “concerts,” and a defective date, and the recommendation was adopted. Finally, the committee considered HB 1378, also related to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Based on the Attorney General’s testimony, the committee proposed deleting a section of the bill, creating a Performing Arts special fund, specifying revenue sources such as legislative appropriations, foundation charges, grants, gifts, and interest, and using the fund for coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. The amendments also added a definition of Performing Arts, granting standards, and a defective date, while blanking out the appropriation amount for the committee report. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation on HB 1378 with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• have, you know, states that the bill may result in increased electricity rates for consumers if the PUC
• 22:28.080><c> the</c> electricity rates for consumers if the electricity rates for consumers if the PUC
• determines a proposed investment is PUC determines a proposed investment is in<01:22:30.480><c> the<
• Well, I'm in favor of letting the PUC oversee.
• billion-dollar proceeding at the Public Utilities Commission to build a 400-megawatt gas plant, the PUC

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• also joining Faith is her brother, visiting from New York, who's here for this week, first time to Hawaii
• who's here for this week first time York who's here for this week first time to<00:01:35.399><c> Hawaii
• 36.759><c> a</c><00:01:36.880><c> warm</c><00:01:37.200><c> welcome</c><00:01:37.600><c> to</c> to Hawaii
• let's give a warm welcome to to Hawaii let's give a warm welcome to Oliver dolman<00:01:42.759><c> thank
• Welcome to your Hawaii State Senate. I see a lot of young women up there. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the spirit of bipartisanship, Chaz comes to us after volunteering with the Democratic Party of Hawaii
• Welcome, Chaz, to your Hawaii State House of Representatives. reading by title representative Garcia
• On behalf of the House Transportation Committee, we have visitors in the gallery today from the Hawaii
• a trade organization that represents franchise new car and truck dealerships across the state of Hawaii
• Welcome to your Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a high-profile cour case in Hawaii a high-profile cour case in Hawaii Federal<00:05:15.880><c> Court
• </c> safety um in solidarity with the Hawaii safety um in solidarity with the Hawaii state<00:27:04.840
• And support Norine Cole for Hawaii Children’s Action Network speaks also in support.
• a $10,000 fine for each separate offense of false labeling of Hawaii-grown roasted coffee.
• </c> offense of false labeling of Hawaii offense of false labeling of Hawaii grown<00:42:19.319><c> coffee

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Hawaii Ginoza Shon Jinai.
• </c> stand he's the president of the Hawaii stand he's the president of the Hawaii ginosa<00:21:14.039
• </c><00:21:21.600><c> ginoa</c><00:21:22.600><c> son</c> of Hawaii ginoa son of Hawaii ginoa son Jenai
• </c><00:49:59.000><c> that's</c> stitution of the state of Hawaii that's stitution of the state of Hawaii
• Hawaii expect that of this body the Hawaii expect that of this body the house<01:07:47.920><c> rules<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations. The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements. No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Murakami on behalf of the Hawaii State Bar Association.
• As of the Hawaii State Bar Association.
• I don't think we should elect judges in Hawaii.
• I don't think we should elect judges in Hawaii.
• I don't think we should elect judges in Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This extends the time restrictions in which the Hawaii Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office
• This amends section 20-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify that enforcement of criminal water
• </c><00:06:56.240><c> Housing</c> chairperson of the Hawaii Housing chairperson of the Hawaii Housing
• This amends section 20-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify that enforcement of criminal water
• This amends section 20-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify that enforcement of criminal water

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a series of bills, mostly approving them with amendments. SB 1032 on campaign finance passed with amendments to change the certification process for business entities, add a severability-type provision if foreign-influence conditions are struck down, and note a related Minnesota federal case. SB 401 on firearms passed with amendments to exclude shotguns, grandfather legally registered devices in place as of the effective date, and add committee report findings; SB 382 on procurement confidentiality passed as is; SB 598 extending deadlines for administrative driver’s license revocation review decisions passed as is; SB 771 on HHFDC board leadership passed as is; and SB 1318 clarifying water pollution enforcement jurisdiction passed as is. The committee also approved SB 1657 with an amendment removing authority to condemn public property, SB 1102 with an amendment making the Fire Council the source of nominees for the aircraft rescue fire fighting chief, and SB 100 with amendments replacing the original substance with a prohibition on fingerprinting nonprofit liquor-license board members during background checks and limiting the bill to counties under 500,000 population. SB 170 and SB 1296, both related to special management area exemptions for affordable housing and disaster-related reconstruction, passed with amendments incorporating Office of Planning, Sustainable Development, and Attorney General changes to narrow and clarify the exemptions. Finally, SB 363, a cleanup bill related to firearm parts and ghost gun laws, was considered with amendments that deleted a proposed new penalty section, revised existing firearms statutes, removed an unnecessary definition, and expanded penalties to include indeterminate imprisonment terms. Despite the amendments, the measure was not adopted because the Vice Chair voted no. The committee then adjourned and announced a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.