Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, Hawaii does it. I mean, we grow it over there in Hawaii, and we have no problem with it.
• I mean, Hawaii does it. I mean, we grow with over there in Hawaii, and we have no problem with it.
• I mean, Hawaii, we have guns, but people give them to the government, and they get, you know, gift cards

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills dealing with elections, juvenile representation, paternity, and campaign finance. SB 1489 would require paid petition circulators to disclose their name, residence, and paid status, wear a badge, register in some local petition efforts, and subject local initiatives to stricter compliance and fiscal disclosure rules. Supporters said it would standardize rules and improve transparency; opponents, including the ACLU, argued it would chill core political speech and compel identification. The bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. SB 1609, an emergency measure restricting political party names from using terms like “independent” or “unaffiliated,” drew support from county election officials who said it would reduce voter confusion, and opposition from the Arizona Independent Party, which called it retroactive and anti-competitive. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed the bill 7-0. SCR 1040, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 subject to voter approval, was supported as reflecting longer life expectancy and retaining experienced judges, but opposed by some who favored age limits; it passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1234, which would change juvenile court representation by requiring a guardian ad litem in dependency and termination cases and allowing, rather than requiring, separate child counsel in some circumstances. Sponsor Senator Werner said the bill was part of a broader child-safety package and was informed by cases involving children who died after alleged system failures. Child welfare attorneys and advocates opposed the bill, warning it would weaken attorney-client privilege and take away children’s independent voice, while DCS said the bill was intended to clarify the GAL role and could work alongside child counsel. The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 5-2. SB 1661, allowing child support obligations to be terminated when genetic testing shows a presumed father is not the biological father, received broad support from the sponsor, a fathers’ advocacy group, and a family representative, and passed 6-0. Later, the committee considered election-administration and campaign-finance measures. SB 1392 would give governing bodies canvassing elections access to election-material locations to observe procedures and review records, while protecting privacy and security; county officials supported access but raised concerns about the term “agent,” and the bill passed 4-3. SB 1634 would require ADOT to provide county recorders with applicants’ handwritten signatures collected during voter registration; county officials said it would improve signature verification, and the bill passed 5-2 after some members noted amendment concerns. SB 1743 would redact donors’ employer street addresses and residence addresses from campaign finance reports; supporters framed it as a privacy measure, while opponents said employer information is important for transparency and identifying influence. It passed 5-2. SB 1099, a strike-everything amendment defining defamation standards for public and private figures, was presented as narrowing and clarifying defamation law and passed 4-3. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1535, which would make paying for sexual conduct a prostitution offense and add a $200 assessment to fund anti-human-trafficking services. Survivors, law enforcement, and neighborhood advocates supported stronger penalties aimed at buyers and demand reduction, while criminal-defense and victim-advocacy groups said the bill needed a rebuttable-presumption amendment to better protect trafficking victims. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on SB 1535.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a question here by a member of Hawaii. Thank the author.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It has selected scenes from the film relevant to Hawaii oceans and a panel discussion to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii and Arizona have opted out of the practice and other countries in the past 10 years have either
• we wait until 2027, we'll continue to allow states to opt out. and opt into Standard Time, just as Hawaii

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion

Summary: The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to task the LRB's public access room with working collaboratively with the Hawaii State Public

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: At the final hearing of the Government Operations Committee on March 27, 2025, members considered SCR 53/SR 35 and agreed to move it forward as a Senate Draft 1. The measure was amended to replace references to the Department of Accounting and General Services with the Legislative Reference Bureau, and to direct the LRB’s Public Access Room to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System on an outreach program using state libraries so the public can participate remotely in the legislative process. The LRB would also be required to report to the legislature on implementation plans. The chair voted yes, and the measure passed with amendments. The committee also took up SR 135/SR 114, which urges state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. After concerns raised by members, the proposal was revised into Senate Draft 1 to incorporate language tied to Act 29-291 and the Office’s work on a social determinants of health electronic dashboard. The amendments emphasized secure data-sharing, privacy and confidentiality protections, and the use of deidentified, aggregated, and anonymized data to support community needs assessments and aid strategies. Additional changes corrected titles in the measure, including identifying the chairperson of the Department of Health rather than the director. The chair noted the Office of Wellness and Resiliency would follow strict data governance protocols and work with state departments. The committee then voted yes on SR 135/SR 114, Senate Draft 1, with all members present voting in favor except Senator Gab, who was excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• to crash and go to zero immediately, we could have another great depression, but Texas could be an island
• In a delegation, everybody will—Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois
• Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington

Bills: HB246 , HB796 , HB 1056 , HB1544 , HB1846 , HB2001 , HB2618 , HB2625 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3069 , HB3114 , HB3157 , HB3228 , HJR98 , HB246

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• For what purpose does the gentleman from Rhode Island seek recognition? Mr.
• Today, as Rhode Island digs out from a historic blizzard, we rise to honor two Rhode Islanders, Rhonda
• Three other Rhode Islanders were injured in the shooting and remain in the hospital.
• Today, as Rhode Island digs out from a historic blizzard, we rise to honor two Rhode Islanders, Rhonda
• They're 23 cents higher than the next highest state, Hawaii, which of course is an island state.

Transcript Highlights:

• record, 44 other states have also passed this legislation banning gag clauses, except for Texas, Hawaii
• Rhode Island and Tennessee have a commercial program.

Bills: SB95 , SB268 , SB493 , SB619 , SB660 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1098 , SB1188 , SB1307 , SB1332 , SB1822

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol.
• Mark Patterson, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission.
• , hearing none, we'll move on to agenda item number four, which is a presentation by the State of Hawaii
• presentation by the state of Hawaii Department<00:05:25.280><c> of</c><00:05:25.440><c> Corrections<
• </c><00:30:31.039><c> is</c> and this again is specific to Hawaii is and this again is specific to Hawaii

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes the state that is the absolute highest state in the country, Hawaii, at over 55 cents
• And that includes the state that is the absolute highest state in the country, Hawaii, at over $0.55.
• We don't compare anything to Hawaii or other places where they have a different kind of grid system.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session, laying over H.J.R. 153 and H.J.R. 119, then unanimously advanced HB 2904 after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. HB 2904 passed 13-0. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2933 and sent that bill do pass by a vote of 11-3. The committee then moved into regular session and heard HB 2266, which would add the attorney general and staff, or as members suggested possibly assistant attorney generals, to the list of officials authorized to concealed carry while performing duties. The sponsor and an assistant attorney general testified that the bill was intended to protect AG staff who travel and work in courthouses and hotels; some members raised concerns about the breadth of the term “staff,” and one witness urged clearer limits and identification safeguards. No vote was taken on HB 2266 in the portion provided. The committee then heard HB 2207 and HB 2233 together, both aimed at restructuring Missouri’s electric industry to allow competitive generation while keeping transmission and distribution regulated. The sponsors argued that competition would lower costs, improve reliability, spur innovation, and let customers choose suppliers, while preserving PSC oversight of the grid and default service. Supporters, including a market think tank and retail energy advocates, said competitive states have seen more generation investment and that private generators bear their own risk rather than ratepayers. Opponents, including Evergy, argued deregulation has not delivered promised savings, can increase fraud and consumer confusion, and would force divestment of utility generation assets without clear guardrails. Members pressed witnesses on comparisons to Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, legacy costs, divestment mechanics, and whether the PSC would still set generation-related rates; witnesses disagreed sharply on the likely effect on residential prices and on whether the bill’s structure was sufficiently specific.

Transcript Highlights:

• transmits a nomination to the board of directors for the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii

Bills: SB2097 , SB2317 , SB2319 , SB2177 , SB2190 , SB2424 , SB2524 , SB2627 , SB3084 , SB895 , SB896 , SB3102 , SB3157 , SB3215 , SB2050 , SB2090 , SB2211 , SB2572 , SB2096 , SB2025 , SB2127 , SB2046 , SB2262 , SB2354 , SB2387 , SB2487 , SB2955 , SB3234 , SB2851 , SB2573 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB3055 , SB2189 , SB2194 , SB3152 , SB2635 , SB888 , SB2203 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR7 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SCR10 , SCR11 , SCR12 , SCR13 , SCR14 , SCR15 , SCR16 , SCR17 , SCR18 , SCR19 , SCR20 , SCR21 , SCR22 , SR3 , SR5 , SR6 , SR7 , SR8 , SR9 , SR10 , SR11 , SR12 , SR13 , SR14 , SR15 , SR16 , SR17 , SR18 , SR19 , SB2010 , SB3118 , SB3276

Transcript Highlights:

• April 21st, 2025, and we're here on the 10:30 a.m. agenda, again, in Conference Room 325 here at the Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• We also use it to stage our uh Hawaii winter growout, where we grow potatoes um that are intended to
• be planted the following spring in Hawaii uh to screen them for disease.
• </c><00:42:22.640><c> winter</c><00:42:23.040><c> growout</c> it to stage our uh Hawaii winter growout
• it to stage our uh Hawaii winter growout where<00:42:23.760><c> we</c><00:42:24.079><c> grow</c><00:
• uh to screen them for spring in Hawaii uh to screen them for disease. disease. disease.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• William is looking forward to more time hiking, playing tennis, Stephen Sondheim musicals. and original Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we did receive a email from him today saying that he is at a conference in Hawaii and his schedule
• He was that able to be with us being a a meeting in Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. to the 2023 Lahaina fires in Maui, Hawaii, to the 2025
• that we have a regional approach so that we can look at the difference in fire risk in places like Hawaii

Bills: HB471

Committee: Senate Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources Subcommittee

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in Conference Room 224, Hawaii State Capitol.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology met for decision making on Friday, March 28, 2025, and considered two related resolutions, STR 145 and SR 117, concerning the creation of a legislative working group to develop recommendations for establishing and implementing a paid family and medical leave program for Hawaii. The chair explained that the committee would move the measures as a Senate draft with several amendments to clarify that the Department of Labor would convene the working group and could contract with an independent third-party consultant for facilitation, legal and regulatory review, comparative analysis, compliance and eligibility analysis, staffing and operating requirements, drafting recommendations, and the final report. The committee also amended the resolutions to require review of relevant federal and state laws and existing programs, specifically including the Orisa prepaid healthcare act family leave reference as stated in the transcript, and to add an actuarial study or analysis of Hawaii’s workforce, employers, and potential beneficiaries. Another amendment removed LRB as a technical assistance resource because of budget concerns raised in testimony, while clarifying that the Department of Labor may contract for those services. The chair also noted that a representative would be added as a member of the working group, and that the chair of the working group could add other stakeholders as needed, along with any technical, non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency. No questions or concerns were raised, and the committee voted to recommend passage of STR 145 and SR 117 with amendments. The votes were unanimous, and the recommendations were adopted, concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm involved in Business Professionals of America, and I plan to attend college at BYU-Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message 790, submitting for consideration and confirmation of Chief Judge of the State of Hawaii

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, April 24, and considered several judicial nominations and confirmations. The first items were Governor’s Messages 790, 788, and 789, naming nominees for Chief Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals and Circuit Court Judge positions for the First Circuit. Members briefly discussed the nominations, including one public concern raised about Judge Karen El Holma, but the chair and members stated the nominees were qualified and recommended consent in each case. All three nominations were approved by unanimous votes of the members present, with some members excused. The committee then took up Judiciary Communications 29, 30, and 31, covering confirmations to the District Family Court and District Court of the First Circuit for six-year terms. The committee again recommended consent on each item and adopted those recommendations without objection. For JC 31, the chair noted that the nominee was absent due to a family memorial for her father-in-law and asked members not to weigh that absence against her. The nominations were approved, and applause followed several of the votes. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that the Senate floor vote was anticipated for Wednesday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m., and then adjourned the committee.