Transcript Highlights:

• :25:02.960> debris<00:25:04.159> uh<00:25:04.400> rem<00:25:04.960> recovery<
• <00:25:15.520> Um,<00:25:16.840> KYTC<00:25:17.840> has<00:25:18.159> also
• :25:34.400> duplicate<00:25:35.360> licenses<00:25:36.000> and<00:25:36.320>
• and titles,<00:25:43.520> all<00:25:43.679> at<00:25:43.919> no<00:25:44.080>
• , Russell,<00:25:55.840> Todd,<00:25:56.400> Trigg,<00:25:56.799> and<00:25:57.400

Keywords: 00:00:39 Roll Call 00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage 00:39:00 Work Zone Safety 00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program 01:10:18 Admin. Regs 01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals. The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors. Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, we only<00:25:04.200> need<00:25:04.440> to<00:25:04.560> look<00:25:
• 04.960> at<00:25:05.120> the<00:25:05.200> fact<00:25:05.640> that<00:25:
• that<00:25:08.240> have<00:25:08.360> ever<00:25:08.560> existed<00:25:09.040><
• imagine,<00:25:38.320> the<00:25:38.440> best<00:25:38.920> that<00:25:39.080><
• And<00:25:41.240> they<00:25:42.040> manipulate<00:25:42.600> the<00:25:42.680><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• he was<00:25:04.080> there<00:25:04.640> and<00:25:04.880> he<00:25:05.120>
• could<00:25:05.600> take<00:25:05.840> care<00:25:06.000> of<00:25:06.159>
• :25:20.799> by<00:25:20.960> a<00:25:21.200> car<00:25:21.919> and<00:25:
• You<00:25:24.960> know<00:25:25.039> what<00:25:25.360> a<00:25:25.520> waste
• 25:32.159> 95%<01:25:33.360> of<01:25:33.520> the<01:25:33.760> kids<01:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Okay.<00:25:17.039> And<00:25:17.520> um<00:25:17.760> I<00:25:18.320><
• under existing um<00:25:24.559> kind<00:25:24.799> of<00:25:25.760> land<00:25:
• > a<00:25:40.080> transmission<00:25:40.799> project a synergy with a transmission
• project a synergy with a transmission project um<00:25:42.799> for<00:25:43.360> a<00:
• time of de developing that that new project<00:25:48.720> that<00:25:48.960> this<00:25

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• briefly<00:25:05.039> a<00:25:05.279> summary<00:25:05.520> of<00:25:05.679
• <00:25:11.840> Um<00:25:13.120> um<00:25:13.520> I<00:25:13.760> I<00
• > can<00:25:26.320> read<00:25:26.559> the<00:25:26.880> amendment<00:25:
• Um<00:25:30.559> and<00:25:30.799> this<00:25:31.039> is<00:25:31.360> really
• on um<00:25:40.400> line<00:25:40.880> one<00:25:41.039> point<00:25:41.679>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.240> you<00:25:03.320> can<00:25:03.480> compare<00:25:03.840>
• <00:25:11.279> you<00:25:11.399> can<00:25:11.559> see<00:25:11.960> this
• c><00:25:21.679> this<00:25:21.799> is<00:25:22.039> historical<00:25:22.840>
• high and even<00:25:24.279> during<00:25:24.559> the<00:25:24.799> covid<00:25:
• c><00:25:30.000> small<00:25:30.679> decrease<00:25:31.679> in<00:25:32.039>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:25:06.480> child<01:25:06.840> caring<01:25:07.199> services<01:25:07.679><
• /c><01:25:16.480> and<01:25:16.760> and<01:25:17.000> the<01:25:17.400> the
• > for<01:25:18.400> it<01:25:18.600> is<01:25:18.840> cost<01:25:19.159><
• c> I<01:25:28.760> I<01:25:28.920> I<01:25:29.000> mean<01:25:29.719> uh<
• knowing that<01:25:30.639> some<01:25:30.760> of<01:25:30.840> the<01:25:30.920

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:52.400> replacing<00:25:52.799> the<00:25:53.039> board<00:25:53.360>
• <00:25:55.200> And<00:25:55.440> by<00:25:55.760> doing<00:25:55.919> so<
• And by doing so they<00:25:56.480> do<00:25:56.640> have<00:25:56.799> the<00:25
• :27.440> on<01:25:27.760> luxury<01:25:28.320> products<01:25:29.040> projects
• requirements on luxury products projects requirements on luxury products projects or<01:25:30.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• project.
• Uh<00:25:51.760> as<00:25:52.000> you'll<00:25:52.159> see,<00:25:52.400>
• It leaves that<00:25:55.440> formula<00:25:55.919> in<00:25:56.200> place.
• <00:25:57.200> What<00:25:57.360> it<00:25:57.600> does<00:25:57.679> is<
• What it does is it<00:25:58.159> simply<00:25:58.559> removes<00:25:58.960> the<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The project has an estimated completion date of March 2027 at an estimated cost of $25 million.
• of 25 million. of 25 million.
• Kentucky's<00:25:09.440> total<00:25:09.720> cost<00:25:10.080> of<00:25:10.200>
• by $161, which<00:25:23.360> means<00:25:23.600> that<00:25:23.800> every<00:25:
• > or<00:25:34.600> at<00:25:34.680> least<00:25:34.880> they<00:25:34.960

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.640> ahead<00:25:01.039> of<00:25:01.120> that<00:25:01.360> so<00:25
• Um there is a<00:25:06.960> bill<00:25:07.279> in<00:25:07.520> the<00:25:07.760
• > Senate<00:25:08.320> to<00:25:08.640> do<00:25:08.799> the<00:25:09.120
• Um,<00:25:23.760> so,<00:25:24.480> um,<00:25:24.720> I<00:25:24.960> believe
• 25:23.679> HB14<01:25:25.040> and<01:25:25.280> 111<01:25:26.320> is<01:25

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from State Treasurer Monica Misipelli on House Bill 1042, which would increase the contingent credit limit for the BFA. She explained that under RSA 66 the state’s debt capacity is capped at 10% of unrestricted revenue, and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is not direct debt. She said the state currently has about 65% of its capacity used, roughly $120 million of remaining room, and that raising the BFA contingent credit limit from $200 million to $450 million would reduce that capacity. She noted the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio is about 4.2%, that the state’s credit rating is not immediately affected by the guarantee program unless the state actually has to assume the liability, and suggested unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Peace Development Authority, could be reviewed in the future. Members asked whether a credit guarantee affects bonding ability like actual debt, what the usual debt level is relative to the statutory cap, and whether the increase would crowd out future capital borrowing. Misipelli answered that guarantees are included in the formula and do affect available capacity, though the current ratio remains manageable. She also said she had been using a $120 million benchmark for capital budget planning and was now modeling $130 million in future state debt. When asked whether the full $250 million increase was necessary, she deferred to the BFA, saying the question should be answered by the agency. James Key Wallace, executive director of the New Hampshire BFA and interim commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, then testified in support of the bill. He said the request was driven by larger project costs over the last several decades, with construction inflation causing guarantees to be used up in bigger chunks, and by the fact that the BFA has been close to its current cap. He said the agency does not use taxpayer funds, has never had a payout on a guarantee in nearly 35 years, and requires collateral, reserves, and an 80% loan-to-value buffer. He told members the Senate had a similar bill to raise the limit to $400 million and that the BFA considered that range acceptable. In response to questions, he said a smaller increase such as $150 million would cover known transactions but might not provide enough runway for future opportunities, and he confirmed the bill was brought at the BFA’s request. He also said businesses consider housing availability when deciding whether to locate in New Hampshire, since housing and workforce are key location factors. At the end of the work session, the chair closed House Bill 1042 and opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage of pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Nagel began introducing the bill and asked for copies of the treasurer’s debt-capacity report, but the transcript cuts off before any further action on HB 241.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:21.960> Now,<00:25:22.360> was<00:25:22.640> it<00:25:22.800> our<
• And<00:25:46.520> so,<00:25:47.040> I<00:25:47.480> I<00:25:47.560> certainly
• :25:55.520> that<00:25:55.720> that<00:25:55.880> isn't<00:25:56.160> going
• <00:25:56.840> It's<00:25:56.960> not<00:25:57.160> going<00:25:57.280> to
• a new project. a new project.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.360> in<00:25:19.600> support<00:25:19.960> and<00:25:20.120> finally
• :25:25.760> we<00:25:25.960> have<00:25:26.240> listed<00:25:26.559> for
• <00:25:27.840> in<00:25:27.919> the<00:25:28.000> audience<00:25:28.600>
• questions<00:25:32.480> on<00:25:32.919> 635<00:25:33.919> I<00:25:34.039> have
• <00:25:34.120> a<00:25:34.320> question<00:25:34.840> of<00:25:35.279> U<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last<00:25:04.240> part<00:25:04.400> of<00:25:04.559> the<00:25:04.720>
• 00:25:07.520> two<00:25:08.480> which<00:25:08.720> is<00:25:08.799> the
• fund proposals<00:25:15.679> that<00:25:16.000> was<00:25:16.159> carried<00:25
• I will<00:25:36.080> just<00:25:36.400> note<00:25:37.120> one<00:25:37.360>
• <00:25:49.039> This<00:25:49.279> was<00:25:49.760> uh<00:25:49.919> the<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > make<00:25:08.080> sure<00:25:08.919> that<00:25:09.279> the<00:25:09.799>
• c> we<00:25:16.960> allow<00:25:17.520> those<00:25:18.240> that<00:25:18.440
• > of<00:25:27.480> the<00:25:27.600> bills<00:25:28.000> and<00:25:28.360
• <00:25:44.399> and<00:25:44.559> you're<00:25:44.760> not<00:25:45.000> Brian
• c> Ryan<00:25:47.200> Yes<00:25:48.200> you<00:25:48.399> thank<00:25:48.720

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the bottom here are the newest ones for 25 and 26, and these projects are going to be approved by
• For 25 and 26, again, these are those projects that are going to be awarded, and those projects are now
• Fund and the Local Government Road Fund (LGRF) projects that we were able to do for 25, 26, and then
• 25.
• I'm sorry, 24 and 25 and 25 and 26. Sorry about that mistake there.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember<00:25:52.159> that<00:25:52.400> there<00:25:52.640> is<00:25:52.880>
• Our<00:25:56.559> prosecutors<00:25:57.440> always<00:25:57.840> have<00:25:58.000
• > to<01:25:11.280> some<01:25:11.360> of<01:25:11.440> the<01:25:11.600><
• <01:25:12.880> that<01:25:13.120> is<01:25:13.280> going<01:25:13.360> to
• :25:38.320> set<01:25:38.480> a<01:25:38.719> group<01:25:38.800> of<01:25

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:09.520> match<00:25:10.520> and<00:25:10.840> the<00:25:11.039> standards
• a<00:25:19.559> lot<00:25:19.679> of<00:25:19.799> the<00:25:19.880>
• > were<00:25:32.360> required<00:25:32.720> to<00:25:33.039> enroll<00:25
• > for<00:25:36.120> being<00:25:36.320> in<00:25:36.399> the<00:25:37.000
• the<00:25:41.080> standards<00:25:41.520> for<00:25:41.679> being<00:25:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<00:25:20.679> is<00:25:20.799> it<00:25:21.200> possible<00:25:22.120
• > the<00:25:36.760> um<00:25:37.240> this<00:25:37.679> fund<00:25:38.320
• c> it<00:25:46.799> possible<00:25:47.120> to<00:25:47.279> do<00:25:47.480>
• > um<00:25:49.720> there<00:25:49.799> is<00:25:50.000> no<00:25:50.480><
• 00:25:56.279> support<00:25:56.640> for<00:25:56.919> this<00:25:57.640> yeah

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Committee on Water and Land heard HB 504, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by imposing a $20 nightly charge on stays booked with points, miles, or other rewards-program benefits, with revenues dedicated to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. Supporters said Hawaiʻi faces major environmental funding shortfalls and that visitors should help pay for the lands and waters they enjoy. Testimony in support came from DLNR, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Care for Now Coalition, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Kuaʻulu, Mālama Puka, Resources Legacy Fund, and others, many citing visitor polling showing strong support for an environmental stewardship fee and the need for a dedicated funding source and community grants. Opposition or caution focused mainly on implementation and the tax structure. The Department of Taxation said the surcharge would create administrative difficulties because it would be hard to verify the value of points, miles, and similar bookings, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi said it supported the policy goal but not the funding source, warning that tourists have limited budgets and may choose other destinations. Some members also raised concerns about the $20 rate and administrative complexity, while others said the concept was creative but needed refinement. After discussion, the chair recommended passing HB 504 as HD1 with amendments, including noting DoTax’s concerns and changing the effective date for the surcharge to January 1, 2027. Both committees adopted the recommendation and passed the bill with amendments; one member in Water and Land voted with reservations, and several members were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1191, senate, all