Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:02.040><c> in</c><00:10:02.240><c> person</c><00:10:02.640><c> with</c> of Hawaii in person
• So we would recommend they go through Hawaii State Rural Health Association, and then we can assist as
• and they're actually administered Hawaii and they're actually administered by<00:20:46.880><c> Hawaii
• state World Health Association by Hawaii state World Health Association which<00:20:48.799><c> is</c
• </c><00:21:07.120><c> state</c><00:21:07.280><c> rural</c><00:21:07.600><c> Health</c> through Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on February 6 and began with decision-making items. SB 663, concerning additional positions for the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, was deferred again after the chair said the university’s response did not include the requested details on vacant positions, recruitment status, and fill dates. The chair said the committee needed the full information before considering new positions, and the university apologized for treating the request as informal rather than a formal committee inquiry. The committee then discussed SB 672, relating to capital improvement projects for the Y. Manalo Research Station. University representatives said the project had been identified late because of timing and that they were still developing a broader plan for SEAR research facilities. The chair questioned how the project fit within the university’s existing Board of Regents-approved CIP priorities and whether any current priorities should be displaced. The university said it could not unilaterally reprioritize the budget, and the measure was deferred pending better direction on how it fits into the overall plan. For SB 557, which would require the John A. Burns School of Medicine to direct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention for Maui, the committee heard strong testimony in support from Maui health care providers and community representatives. Supporters described severe shortages of physicians and dentists, long waits for care, and the need for housing, loan repayment, scholarships, transportation, and telehealth support to retain providers. The university said it was willing to help and suggested the work could be done through existing rural health and AHEC efforts. The bill was kept alive for further work, with the chair encouraging the parties to develop a plan. The committee also heard SB 1107, establishing a medical education position at JABSOM to support ECHO-style mentorship and guidance programs. The university opposed the bill, saying it did not believe the measure addressed a problem that needed fixing and that Hawaiʻi already has five ECHO clinics administered through the Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, not JABSOM. The committee then took up SB 1204, concerning integration of the Kakaʻako medical school and cancer center. University leadership asked for time to develop a plan and timeline, possibly with an external consultant, and requested the bill be withdrawn. The chair expressed skepticism, citing long-standing concerns about the cancer center’s finances and planning. Testimony included support from the American Cancer Society and a patient who warned that integration could jeopardize the cancer center’s NCI designation and clinical trials, while a university vice president said the NIH P30 grant does not require the cancer center and medical school to remain separate and that many NCI centers are integrated. No final votes were taken on the measures discussed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I was privileged to travel with a tribal education director, Kevin Shendo, and his team to Hawaii
• Because looking at Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oklahoma, Montana, a bit, and us are the leaders.
• Because it's great that people can go to Hawaii.
• You know, if we look at examples like Hawaii, I'm sure they exist. I just think, Mr.
• The early childhood education two-plus-two program with the University of Hawaii.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the CD does reflect that we clarified the definition of covered employer under the Hawaii Retirement
• Requires covered employers to automatically enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement Savings
• </c><00:30:29.840><c> Requires</c> Hawaii Retirement Savings Act.
• Requires Hawaii Retirement Savings Act.
• </c> enroll covered employees into the Hawaii enroll covered employees into the Hawaii Retirement<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees reconvened on April 25, 2025, and worked through a series of measures, mostly public employment cost items, appropriations, workers’ compensation, data sharing, and retirement-related bills. Several bills were briefly held for later action because Finance/FIN-WAM or related release had not yet been received, including SB 382, HB 423, HB 480, HB 214, HB 828, HB 717, HB 1065, and HB 1036, with some of those rolled over to a 2:30 p.m. meeting in Conference Room 16. HB 1424, relating to appropriations, was described as requiring the Director of Finance to report on transfers between position funding and operating expenses; the conferees agreed to a CD1 and voted to pass it. HB 430, relating to internships, was also agreed to in CD1 with technical amendments removing certain appropriation language and was passed after clarification that the funding covered both years and included the Helima program. The committees then moved through a block of public employment cost items. HB 1026, HB 1027, HB 1028, HB 1029, HB 1030, HB 1032, HB 1034, and HB 1035 were each reported as having CD1 agreement and Finance/WAM release, with appropriations tied to various bargaining units and governor’s messages; each was voted out. HB 1036 and HB 1037 were held over due to release issues, while HB 1038 was noted as having CD1 and Finance/WAM release and was passed for bargaining unit 13. HB 1039 was also rolled over for lack of release. Later, SB 336 on defense of state employees was agreed to with technical cleanup and passed as a CD, and SB 1491 on departmental data sharing was amended to add agencies to the state longitudinal data system and require aggregation/anonymization of certain data before being passed as a CD. Additional measures were also resolved. SB 935, relating to government, was amended to reduce the ERS multiplier for judges beginning in 2031, remove sheriff and deputy sheriff language, and require a DHR study on changing vesting from 10 to 5 years; it passed as a CD with no appropriation. SB 1567 required DERT to complete a comprehensive review of classification and compensation systems by October 31, 2026, allowed a third-party contractor, required legislative reports, and included $1.75 million in the budget; it passed as a CD. SB 855, relating to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, clarified covered employers, required automatic enrollment unless employees opt out, repealed a fee cap, and added funding for FY26 and FY27; it passed as a CD. SB 743 established a data sharing governance working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and required a legislative report; after a brief recess it was passed as a CD. SB 717 and SB 1065 were both continued to the later 2:30 p.m. meeting because release was still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to your Hawaii State Senate. Thank you, and Mr.
• Welcome to your Hawaii State Senate. Thank you, and Mr.
• ><00:02:18.519><c> welcome</c><00:02:18.840><c> to</c><00:02:19.000><c> your</c><00:02:19.200><c> Hawaii
• </c> Chris Golding welcome to your Hawaii Chris Golding welcome to your Hawaii state state state senate

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Curvelo currently is a member of the Hawaii Island Burial Council, where she has served faithfully.
• Curvelo currently is a member of the Hawaii Island Burial Council, where she has served faithfully.
• strong support of this nomination for Kayla Curvelo, who has honorably served as a member of the Hawaii
• I'm nominee for the Kona representative seat on Hawaii Island Burial Council. give a statement?
• </c> Hawaii Island Burial Council.

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on April 14, 2026, to consider GM 644, the nomination of Kayla Curvelo to the Hawaii Island Burial Council, shifting her seat from the at-large/large landowner position to the Kona representative seat. Testimony in support came from SHPD Administrator Jessica Pap, who said Curvelo has served faithfully and has strong ties to the Kona community, and from OHA’s Leiloha Macouani, who noted Curvelo has served on the council since 2021 and as chair since August 2025. Curvelo, appearing on Zoom, described her family’s deep roots in Kona and said her focus would be on supporting community and descendant voices in burial matters. In response to questions, she emphasized that burial council decisions should be handled case by case, especially in situations involving inadvertent discovery of iwi, preservation in place, or relocation. She said the council’s role is to listen to families, SHPD, and community needs, and to balance cultural practice, changing conditions, and respect for kupuna and ʻāina. Members asked about her vision for the council and whether iwi could be moved when necessary. Curvelo said relocation can be appropriate when done properly, but there is no single rule; each situation depends on the family, the site, and conditions such as coastal erosion or high surf. After discussion, the chair recommended advise and consent. The committee voted to adopt that recommendation, with Chair Richards, Vice Chair, Senator Kealoha, and Senator Dela Cruz voting aye; Senator Ihara was excused. The nomination was forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we recognize nurse Renee Kojima, a home infusion nurse with Pharmarmacare Hawaii.
• to have Cesaly Nago, Karen's mother, and Jay Takahashi Niota, the nurse manager at Pharmarmacare Hawaii
• Daryl Glasser, on behalf of the Senate and the people of Hawaii, we thank you.
• Medical Group, Amanda Woo, Vice President of Hawaii Pacific Health, Elena Kabatu, I see Elena over there
• Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the oversight coordinator for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission.
• From the Director of Human Services, State of Hawaii, we have Director Ryan Mane offering comments.
• Kaiʻi Ls Eris Check is testifying for the Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support.
• We have Sydney Story testifying for Opportunity for Youth Action, Hawaii, in support.
• </c><00:07:12.160><c> is</c> approximately 32% so while Hawaii is approximately 32% so while Hawaii is

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• This is our Thursday, February 20, 2025, 9:30 a.m. agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State
• are some technical, non-substantive amendments, and we will adopt the amendments proposed by the Hawaii
• Amendments<00:03:15.799><c> proposed</c><00:03:16.159><c> by</c><00:03:16.319><c> the</c><00:03:16.400><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:03:16.720><c> state</c> Amendments proposed by the Hawaii state Amendments proposed by the Hawaii

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making session and took up a series of previously heard bills. SB 21 on water carriers was passed with amendments to make the inflationary cost-indexed adjustment mechanism permissive rather than required, along with technical changes and a non-defective effective date. SB 133 on energy was passed with amendments adopting PUC recommendations and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 391 on recycling, creating an end-of-life lithium-ion battery management working group, was passed unamended. SB 532 on DOE medication administration in public schools was passed with amendments incorporating Hawaii State Center for Nursing proposals and a defective effective date. SB 230 on wild game meat donations was passed with technical amendments and a July 1, 2050 defective date. SB 1279 on pharmacists and telehealth supervision under the 340B program was also passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. SB 1494 on optional hearing aid coverage was passed with technical amendments and a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee deferred action on SB 588, which would allow self-certification for certain behind-the-meter solar systems and exempt them from FEA no-rise/no-impact declarations, citing the testimony submitted. It also deferred SB 281 on telehealth conformity with federal Medicare rules and SB 49 on prior authorization data reporting, both until Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 229. SB 838 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors was passed with amendments adopting technical changes and Department of Human Services proposals, plus a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; one member noted support but urged future consideration of including Medicaid managed care. All measures acted on were adopted without objections or reservations, with Senator Richards excused from voting on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've carried the bond multiple times in a row, as well as other measures to increase our financing for
• Under current law, local measures involving tiered tax rates or bond issuances must compress complex
• does in the 75-word label, it simply tells the voter, if they want more information on that tax or bond
• Montebello Unified School District, bond fraud, chief business officer and superintendent, misled in
• a $100 million bond offering.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• We all want to feel safe in Hawaii.
• Savannah Sherman, Animal Law section of HSBA, Hawaii State Bar Association, also in support.
• Hawaii can and must be better than a place that turns a blind eye to suffering.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. superintendent for the safety of the superintendent for the safety
• :29.160><c> the</c> congressman Charles duu welcome to the congressman Charles duu welcome to the Hawaii
• Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate. If we can all give a round of applause and a good talk.
• </c><00:14:59.959><c> directly</c> make a difference in how Hawaii directly make a difference in how
• Hawaii directly from<00:15:01.240><c> the</c><00:15:01.480><c> most</c><00:15:02.120><c> trusted</c><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew's Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is interested in international relations.
• Priaryy<00:15:00.639><c> while</c><00:15:00.880><c> here</c><00:15:01.120><c> in</c><00:15:01.279><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:15:01.920><c> and</c><00:15:02.160><c> is</c> Priaryy while here in Hawaii and is Priaryy while
• here in Hawaii and is interested<00:15:02.959><c> in</c><00:15:03.279><c> international</c><00:15:04.000
• outdoorsy, and community-focused teen from Armenia who can't wait to be part of our family here in Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill does: we'll adopt the Attorney General's amendments to clarify the process by which the Hawaii
• measure to require that before submitting a project or proposal for residential development to the Hawaii
• The Supreme Court has ruled over and over again that Hawaii trust assets like Ala Wai Harbor cannot be
• water we do representative of Hawaii water we do service<01:11:47.400><c> we</c><01:11:47.520><c> do
• </c> Public Utilities regulated by the Hawaii Public Utilities regulated by the Hawaii Public<01:11:54.360

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this bill was offered by a good colleague from Hawaii Island, and I believe the changes that the
• :10:53.680><c> good</c><00:10:53.880><c> colleague</c><00:10:54.440><c> from</c><00:10:54.640><c> Hawaii
• </c> offered by a good colleague from Hawaii offered by a good colleague from Hawaii Island<00:10:55.880
• Institute of Human Services, Parents and Children Together, the Salvation Army Mahalamae, and the Hawaii
• </c> Hawaii Women's Prison Project Mahalamae. Hawaii Women's Prison Project Mahalamae.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
• I'm with the Hawaii Department of Health. I am the deputy director for environmental health.
• This was superseded by our current 2022 emergency order, which references our Hawaii administrative rules
• Most of these steps are required to close any underground storage tank system in Hawaii, such as a gas
• </c> eager to see what University of Hawaii eager to see what University of Hawaii develops<00:59:06.640

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap. EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps. Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> study ever done in the state of Hawaii. study ever done in the state of Hawaii.
• Um I uh personally have in Hawaii.
• </c> that this is rooted in history of Hawaii that this is rooted in history of Hawaii and<00:53:09.599
• </c> to become, you know, to have a Hawaii to become, you know, to have a Hawaii effect<00:58:29.040>
• </c> child in the entire state of like Hawaii child in the entire state of like Hawaii just<01:14:27.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues present in the gallery today, I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing the Hawaii Dental
• Association Foundation for their commitment to improving the oral health of Hawaii.
• dentists I'd like to acknowledge dentists representing<00:16:05.319><c> the</c><00:16:05.440><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:16:05.759><c> Dental</c> representing the Hawaii Dental representing the Hawaii Dental Association
• Much of the last bill is basically all the residents of Hawaii; part of their state income tax goes to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Farming in Canyon County and Hawaii County, I love how Senator Bernshaw mentioned this, the bridges in
• That's the only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into Holmdale
• We'll have 10, 12, only way that we can cross into Hawaii County is to cross a bridge that goes into
• You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder. Thank you.
• You go into Hawaii County, narrower Highway 95, not as good a shoulder.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a person who is from Hawaii originally, I particularly appreciate snow removers, and um recognizing
• As a person who is from<00:01:37.800><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:38.160><c> originally,</c><00:01:38.840><c>
• I</c><00:01:39.040><c> particularly</c> from Hawaii originally, I particularly from Hawaii originally

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Hawaii homes commission<00:10:04.399><c> and</c><00:10:04.519><c> more</c><00:10:04.720><c>
• So when I carry the burden of being a commissioner, I also carry a burden of representing Hawaii on a
• </c><00:12:57.560><c> or</c> responsibility is to put Hawaii or responsibility is to put Hawaii or Hawaiian
• </c><00:13:12.440><c> on</c><00:13:12.560><c> a</c><00:13:12.800><c> national</c> representing Hawaii
• on a national representing Hawaii on a national level<00:13:15.600><c> so</c><00:13:16.519><c> to</c

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments. Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.