Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that it is the $600 million that was given to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to work
• um that was given to Department of um that was given to Department of Hawaiian<00:19:39.799> Homelands
• Hawaiian Homelands Hawaiian Homelands to<00:19:42.720> work<00:19:42.960> on<00:19
• Um, what I recall under the Lingo administration was that the Department of Hawaiian Homelands leadership

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard nominations for several members of the Burial Council and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. For Burial Council nominations, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division testified in support of Leimana Abunes, Cyrus Sito, Chantel Freeman, and Chadley Shiml Fenig, emphasizing their genealogical ties, cultural knowledge, experience with iwi kupuna, and commitment to preservation and reinterment. Each nominee also briefly introduced themselves and described their background and motivation to serve. Committee members said they had favorable conversations with the nominees and indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 773, Shaylin Ornellas, for the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony in support was strong, including 45 written supports and no opposition, along with oral testimony from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and community supporters. Supporters highlighted Ornellas’ education, real estate and development experience, public service, and connection to Kauaʻi and homestead communities. Ornellas said she was answering a call to serve and discussed her background and commitment to the community. Members questioned Ornellas closely about Act 279, the DHHL waitlist, beneficiary consultation, housing options, and the department’s “paper lease” practice. She said Act 279 was intended to help reduce the waitlist, supported broader housing options and beneficiary input, and acknowledged limited familiarity with the technical details of paper leases. One senator raised concerns that paper leases may not guarantee actual lots and urged further research. The discussion also touched on policy issues such as beneficiaries maintaining their waitlist positions after declining offers or taking rentals, with committee members noting these are commission policy choices rather than statutory mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:23.919> we<00:06:24.720> just agriculture uh and bio security we just agriculture
• uh and bio security we just wanted<00:06:25.199> to<00:06:25.360> make<00:06:25.520>
• >> I believe what the Department of Hawaiian Homelands would like to do is to use the rental housing
• >> I believe what the Department of Hawaiian Homelands would like to do is to use the rental housing
• would like to do is Hawaiian Homelands would like to do is to<01:02:45.440> use<01:02:46.480>

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so the first one we're looking at is the office of the governor and starting in homeland security.
• Uh so the first one we're looking at is the office of the governor and starting in homeland security.
• Uh so the first one we're looking at is the office of the governor and starting in homeland security.
• Um this adds footnote Homeland Security. This adds footnote number five.
• So this would have been into that software maintenance program in Homeland Security.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By promoting justice, this committee seeks to create a secure environment where Texans can thrive. and
• someone comes into the system, we actually share all of our information directly with them. with Homeland
• Security.
• So we order social security cards, birth certificate. identification card for those individuals that
• In 2023, we were responsible for 10 secure facilities here in the state of Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it says that in a Dorgan case, because within their own homeland, they have their own government,
• IMDs are defined in the Social Security Act and code of— Known as IMDs.
• IMDs are defined in the Social Security Act and federal regulations as an institution of more than 16
• Section 1115 of the Social Security Act enables the Secretary of federal HHS to waive certain federal
• Section 1115 of the Social Security Act enables the Secretary of federal HHS to waive certain federal

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a border wall to keep us out of our own homeland. So, we know.
• We know what it is to lose our language, to lose our homeland, to lose our culture, to lose everything
• We know what it is to lose our language, to lose our homeland, to lose our culture, to lose everything
• We know what it is to lose our language, to lose our homeland, to lose our culture, to lose everything

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 3919, a Veterans Affairs bill to modify benefits for veterans of the Secret War in Laos and to codify recommendations from an SGU task force created in the prior session. Representative Cha, the bill’s author, explained that the measure was the product of eight task force meetings and consultation with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and he described the bill as a way to recognize SGU veterans, including Hmong, Lao, and other indigenous groups who served in Laos. He and several members spoke at length about the sacrifices of SGU veterans and the Hmong refugee experience, emphasizing that the bill was both a policy change and an overdue act of recognition. Multiple members rose in support. Representative Duran said he initially had concerns but changed his view after conversations with Cha and said he was not offended by the bill as a combat veteran. Representatives Lee, Vang, Gander, McDonald, Frasier, and others praised the veterans’ service, noted the large Hmong population in Minnesota, and said the bill was long overdue. Representative Lee K. offered a more cautious note, saying the bill was the result of a difficult compromise and expressing concern that the licensing distinction for these veterans was different from other veterans, though he still supported the measure. Representative Jean J. clarified that veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act already have access to state programs, while this bill was aimed at SGU veterans who were not naturalized under that act. After discussion, the House proceeded to a roll-call vote. The bill passed unanimously, 132 ayes and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• We helped our youth navigate truancy, secure IEPs and address the underlying issues that contribute to
• This proposal is crucial to our mission of providing the highest level of safety service and security
• The mission of the Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to
• By securing the requested... resources which are outlined in the governor's 2025 and 2026 budget, the
• Security Investigations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then most recently, we've also had Homeland Security come in and listen to our meeting in Midland
• They have on their website security-wise things that you can do to secure your operations.
• This includes both physical and cyber security. What are our oil field security measures?
• And, um, To beef up their own security.
• big part of our national security, right?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Promoting these regenerative local food systems will help to provide a secure future for the current
• future for the help to provide a secure future for the current<00:07:29.520> generations<00:07
• But it's critical because it allows both HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security, our energy industry
• uh Hema and the office of Homeland uh Hema and the office of Homeland Security<01:10:42.280>
• um our energy industry reports Security um our energy industry reports or<01:10:45.320> statements

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protocol in Chinese, and my take on that, which I told the director, was that, hey, this is our homeland
• protocol in Chinese, and my take on that, which I told the director, was that, hey, this is our homeland
• protocol in Chinese, and my take on that, which I told the director, was that, hey, this is our homeland
• we can go to hey this is our homeland we can go to China<00:25:04.360> if<00:25:04.440> we
• The discussion back then was like, why put more money into securing and fortifying the stadium when we

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• Domestically for national and economic security as the key starting material for semiconductors for the
• This was all at the behest of the U.S. government for national security.
• was rolled out, the government did a study and identified three major gaps in our supply chain to secure
• It's a program that the U.S. government has made a high priority for our nation's economic security.
• and our nation's security, is crucial for economic development—not just in Grayson County, but for the

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• While we need all forms of energy that we can get our hands on, there is a premium to secure reliable
• I appreciate that it's additive, but there is a premium to secure affordable and reliable energy that
• So it's a matter of both economic opportunity and national security. My question is for Ms.
• We have to be very focused as a country on developing our own critical minerals to secure our supply
• So this settlement will bring certainty to the base and ensure tribes can thrive on their homeland.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can see the ways in which my homeland has suffered from the I can see the ways in which my homeland
• these efforts depend on one-time funding and the capacity of local entities to identify priorities, secure

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was bad enough for them and for our country's security and safety.
• the face to the people who dedicated their careers to public service and making America strong and secure
• <02:39:49.439> in which will return ancestral homelands in which will return ancestral homelands
• a well-deserved step towards securing a well-deserved national<02:55:15.439> designation<02:55
• , strengthen local local water security, strengthen local local water security, support<03:14:32.399

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were security threats at that time, but I would decide it the same way simply because it's what
• There were security threats at that time, but I would decide it the same way simply because it's what
• The Department of Education currently has a one-year extension from the Department of Safety and Homeland
• Security.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are so many Puerto Ricans that live here who care about their homeland, and so much of what happens
• That took too long to secure and was an amazing glass-breaking event that shook the country.
• we have lost sight of the connection to the Civil Rights Act that came into law decades later and secured
• WE HAVE SEEN A CONTINUED ASSAULT ON THE PROGRESS WOMEN HAVE MADE, And the rights that they have secured

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on May 4, 2026, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of resolutions and floor bills. The chamber first adopted a resolution honoring Carlos Beltran on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, with several senators praising his Mets career, athletic achievements, and philanthropy in Puerto Rico. The Senate also adopted resolutions recognizing the 2026 Women of Distinction, including tributes to living honorees and posthumous recognition of Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Dr. Hazel Dukes, and later adopted resolutions commemorating May Day and Panama’s Black Heritage Month. A Queens Chamber of Commerce resolution also prompted extensive remarks celebrating Queens’ diversity, small businesses, immigrant communities, and cultural institutions. On legislation, the Senate recalled two bills from the Assembly and restored them to the third reading calendar by a 62-0 reconsideration vote. The chamber then passed a long list of bills, including measures affecting public health, agriculture and markets, insurance, criminal procedure, public officers, labor, not-for-profit corporations, and executive law. Several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, while a few drew recorded opposition, including the environmental conservation bill on animal cruelty and the public health bill on Calendar 840. Supportive floor explanations emphasized animal welfare, protections for abandoned pets, and other public-interest reforms. The Senate also heard brief explanatory remarks on some bills, such as concerns about animals left behind in vacated housing and the treatment of wild animals in traveling circuses. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• She wanted to especially acknowledge that right now Glendale Security Ops Center is now a state regional
• center with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security.
• So we have Glendale Community College cybersecurity students who are providing security for our whole

Keywords: 1182, all

Bills: HB1519, HB1541, HB1737, HB1782, HB1854, HB1860, HB2023, HB2104, HB2276, HB2335, HB2455, HB2468, HB2551, SB177, SB411, SB874, SB2053, SB2069, SB2108, SB2268, SB2360, SB2363, SB2405, SB2407, SB2530, SB2543, SB2568, SB2803, SB2818, SB2851, SB2907, SB2934, SB2969, SB2999, SB3097, SB3103, SB3233, SB3238, SB3245, SB3001, SB3138, HB1946, HB389, HB1510, HB469, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097, SB888, SB2169, SB2367, SB2557, SB2575, SB2698, SB3082, HB344, HB939, HB1688, HB1853, HB2443, HCR103, HCR117, HCR180, HCR112, HCR18, HCR105, HCR173, HCR35, HCR98, HCR42, HCR53, HCR181, HCR101, HCR179

Keywords: campaign contributions, lobbyists, transparency, election funding, ethical regulations, HB1541, Act 057, Department of Health, Hawaii State Hospital, Developmental Disabilities Division, civil service, civil service exemption, HRS 76-16, HRS 334-4, mental health program, state hospital, secure psychiatric rehabilitation facility, associate administrator, project manager, security manager

Transcript Highlights:

• —to go out for an RFP for health insurance, and once we did, after a few months, we were able to secure
• Chairman and Senator, is that... ...seclusion and school security staff. So, Mr.
• So in that time, maybe they could have, without this bill, seen the school security officer or an SSO
• And there were other requirements in there, including something like there was a federal homeland security
• And there were other requirements in there, including something like there was a federal homeland security

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there is one add of a million dollars for the Evock
• Safety and security updates, along with ADA handicapped individual accessibility.
• There’s going to be, like, a secure entrance that they come in.
• There’s going to be, like, a secure entrance that they come in and... Thank you.
• There’s going to be, like, a secure entrance before people enter into the building.

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.