Video & Transcript Research : 'Pacific Islander'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber Fri May 8, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 58
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- gallery today, if you will please stand, ... we have the Hilo High Water Polo team, who are the Big Island
- Let's be clear, your island is at stake, too. Let's be clear, your island is at stake, too.
- It is the future of Maui today, but is your island next? We need to stop this now.
- So now we're all going home back to our districts, back to our islands, back to our homes, and we take
- And for our neighbor island members, enjoy the gift of sleeping in your own beds.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Feb 7, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 15
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we have the incredible team from Island School, who are the mixed KAF champions, who are here
- to recognize both these teams today as an alumnus of Kauai High and as one of the coaches for the Island
- to recognize both these teams today as an alumnus of Kauai High and as one of the coaches for the Island
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, please join me in extending a warm Senate welcome to fifth graders from Island School.
- We took the island for honors for Island School, I think.
- We're all children of the island. Yes.
- from Island School visiting us today from Kauai, as I said.
- They don't live on Staten Island, and all of that. They live in our neighborhood.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the prior journal, and welcomed visiting fifth-grade students from Kauai’s Island School and Laie Elementary to the gallery. The body then received and referred a series of governor’s nominations and House bills, and introduced numerous Senate concurrent and Senate resolutions for committee referral. It also took up a large consent calendar of Senate bills, approving the consent package unanimously and passing those measures on third reading.
The chamber then considered many individual bills on third reading, with several floor amendments adopted to add effective dates and delay final action on measures including SB 2454, SB 2830, and SB 2397. Some bills were recommitted to the Judiciary Committee or separated from committee reports, including SB 2480 and SB 2423. The Senate also passed a number of policy bills covering motor vehicles, public safety, property insurance, elections, campaign finance, renewable energy, financial disclosures, liquor, veterans’ benefits, social media, electric energy, coastal resilience, climate planning, conservation, agriculture, education, collective bargaining, transportation, housing, land use, fishing, and natural resource management.
Several measures drew reservations or no votes, but most still passed by wide margins. Notable debate centered on SB 3125, relating to income tax, where Senator Dela Cruz supported the bill as a way to preserve tax relief for working families while addressing fiscal uncertainty, Senator DeCorte opposed it as a rollback of promised relief amid Hawaii’s high cost of living, and Senator McKelvey and Senator Rhoads defended it as a responsible balance between tax relief and budget stability. SB 3125 ultimately passed third reading 23-2. Other bills also passed with recorded opposition, including SB 2009, SB 2517, SB 2721, SB 2731, SB 3071, SB 2418, SB 2568, SB 2975, SB 2100, SB 2353, SB 3062, SB 2761, SB 2003, and SB 2981.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM, WAM DEFER, WAM-JDC, WAM-JDC Public Hearings 02-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- if in our side putting it on the island if in our side of<00:03:04.440>
the <00:03:04.519> - island<00:03:05.120>
and <00:03:05.239>we <00:03:05.360>know <00:03:05.519>- > that<00:03:05.640>
the <00:03:05.760>mayor of the island and we know that the mayor- of the island and we know that the mayor said<00:03:06.159>
he <00:03:06.280>wasn't <00- because KY never wanted them the island because KY never wanted them that's<00:03:34.319>
the - > that<00:03:05.640>
Summary:
The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language.
Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program.
The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-WTL-EDT-EIG, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:52.440>
from <00:10:52.600>the <00:10:52.720>Big <00:10:52.960>Island - cinders was from the Big Island. cinders was from the Big Island.
- we would greatly reduce our workforce, and being one of the largest employers on our side of the island
- <00:59:57.200>
of currently performing with the island of currently performing with the island - Keaholei Islands. Keaholei Islands.
Summary:
The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/14/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- 38.440>
Minnesota Existing ethnic councils like Latino Affairs, African Heritage, and Asia Pacific - 01:47:18.000>
Asia Affairs, African Heritage, and Asia Affairs, African Heritage, and Asia Pacific - Pacific Pacific have<01:47:20.560>
proven <01:47:21.240>that <01:47:21.480>this
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- largest green ammonia facility, and they are exporting affordable and cleaner fertilizer across the Pacific
- affordable and cleaner fertilizer<00:20:51.679>
across <00:20:52.159>the <00:20:52.400>Pacific - fertilizer across the Pacific Rim. fertilizer across the Pacific Rim.
Keywords:
energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- administration is very serious on getting Wyoming coal out of the country to service our allies in the Pacific
- country to service our allies in the in country to service our allies in the in the<00:54:15.520>
Pacific - 16.640>
they <00:54:16.880>don't <00:54:17.040>have <00:54:17.119>to the Pacific - so that they don't have to the Pacific so that they don't have to rely<00:54:17.520>
on <00:54
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My husband works full-time for the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
- <00:58:22.079>
for <00:58:22.280>the <00:58:22.400>Canadian <00:58:22.920>Pacific - works full-time for the Canadian Pacific works full-time for the Canadian Pacific Railroad<00:58
Keywords:
child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- name is Andy Morris, and I am the public affairs and legislative liaison at the Council on Asian Pacific
- 40 distinct API communities, access to health care was the top priority issue identified by Asian Pacific
- Today, there are over 365,000 Asian Pacific Minnesotans, many of whom are considered limited English
- This means many Asian Pacific Minnesotans face persistent barriers in accessing services, including health
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- -Denmark treaty related to Greenland and opposing American efforts to secure sovereignty over the island
- -Denmark treaty related to Greenland and opposing American efforts to secure sovereignty over the island
- . sovereignty over the island offered by sovereignty over the island offered by Representative<00:03:
Summary:
The House opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended rules to introduce 16 House bills by number only. The bills were referred to committees, and H.790, the House Committee on Appropriations Budget Adjustment Act, was placed on the calendar for notice the next legislative day. The chamber also read JRH7, a joint resolution supporting the existing U.S.-Denmark treaty relating to Greenland and opposing American efforts to secure sovereignty over the island; it was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. HCR 162, congratulating the 2025 Colchester High School Lakers Division 2 championship football team, was read and celebrated, with the team and coaches recognized in the chamber. Members also marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day with remarks tied to HCR 174 and a moment of silence.
On the action calendar, the House passed H.508, approving amendments to the Burlington city charter. It then took up H.532, which removes a Vermont statutory provision allowing mandatory retirement of college professors at age 70 so state law aligns with federal age-discrimination law; the committee reported it ought to pass by a 10-1 vote, and the House ordered third reading. The final action item, S.23 on the use of synthetic media in elections, was postponed for one legislative day at the request of the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee.
The meeting also included several announcements: the Rural Caucus and Older Vermonters Caucus scheduled upcoming meetings, House Democrats noted a caucus and a visit from Congresswoman Becca Balint, House Republicans announced a caucus after adjournment, and House Progressives said they were not caucusing that week. The House then adjourned until Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the High School W Wildcat girls basketball team for their outstanding victory in last night's Big Island
- the High School W Wildcat girls basketball team for their outstanding victory in last night's Big Island
- the High School W Wildcat girls basketball team for their outstanding victory in last night's Big Island
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hunter Christen Alre from the Food Basket Inc., Hawaii Islands Food Bank.
- Um, I know on the Big Island Kristen talked about our food insecurity.
- And um, this is patterned after a program we had on the Big Island during the pandemic.
- And um, this is patterned after a program we had on the Big Island during the pandemic.
- This is Hawaii Foodbank, so we directly serve the islands of Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed.
Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted.
The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families.
Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN DEFER, WTL-PSM, WTL Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To summarize, I and many other residents and members of our wonderful island community oppose SB 364
- To summarize, I and many other residents and members of our wonderful island community oppose SB 364
- To summarize, I and many other residents and members of our wonderful island community oppose SB 364
- Just to give you some background on us, we serve over 6,500 customers across the islands.
- Just to give you some background on us, we serve over 6,500 customers across the islands.
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.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/27/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Guruji Dileepkumar Thankappan, Staten Island, will deliver today's invocation.
- Staten Island will deliver today's invocation. Senators and public servants, namaste.
- budget represents funding for Long Islanders.
- "Yes, it is really disturbing as a Long Island senator to know that not one fire department on Long Island
- YES, IT IS REALLY DISTURBING AS A LONG ISLAND SENATOR TO KNOW THAT NOT ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON LONG ISLAND
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions.
The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading.
The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Kennedy asserted himself into an anti-vaccination crisis in the island nation of Samoa.
- We've just had a measles case in Rhode Island, the first since 2000.
- system that the bureaucracy could never explain, never justify, and that persistently pays Rhode Island
- CMS should let Rhode Island try humane end-of-life care through CMMI.
- I will work with you to make CMS responsible to the needs of Rhode Island and to remedy those disparities
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Commonwealth rate of $3.51 per pack compares to Connecticut at $4.35, D.C. at $4.50, neighboring Rhode Island
- They're buying them in New Hampshire, which is tax-free, buying in Rhode Island, which has a 50-cent
- simply make the short drive over the state border, primarily to New Hampshire. ...but also Rhode Island
- We have now fallen behind many of our neighbors, including New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland
- to the convenience store channel in 13 states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a long hybrid hearing on a wide range of tax bills, with testimony covering cigarette and tobacco taxes, nicotine pouches, contractor rental equipment exemptions, aircraft sales tax exemptions, rolling stock, advanced sales tax payments, a gun and ammunition excise tax, a digital services tax, and a psilocybin cultivation/tax proposal. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that 39 House-filed sales and excise tax bills were being heard for required reporting by November 28. No votes were taken during the hearing.
On tobacco-related bills, supporters including Senator Keenan, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Tobacco Free Mass backed higher cigarette taxes and closing the synthetic nicotine loophole, arguing the measures would reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and offset health care costs. Retailers, wholesalers, and convenience-store groups opposed the increases, warning of smuggling, out-of-state purchasing, and harm to small businesses; premium cigar representatives argued cigars should be treated separately from cigarettes. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3067 and related bills concerning nicotine pouches, with public health advocates supporting taxation and industry witnesses urging a lower, more competitive rate.
Several other bills drew sharply divided testimony. United Rentals supported H. 3065 to simplify contractor rental equipment exemption paperwork, while airport and aviation groups opposed bills to repeal the aircraft sales tax exemption, saying it would hurt airport competitiveness and jobs. The Transportation Association of Massachusetts backed rolling stock tax exemptions, saying the current tax discourages fleet investment and interstate commerce. Restaurant industry representatives supported repealing advanced sales tax payments and changing penalty rules, saying businesses were hit with retroactive penalties after unclear pandemic-era changes. On H. 3082, an excise tax on guns and ammunition, gun violence prevention advocates, Roca, and Giffords supported the bill as a dedicated funding source for prevention and survivor services, while sportsmen’s groups opposed it as unfair to lawful gun owners and harmful to conservation funding.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3208, a digital advertising services tax, with Representative Paulino supporting it as a way to capture revenue from online advertising and fund public needs, while the Chamber of Progress opposed it as costly and burdensome for small businesses and campaigns. Finally, multiple witnesses testified on H. 4050 regarding psilocybin cultivation and taxation: advocates from Mass Healing, Roca, the Reason Foundation, and individuals describing personal medical benefits urged a regulated, permit-based system, while the hearing ended after all signed-up speakers were heard and the chair adjourned the meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, on our island here on Oahu.
- Um, for Maui County or Maui Island, they offer free transit for youth.
- Um, for Maui County or Maui Island, they offer free transit for youth.
- Um, for Maui County or Maui Island, they offer free transit for youth.
- Um, for Maui County or Maui Island, they offer free transit for youth.
Bills:
HB2392, HB2462, HB2423, HB1771, HB2081, HB2334, HB2336, HB1666, HB2375, HB2415, HB2451, HB2373, HB1641, HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034
Keywords:
transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th.
The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have late testimony from Franny Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Council, on Zoom. up, test
- Um, it's actually Big Island Invasive Species Committee.
- Um, on the Big Island we have some families that have, you know, cattle and subsistence farming, and
- Um on the big island we have farmer.
- I got on a plane this morning from Hawaii Island and flew over.
Keywords:
biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- We're not in, you know, Long Island. We're not on Staten Island. We're in Maryland.
- We're not in, you know, Long Island. We're not in, you know, Long Island.
- Anne's County is looking for funding for connections across Cross Island with South Island Trail on US
- Anne's County is looking for funding for connections across Cross Island with South Island Trail on US
- Island with South with the South Island Island with South with the South Island Trail<01:29:02.360
Summary:
The House met in Annapolis on February 27, 2026, with 128 members present. After a prayer, the chamber adopted the previous day’s journal and recognized a resolution honoring Brunswick High School’s first Tech Challenge team, Minerva’s Mechanics, for winning the FTC Regional Championships and qualifying for the World Championship in Houston. The resolution was read and adopted with applause.
The main legislative item was House Bill 355, concerning the Education, Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program and human and sex trafficking; the House adopted the favorable committee report and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The next bill, House Bill 534 on nonpublic school transcripts and prohibiting punitive measures related to student debt, also received a favorable report. Debate then centered on an amendment offered to HB 534 that would have tied school funding to student choice for students in repeatedly one-star-rated schools and allowed parents of habitually violent or disruptive students to consider military boarding school options. The sponsor argued Maryland’s public schools, especially in Baltimore City, were failing students despite heavy spending, citing low literacy, violence, and the book Failure Factory; several members echoed concerns about school performance, bureaucracy, and the need for educational freedom.
Opponents and procedural speakers said the amendment was not germane to HB 534, which they described as a narrow bill about transcript access for students leaving nonpublic schools with unpaid fees, often students with disabilities. The floor leader urged the body to resist the amendment and stick to the bill’s actual subject. Despite multiple members explaining their votes in support of school choice and criticizing the Blueprint and school outcomes, the House ultimately took a roll call on the amendment after a voice vote was challenged. The transcript cuts off during the roll call and does not show the final recorded result on the amendment.