Transcript Highlights:

• We have, you know, environmental community and industry.
• Sabina Lange, and I am the Chief Toxicologist at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Air Permits Division at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• 54.720><c> climate</c> um with environmental and climate um with environmental and climate related<00
• </c> reaching sustainable um environmental reaching sustainable um environmental goals.<00:24:28.799>
• We have a mandate of updating all assessments by 2050.
• We need to get all assessments by 2050.
• </c><01:01:55.200><c> prioritization</c> mean we use assessful prioritization mean we use assessful prioritization

Bills: HB644, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1620, HB1730, HB1749

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the Department of Environmental Quality, and I understand you said this is a part of their
• Department of Environmental Quality, and I understand you said this is a part of their purview.
• It has to do with public safety, public health, and environmental quality.
• Yes, they're there to determine the safety and the environmental quality around the campsite.
• The safety and the environmental quality around the campsite. That's it.

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee met and first announced that Senate Bill 1619 would be laid over to a later date. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1265, which would extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days, with supporters citing the decline of daily newspapers and the need to help cities meet publication requirements. The bill received a due pass recommendation and advanced on an 8-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1198, which would require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to release liens on property owned by a city or county when requested by the local treasurer. Senator Mann explained that the measure is intended to help local governments reuse tax-delinquent or code-violation properties for affordable housing, since liens can exceed the value of the property. The bill advanced on a 7-1 vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up Senate Bill 2046, as amended by committee substitute, which would allow the Department of Environmental Quality to determine the legality of campsites and evaluate whether sanitary and environmental standards are met. Members questioned the bill’s definitions, reporting thresholds, timelines, fiscal impact, and the role of DEQ and the Department of Public Safety in notifying counties and ordering removal of camps. Following debate, the bill advanced on a 6-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the language should be crystal clear that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
• Policy Act, because I believe... ...that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
• I'm an environmental consultant, and I work closely with an environmental toxicologist.
• Just last night I worked on a human health risk assessment which included pesticide sampling in soils

Bills: H5113, H5076, H4972, H4917, H4700, S2896, S2961, S2933, H5141, H5140, H5139, S2877, H3920

Keywords: Marion Stoddart, riverwalk, J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Nashua River, Nashua River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, trail designation, state forest, conservation, environmental recognition, commemorative naming, signage, public lands, toxic pesticides, Eastham, environmental regulation, local control

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I can't see who's here behind us, but um joining us today are a number of folks in the environmental
• Um, I can't see who's here behind us, but um joining us today are a number of folks in the environmental

Bills: HB1163, HB2113, HB2333, HB2411, HB2583, HB1613, HB1614, HB2590, HB1950, HB1603, HB1707, HB1832, HB2119, HB2155, HB2594, HB2595, HB1929, HB2015, HB2207, HB1619, HB1667, HB1984, HB2140, HB2097, HB1957, HB2503, HB2581, HB1520, SCR55, SR53

Keywords: commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, Kainahola Stream, flood prevention, vegetation removal, appropriation, natural resources, transportation, airport special districts, penalties, Hawaii, aeronautics law, public safety, workforce development, sector partnerships

Bills: SB169, SB201, SB1290, SB1377, SB1991, SB2060

Keywords: longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, minimum salary, education funding, teacher compensation, Oklahoma education, salary schedule, 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, foster care, duffel bags, personal belongings, children's welfare

Summary: The committee took up several Senate bills and adopted multiple amendments, including a contested amendment process on Senate Bill 201. An objection was raised that an amendment had not been filed by the prior-day deadline under Rule 76C, but the chair ruled the objection not well taken, citing the chair’s authority to waive the timing requirement. The amendment to the amendment, offered by Speaker Hilbert, deleted Section 2 of the bill, removing statutory language that tied the teacher-pay measure to House Bill 3705 and the broader budget agreement. Members discussed that the underlying agreement still linked the measures politically, including a $25 million increase to the Parental Choice Tax Credit and a $2,000 increase to the minimum salary schedule for teachers. After clarification that the bill applied to certified personnel except for positions listed in the amendment, SB 201 passed the committee 29-0. The committee then approved Senate Bill 1290, which strengthens the 211 hotline system by clarifying oversight, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing access gaps, and supporting better funding and emergency responsiveness. Senate Bill 169 also passed after amendment; it increases longevity pay for state employees by 50% for designated years of service beginning in fiscal year 2027. Senate Bill 1377, which requires DHS to provide duffel bags to children in foster care as part of the budget, passed after members asked whether the bags would remain the child’s property and whether the bags would be standardized; the sponsor said the bags would belong to the child but did not know the procurement details. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1991, described as an OMES/Oklahoma cleanup bill that consolidates existing functionality and revenues under a common umbrella without changing the substantive sources or purposes of the funds. After a question confirming it was only a cleanup measure, the bill passed 29-0. Senate Bill 2060 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would allow the Department of Environmental Quality, and I couldn't hear.
• Yes, it will allow the Department of Environmental Quality to determine the legality of a campsite.
• Certainly, the Department of Environmental Quality evaluates all campsites and permits for a campsite
• It's it has to do with public safety, public health, and environmental quality.
• Yes, they're there to determine the safety and environmental quality around the campsite.

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but we can do the work to inventory and assess. >> Great.
• We view it as a critical mechanism to make progress towards the state's goals of environmental management
• SP 2905 increases<00:13:11.760><c> the</c><00:13:11.920><c> environmental</c><00:13:12.480><c> response
• </c> increases the environmental response increases the environmental response energy<00:13:13.279><c
• Moving on to SB 2905, increasing the environmental response energy and food security tax.

Bills: SB2699

Keywords: fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to understand and assess the actual needs that are out there.
• There are some great engineering firms in Texas that can assist in making these assessments.

Bills: SB7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what we really see are entities that have enforcement concerns with the Texas Commission on Environmental

Bills: SB7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill enables better choices in these communities by allowing for a broader spectrum of environmentally
• friendly to use these other products that are truly environmentally friendly and don't have the PFAS
• friendly to use these other products that are truly environmentally friendly that don't have the PFAS
• this bill addresses a longstanding issue on the Oklahoma River by directing the Department of Environmental
• I and others received the unredacted 2015 Kirkpatrick Dam and Spillway Condition Assessment, September

Bills: S0698, S0958, S1066, S1230, S1288

Keywords: onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• communities, the most rural communities, and our keiki and kupuna who bear the greatest burden of environmental
• 13.360><c> of</c> kupuna who bear the greatest burden of kupuna who bear the greatest burden of environmental
• </c><00:02:14.560><c> So</c><00:02:14.760><c> when</c><00:02:14.920><c> a</c> environmental exposure.
• So when a environmental exposure.

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure. The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded. Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It shortens the period during which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments
• It shortens the period during which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments
• It shortens the period during which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments
• <00:01:10.960><c> assessments</c><00:01:11.439><c> and</c> environmental assessments and environmental
• ><c> they</c><00:02:31.920><c> have</c> environmental assessments, uh, they have environmental assessments

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here for a hearing of the joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Committee
• Our lifetime impact report shows our revenue, expenses, and the environmental impact we create every
• impact we create every environmental impact we create every year<00:18:31.440><c> since</c><00:18:31.600
• </c> Convene the committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.
• We'll have to work with each of the individual agencies in terms of doing that assessment.

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair lays out Senate Bill 825 by Senator Middleton. relating to an annual study on the economic, environmental
• Bill 825 provides lawmakers with comprehensive data-driven insights. sites and to the economic, environmental
• That will assess the impact of illegal immigration on our state and key areas of state and local expenditures
• makers have access to necessary data to make informed decisions on how to address the economic, environmental

Bills: SB825

Keywords: illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently have a whole slew of assessments and working groups and so forth, and having those in seats
• We currently have a whole slew of assessments and working groups and so forth, and having those in seats
• We currently have a whole slew of assessments and working groups and so forth, and having those in seats
• It requires establishment of a biological aquatic risk-based framework for assessment and approval of
• </c><00:49:21.599><c> and</c> riskbased framework for assessment and riskbased framework for assessment

Bills: HB1602, HB2246, HB1707, HB2216, HB2594, HB2595, HB2155, HB2113, HB2207, HB1832, HB2015, HB2152, HB2548

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:12.720><c> recovery</c> conflict with our environmental recovery conflict with our environmental
• </c> about the environmental review process. about the environmental review process.
• :54.400><c> is</c><01:04:55.359><c> a</c> The environmental review process is a The environmental review
• So Fonzi is a finding based on the environmental assessment.
• The environmental assessment is supposed to determine whether an EIS is necessary or not.

Bills: HB2101

Keywords: aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable. Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations. Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.