Transcript Highlights:

• . projections. projections.
• I'd<00:25:21.480> love<00:25:21.680> to<00:25:21.800> hear<00:25:22.000> from
• <00:25:24.480> check<00:25:24.800> in<00:25:24.960> with<00:25:25.160> you
• Uh Uh Uh this<00:25:40.520> paying<00:25:40.840> double<00:25:41.120> time<00:25
• <00:25:55.720> in<00:25:55.880> terms<00:25:56.320> of<00:25:56.960> uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They<00:25:35.240> recorded<00:25:35.680> a<00:25:35.760> comedy<00:25:36.120>
• Uh<00:25:37.600> he<00:25:37.760> contracted<00:25:38.320> with<00:25:38.480>
• They<00:25:43.560> hired<00:25:43.800> a<00:25:43.840> company<00:25:44.280>
• They<00:25:53.000> hired<00:25:53.520> all<00:25:53.720> kinds<00:25:54.120>
• 25:55.880> labor,<00:25:56.360> all<00:25:56.520> misclassified<00:25:57.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> For<01:25:09.600> the<01:25:09.840> last<01:25:10.159> two<01:25:10.480
• So<01:25:20.880> any<01:25:21.199> discussion<01:25:21.760> on<01:25:22.000>
• speaker<01:25:22.880> on<01:25:23.120> what<01:25:23.360> costs<01:25:23.679>
• :31.760> I<01:25:31.920> think<01:25:32.000> we<01:25:32.159> might<01:25
• >> Um<01:25:34.080> I<01:25:34.320> do<01:25:34.480> have<01:25:34.560>

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:

• Holding the fire at those projects.
• from new projects.
• How do projects get done?
• in this $26 million in 25-26.
• The private sector company runs a fund that invests in projects. What projects?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• received limited interest in<00:25:01.039> the<00:25:01.120> parcels<00:25:01.640>
• > listing<00:25:10.120> firm<00:25:10.520> of<00:25:10.640> the<00:25:10.799
• appraisal of<00:25:19.360> December<00:25:19.799> 2024<00:25:20.720> done<00:25
• 34.279> a<00:25:34.520> term<00:25:34.760> of<00:25:34.919> one<00:25:35.159
• LRCP 25-2. LRCP 25-2.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met in organizational session and first elected Representative John Cluder as clerk. A nomination of Senator Mark Makoni as vice chair was made but not voted on because he was absent; it was carried over to the next meeting. The committee also reviewed its guidelines and procedures, including how it handles property-disposal requests, late items, and informational materials, and then approved the November 12, 2024 minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. The committee then considered several state property and lease requests. It approved a 50-year, $1-per-year ground lease for about 5.66 acres at Berlin Regional Airport in Milan for a New Hampshire Army National Guard hangar/support facility, after hearing that the project is federally funded, intended for training and search-and-rescue support, and would have no permanent full-time staffing. The committee also approved a 30-year lease for the Department of Justice to move the chief medical examiner’s offices, morgue, and autopsy suite to 279 Pleasant Street in Concord, with testimony that the current Concord Hospital space is inadequate and that the new site would double body-storage capacity. Several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation property items were approved as well. Safety received approval for a 10-year lease, with renewal options, for the State Police aircraft hangar at 91 Airport Road in Concord. Transportation was authorized to continue disposal efforts for remnant parcels in Concord, Conway, Lisbon, Effingham, and Mount Vernon, with testimony explaining market conditions, appraisals, access limits, and easements; members asked questions about access and buildability, but each item was approved. During the Berlin lease item, the committee was told the FAA objects to any lease longer than 50 years at that airport, so the request was revised from 55 years to 50 years on the record before approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• to make our Promise, we were able to make our project<00:25:32.240> work<00:25:32.480> by<
• /c><00:25:32.720> separating<00:25:33.120> out<00:25:33.360> housing project work
• by separating out housing project work by separating out housing from<00:25:34.320> our<00:25
• <00:25:50.159> the<00:25:50.400> project<00:25:50.720> has<00:25:50.880>
• worked excited for that. the project has worked excited for that. the project has worked for<00:25

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• misses a lot<00:25:09.680> of<00:25:09.760> the<00:25:10.160> uh<00:25:10.320><
• Uh<00:25:12.000> it's<00:25:12.200> very<00:25:12.480> hypocritical<00:25:13.360
• > made<00:25:44.520> the<00:25:44.640> project<00:25:45.320> so<00:25:45.560
• > big deliberately made the project so big deliberately made the project so big that<00:25:46.880
• 25 years. 25 years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:25:01.679> Chairman,<00:25:02.480> thank<00:25:02.640> you,<00:25:02.880>
• Uh<00:25:04.880> I<00:25:05.279> I'm<00:25:05.520> going<00:25:05.600> to
• <00:25:05.760> have<00:25:06.000> some<00:25:06.240> of<00:25:06.400> the
• This<00:25:41.840> is<00:25:42.000> this<00:25:42.320> is<00:25:42.880> this<
• /c><00:25:43.120> is<00:25:43.200> a<00:25:43.440> win<00:25:43.679> all<

Bills: SF0102, SF0123, SF0021, SF0099

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.960> So,<00:25:07.120> if<00:25:07.279> somebody<00:25:07.520>
• /c><00:25:08.640> right,<00:25:08.960> if<00:25:09.200> there's<00:25:09.360>
• <00:25:15.360> There<00:25:15.520> was<00:25:15.679> like<00:25:15.840> a
• <00:25:22.960> He's<00:25:23.279> he<00:25:23.600> remembers<00:25:24.000>
• <00:25:25.520> but<00:25:25.760> if<00:25:25.919> you<00:25:26.000> looked

Bills: HF3830, HF3688

Keywords: utilities, rate cases, cost recovery, reporting requirements, gas infrastructure, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think most of you are aware of the MinRoad project that I was involved with for 25, 30 years.
• other projects. You name the project. other projects. You name the project.
• <01:25:01.360> It's<01:25:01.600> called<01:25:01.679> the<01:25:01.920>
• Those<01:25:02.800> were<01:25:02.960> all<01:25:03.120> taken<01:25:03.440>
• <01:25:07.120> So,<01:25:07.360> at<01:25:07.600> the<01:25:07.760> time,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:09.120> to<00:25:09.360> support<00:25:09.840> kids<00:25:10.600> but<
• :25:27.080> we<00:25:27.200> can<00:25:27.480> continue<00:25:27.880> to<
• The estimated cost of that project is about $25 million, and the $12 million proposed for a pier that
• <01:08:25.799> and<01:08:25.960> the<01:08:26.080> 12 project is about $25 million
• and the 12 project is about $25 million and the 12 million<01:08:26.759> proposed<01:08:27.159

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need<00:25:10.799> to<00:25:10.880> be<00:25:10.960> very<00:25:11.279
• <00:25:13.360> of<00:25:13.520> course,<00:25:13.679> the<00:25:13.840> board
• <00:25:17.679> And<00:25:17.760> I<00:25:17.919> just<00:25:18.080> wanted
• thank<00:25:22.880> Senator<00:25:23.200> Putnham<00:25:23.760> and<00:25
• Thank you.<00:25:26.720> Further<00:25:27.039> discussion<00:25:27.520> on<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > half<03:25:44.399> billion<03:25:44.800> dollar<03:25:45.120> project.
• <03:25:46.239> And about a half billion dollar project.
• <05:25:13.200> 15%<05:25:14.320> of<05:25:14.718> the Additionally, projects
• 05:25:36.000> projects<05:25:36.480> that yourself.
• Additionally, projects that have<05:25:37.040> more<05:25:37.280> than<05:25:37.600>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.240> And<00:25:03.440> I<00:25:03.480> think<00:25:03.760> that
• <00:25:05.160> thing<00:25:05.400> for<00:25:05.520> us<00:25:05.680> to<
• be paying<00:25:07.080> very<00:25:07.320> close<00:25:07.520> attention<00:25:
• the process<00:25:10.760> of<00:25:10.880> negotiating<00:25:12.160> the<00:25:
• 25:13.720> this<00:25:13.880> deal<00:25:14.040> will<00:25:14.160> expire

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 3263, which would create a state-supported endowment for University of Hawaii athletics NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Eliott supported the bill, saying NIL requires both immediate funding and a longer-term sustainable solution. He asked for several changes: lowering the initial endowment target from $10 million to $2 million so the fund could start sooner, allowing NIL reporting by team rather than by individual student-athlete, and clarifying that athletes may choose whether to use an agent, while still allowing certified agents or a parent/guardian if desired. Committee members raised concerns about using taxpayer dollars for athlete compensation, the burden on a small-state budget, and whether the university could realistically raise the required matching funds. Several senators questioned whether the university had a concrete fundraising plan and whether the endowment would meaningfully help UH compete with larger programs. Eliott said UH is already fundraising privately for current NIL obligations, had raised more than $1.6 million toward a $3 million annual goal, and would continue fundraising for both short-term needs and the endowment match. He also said the university is not trying to compete with Power Five schools on the same scale, but to be successful at its own conference level. Members also discussed transparency and privacy, with some senators arguing that if state money is used, the public should know how it is spent, while Eliott said individual student-athlete NIL information should remain private and team-level reporting would be preferable. He confirmed international student-athletes are eligible for NIL and said about 60 to 70 UH athletes are currently participating, with more than 100 expected next year. The discussion also touched on UH’s Mountain West media rights and local TV rights, with Eliott explaining that the conference distribution is expected to remain around $3.5 million and that local TV rights would be negotiated separately. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:01.679> And<00:25:01.760> it's<00:25:02.000> gone<00:25:02.159> a<
• I'm<00:25:03.360> And<00:25:03.919> again,<00:25:04.240> I<00:25:04.480> think
• <00:25:10.240> Uh<00:25:10.559> I<00:25:10.799> think<00:25:10.880> we'd<
• <00:25:16.240> Uh<00:25:16.480> but<00:25:16.720> we're<00:25:16.880> at<
• /c><00:25:16.960> the<00:25:17.120> 97%.

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting was prematurely interrupted. The full version will be uploaded in the next few days., 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.

Transcript Highlights:

• Expedited<00:25:29.200> grants<00:25:29.679> would<00:25:29.919> be<00:25:30.159
• <00:25:32.640> up<00:25:32.880> to<00:25:33.360> 750.
• And<00:25:56.799> just<00:25:57.039> a<00:25:57.279> reminder<00:25:57.600> that
• > and<01:25:07.520> I<01:25:07.679> think<01:25:07.760> that<01:25:08.000
• :25:10.800> Chair<01:25:11.120> Fischer<01:25:11.440> and<01:25:11.600> I

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on state grant-management requirements. Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Tyson outlined the main controls agencies must follow, including pre-award risk assessments for grants of $50,000 or more, reimbursement as the preferred payment method, limits and documentation requirements for advance payments, and monitoring obligations for active grants. She emphasized that these controls are intended to reduce improper payments and fraud, but also require staff time and strong internal systems. In response to questions, she said advance payments are used in some grants but reimbursement is more common, and noted that agencies can add controls such as retaining a portion of funds, surprise visits, or audits. She also said surety bonds are required in some state programs, but not generally for grants, and that this could be a policy discussion for the executive branch. The committee then received a Department of Natural Resources presentation on the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund community grant program created in 2023 law. DNR officials said the program is intended to expand access to ENRTF funding, especially for communities affected by pollution and environmental degradation, and to support projects such as environmental education, resource restoration, trail work, and aquatic invasive species management. They said the department will use the same grants team that handles Outdoor Heritage Fund and LCCMR grants, which already manages a large volume of grants, and that the advisory council application is open through April 10. DNR described its implementation plan as similar to the Conservation Partners Legacy program, with both standard and expedited grant rounds, technical assistance, and use of technical experts. Differences include no match requirement, allowance for fiscal agents to help smaller organizations, and more flexibility for administrative expenses to reduce barriers to participation. Officials said the program will follow state grant rules, including pre-award financial reviews and monitoring, and will use the 5 percent administrative allowance to support both oversight and grantee assistance. They also said the report’s suggestion of advance payments for grants under $50,000 was raised for discussion, but they did not dispute the auditor’s emphasis that reimbursement is the preferred approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• As of today, we took $25. $25 million in IIJA money in 2023. 730 wells with that.
• $316,000 for this purpose in the 24-25 biennium.
• flood control. dam projects.
• The exceptional item of 150. million would provide work for an estimated 25 additional dams. 25?
• the projects for that.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:00.880> And<00:25:01.039> I<00:25:01.200> think<00:25:01.279> it's
• Absolutely.<00:25:09.120> The<00:25:09.200> iFlows<00:25:10.080> captures<00:25:
• <00:25:11.679> of<00:25:11.840> rain<00:25:12.159> over<00:25:12.480> any
• It can send<00:25:21.120> alerts<00:25:21.600> to<00:25:21.760> our<00:25:22.240
• 25:23.760> this<00:25:23.919> water<00:25:24.159> has<00:25:24.320> risen

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force focused on the task force’s mission and on recent Kentucky flooding disasters. The co-chairs described the need to better prepare for increasingly frequent and costly natural disasters, including flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and ice storms, and emphasized coordination among local, state, federal, and interstate partners. The discussion also stressed the importance of budgeting for mitigation, infrastructure resilience, housing, insurance, and recovery planning, with several members sharing personal experiences with disaster impacts in their districts. Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave the main presentation, responding to questions about the February and April flooding events. He said the February event affected the entire state, with 11,825 individuals registering for assistance and 1,194 public-assistance projects written so far; he also reported 134 households still sheltered, 190 households moved to permanent housing, and three disaster recovery centers still open after a regional consolidation. For the April event, he said 37 counties had individual assistance, 83 counties were still pending public assistance, and no hazard mitigation had yet been declared; 5,893 people had registered for individual assistance, and 144 households were sheltered, with 83 families already moved to permanent solutions. He noted that counties without public assistance would have to cover expenses locally unless state or federal aid is approved. Gibson also outlined Kentucky Emergency Management’s tools and resources, including a 24/7 state operations center and warning point, embedded National Weather Service meteorologists, five regional warehouses stocked with water, MREs, blankets, and kits, a statewide web-based damage reporting system, laundry trailers, generators, a disaster needs hotline that has received 6,972 calls, and a mutual aid system used to deploy resources such as water tankers. He highlighted ongoing work on urban search and rescue, qualification systems for emergency operations personnel, and aerial documentation of storm damage. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• project is the uh West aahu Road project project is the uh West aahu Road project that<00:20:58.200
• Deputy attorney<00:25:51.960> general<00:25:52.960> uh<00:25:53.159> our<00:25:
• > to<00:25:56.840> summarize<00:25:57.600> that<00:25:57.840> is<00:25:58.720
• :25:05.159> for<01:25:05.280> the<01:25:05.760> commission<01:25:06.760> uh
• were<01:25:13.080> to<01:25:13.639> consider<01:25:14.639> uh<01:25:14.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• projects? projects?
• <01:25:06.239> was<01:25:06.400> not<01:25:06.639> supposed<01:25:06.960>
• They have not<01:25:17.760> been<01:25:18.000> increased<01:25:18.480> in<01:25:
• And<01:25:21.120> this<01:25:21.280> is<01:25:21.440> the<01:25:21.679>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all