Transcript Highlights:

• > trying<00:11:18.399> to<00:11:18.560> set<00:11:18.720> up<00:11:18.880
• <00:11:25.360> So,<00:11:25.600> I<00:11:25.760> think<00:11:25.839> that
• ><00:11:28.720> go<00:11:28.880> ahead<00:11:29.279> with<00:11:29.839> the
• <00:11:30.880> neonic<00:11:31.519> seeds<00:11:32.480> uh<00:11:32.800>
• <00:11:38.399> But,<00:11:39.120> um<00:11:39.680> but<00:11:39.920> I

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:06.480> the<00:11:06.639> intent<00:11:06.959> of<00:11:07.120> this<
• um<00:11:09.720> basically<00:11:10.120> that<00:11:10.240> would<00:11:
• :11.839> made<00:11:12.200> by<00:11:12.480> hhfdc<00:11:13.480> or<00:11
• 00:11:20.399> in<00:11:20.600> section<00:11:21.040> B<00:11:21.920> the<
• new section<00:11:22.639> be<00:11:22.839> deleted<00:11:23.360> because<00:11:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:11:01.200> so<00:11:02.240> uh<00:11:02.480> this<00:11:02.720> is<
• Uh certainly<00:11:05.360> I<00:11:05.600> will<00:11:05.760> be<00:11:06.000>
• /c><00:11:09.360> um<00:11:10.399> discussion<00:11:10.959> about<00:11:11.279><
• <00:11:20.560> Um<00:11:20.959> I<00:11:21.279> do<00:11:21.440> not<
• <00:11:22.959> I<00:11:23.360> just<00:11:23.600> have,<00:11:24.320> you

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:18.720> How<00:11:18.800> can<00:11:18.880> I<00:11:19.040> help?
• >> So,<00:11:19.760> how<00:11:20.000> much<00:11:20.240> does<00:11:20.480
• and<01:11:05.840> vague<01:11:06.159> def<01:11:06.719> um<01:11:06.960>
• So you know arguably<01:11:10.960> any<01:11:11.199> kind<01:11:11.440> of<01:11
• Um so<01:11:40.560> the<01:11:40.960> actual<01:11:41.360> will<01:11:41.520>

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.719> no<01:11:00.920> more<01:11:01.239> than<01:11:01.840> 500<01:11
• <01:11:04.159> never<01:11:05.000> yeah<01:11:05.199> yeah<01:11:05.640>
• then it<01:11:10.920> involves<01:11:11.400> all<01:11:11.600> the<01:11:11.920
• need<01:11:17.120> as<01:11:17.280> much<01:11:17.560> income<01:11:18.080><
• :11:26.159> other<01:11:26.920> with<01:11:27.159> reservations<01:11:28.120>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.000> you<00:11:39.160> see<00:11:40.000> now<00:11:41.000> those<00:11
• > still<00:11:44.160> have<00:11:44.360> not<00:11:44.639> been<00:11:44.880
• ><00:11:50.680> the<00:11:51.079> the<00:11:51.519> great<00:11:52.519> um
• powerered<00:11:54.079> industry<00:11:54.800> that<00:11:54.959> they<00:11
• :02.480> doing<02:11:02.800> a<02:11:02.920> visit<02:11:03.159> to<02:11

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:21.519> majority<00:11:21.920> of<00:11:22.120> government<00:11:22.480><
• <00:11:26.279> of<00:11:26.519> dollars<00:11:27.000> issue<00:11:27.360>
• :27.959> laws<00:11:28.560> or<00:11:28.720> even<00:11:29.000> hand<00:11
• Lois learner<00:11:39.120> and<00:11:39.320> how<00:11:39.440> can<00:11:39.600
• :11:44.680> or<00:11:45.000> investigations<00:11:46.000> when<00:11:46.200>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there<01:11:01.199> was<01:11:01.440> never<01:11:01.920> any<01:11:02.239><
• 01:11:11.600> want<01:11:11.760> to<01:11:11.840> get<01:11:11.920> it<01
• get<01:11:13.280> it,<01:11:13.520> you<01:11:13.679> have<01:11:13.840>
• <01:11:15.040> to<01:11:15.120> get<01:11:15.199> it,<01:11:15.760> they<
• <01:11:21.520> it<01:11:21.760> on<01:11:22.159> um<01:11:22.400> below

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I kept hearing from<00:11:01.519> mothers<00:11:01.920> in<00:11:02.079> my<00:11
• I've listened<00:11:03.600> to<00:11:03.760> the<00:11:03.920> mayor<00:11:04.160
• <00:11:08.399> He's<00:11:08.720> someone<00:11:08.959> who<00:11:09.440>
• We all know<00:11:31.360> how<00:11:31.519> bad<00:11:31.760> it<00:11:31.920>
• So, I've<00:11:38.560> talked<00:11:38.880> for<00:11:39.200> years<00:11:39.519

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:04.760> counties<00:11:05.839> conservation<00:11:06.839> um<00:11:06.959>
• a district um<00:11:14.480> there<00:11:14.639> is<00:11:14.800> no<00:11:15.040
• plate<00:11:21.160> grants<00:11:22.160> um<00:11:22.320> and<00:11:22.639>
• recently<00:11:28.560> um<00:11:29.480> at<00:11:29.839> a<00:11:30.880>
• but<00:11:49.519> it's<00:11:49.680> been<00:11:49.880> a<00:11:50.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• > I'd<00:11:01.440> ask<00:11:01.600> for<00:11:01.959> a<00:11:02.959>
• <01:11:01.600> Um,<01:11:02.000> finally,<01:11:02.320> we<01:11:02.560>
• <01:11:15.440> about<01:11:15.679> for<01:11:15.840> many,<01:11:16.080> many
• <01:11:19.600> And<01:11:19.840> that's<01:11:20.159> the<01:11:20.360> A44
• <01:11:33.760> Um,<01:11:34.640> can<01:11:35.040> can<01:11:35.280> you<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > down<00:11:07.079> that<00:11:07.360> second<00:11:08.000> column<00:11
• saving<00:11:18.519> uh<00:11:18.959> yes<00:11:19.440> uh<00:11:19.600> we
• c><00:11:19.800> we<00:11:19.959> we<00:11:20.079> can<00:11:20.279> provide<
• we'll<00:11:21.160> also<00:11:21.320> add<00:11:21.480> a<00:11:21.600>
• :11:52.920> if<04:11:53.119> this<04:11:53.319> was<04:11:53.520> a<04:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:04.880> If<00:11:05.040> y'all<00:11:05.360> please<00:11:05.680> stand
• Please giving<00:11:38.160> them<00:11:38.320> a<00:11:38.560> warm<00:11:38.800
• > round<00:11:39.519> of<00:11:40.000> of<00:11:40.480> welcome.
• ><00:11:45.920> you<00:11:46.079> for<00:11:46.240> what<00:11:46.399> you
• >> Thank<00:11:49.839> you,<00:11:50.079> Mr.<00:11:50.240> President.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 28 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Pastor Jonathan Gary of Hikes Retreat Baptist Church, and recited the pledge of allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, all approved by voice vote. The chamber also introduced several guests, including members of the Domestic Violence Review Board and domestic violence shelter directors, visitors from the Aspire Learning Center in Simpson County, and representatives of the Mississippi Airports Association and Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. The main legislative action was on House Bill 3, described as a technical cleanup bill related to CO issues that had previously been vetoed in part by the governor. Senator Brian explained that the new version removed the objectionable provision, contained only minor technical changes, and was essentially the same bill passed earlier. The Senate adopted the bill by use of the morning roll call, with one member recorded as voting no and another present, and then granted immediate release to the governor for signature. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements about committee schedules and cancellations, including meetings for appropriations subcommittees, business and financial institutions, highways and transportation, public health and welfare, universities and colleges, education, elections, public property, government structure, and others. The presiding officer also announced the Senate would begin at 9:00 a.m. the next day to allow members to attend the speaker’s father’s funeral, that the chamber would work on Friday, and that the Senate would stand in recess until the last committee report was filed or 5:00 p.m., at which time it would be considered adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:11:01.440> marketplace<00:11:01.920> this<00:11:02.240> year<00:11:02.399><
• c> But<00:11:03.839> if<00:11:04.079> you're<00:11:04.320> very<00:11:04.560
• this<00:11:10.160> is<00:11:10.320> an<00:11:10.480> initial<00:11:10.880>
• c><00:11:13.360> in<00:11:13.680> people<00:11:14.000> being<00:11:14.240> able
• <00:11:19.279> They're<00:11:19.600> now<00:11:19.760> not<00:11:20.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• so is it was it perhaps 11 to8 11 to 7 so is it was it perhaps 11 to8 11 to 7 there's<00:46:26.440>
• <01:11:08.360> amend<01:11:09.040> a<01:11:09.199> core<01:11:09.600> part
• of the<01:11:10.600> amendment<01:11:11.600> is<01:11:12.480> to<01:11:13.400>
• 01:11:35.520> whether<01:11:36.440> uh<01:11:36.600> the<01:11:36.760> person
• 11:55.000> and<03:11:55.560> spent<03:11:56.560> and<03:11:56.720> I<03:11

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.

Transcript Highlights:

• again<00:11:01.639> in<00:11:01.839> June<00:11:02.440> calendar<00:11:02.800><
• c><00:11:12.639> we<00:11:12.760> saw<00:11:13.000> from<00:11:13.720> 23
• 23 so the<00:11:15.079> resetting<00:11:15.639> of<00:11:15.880> e<00:11:16.160>
• 00:11:19.279> and<00:11:19.440> we're<00:11:19.600> just<00:11:19.760> going<
• 11:28.639> excuse<00:11:28.880> me<00:11:29.000> can<00:11:29.120> I<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 916, all

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

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Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.