Transcript Highlights:

• > data<00:45:42.720> that<00:45:42.880> we<00:45:43.119> have<00:45:43.839
• > this<00:45:44.720> sales<00:45:45.040> tax<00:45:45.359> would<00:45:45.599
• <00:45:49.920> in<00:45:50.640> sales<00:45:50.960> tax<00:45:51.520> rece
• :39.040> uh<01:45:39.360> 84831<01:45:40.639> will<01:45:40.880> be<01:45
• to<01:45:48.560> revert<01:45:49.040> to<01:45:50.480> um<01:45:51.679>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:01.440> 3<00:45:01.760> years<00:45:02.200> have Providers are stretched to
• > when<00:45:40.599> the<00:45:40.800> cost<00:45:41.119> is<00:45:41.280>
• providers<00:45:46.800> are<00:45:47.040> tired<00:45:47.520> and<00:45:47.640>
• > Life<00:45:54.440> work<00:45:54.720> balance<00:45:55.280> while<00:45
• <00:45:58.520> this<00:45:58.640> is<00:45:58.960> also<00:45:59.319> of<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:45:06.160> if<00:45:06.400> the<00:45:06.640> judges<00:45:07.040> in
• c><00:45:07.280> my<00:45:07.520> experience<00:45:07.920> and<00:45:08.160>
• /c><00:45:12.880> experience<00:45:13.280> when<00:45:13.440> I<00:45:13.599>
• > about<02:45:30.399> chapter<02:45:30.800> 76.
• <02:45:31.439> So<02:45:31.600> this um language about chapter 76.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:05.520> going<00:45:05.599> to<00:45:05.760> get<00:45:05.920> your<00
• :45:11.599> we<00:45:11.839> are<00:45:12.000> moving<00:45:12.319> so<00
• I<00:45:18.560> mean<00:45:18.720> the<00:45:18.880> farm<00:45:19.119> that<
• I mean,<00:45:48.319> so<00:45:48.560> it's<00:45:48.720> it's<00:45:49.040>
• Oftentimes<00:45:51.599> when<00:45:51.839> I<00:45:52.000> buy<00:45:52.400>

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1350 1351 1352 1353 1354 1354 1354 1355<00:45:05.240> 1356<00:45:06.240> 1357<00:45:07.200
• ><00:45:12.760> are<00:45:12.880> there<00:45:13.000> any Senator PLL excused are
• or nots<00:45:15.520> if<00:45:15.760> not<00:45:16.599> uh<00:45:16.760> recommendation
• > very<00:45:18.800> much<00:45:19.000> that<00:45:19.119> concludes okay
• <00:45:20.319> thank<00:45:20.520> you

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several labor and personnel measures. Senate Bill 1567 would require the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the executive branch classification and compensation system and allow it to contract with a third party outside normal procurement rules. Director Brana Hashimoto testified in support, saying the state has more than 1,400 classes of work and limited staff to keep the system current; she said outside vendor help and market data are needed to update class specifications, minimum qualifications, and pay structures. She noted the project scope and timeline would depend on funding, and said the governor had approved about $1 million for the effort. Members asked about vendor scope, comparisons to the private sector and other public employers, consolidation of obsolete classes, and whether the exemption from procurement rules would speed the work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 326 on defense of state employees, with testimony in support from HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Senate Bill 337 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators used in collective bargaining disputes by allowing the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to request a list from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and to use arbitrators from both FMCS and the American Arbitration Association; HGEA supported the bill, saying the broader pool would improve selection and address communication issues. Senate Bill 1233 would create a State Internship and Workforce Development Program within DeHerd. The University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce supported it. DeHerd said the program could help place interns into vacancies and convert them to civil service jobs, but said it would need about five FTE and roughly $330,000 in salaries to administer a program serving about 50 to 75 interns at a time; members questioned whether the positions could be filled and whether the program could proceed without added resources. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1359, which would increase the employer-based composite monthly contribution to the Hawaii EUTF Benefits Trust Fund beginning in January 2026 and then tie future increases to Medicare Part B premium changes with a lag. The EUTF administrator testified, and a member noted the measure resembled a bill that had died in conference the prior year. Senate Bill 1454 would give the Labor and Industrial Relations director authority to issue wage payment violation orders, establish penalties and appeals, and broaden the definition of wage; the department supported it, explaining it would align procedures under chapter 387 with existing chapter 388 enforcement and make investigations easier. Finally, the committee moved through a series of collective bargaining cost-item bills for various bargaining units and related entities, with testimony generally in support from Budget and Finance, HGEA, UH, HHSC, UPW, and other unions and associations. One amendment request was to include bargaining units 1 and 10 in the temporary hazard pay funding bill, and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association noted its airport firefighters unit was still in arbitration and would provide final numbers later.

Transcript Highlights:

• a vote of 25<00:45:06.720> eyes,<00:45:06.920> eight<00:45:07.040> no,<00:45:07.240
• :45:08.600> 1145<00:45:09.560> is<00:45:09.720> passed.
• Please<00:45:38.440> add<00:45:39.560> Senator<00:45:39.960> Cocker<00:45:41.040
• Second<00:45:52.880> reading<00:45:53.160> of<00:45:53.240> bills,<00:45:53.800>
• Thank<00:45:58.800> you,<00:45:58.880> Mr.<00:45:59.080> President.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.839> Um,<00:45:14.720> but<00:45:14.960> it<00:45:15.200> seems<00:45
• <00:45:18.000> are<00:45:18.160> going<00:45:18.240> to<00:45:18.400> be<
• > supposed<00:45:23.839> to<00:45:24.079> comply<00:45:24.480> with<00:45
• <02:45:33.359> that's<02:45:33.600> what<02:45:33.840> Senator<02:45:34.160>
• <02:45:35.920> If<02:45:36.160> that<02:45:36.319> is<02:45:36.479> a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:45:18.240> now<00:45:19.440> what's<00:45:19.680> the<00:45:19.920> impact
• Why why would we<00:45:22.079> even<00:45:22.560> think<00:45:22.800> about<00:45
• <00:45:28.800> families<00:45:29.200> who<00:45:29.359> are<00:45:29.599>
• ><00:45:49.839> care,<00:45:50.160> but<00:45:50.560> this<00:45:50.800> is
• important<00:45:51.520> aspect<00:45:51.920> to<00:45:52.079> it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:21.119> opposite<00:45:21.760> of<00:45:22.000> what<00:45:22.160>
• :45:26.880> 2021<00:45:28.000> and<00:45:28.240> a<00:45:28.480> lack<00:
• available<00:45:29.280> spaces<00:45:29.680> was<00:45:29.839> the<00:45:30.000
• This is<00:45:39.280> logical<00:45:39.680> as<00:45:39.920> the<00:45:40.079>
• <00:45:44.720> lots<00:45:45.040> with<00:45:45.200> 100<00:45:45.520> or

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:15.040> yeah<00:45:15.400> just<00:45:15.599> to<00:45:15.880> to<00:
• 45:16.079> close<00:45:16.400> out<00:45:17.079> uh<00:45:17.319> Mr bber
• :45:18.599> think<00:45:19.480> the<00:45:19.720> the<00:45:19.880> timeline<
• :24.200> you<00:45:24.319> knew<00:45:24.520> it<00:45:24.680> was<00:45:
• c> like<00:45:30.040> to<00:45:30.280> me<00:45:30.599> and<00:45:30.800>

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• and then as other chapter districts come.
• I'm the AMS here to the Tohatchee chapter. I'd like to welcome everybody to the Tohatchee chapter.
• President, do we have any other chapters from this chapter?
• I want to know more about the chapter level involved at Baha'i Squad Chapter.
• A big fenced area, and that's the Twin Lakes chapter house, but that's the newest chapter house.

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.960> to<00:45:35.040> pay<00:45:35.200> for<00:45:35.359> those<00:45
• Um,<00:45:40.560> in<00:45:40.800> the<00:45:40.960> discussion,<00:45:41.520>
• /c><00:45:44.319> several<00:45:44.560> the<00:45:44.720> committee<00:45:44.960
• Um, I<00:45:54.240> would<00:45:54.400> also<00:45:54.720> posit,<00:45:55.599><
• 00:45:57.920> the<00:45:58.079> statute,<00:45:58.560> right,<00:45:58.720> there's

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• certain laws in chapters 516 and 516 D for<00:45:21.720> for<00:45:22.000> these<00:45:
• so<00:45:26.559> I'm<00:45:26.640> just<00:45:27.000> questioning<00:45:27.520>
• > guess<00:45:37.559> you<00:45:38.119> don't<00:45:39.119> no<00:45:39.359
• > you<00:45:44.960> thank<00:45:45.119> you<00:45:45.240> chair<00:45:45.960
• > moving<00:45:49.880> on<00:45:50.599> okay<00:45:50.880> next<00:45:51.119

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope. The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that. Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:05.480> is<00:45:05.680> the<00:45:05.840> time<00:45:06.160> that
• 00:45:09.320> on<00:45:09.520> the<00:45:09.600> way<00:45:09.880> MnDOT's
• ><00:45:15.240> Sauk<00:45:15.480> Centre<00:45:15.760> is<00:45:15.880> just
• Uh Trunk<00:45:19.320> Highway<00:45:19.560> 71,<00:45:20.160> as<00:45:20.280><
• chapter 428B. chapter 428B.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exact and resume our exact session.<00:45:33.680> We<00:45:34.000> are<00:45:34.240>
• > on<00:45:34.880> House<00:45:35.160> Bill<00:45:36.200> 142.
• You should<00:45:37.599> have<00:45:37.680> all<00:45:37.920> received<00:45:38.240
• <00:45:50.880> I<00:45:51.040> know<00:45:51.200> I<00:45:51.440> can't
• Nope,<00:45:58.640> that's<00:45:58.880> the<00:45:59.040> wrong<00:45:59.200>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• kakaako<02:45:02.439> I'm<02:45:02.600> really<02:45:02.880> concerned<02:45
• 45:09.560> you<02:45:09.680> know<02:45:09.840> looking<02:45:10.120> at
• <02:45:10.680> do<02:45:10.800> you<02:45:11.120> actually<02:45:11.560>
• :45:15.680> the<02:45:15.960> parcels<02:45:16.560> that<02:45:16.680> you
• :45:21.120> 1990<02:45:22.120> plan<02:45:23.080> uh<02:45:23.279> studies

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted. OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important. A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<01:45:06.159> what<01:45:06.400> I<01:45:06.560> think<01:45:06.639> will
• 01:45:16.560> of<01:45:17.199> items<01:45:17.520> of<01:45:17.760> clothing,
• 22.320> to<01:45:22.400> have<01:45:22.560> to<01:45:22.800> seize<01:45:
• > going<01:45:25.760> to<01:45:25.840> tie<01:45:26.080> up<01:45:26.159>
• c> in<01:45:33.040> the<01:45:33.199> past<01:45:33.360> they<01:45:33.520><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:12.319> elros<00:45:12.880> subsidy<00:45:13.280> and<00:45:13.359> the
• :15.359> new<00:45:15.599> steps<00:45:16.480> in<00:45:16.640> the<00:45
• 00:45:21.040> bill<00:45:21.280> before<00:45:21.480> you<00:45:21.599> today
• 45:48.280> Minnesota<00:45:48.839> and<00:45:49.000> a<00:45:49.119> full
• :45:55.960> elves<00:45:56.280> was<00:45:56.440> 9%<00:45:56.960> %<00:45

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• are comparable<00:45:49.559> to<00:45:49.760> the<00:45:49.920> same<00:45:50.240
• <00:45:52.960> and<00:45:53.079> the<00:45:53.200> other<00:45:53.440> piece
• piece has to<00:45:54.000> do<00:45:54.240> as<00:45:54.400> well<00:45:55.000>
• with<00:45:55.240> the<00:45:55.480> board<00:45:55.960> having<00:45:56.280
• :57.119> if<00:45:57.240> you<00:45:57.359> will<00:45:57.920> to<00:45:58.200

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.