Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Craig Nakamoto, Executive Director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
• Hawaii State Department of Health. Good afternoon, Chair, members of the committee.
• Next up is Ted Bolan from Climate Protectors Hawaii.
• Ted Bolan, for Climate Protectors Hawaii.
• Ted Bolan, for Climate Protectors Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if these are requesting a Hawaii vacation, that's not what this program's about.
• I think I would do much better at the end of my life on the beach in Hawaii. How about you?
• basically, if we're going to let you out on this program, it's in Washington State, not at a beach in Hawaii
• If we're going to let you out on this program, it's in Washington State, not at a beach in Hawaii.

Bills: SB5873 , SB5895 , SB5911 , SB5940 , SB5942 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message Number 718 withdraws a nomination to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Hurricane
• of directors a nomination to the board of directors of<00:06:50.400><c> the</c><00:06:50.560><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:06:51.039><c> hurricane</c><00:06:51.560><c> relief</c><00:06:51.960><c> fund</c> of the Hawaii
• hurricane relief fund of the Hawaii hurricane relief fund file<00:06:54.400><c> on</c><00:06:54.639>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal. The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day. At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:02.799><c> and</c> I'm just always curious like Hawaii and I'm just always curious like Hawaii
• I could be wrong, but you know, Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you. Great questions. Thank you.
• So you said that Hawaii fascinating.
• So you said that Hawaii exit<01:12:53.679><c> example</c><01:12:54.159><c> they</c><01:12:54.560><c>
• </c> Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you. Hawaii is pretty small. But thank you.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:05.639><c> homelands</c><00:05:06.320><c> and</c> uh Department of Hawaii homelands and uh
• McMillan, on behalf of Tom Yamachika for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, we have submitted some comments
• </c><00:08:10.080><c> we</c> ma for the tax Foundation of Hawaii we ma for the tax Foundation of Hawaii
• There is a challenge with the labor supply here in Hawaii, so some of our projects we got to kind of
• There is a challenge with the labor supply here in Hawaii, so some of our projects we got to kind of

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, HB 1353 allows the TCEQ and the PUC to partner with the North American Development Bank, NAD
• Members, HB 1353 allows the TCQ and the PUC to partner with the North American Development Bank, NAD
• This bill would allow the PUC to conduct background checks on employees and contractors who have access
• This bill would allow the PUC to conduct background checks on employees and contractors who have access

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• court shall hold status hearings<00:10:52.279><c> on</c><00:10:52.440><c> the</c><00:10:52.560><c> Hawaii
• on the Hawaii state hospital grounds<00:10:54.079><c> no</c><00:10:54.279><c> less</c><00:10:54.519>
• 00:16:51.959><c> Personnel</c><00:16:52.440><c> from</c><00:16:53.440><c> the</c><00:16:53.759><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:16:54.120><c> state</c><00:16:54.319><c> film</c> All personnel from the Hawaii State Film Office
• This proposes an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of Hawaii to protect a person's right to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language. Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program. The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the only two that we are aware of that have it run by the state is Hawaii and California.
• </c><00:27:01.360><c> and</c> that it's run by the state is Hawaii and that it's run by the state is
• Hawaii and California.<00:27:02.799><c> California</c><00:27:03.360><c> has,</c><00:27:03.679><c> I</
• </c><01:08:29.120><c> Um</c><01:08:30.159><c> however</c> defraud the state of Hawaii.
• Um however defraud the state of Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. for the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference.
• Okay, I've got a quick question for the PUC.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DIR, DSHS, and the PUC serve as ex officio members.
• Many of our volunteers regularly travel out of state to Alaska and Hawaii and Michigan, some of the places

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• DIR dishes and the PUC service ex officio members the board's role is to set policy provide strategic
• Many of our volunteers regularly travel out of state to Alaska and Hawaii.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with him is Abby Simmons from the SAL caucus from the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
• Sall caucus from the Democratic<00:15:55.800><c> party</c><00:15:56.000><c> of</c><00:15:56.079><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:15:56.759><c> welcome</c><00:15:57.519><c> Abby</c> Democratic party of Hawaii welcome Abby Democratic
• party of Hawaii welcome Abby thank<00:15:58.720><c> you</c> thank you thank you [Applause] representative

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lewin and Terry (indistinct) are counting on you, as well as all members of the board of the Hawaii Planning
• Chair's recommendation is to advise and consent to Roxann Rowe for the Health Planning Council for Hawaii

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee met for decision making on GM 572, the nomination of Roxann Rowe to the Health Planning Council for Hawaii County, with a term expiring June 30, 2028. The chair noted that the committee had received Rowe’s questionnaire responses and emphasized the committee’s role in reviewing nominees’ qualifications and ability to carry out their duties. No testimony was taken and no questions were raised by members. The chair recommended advising and consenting to the nomination. The committee voted unanimously in favor: the chair, vice chair, Senator Hashimoto, and Senator Keohokalole all voted aye, while Senator Fevella was excused. The recommendation was adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recently enjoyed a family wedding in Hawaii. It was also a great family reunion.
• Ong refugees at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and arrived in the state of Hawaii a year later.
• In Hawaii, he also worked with Vietnamese and Indo-Chinese volunteer. agency, a non-profit organization

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In some states, the state regulatory commissions, the PSC or the PUC, will get involved, but it tends
• In some states, the state regulatory commissions, the PSC or the PUC, will get involved, but it tends
• But state PUCs and public service commissions become involved anytime you're talking about the retail
• State PUCs also deal with oversight of utility resource plans so that they're ensuring that the utilities
• right at the end of my presentation, which is there are certain costs that no regulator, no PSC or PUC

Committee: Joint Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You couldn't work with the PUC or have input. That's what you just said. Yeah.
• Wait, hold on, but you said you couldn't communicate with the PUC, I think is...
• So I want to make sure on the exception that was pointed out, if there was a case before the PUC or if
• When I met with the PUC asking them how the funds were established, I found out at the...
• At that time, probably around 2013, the PUC rescinded 10% over cost.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB 5 , SB 11 , SB 12

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Communication in support, Nature Conservancy as well, Kaʻaku Ohana Association, and the Hawaii Ocean
• </c><00:07:39.240><c> ocean</c> Ohana Association and the Hawaii ocean Ohana Association and the Hawaii
• I also want to call out Hawaii Farm Bureau's concern for other small farmers.
• Farm bureau's concern for out Hawaii Farm bureau's concern for other<00:11:11.279><c> small</c><00:11
• Hawaii Farm Bureau, in opposition. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak to HB 510?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and in Colorado, families Hawaii, and in Colorado, families reeling<04:04:31.520><c> from</c><04:04
• </c><04:05:10.800><c> This</c><04:05:11.120><c> legislation</c> Hawaii, and Colorado.
• This legislation Hawaii, and Colorado.
• The gentlewoman from Hawaii is recognized for three minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahalo, Mr.
• </c> Colorado, Hawaii, or any place else. Colorado, Hawaii, or any place else.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California, they began labor organizing, because so many of them had come from the sugar plantations in Hawaii
• celebrate Korean American Day as the first group immigration day in 1903, 20,102 farm workers landed in Hawaii
• When I landed in Hawaii during my peaceful time, I encountered those first-generation people.
• That's the example of The example of the Korean farmers, how they came to California from Hawaii, and

Keywords: 987, senate, all