Video & Transcript Research : 'Alaska Native tribes'
Page 87 of 207
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/04/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- 14:08.000>
an <01:14:08.159>indigenous <01:14:08.800>people's <01:14:09.199>tribe - language of an indigenous people's tribe language of an indigenous people's tribe from<01:14:09.679
- committee, we would like to expand it because we see a clear need to include that impact, because it is native
- committee, we would like to expand it because we see a clear need to include that impact, because it is native
- We see a clear need to include that impact because it is native, but it's also invasive, and it causes
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted.
The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- screening in Native Americans so Native<00:38:12.880>
Americans <00:38:13.560>have <00: - Uh, Duran, I want to talk about the Native American portion of this.
- Uh, Duran, I want to talk about the Native American portion of this.
- first interaction with uh Native first interaction with uh Native American<00:45:55.960>
Community - <00:47:53.200>
American the cities as well as a Native American the cities as well as a Native
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- A native of Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Springer has deep ancestral and generational ties to the
- A native of Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Springer has deep ancestral and generational ties to the
- A native of Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Springer has deep ancestral and generational ties to the
- A native of Cao Palelejo in North Kona, Miss Springer has deep ancestral and generational ties to the
- A native of Hawaiian repairarian usage.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- academic and field settings focused on expanding habitat networks and building capacity within the native
- With more resources for this research, they can work to reduce the cost of native wildflower seeds and
- With more resources for this research, they can work to reduce the cost of native wildflower seeds and
- With more resources for this research, they can work to reduce the cost of native wildflower seeds and
- bring down the cost of planting native wildflowers for everyone.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532).
The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption.
Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be focusing on Native Hawaiian veterans.
- There is no native nursery on the west side of Oʻahu.
- As you already know, Indigenous people include Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
- Aloha, uh, Maline McK here on behalf of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG DEFER, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 02-12-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh Jacob, on behalf of Alaska, we stand on our... Great. Thank you, Jacob. Is there anyone else?
Bills:
SB2699
Keywords:
fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session.
The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used.
Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion.
The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level.
Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 1/21/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Fort Snelling used to be historically a concentration camp for Native Americans.
- Uh, and they were actually this Native American place where they detain where the concentration camp
- marched those Native Americans and they killed them.
- /c> marched those Native Americans and they marched those Native Americans and they killed<00:12:11.279
- Native American woman.
Summary:
State Rep. Samakab Hussein and other Minnesota lawmakers held a press event focused on allegations of ICE misconduct in St. Paul and surrounding communities, using the case of Nasra Ahmed, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, as the central example. Hussein and others said Ahmed was detained for two days, denied clear explanation and legal representation, and suffered trauma and injuries; Ahmed described being taken from a predominantly Somali neighborhood, called a racial slur, and physically restrained, while her father said the experience was unacceptable for any citizen or resident.
Several lawmakers, including Reps. María Isa Pérez-Vega, Mahmud Nur, Dave Pinto, and St. Paul City Council Member Anika Buouie, said they were drafting or supporting legislation and local responses to provide behavioral health, mental health, and emergency assistance for affected families and businesses. They also said they were hearing from teachers, faith leaders, and community members about fear, disrupted work and school attendance, and broader economic harm, and that St. Paul’s city council would pursue a letter to Gov. Walz seeking an eviction moratorium.
The speakers alleged that ICE actions were unlawful, racially targeted, and in some cases in violation of a recent federal court order limiting certain tactics. They urged people to document incidents, call 911, and use an attorney general portal to report constitutional-rights violations so data could be collected. No formal vote was taken at the event, but the lawmakers said they were working with county and state officials and referenced ongoing lawsuits and possible future court orders.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 01/28/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:55:06.640>
countries of civil wars in their native countries of civil wars in their native - The premise of this act was to entice Native Americans who were living on reservations or residing on
- Americans arrived in swaths of um Native Americans arrived in the<01:11:59.600>
various <01:11 - Um, this resulted in a high-poverty city, a high-crime amalgamation for Native American residents.
- Native American Indian Affairs Council in 1963.
Summary:
The committee heard Senate File 59, authored by Senator Green, which would require counties to locate and restore original public land survey monuments and related boundary markers. Green argued that newer GIS/GPS-based surveys have sometimes shifted long-established property lines, creating disputes for landowners, counties, and state agencies. He described examples involving his own property and constituents, including a case where a neighbor allegedly lost access to a well and septic system after a new survey and another where a landowner was told he was farming school trust land based on a newer plat reference.
Testimony in support came from Allan Roger Olen, who said a newer survey changed his family’s property lines and created a dispute over land, a building permit, and ownership of well and septic systems. Senator Green also said county plat books are not legally binding and that the bill is intended to force counties to find original monuments before more disputes arise. Committee members raised concerns from the Association of Minnesota Counties about the bill’s timeline, funding, and requirement that counties employ a land surveyor. Green responded that counties had already been told to hire surveyors in some disputes, acknowledged the funding concerns, and said he would look for funding sources while emphasizing protection of property rights.
A committee member who teaches surveying explained that adverse possession is a real legal doctrine in Minnesota and noted that restoring all monuments would cost far more than the $10 million already appropriated, estimating the total need at about $300 million. Phil Reigns of the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors testified that the Public Land Survey System underlies Minnesota’s land tenure system, that the original monuments were set mostly between 1850 and 1908, and that surveyors aim to restore them as accurately as possible using historical records and modern tools. He said the work is expensive because many counties lack staff surveyors and must hire consultants.
Members discussed whether the bill would create boundary conflicts or authorize counties to alter lines, and Green said his intent was to restore original monuments and avoid litigation. Co-Chair Lang moved that Senate File 59, as amended, be recommended to pass and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The motion prevailed on a voice vote. Afterward, the committee began receiving an overview from the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-HWN, WLA-HOU, WLA Public Hearings 04-17-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to HCR 166 requesting DNR to identify state lands in East Oahu for the planting of native trees
- Moving on to HCR 166 requesting DNR to identify state lands in East Oahu for the planting of native trees
- Moving on to HCR 166 requesting DNR to identify state lands in East Oahu for the planting of native trees
- She's one of the state's leading scientists on rapid ʻŌhiʻa death and a fierce protector of our native
- Hawaiian are considered in Native Hawaiian are considered in resource<00:31:04.320>
management
Bills:
HCR31
Keywords:
rangelands, pastoralists, Hawaii, livestock, environment, sustainability, ecosystem services, Paniolo traditions, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted.
The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees.
Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery.
The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- wine industry continues to our native wine industry continues to grow<00:13:10.079>
in <00:13: - It also<00:13:56.160>
allows <00:13:56.560>our <00:13:56.800>native <00:13:57.120 - >
wineries <00:13:57.600>to also allows our native wineries to also allows our native wineries - Um, I'm not real well-versed in the shipment of wine and shipment to home and native, etc.
- Is any of these changes that talk about native wines, I'm assuming that means produced in this state,
Summary:
The committee took up a series of economic development, tax, retirement, alcohol, and property tax bills, with several members explaining that some measures were being extended through repealers or prepared as omnibus vehicles for later floor amendments. Early in the meeting, members discussed a bill extending the Healthcare Industry Zone Act repealer to 2028, noting MDA had requested additional language for a floor amendment and citing roughly $715 million in expected new investment and more than 3,000 jobs since 2012. The committee also passed SB 2832, extending the Mississippi Shoreline Tax Credit program to 2029 with an $8 million annual cap, and SB 2849, extending the SMART business research program repealer to 2028. SB 2843, changing eligible expenses for MDA site development and utility infrastructure readiness, SB 2847, rounding state and local cash charges to the nearest nickel, and SB 2865, a gaming-related tax credit for non-gaming capital projects at casino properties, were also explained and passed without opposition.
The committee then considered SB 2882, which prohibits counties from requiring homestead exemption applicants to provide closing statements or disclosures, citing privacy concerns; it was passed. SB 2912, a PERS-requested bill allowing Roth contributions in the state deferred compensation plan and removing an earlier qualified domestic order provision, also passed. The committee next took up SB 2834 and SB 2838 as omnibus vehicles: SB 2834 was described as the Senate omnibus tag bill, and SB 2838 as the qualified resort status bill, which included an addition for a community college campus and golf course in western Mississippi. Both bills received reverse repealers and were reported out.
A lengthy discussion centered on SB 2915, which makes technical changes to Mississippi’s native wine laws, removes a repealer, expands tasting room options, and addresses ABC pickup and delivery timing. Senator McMahon offered an amendment to strike the pickup language after consulting with the Commissioner of Revenue, saying the current warehouse setup did not support the option yet; the amendment passed. Senator Sparks raised concerns about ABC delivery delays, the impact on small retailers, and whether the bill could raise commerce clause issues by favoring in-state wineries, but the author said the language conforms to existing distillery provisions. After no further questions, the committee passed the committee substitute and then rose and reported, with the chair noting another meeting would likely be held the following week.
TX
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Using your culture and land-based practices can help Native Hawaiian youth feel more connected, proud
- Hawaiian<00:07:31.840>
youth <00:07:32.160>feel <00:07:32.319>more can help Native - Hawaiian youth feel more can help Native Hawaiian youth feel more connected,<00:07:33.039>
proud< - impacts that the justice system has impa impacts that the justice system has on<00:07:58.080>
native - And we feel on native Hawaiian families.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 190, asking the Department of Health to convene a demolition waste reduction work group, drew only written testimony; the Department of Health provided comments in opposition and the Department of Attorney General Services supported it. HCR 91, on requiring insurers and managed care providers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices, received supportive testimony from SHIPA and an amputee youth advocate who described the high cost and importance of sports prosthetics. HCR 174, on examining the availability and use of land-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and a youth council that described land-based learning as culturally rooted and rehabilitative. HR 171, on assessing the social and financial effects of mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors, received support from SHIPA, the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, and kidney care and dialysis groups. HCR 146, on the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP, drew support from disability, hunger, and public health groups, with DHS explaining it could implement the project but would need to do manual certification work until its new system is ready.
During decision-making, the committee deferred HCR 190 because the Department of Health said it could not carry out the work group without an appropriation. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 as is. HCR 174 was recommended for passage with amendments to clarify that the resolution would request continued use of land-based learning programs and to reflect existing work already underway. HCR 171 was recommended for passage with amendments to correct a statute description. HCR 146 was recommended for passage with amendments to add language that DHS should apply for and implement the project when capable, acknowledging current system limitations. All recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Day, Hispanic Culture Day, AAPI Native Hawaiian Day, and it's actually during AAPI Native Hawaiian Day
- Where do we find if this animal is native to New York? Thank you, Madam Chair.
- It's native to the entire country, but there are sightings.
- So maybe, in the way you described it in New Mexico, they are not native, but he.
- This is the only one native to the Americas.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is right alongside African-American Day, Hispanic Culture Day, AAPI Native Hawaiian Day, and
- it's actually during AAPI Native.
- I help to run the Native Power Building Center in Albuquerque, which serves our youth as well as our
- Native Youth Organizing Council.
- Where do we find if this animal is native to New Mexico? Thank you, Madam Chair.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, WTL-HRE, HRE-LBT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- struggling with brain cancer, a native struggling with brain cancer, a native Pacific<00:12:40.959
- /c> grandmothers, Filipino and Native grandmothers, Filipino and Native Hawaiians,<00:12:58.880>
experience - <00:14:25.360>
Hawaiian of the populations of Native Hawaiian of the populations of Native - You know, it's like this one we're talking about: Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Pacific Islanders.
- You know, it's like this one we're talking about: Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Pacific Islanders.
Summary:
The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon.
The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:11.440>
Hawaiian committee um K haa native Hawaiian committee um K haa native Hawaiian - betterment of native betterment of native Hawaiians<00:36:13.200>
um <00:36:13.599>and - The Hawaiian native Hawaiian youth suicide epidemic, we have sex trafficking of native women here.
- <00:52:40.040>
hawaian various entities on our native hawaian various entities on our native - I'm a Native Hawaiian descendant of the native inhabitants of Hawaii prior to 1778.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion.
The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported.
The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- record shows that businesses owned by women and businesses owned by Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Native
- Native American and service-disabled veterans were being systematically excluded from the contracting
- Native American and women-owned businesses continue to be grossly underutilized in the state contracting
- statute, are majority owned by Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, Asian Pacific Americans, Native
- statute are majority owned by Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, Asian Pacific Americans, Native
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HWN, HWN Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , land and water rights, and policy advocacy for Native Hawaiians.
- Um Caroline Hartman<00:31:40.080>
is <00:31:40.320>a <00:31:40.480>native <00:31: - of um East Maui and Hartman is a native of um East Maui and um<00:31:44.320>
has <00:31:44.480 - Benedict Duman is a native of Lahaina where she's raised assisting her grandmother and caring for iwi
- and experience in protecting Native and experience in protecting Native Hawaiian<01:12:18.719>
Summary:
The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard multiple gubernatorial nominations to island burial councils, with testimony focused on the importance of filling vacancies so the councils can reach quorum and fulfill their kuleana to protect iwi kūpuna and burial sites. For GM 674, Kavuna Khalipi was introduced as OHA’s nominee for the Molokaʻi burial council, with OHA, SHPD, and several community members testifying in support and describing her cultural grounding, community service, and experience in mālama ʻāina. Testifiers also stressed that burial councils are essential for protecting ancestral remains and that prolonged vacancies have left sacred sites vulnerable.
Khalipi herself said she was honored to serve but expressed concern about accepting the appointment without quorum, saying she did not want to waste a term if the council could not function effectively. The chair explained the Senate advice-and-consent process and the consequences of inaction, and after discussion Khalipi asked to pull her nomination from the committee. The chair then deferred decision-making on GM 674 until April 10 at 1 p.m. to clarify the process and avoid unintended rejection.
The committee then heard testimony on GM 676, Dane Maxwell for the Maui and Lānaʻi burial council, GM 677, Noani Parisa, GM 678, Caroline Hartman, and GM 679, Benedict Duman. Supporters, including SHPD and OHA, highlighted each nominee’s cultural knowledge, preservation work, genealogy, and experience with burial or historic preservation matters. Testimony repeatedly linked the nominations to the need for functioning burial councils, especially in light of the 2023 Maui fires and long-standing vacancies. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Opening Day Wed Jan 15, 2025, 10:00AM HST - Day 1
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me share some of the vision with you: our residents and families, including Native Hawaiians, are
- Let me share some of the vision with you: our residents and families, including Native Hawaiians, are
- residents and families including native residents and families including native Hawaiians<02:20:
- <02:29:22.920>
Hawaiian communities fifth native Hawaiian communities fifth native Hawaiian - We want to turn this body's attention to the needs of our Native Hawaiian families.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps cut down the young, regrowing native
- We'll also release that native mixed-species forest underneath that has the diversity that increases
- I want to add another vital benefit that native trees provide, one we often don't think about: Trees
- Many of these same experts believe New England needs 30% wildlands to protect native biodiversity.
- Experts believe New England needs 30% wildlands to protect native biodiversity.
Summary:
The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.