Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIlbR_bXMfY, 2026-06-21T07:17:00+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:34 Intro: 01:11 HB 45 Discussion: 03:55 HB 45 Roll Call Vote: 08:55 HB 195 Discussion: 11:31 HB 195 Roll Call Vote: 25:32 SB 69 Discussion: 27:03, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o62usJ4l_bE, 2026-07-02T01:22:44+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_LGO_02-14-23_.PDF Followed by WAL/LGO 11:15am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL-LGO_02-14-23_.PDF Timestamps: 4:17 - Introduction (LGO 9:30AM) 5:33 - HB 339 HD1 7:27 - HB 1086 8:47 - HB 1087 11:57 - HB 1184 16:40 - HB 1203 19:37 - HB 1353 20:58 - HB 1352 23:33 - HB 1471 28:23 - HB 335 HD1 37:00 - HB 846 HD1 40:44 - HB 250 HD1 47:48 - HB 1202 58:21 - HB 1205 1:00:14 - HB 1398 1:15:38 - Decision Making (LGO 9:30AM) -------- 1:50:43 - Introduction (WAL/LGO 11:15AM) 1:51:01 - HB 203 1:58:44 - HB 1032 2:01:08 - HB 1183 2:06:28 - Decision Making (WAL/LGO 11:15AM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: SB2444, SB2446, SB2450, SB2453, SB2461, SB2457, SB2462, SB2313, SB2528, SB2532, SB2571, SB2678, SB2529

Keywords: real property, exemption, attachment, execution, consumer protection, financial security, inflation adjustment, head of family, senior citizens, Intermediate Court of Appeals, judges, Hawaii judiciary, court membership, legal system, presidential preference primary, elections, political parties, Hawaii voting, 2028 election, voting

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N7FrcNPBzc, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT-HUS_02-10-23_.pdf Followed by ECD-HLT 9:05am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_ECD-HLT_02-10-23_.pdf Then followed by HLT-ECD 9:10am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT-ECD_02-10-23_.pdf Then followed by HLT 10:00am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT_02-10-23_.pdf Then followed by HSG-HLT 11:15am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSG-HLT_02-10-23_.pdf Then followed by HLT-HSG 11:20am Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT-HSG_02-10-23_.pdf Then followed by HLT 11:30am Decision Making: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT_02-10-23_2_.pdf Timestamps: 13:27 - Introduction to HLT/HUS 9:00AM 14:12 - HB897 18:19 - HB900 23:15 - HB1308 33:41 - HB1309 ------- 49:31 - Introduction to ECD/HLT 9:05AM 49:45 - HB1050 ------- 58:13 - Introduction to HLT/ECD 9:10AM 58:21 - HB662 ------- 1:14:04 - Reconvene on HLT/HUS 9:00AM 1:14:40 - HB1309 (cont'd) 1:16:56 - HB1488 1:21:07 - HB1491 ------- 1:40:10 - Introduction to HLT 10:00AM 1:40:24 - HB180 1:43:47 - HB440 1:47:59 - HB1396 1:50:32 - HB378 ------- 2:00:13 - Decision Making on ECD/HLT 9:05AM ------- 2:02:51 - Decision Making on HLT/ECD 9:10AM ------- 2:05:05 - Reconvene on HLT 10:00AM 2:05:14 - HB378 (cont'd) 2:26:29 - HB882 2:27:19 - HB1337 2:42:57 - HB1296 2:44:08 - HB322 2:46:08 - HB519 2:56:45 - HB617 ------- 2:58:37 - Introduction to HSG/HLT 11:15AM 2:58:51 - HB671 3:01:47 - HB1397 3:05:24 - Decision Making on HSG/HLT 11:15AM ------- 3:10:14 - Introduction to HLT/HSG 11:20AM Joint 3:10:21 - HB788 3:10:54 - Decision Making on HLT/HSG 11:20AM ------- 3:10:59 - Reconvene on HLT 10:00AM 3:11:04 - HB617 (cont'd) 3:13:37 - HB885 3:14:20 - HB884 3:15:20 - Decision Making HLT 10:00AM (deferred to 2/15/23) ------- 3:17:05 - Decision Making on HLT/HUS 9:00AM ------- 3:21:48 - HLT 11:30AM (Decision Making for HB278), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HB446, HB485

Keywords: HB446, Daphne, Baldwin County, annexation, municipal boundary, corporate limits, local act, municipal incorporation, city limits expansion, zoning, land use, property tax, municipal services, Section 11-42-6, Judge of Probate, County Road 54 W, County Road 64, Rigsby Road, Highway 181, Alabama State Highway 181

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbirJVartII, 2026-07-02T01:22:50+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_02-09-24_.PDF 11:13 - Introduction 11:51 - HB2460 12:41 - HB2016 13:03 - HB2107 20:48 - HB2237 21:32 - HB2375 22:00 - HB2515 22:31 - HB2516 22:55 - HB1857 27:19 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VudvmEvufRg, 2026-07-02T01:23:10+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:41 - GM 610 05:11 - GM 611 16:51 - GM 590 31:15 - GM 589 / GM 661 45:15 - DM GVO 3:00 PM Hearing Notice: GVO 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO_04-11-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwXL66YYT34, 2026-07-02T01:22:45+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT_03-22-23_.PDF Followed by HLT/ECD 11:15AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT-ECD_03-22-23_.PDF Followed by HLT 11:30PM Decision Making: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT_03-22-23_.PDF, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-cQIaxAdQ0, 2026-07-02T01:22:37+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL-AGR_02-11-22_.pdf Followed by AGR/ECD Joint hearing @ 9:45AM: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR-ECD_02-11-22_.pdf Followed by AGR Hearing @ 10AM: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR_02-04-22_.PDF, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: SB263, SB467, SB850, SB1030, SB1352, SB1453, SB2064, SB2206, SB2779, SJR84

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Property and casualty anti-rebating statutes have never been in Chapter 541, and there is no evidence
• This bill moves the life. and health anti-rebating statutes into a new chapter in the insurance code,
• Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas chapter of the American College of Physicians.
• When we first started looking at Chapter 1460, we thought that it was about.
• Clearly, Chapter 1460 triggers that part of things.

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• injury survivors and as the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of America, Texas Chapter
• National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, and we're the Texas chapter.

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to stop the hearing at 10:25 and then the, the floor should be relatively short starting at 11
• , and I was noticing that this for some reason, this advisory committee, you didn't put it inside chapter
• And then we go to the floor at 11.

Bills: SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842

Keywords: cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver, consumer rights, business regulations, refund policy, telephone solicitation, telemarketing, text message marketing, SMS marketing, robotext, spam text, consumer protection, deceptive trade practices, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code

Transcript Highlights:

• But um I<00:11:43.600> I<00:11:44.480> um<00:11:45.360> I<00:11:45.600> just<
• /c><00:11:45.839> don't<00:11:46.079> think<00:11:46.240> that<00:11:46.480>
• So these<02:11:04.719> these<02:11:05.199> code<02:11:05.520> of<02:11:05.679>
• <02:11:16.400> Um<02:11:17.040> we're<02:11:17.360> suggesting<02:11:17.840>
• :11:26.400> of<02:11:27.599> uh<02:11:27.760> from<02:11:28.000> the<02:11

Keywords: 10:00am HB 1260 11:00am HB 1574 12:00pm HB 1816 2:30pm HB 1499 2:45pm HB 1709, 928, house, all

Summary: The conference committee first met on HB 1260, a bill requested by municipal clerks to allow certain divorce-related records to be kept confidential. House members argued the Senate amendment would reverse the presumption of openness established in the Keene Sentinel case and raise constitutional issues under the state constitution’s privacy and open-government provisions. Senate members responded that the 2018 privacy amendment, the limited scope of the proposal, and modern internet risks justified the change, but the House maintained the issue needed a full hearing in a separate bill. The committee ultimately voted unanimously for the Senate to recede and adopt the House version, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment, and both sides said they would revisit the topic in a future session. The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration, which DHHS said was needed because federal law would shift more administrative costs to the state and could increase the state’s SNAP error rate, potentially triggering much larger future penalties. DHHS officials reported the current error rate was 7.57% for federal fiscal year 2024, below the national average, and estimated that if the rate rose above 8%, the state could owe about 10% of SNAP benefits, or roughly $12 million for a partial year and nearly $16 million for a full year. Some House members supported the added funding as a preventive measure, while others objected that the underlying bill was modest and the amendment resembled a previously rejected proposal. The discussion ended with the committee moving toward the House position and the bill’s future depending on the chamber’s vote on the Senate amendment.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:25 HB 309 Discussion: 00:49 HB 308 Roll Call Vote: 11:34, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum and first introduced legislative interns before taking up House Bill 309, sponsored by Representative Ryan Dodson and co-sponsored by Representative Scott Sharp. The bill would ban lab-grown meat in Kentucky, with the sponsor arguing it was needed to protect Kentucky’s cattle, livestock, and broader agricultural industries, and citing uncertainty about the long-term effects of cultured meat. Supporters also said the state should defend traditional animal agriculture and that the bill had backing from livestock interests and the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. Members raised several concerns, including whether labeling rather than a ban would be a better approach, whether the bill could conflict with the dormant commerce clause, and whether it might hinder emerging research or business opportunities in Kentucky. Some members compared the proposal to existing regulation of other products, while others said they supported the intent but were uneasy about a total ban. The sponsor responded that Kentucky should act to protect its farmers and that the issue could be revisited later if new research emerged. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote. The bill received enough support to advance, with the chair announcing that House Bill 309 passed with favorable expression and should also pass on the House floor. Several members explained yes, no, or pass votes, reflecting a mix of support for Kentucky agriculture and concern about overbroad regulation and possible legal issues. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, don't<00:11:38.320> get<00:11:38.399> too<00:11:38.640> worked<00:11:38.880>
• <00:11:41.440> I<00:11:41.600> would<00:11:41.760> share<00:11:42.000> the
• <00:11:43.200> of<00:11:43.600> these<00:11:43.839> things<00:11:44.000>
• > do<00:11:44.480> need<00:11:44.560> to<00:11:44.640> strike<00:11:44.880
• <00:11:55.519> We<00:11:55.760> look<00:11:55.839> forward<00:11:56.079>

Keywords: HB 66 (discussion only) -- 00:05:33 Consideration of HB 213 -- 00:12:16 Consideration of HB 314 -- 00:22:11, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee opened its first meeting of the year with prayer, the pledge, a roll call, and a reminder of committee procedures, including sign-up rules for public testimony, decorum expectations, and recognition of staff. The chair noted the committee had a quorum and outlined the day’s agenda, which included three bills. Representative Hodgson presented House Bill 66 for discussion only, explaining that it would distinguish between boards and commissions that can meet entirely electronically and larger public agencies that should have a quorum physically present unless there is an emergency. He said the bill also aimed to require agencies to post member information and contact details online so the public can provide feedback. Representative Tipton asked whether the bill would apply to state and local bodies, and Hodgson said it would; no vote was taken on HB 66. The committee then considered House Bill 213, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway, on reemployment of retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted unanimously. Callaway said the bill would reduce barriers to rehiring retired law enforcement officers, allow local agencies and universities to offer health benefits in lieu of retirement benefits, lower the service threshold for this specific rehiring from 20 years to 15 years, and give agencies flexibility on retirement contributions. She emphasized that the bill would not allow double dipping and had no quantified fiscal impact. Members raised a question about review by the Public Pension Oversight Board; Callaway said that had not yet occurred, and the chair noted the committee’s practice that pension-related bills are typically reviewed by that board first. Despite that concern, the committee voted 16-2 to report HB 213 favorably, with two members passing. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 314, relating to the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and declaring an emergency. After adopting a committee substitute, Representative Matt Lockett said the bill was intended to reorganize oversight of Kentucky Wired by moving KCNA into the Finance and Administration Cabinet under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, abolishing KCNA’s separate executive director, transferring KCNA functions and records to COOT, and restructuring the board with new members and two governor appointments from lists submitted by KACo and KLC. He said the measure was meant to provide stronger oversight and more direct control over the project, and that the emergency clause was needed because of budget implications. Members asked for clarification on the differences between committee substitutes, and Lockett said one prior substitute removed the attorney general from the board at his request, while the current one added the governor’s appointments. He also said a floor amendment would strike language related to a nonprofit board associated with Kentucky Wired. The transcript ends during discussion of HB 314, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• void uh all regulations are null and void uh all regulations are deficient<00:10:59.959> in<00:11
• :00.040> our<00:11:00.160> committee<00:11:00.440> are<00:11:00.560> null
• <00:11:00.800> and The regulations are deficient in our committee, are null and void.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 00:07 Roll Call 02:14 SB 23 Discussion 13:11 SB 23 Vote 13:51 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Licensing and Occupations committee met for its first meeting under Chair Rocky Adams, who opened by announcing a more flexible approach to committee procedure, including no egg timer, less emphasis on interim vetting, and a collaborative process with the House chair on amendments. The committee then took up its only agenda item, Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Senator Steve West, which would allow the Administrative Regulations Committee to conduct preliminary review of non-enacted regulations and require cabinet representatives to appear, provide information, and have authority to respond to deficiencies. West said the bill is intended to increase transparency earlier in the regulatory process and address past problems with cabinet participation. Members generally supported the bill and emphasized the importance of transparency and oversight in the regulatory process. Several questions focused on a possible notice requirement for committee review; West said the administration had requested five days’ notice, and he was open to that idea so long as no loopholes were created, including whether the same notice should apply to deferral requests. He also explained that the bill does not create strong enforcement teeth beyond existing committee powers to find a regulation deficient or request deferral, and that any stronger response would still come through separate legislation. Before the vote, members explained their support while noting concerns about notice and fairness. Senator Berg warned against surprise agenda changes and wanted a level playing field, while Senator Douglas said the bill would help constituents better understand regulations. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 23 with favorable expression and sent it to the Senate floor. The meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• McQueenie Metcalf Phelan Raymond Smithy Thompson Turner Cherry King. 1. 113 in 11 ayes, 2 nays motion

Bills: HB 229, HB 3990, HB 5082, HB 5510

Keywords: biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, flags, display, state law, municipalities, government buildings, drug enforcement, local control, home rule, municipal charter, county policy, ordinance preemption, state preemption, attorney general enforcement, civil penalties, mandamus

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo<00:11:07.360> again,<00:11:07.600> chair,<00:11:07.920> vice<00:11:08.079
• <00:11:09.200> Um,<00:11:09.440> Ashley<00:11:09.760> Roman<00:11:10.000>
• <00:11:15.680> Hawaii<00:11:16.000> State<00:11:16.240> Energy<00:11:16.560>
• <00:11:23.200> of<00:11:23.279> Hawaii<00:11:23.600> State<00:11:23.839>
• :24.560> we<00:11:24.800> stand<00:11:24.959> on<00:11:25.120> our<00:11:

Bills: SB3253, SB3154, SB3254

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• adaptive<00:11:04.720> pathways<00:11:05.600> but<00:11:05.920> also<00:11:06.240
• also may include uh<00:11:08.560> uh<00:11:09.279> some<00:11:10.160> uh<00:11:
• So we would<00:11:15.440> like<00:11:15.600> to<00:11:15.839> see<00:11:16.240><
• /c><01:11:00.239> hunting<01:11:00.480> and<01:11:00.640> we<01:11:00.800> do
• /c><01:11:06.560> dogs<01:11:06.880> at<01:11:07.120> all<01:11:07.280> time<

Bills: SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.