Video & Transcript Research : 'conservancy district'
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- in programs through USDA, USDOI, DDA, Conservation District, or DNREC programs, hunting, fishing, trapping
- I'm representing The Nature Conservancy.
- My name is Keith Fisher, and I'm Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy in Delaware and Pennsylvania
- Some wetlands have a higher conservation value when compared to others.
- Kristen Travers, Director of Conservation, Delaware Nature Society.
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (04/23/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, I am Senator Howard Pearl representing District 17 and I live in bait for lobsters.
- For the record, I am Senator Howard Pearl, representing District 17, and I live in the town of Loudon
- I was around when New Hampshire's Endangered Species and Conservation Act was passed in 1979, I think
- Carol Foss continued: "I was around when New Hampshire's Endangered Species and Conservation Act was
- <00:48:07.200>
work <00:48:07.520>on diverted for conservation work on diverted for
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We had two in my district, and these bills, although not filed by myself, are of the utmost importance
- In my district alone, I have four.
- I'm sure every one of you I'm sure every one of you hear from every one of your districts.
- It butts up against conservation land.
- I'm from Ocam, Massachusetts, and I'm a member of the Ocam Conservation Commission.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs.
Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/17/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's the school districts.
- time of putting land under conservation time of putting land under conservation easement<02:40:13.280
- conservation easement. conservation easement.
- towns do this too, our conservation towns do this too, our conservation commission<02:45:43.680>
- /c> Rochester, our conservation commission Rochester, our conservation commission has<02:46:49.520>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the stewardship of Chief Justice Roberts, conservatives on the court have steadily been chipping
- Under the stewardship of Chief Justice Roberts, conservatives on the court have steadily been chipping
- Federal Voting Rights Act recognized that minority voters can be denied equal participation when district
- the CVRA's existing protection against racial vote dilution beyond at-large elections to include district
- maps and, against racial vote dilution beyond at-large elections to include district maps and election
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity.
Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no.
The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards.
The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:15:21.440>
Loan <00:15:21.959>program conservation Loan program conservation Loan program - <00:15:48.800>
Loan the energy conservation Loan the energy conservation Loan program<00:15 - Can you help me understand that a little bit, like what parts of the district?”
- Can you help me understand that a little bit, like what parts of the district?”
- It would be both in Representative Baker's and my district; it kind of spans both of them.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- It can feel like... ...in my district right now is the overwhelming feeling of being trapped.
- For a family living on $25,000 or $30,000 a year in any of our districts, it can feel impossible to get
- I know that down in my district, people can't find housing.
- The Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket land bank's conservation entities, funded by transfer fees created
- The answer for conservation 40 years ago? A transfer fee. The answer for housing today?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities.
The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- While amplifying existing research associated with the Ocelot Conservation and Natural Toxins Research
- We support wildlife services through water conservation programs.
- the program to sustainable funding and expand it to 60 districts by FY 27.
- A slide 5 on forestry and conservation in this area.
- We also cross train folks who do conservation and other jobs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . district.
- And that was the 18th Congressional District that... I mentioned Barbara Jordan.
- Mark Vesey of the 33rd Congressional District.
- What do all those districts have in common?
- They are African American and Hispanic. districts in Texas.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-WTL-EDT-EIG, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:01.880>
area, acres of undeveloped conservation area, acres of undeveloped conservation - It can be anything like that, but a way to experience the agriculture and the conservation that we're
- water and the water conservation water and the water conservation measures<00:48:11.400>
that - <01:00:39.560>
to <01:00:39.720>see agricultural district to see agricultural district - Uh, this is a unique case, I think, because it's not an irrigation district, right?
Summary:
The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Megan Cleveland with The Nature Conservancy.
- Tasha Newman on behalf of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts.
- Resource conservation districts primarily work with private landowners to do critical natural resources
- Eric O'Donnell on behalf of the Orange County Sanitation District and Valley Sanitary District, advocating
- We have a couple air district programs that do just that.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support.
Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization.
Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Media Availability - 09/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- But after touring the Lakeville School District and seeing what they did to harden their school in the
- But after touring the Lakeville School District and seeing what they did to harden their school in the
- Heller, written by Justice Scalia, a very conservative member and leader of the conservative wing of
- member and leader of the conservative member and leader of the Conservative<00:35:59.920>
wing Conservative wing of the Supreme Court.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, your Conservation Committee to whom has been referred Senate Memorial 27, has had it under
- The reader will read Senate floor amendment number one to Senate Conservation Committee.
- The Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235 has duly passed the Senate.
- And Kayla's mother, District.
- In my district, a lot of people travel on scooters and wheelchairs to go to the market.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL, WTL-HHS Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll proceed with SB 561, and this is relating to conservation enforcement.
- 561 and this is relating to conservation 561 and this is relating to conservation enforcement<00
- Mahalo to Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, Jonetta Peters, Puʻuhoʻu Ranch, Mālama Pūk?
- This is relating to the conservation enforcement of DOCARE.
- SB 438 promotes conservation and the protection of natural resources and ecosystems.
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it.
The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents.
The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence SC New Offenses and Changed Penalties Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in Conroe, Texas.
- Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Yes, Your Honor. Do you represent yourself?
- I'm a prosecutor with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
- County District Attorney's Office. I've been there for nearly 22 years.
- lead, fund, and participate in conservation programs around the world.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Look, my district truly is, it abuts all of Biscayne Bay.
- Stacey Gallagher, Sea Turtle Conservancy, opponent, wishes to speak. You're recognized, Ms.
- I'm the policy coordinator at the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
- We're a Florida-based nonprofit and the oldest sea turtle conservation group in the world.
- Corrine Golden, the Nature Conservancy, waive in support.
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification.
The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 133, sponsored by Representative Davis: Conservation Districts Contracting and Supervisors
- , an act relating to conservation districts.
- Conservation Districts<00:10:05.920>
contracting <00:10:06.480>and <00:10:06.720>supervisors - act relating to conservation an act relating to conservation districts. districts. districts.
- <00:10:18.880>
districts bill 133 conservation districts bill 133 conservation districts contracting
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- but up in the north part of the district but up in the north part of the state<00:59:50.400>
that - And I'm assuming, Senator Housley, that on this, could you point out kind of where your district is,
- Lands held in trust for local taxing districts or tax-forfeited lands.
- conservation land.
- uh conservation land uh conservative uh conservation land uh Wednesday<01:34:20.600>
uh <01:34
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The subsidence district as a whole.
- So how is the subsidence district paid?
- In all of our studies, we report volumes by salinity classification, groundwater conservation district
- Groundwater conservation district rules were developed to protect fresh aquifers from overpumping based
- district are not represented on the GMAs.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- District land.
- <01:25:56.280>
District because it's on Conservation District because it's on Conservation - uh The Nature Conservancy since 1982 has uh The Nature Conservancy since 1982 has helped<02:03:20.199
- to District to the districts<02:45:49.240>
building <02:45:49.760>structure <02:45:50.240 - >
or districts building structure or districts building structure or object<02:45:53.359>any
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.