Transcript Highlights:

• :51.520> will<00:25:51.720> look<00:25:51.880> to<00:25:52.039> find<00:25
• :52.720> a<00:25:52.919> map<00:25:53.200> if<00:25:53.320> I<00:25:53.480
• if I can uh but<00:25:54.240> I<00:25:54.399> I<00:25:54.480> would<00:25:54.640
• > expect<00:25:54.880> most<00:25:55.039> of<00:25:55.120> them<00:25:55.240
• and representative<00:25:58.320> mein<00:25:58.679> I<00:25:58.760> think<00:25

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses. House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:25:26.320> Um,<00:25:26.799> and<00:25:27.039> this<00:25:27.200> bill
• c><00:25:27.360> is<00:25:27.520> a<00:25:27.679> bit<00:25:27.840> of<00
• <00:25:34.240> enough<00:25:34.400> to<00:25:34.559> carry<00:25:34.880>
• Um,<00:25:44.640> our<00:25:44.880> our<00:25:45.279> proposal<00:25:45.760>
• <00:25:50.640> that<00:25:50.799> we<00:25:51.039> have<00:25:51.120> a

Bills: HF2048, HF2360, HF2006, HF950, HF912, HF3140, HF2931

Keywords: individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:04.720> We<00:25:04.960> go<00:25:05.120> from<00:25:05.760> 16
• ><00:25:06.960> um<00:25:07.679> 16<00:25:08.000> million<00:25:08.240> in
• /c><00:25:13.440> to<00:25:13.760> 9.3<00:25:14.559> million.
• We basically zeroed<00:25:16.320> out<00:25:16.880> all<00:25:17.120> of<00:25:17.279
• Um,<00:25:52.720> so<00:25:52.960> there<00:25:53.120> was<00:25:53.279> about

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well,<00:25:36.640> the<00:25:36.960> utilities<00:25:37.279> are<00:25
• Um they<00:25:43.120> have<00:25:43.279> to<00:25:43.360> staff<00:25:43.679>
• up<00:25:43.840> more<00:25:44.080> people<00:25:44.320> to<00:25:44.480>
• :25:47.840> a<04:25:48.000> lot<04:25:48.159> of<04:25:48.239> money<04:25
• . projects. projects.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > an<00:25:09.360> agricultural<00:25:10.000> District<00:25:10.320> to<00:25
• 25:16.159> we<00:25:16.360> have<00:25:16.559> office<00:25:16.799> of<00
• <00:25:46.679> I'd<00:25:46.840> like<00:25:46.960> you<00:25:47.039> to<
• > what<00:25:47.799> your<00:25:48.039> concerns<00:25:48.520> are<00:25:
• 25:33.040> is<01:25:33.159> it<01:25:33.360> hard<01:25:33.560> to<01:25:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• go<00:25:02.159> up<00:25:02.240> to<00:25:02.480> lines<00:25:03.279> seven
• >> Right.<00:25:10.880> That's<00:25:11.200> the<00:25:11.440> other<00:25
• 25:18.159> with<00:25:18.320> that.
• Okay.<00:25:50.159> Okay,<00:25:50.400> seeing<00:25:50.559> none,<00:25:50.799>
• the<00:25:52.159> role<00:25:52.559> on<00:25:52.799> the<00:25:52.960><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:48.240> Any<00:25:48.400> other<00:25:49.080> questions?
• If<00:25:50.320> not,<00:25:50.480> I<00:25:50.640> just<00:25:50.720> have
• c><00:25:50.799> one<00:25:50.960> more<00:25:51.120> if<00:25:51.200> you
• <00:25:51.600> coming<00:25:51.760> back<00:25:51.919> up<00:25:52.080> to
• :25:58.320> prior<00:25:58.559> iterations<00:25:59.200> there<00:25:59.440>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard SB 657 SD1 HD1, which would appropriate funds for SOEST at UH Manoa to establish and operate a Center for Climate Resilient Development. Testimony was strongly in support from UH researchers, DLNR, and several other organizations. Supporters said the center’s modeling and data are already used by state and county agencies for sea level rise, shoreline setback, flood, and infrastructure planning, and that local funding is increasingly important because federal climate research funding is uncertain. Members discussed how the work might be framed to avoid federal political pushback, and witnesses said the research can be described in terms of infrastructure protection, public safety, and cost savings. They also confirmed the funding would primarily support salaries for climate modelers and would help backfill federal cuts. The committee recommended and adopted passage of the bill unamended. Members also discussed the practical value of the center’s work, including Kauai’s sea level rise constraint district, future rainfall and flooding modeling, and the need for more granular data than current FEMA maps provide. Additional support was noted from the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, the Ulu Pono Initiative, Surfrider Foundation, Hawaii Region Climate Protectors, Hawaii Coalition Earth, and the Climate Change and Health Working Group. The committee then voted to pass SB 657 SD1 HD1 as recommended. The committee later took up SB 1252 SD2, a bill requiring the Board of Regents to establish a specialized training program for health care providers on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and appropriating funds. The chair explained that the HD1 version incorporated suggestions from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, added a preamble recognizing existing programs and the need for coordination, and left a blank appropriation and FTE count in the bill while including the amounts in the committee report. With no discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 1252 SD2 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• > wash<00:25:02.640> dishes<00:25:02.960> and<00:25:03.120> there's<00:25
• And<00:25:07.520> we<00:25:07.760> can<00:25:07.919> talk<00:25:08.159> about
• how<00:25:09.600> we<00:25:09.760> can<00:25:09.919> make<00:25:10.080>
• And we<00:25:14.159> think<00:25:14.240> that<00:25:14.400> it<00:25:14.640>
• And I think<00:25:21.279> we<00:25:21.840> um<00:25:21.919> did<00:25:22.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• saying that<00:25:22.000> we<00:25:22.960> or<00:25:23.080> there<00:25:23.200>
• :25:31.240> I<00:25:31.320> think<00:25:31.480> it<00:25:31.600> was<00:25
• 25:35.120> correct<00:25:35.399> me<00:25:35.760> can<00:25:35.880> you Can
• <01:25:11.760> bit<01:25:11.920> of<01:25:12.080> debt<01:25:12.400> as
• > the<01:25:14.920> the<01:25:15.320> grant<01:25:16.320> uh<01:25:16.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:25:03.400> forth<00:25:03.720> cuz<00:25:04.000> I<00:25:04.120><
• :04.560> he<00:25:04.680> was<00:25:04.840> going<00:25:04.960> to<00:25:
• :25:16.440> the<00:25:16.880> on<00:25:17.000> his<00:25:17.280> tour on
• 25:25.160> and<00:25:25.480> I<00:25:25.920> have<00:25:26.040> been<00:25
• :25:40.240> this<00:25:40.480> space 4<00:25:44.880> years<00:25:45.160> ago<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > comes<00:25:33.720> in<00:25:34.080> at<00:25:34.240> the<00:25:34.600>
• 400<00:25:37.240> limit<00:25:37.520> I<00:25:37.600> will<00:25:37.760>
• <00:25:40.840> towards<00:25:41.200> the<00:25:41.360> rolling<00:25:42.320>
• > last<00:25:50.080> comment<00:25:50.520> because<00:25:50.799> we<00:25
• 56.000> going<00:25:56.080> to<00:25:56.159> put<00:25:56.320> the<00:25:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:12.120> don't<00:25:12.280> know<00:25:12.360> if<00:25:12.440> that's
• <00:25:14.360> Um<00:25:14.920> but<00:25:15.240> how<00:25:15.360> many<
• <00:25:18.080> students<00:25:18.560> do<00:25:18.679> we<00:25:18.800> have<
• :30.600> that<00:25:30.760> we<00:25:30.840> have<00:25:31.040> at<00:25:
• Um probably<00:25:34.640> the<00:25:35.120> the<00:25:35.240> low<00:25:35.480><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> Uh<00:25:00.320> out<00:25:00.480> of<00:25:00.559> those<00:25:
• this<00:25:06.960> where<00:25:07.279> we<00:25:07.440> cannot<00:25:07.760>
• An example<00:25:11.600> would<00:25:11.840> be<00:25:12.000> the<00:25:12.159><
• code council<00:25:13.840> uh<00:25:14.000> which<00:25:14.240> we<00:25:14.480
• We don't<00:25:16.080> have<00:25:16.240> any<00:25:16.480> place<00:25:16.720><

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 409, 12 January, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee held its first meeting under its new Government Structure Committee name and began by electing Senator Chris Johnson as secretary. The chair explained the committee’s purpose as improving efficiency, effectiveness, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and said members had asked statewide officials and agencies for ideas on streamlining government and reducing costs. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gibson testified at length about ways his agency has found efficiencies, especially after the COVID-era consolidation of three agencies into one. He said state procurement and construction rules can add major time and cost to projects, citing a proposed $300,000 building that grew to about $1 million through the state process. He recommended raising repair and quote thresholds, streamlining construction procedures, reconsidering restrictions on payments between state agencies, and allowing more flexibility for agencies to help one another when authorized. Members questioned Gibson about the repair caps, the construction cost increase, Ticketmaster and other technology/vendor arrangements, and whether agencies should have more decentralized control over contracts. The chair and several senators agreed the committee should examine red tape, vendor relationships, and procurement rules, and Gibson said he would provide more information and work with the committee. No formal legislation was acted on in the portion provided. The transcript then shifted to testimony from the Insurance Commissioner, who said his department is heavily affected by IT and board structure issues and oversees 17 boards. He urged consolidation of some boards, criticized the effects of SB 2362 on special-fund agencies, and said the State Fire Academy and other operations have been constrained by general-fund treatment and limited authority. He also discussed insurance-rate pressures, including projected premium increases, wind pool rate concerns on the Gulf Coast, and the need for mitigation to stabilize costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• > right<01:25:07.280> so<01:25:07.400> we<01:25:07.520> have<01:25:07.639
• those<01:25:14.920> in<01:25:15.639> favor<01:25:16.639> all<01:25:16.840><
• very little<01:25:27.440> left<01:25:28.199> in<01:25:28.840> that<01:25:29.080
• > part<01:25:29.639> now<01:25:29.800> do<01:25:29.920> we<01:25:30.000><
• <01:25:51.600> not<01:25:51.800> in<01:25:51.960> there<01:25:52.239> yet

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a House Bill 2 amendment to remove a bail-related section that had already passed in another bill and was now considered duplicative. Members discussed the earlier change to how bail commissioners are reimbursed, concerns that the Judiciary was losing money collecting the fees, and whether the magistrate-related language would still be needed. They noted the bill had already crossed over to the Senate, that the section was obsolete, and that any remaining issue about magistrates’ five-year terms might need to be raised with the Criminal Justice Committee. Amendment 997H, deleting section one, was moved, seconded, and adopted unanimously. The committee then reviewed a package of HB 1 position transfers involving the Department of Environmental Services, Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Staff explained that several positions were being shuffled to correct position numbers and align permitting functions, including one Fish and Game position moving back to Fish and Game, one DEES position remaining funded after ARPA money ends, and adjustments to hours for permitting and environmental services positions. Members discussed whether the Fish and Game position had been intended to be temporary, but ultimately agreed to accept the first four Environmental Services items and the last two Natural and Cultural Resources items as a package; that motion passed unanimously. They then also accepted sections 2 through 8 of HB 1 with the related amendments and footnote language. The committee next turned to dredge-and-fill fee changes in section 11, where one member objected to a 50% fee increase for seasonal docks, arguing it could discourage permitted work and might apply to repairs that only require notification. Staff said the increase was intended to help cover the cost of additional positions in future biennia, but members decided to hold that section for more information, including how many seasonal dock repair fees are actually collected. Finally, the committee began discussing HB 215 and a proposed tipping-fee/surcharge structure to make a solid waste accounting unit self-funded, with members saying the fee could offset about $2.9 million in general fund costs and support the grant program, but no final action was taken on that item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.040> but<01:25:01.320> how<01:25:01.480> would<01:25:01.639> it<01:25
• :25:08.440> and<01:25:08.639> plan<01:25:08.880> year<01:25:09.159> 2027<
• <01:25:11.480> Dames<01:25:11.920> Mr<01:25:12.199> chair<01:25:12.480> and
• Wickland<01:25:13.480> that's<01:25:13.639> a<01:25:13.840> good<01:25:14.600><
• :25:16.639> want<01:25:16.800> to<01:25:17.440> clarify<01:25:18.440> this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• who might donate to a somebody who who might donate to a project,<01:25:08.560> I<01:25:08.800
• > that<01:25:10.159> I project, I don't like the idea that I project, I don't like the
• > it<01:25:12.080> ends<01:25:12.320> up<01:25:12.480> being<01:25:12.920
• <01:25:20.560> So,<01:25:21.719> um,<01:25:22.719> that<01:25:23.040> I
• :25:27.120> goes<01:25:27.440> away<01:25:27.760> after<01:25:28.159> 10

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 74, which would require agencies issuing certain real-property-related permits to track and report how many permits they issue and how long the process takes. Representative Carol McGuire introduced the bill and said the goal is to gather data on permit timing and fees, especially for DES and DOT permits involving wetlands, alteration of terrain, driveway permits, and similar approvals. Supporters argued the state needs better visibility into permitting delays and whether statutory deadlines are realistic; they also noted the bill had passed the House on a voice vote with no debate. Adam Crapo of the Department of Environmental Services said DES is generally supportive of the reporting concept but warned that the agency’s data are spread across many separate, partly manual databases. He said DES can already do this for some land resources permits through its new system, but not across all of its more than 90 permit types without additional help. DES estimated it would need two part-time positions to compile the reports, especially for waste management and water programs, and said otherwise existing permitting staff would have to do the work, potentially slowing permit processing. He also said the agency is already working to simplify rules and move more permits onto a new online platform, but could not meet the bill’s 2026 reporting deadline with current staffing and systems. Committee members questioned whether delays are often caused by incomplete applications rather than agency inaction, and Crapo said that is frequently the case. He said DES already tracks timelines to some extent for management and statutory compliance, but not at the individual-permit detail the bill would require. He also said some letters and records are captured in One Stop, but not all are. Members expressed support for the bill’s transparency goals while also worrying about added workload and possible slowdowns. The discussion then moved to DOT, where Susan Clawson said DOT is neutral on the bill because it recently implemented Salesforce and now has good data for reporting; DOT’s fiscal note reflects software-related costs, but the agency can already track the required information in its system.

Transcript Highlights:

• MODERATE IS 25 HIGH RISK IS 36.
• BUT THIS PROJECT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER.
• NEXT ARE PICTURE OF MAJOR PROJECTS.
• AND WHILE THE LEGISLATURE DOES FROM TIME TO TIME FUND LOCAL COURT HOUSE PROJECTS IN THE BUDGET THE PROJECTS
• THE NEXT PROJECT IS A REPAIR PROJECT WITH THE FIFTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh and of course<00:25:07.120> the<00:25:07.600> when<00:25:07.840> you<00:25:08.080
• the timing<00:25:09.120> of<00:25:09.279> a<00:25:09.440> depreciation<00:25:10.159
• 25:38.400> the<00:25:38.640> basis<00:25:38.960> of<00:25:39.120> the<00:
• uh<00:25:46.559> and<00:25:47.200> the<00:25:47.600> percentage<00:25:48.159>
• . project. project.

Bills: HR1, HF387

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, Blaine, local sales tax, special tax, restaurant tax, lodging tax, admissions tax, amusement tax, hotel tax, redevelopment, capital improvements, municipal finance, bonding authority, tourism tax

Transcript Highlights:

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• the county because as we all<00:25:47.600> know<00:25:47.880> a<00:25:48.000> lot
• ><00:25:48.120> of<00:25:48.360> these<00:25:48.520> intersections all know a lot
• > city<00:25:49.799> and<00:25:50.039> county<00:25:50.440> roads<00:25:51.279
• 51.760> in<00:25:51.880> my<00:25:52.039> district<00:25:52.480> one<00:25

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation held a hearing on several traffic safety and transportation bills. HB 1163 would update commercial driver licensing rules to meet federal requirements and allow limited-term non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and licenses; the Department of Transportation supported it as a fix to an FMCSA-identified issue, while Frank Schultz testified in opposition. HB 1166 would appropriate funds for the automated speed enforcement program; the Department of Law Enforcement, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Edgardo Diaz Vega supported it, while Chad Taniguchi opposed and Frank Schultz offered support. The committee then heard HB 1231, which would prioritize photo red light cameras in school zones and direct related fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School fund; DOT supported the intent but cautioned against limiting placement decisions, Judiciary raised concerns about added court workload, and several advocacy groups and individuals supported the bill as a pedestrian and school safety measure. The committee spent substantial time on HB 1471, which would fund traffic-actuated signals, including leading pedestrian intervals and accessible pedestrian signals, and add a $5 vehicle registration fee for the Safe Routes to School special fund. DOT supported the bill with comments, saying its older signal controllers make LPIs harder to implement but that statewide upgrades are underway; the Department of Health also supported the safety and Vision Zero goals and said it is working with counties on public education. Testimony in support came from Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Bicycling League, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Path People for Active Transportation Hawaii, the Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, and others, with one opposition noted among many supporters. Members asked questions about whether LPIs would address “beg buttons,” how red-light and speed-camera programs interact with county roads, and whether speed humps might be more effective in school zones. DOT explained that LPIs improve visibility but do not solve every signal issue, that newer adaptive signals use camera-based sensing, and that the department coordinates with counties and communities on crash mitigation and enforcement priorities. Officials also discussed the status of Safe Routes to School programs, noting that the federal program remains but is difficult to use and that the state program had been moved out of DOT; county coordinators and related coalitions were said to still be active. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• > I<00:25:06.960> heard<00:25:07.120> you<00:25:07.279> say<00:25:07.440>
• you just got<00:25:08.000> this<00:25:08.240> this<00:25:08.480> morning<00:25:
• > this<02:25:36.800> morning<02:25:36.960> and<02:25:37.200> we<02:25:37.439

Keywords: 1189, house, all