Transcript Highlights:

• Once upon a time, it was a fuel farm back in 1982. One of the tanks blew up.
• They discontinued the fuel farm there. But for a decade...
• They discontinued the fuel farm there. But for a decade...
• </c><00:02:25.920><c> But</c> discontinued the fuel farm there.
• But discontinued the fuel farm there.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard testimony on several resolutions focused on community safety, emergency preparedness, and commemorative actions. STR 16 and SR 30 sought permission for the City and County of Honolulu to use restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs; Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Vere testified in support, describing a shortage of youth sports space and the availability of the former Navy fuel farm area. STR 22 asked Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to work with other agencies on outreach to help kūpuna prepare for emergencies; testimony from AARP Hawaii, neighborhood boards, and others emphasized lessons from the Lahaina wildfires and the need for statewide, community-based preparedness efforts. Testifiers also urged that disabled seniors be included, and committee members discussed coordination with neighborhood boards, area agencies on aging, and nonprofits. STR 112 and SR 93 proposed lighting City Hall purple on August 7 for National Purple Heart Day, and STR 84 and SR 67 addressed disaster preparedness and drills in Maui after the wildfires. STR 184 and SR 146 would direct county police to enforce registration rules for out-of-state vehicles, and STR 229 and SR 205 would call for explosion-detection technology to respond to illegal fireworks and gunfire; Larry Vere supported the latter as a way to speed law enforcement response, while one senator said she would vote no on the vehicle-registration measure pending more information about possible effects on the Nation/Kingdom of Hawaii community. In decision-making, both committees adopted recommendations to pass STR 16, STR 22, STR 84/SR 67, and STR 184/SR 146, with STR 112/SR 93 and STR 229/SR 205 passed with technical, nonsubstantive amendments. The committee report for STR 22 was also noted to include disabled seniors and to engage neighborhood boards and community groups already working on preparedness. For STR 184/SR 146, one senator recorded a no vote because of concerns about impacts on Native Hawaiian sovereignty-related communities. The meeting concluded after all listed measures were acted on and the joint committee hearings were adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• So we can the way to the farm gate.
• Farm Bureau. >> Thank you. Farm Bureau's testimony in support.
• Brian Nemoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau was down on his written testimony in support.
• </c> Hawaii Sustainable Farms. Hawaii Sustainable Farms. &gt;&gt; Aloha,<01:57:45.199><c> chair.

Bills: SB2709 , SB3154

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229. The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor. A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• devotional today will be led by Rabbi Grace Odell, who is the executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming
• Association of Vermont, known to Farming Association of Vermont, known to many<00:05:17.480><c> of</
• She had founded and directed an educational farming center in Massachusetts and undertaken similar work
• But Grace was up against candidates who had full careers in farming and farming policy.
• But Grace was up against candidates who had full careers in farming and farming policy.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These students are the future of our farms, small businesses, and communities.
• A child of farm workers...
• Because of his and his parents' farm work, Because of his and his parents' farm work, Serapio was eligible
• Her father has worked with different farms and companies, working a variety of crops like cabbage and
• Her father has worked with different farms and companies, working a variety of crops like cabbage and

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then spent much of the session on ceremonial recognitions and guest introductions. Certificates and remarks highlighted the 30th anniversary of 529 education savings plans and 4-H Day, with senators praising 529 plans as a family education-savings tool and 4-H as a major youth leadership program in all 33 counties. Members also recognized Scouts in America, including Michaela Kern as the first female Eagle Scout from Eddy County, and heard additional presentations tied to New Mexico State University, the College Assistance Migrant Program, and regional councils of government. Several senators used the floor to introduce students and community members from across the state, especially 4-H participants, NMSU CAMP students, and local youth leadership groups. Comments emphasized agriculture, leadership development, public service, and the importance of volunteer support. One senator also raised concerns about a prior Indian Day incident involving the Navajo Nation being placed at the back for the pledge, urging better decorum and respect in the chamber. The Senate then processed a governor’s message authorizing Senate Bill 149 for consideration and adopted multiple committee reports moving bills and memorials through the process, including measures referred to education, health and public affairs, tax/business/transportation, rules, finance, and judiciary committees. The body also introduced Senate Memorials 24 and 25 and Senate Joint Memorial 4. A call of the Senate was ordered after objection to moving to third reading, and the sergeant-at-arms reported Senators Sanchez and Tobiassen missing; the chamber remained under call while other business continued. The session ended with committee schedule announcements and a recess until noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be developed in the farm kitchen. be developed in the farm kitchen.
• redefine farm kitchen to include it with the homemade food product.
• sure what a farm kitchen meant, correct?
• </c> homemade food products and farm homemade food products and farm kitchens.<01:44:06.639><c> In</c
• </c> Um secondly, I want to define farm Um secondly, I want to define farm kitchens<01:44:33.840><c>

Bills: SB2275 , SB2390 , SB2540 , SB3142 , SB2414 , SB2340 , SB2848

Committee: House Health

Keywords: Medicaid, disability, buy-in program, workers with disabilities, income eligibility, premium structure, biomarker testing, health insurance, medical coverage, state law, health maintenance organization, juvenile justice, youth penalties, minors, court fees, court costs, fines, surcharges, restitution, fee waiver

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that you're with Farm Services, the director, and then after we get started, then we'll have
• Services you he that you're with Farm Services you he the<00:02:35.319><c> director</c><00:02:36.200
• My name is Aro Pera, and I serve as the farm services director for regenerative agriculture.
• in the expanding Arcola Farms grower network.
• </c> farms in the expanding Arcola Farms farms in the expanding Arcola Farms grower<00:12:08.600><c>

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it has been brought to my attention that crawfish farming is beginning to be a topic of discussion
• Um, it has been brought to my attention that crawfish farming is beginning to be a topic of discussion
• Um, but right now we're looking at it being a farm-funded piece. &gt;&gt; It very well could be.
• <00:20:49.600><c> a</c><00:20:49.840><c> farm</c><00:20:50.240><c> funded</c><00:20:50.720><c> piece.
• </c> farm a farm funded piece. farm a farm funded piece. &gt;&gt; Yes,<00:20:52.320><c> sir.

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Keywords: Agriculture - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.<00:51:12.720><c> You
• ><c> is</c> Again, farming and ranching is Again, farming and ranching is susceptible<00:51:44.880><c
• Hawaii Farm Bureau in support. >> Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on its written testimony in support.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau in &gt;&gt; Thank you. Hawaii Farm Bureau in support. support. support.
• Um, Hawaii Farm Bureau in Thank you. Um, Hawaii Farm Bureau in support. support. support.

Bills: HB1183 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2116 , HB2271 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB2360 , HB2387 , HB2472 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB1815 , HB1860 , HB2117 , HB2118 , HB2437 , HB2438 , HB2604 , HB1590 , HB2156 , HB2268

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:50.520><c> communities</c> Minnesota farmers and farm communities Minnesota farmers and farm
• </c><00:09:48.240><c> executive</c> Central Farm Service chief executive Central Farm Service chief executive
• Central Farm Service has skin in else.
• You know, I grew up on the farm many years.
• </c><01:04:22.840><c> uh</c> I grew up in the farm uh I grew up in the farm uh uh<01:04:24.359><c> many

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pratt, is for crop hauling for the Tucker Unit Farm.
• Contract 137 is with Farm Care Consulting. This is a pharmacist in Arkadelphia.
• The vendor is Farm Brother Flyers. On page 9, the vendor is Farm Brother Flyers.
• Also, aerial application at the Tucker farm. I'm just curious if staff knows.
• Are the farms that much different in size? Yes, sir. Cummins is a lot larger than Tucker's farm.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We spent most of our time on accessory on-farm businesses, as neither body had taken testimony on this
• for both the next legislature to consider these changes and recommendations from the accessory on-farm
• for both the next legislature to consider these changes and recommendations from the accessory on-farm
• And the 10th instance of amendment is a change to the date for accessory on-farm business so that it
• business that it would go into on-farm business that it would go into effect<00:21:39.880><c> July</

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It funds a farm-to-school coordinator position and associated travel for providing training, technical
• The school bus camera fund ongoing increase, $269,600 one time for the farm-to-school federal grant,
• I think this is so important to have this connection from farm to school, I think this is so important
• to have this connection from farm to schools.
• Having grown up on a farm and then taught most of my years in the Boise School District, we have a big

Summary: The committee first took up the Department of Environmental Quality budget. Staff outlined enhancements for monitoring and maintenance at the Triumph Mine, a transfer for Coeur d’Alene Basin remediation, and a fund shift to move positions from federal funds to the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program fund. Members also approved language to consolidate certain air permitting and drinking water permitting fee funds, and later adopted additional language related to a solid waste regulatory fund transfer tied to House Bill 555. The DEQ motion passed with do-pass recommendations. The committee then considered the Department of Lands, focusing heavily on fire preparedness funding for the Forest and Range Fire Protection Program. Members debated whether to restore one-time General Fund money for standby crews in FY 2026 and FY 2027, with some arguing the department had reverted funds in prior years and had other dedicated funds available, while the department explained those funds were legally committed to other purposes and that the standby crews support state firefighting readiness. The FY 2026 supplemental passed, the FY 2027 enhancement initially failed, reconsideration was debated under parliamentary rules, and after reconsideration the FY 2027 fire preparedness funding passed. The committee also adopted language allowing transfers between department programs and approved language restricting the use of General Fund firefighter bonus money to firefighters. Next, the committee reviewed Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind. The budget included career ladder adjustments, a van replacement, staffing for a new 18-bed residential building in Gooding, replacement items, and an endowment fund adjustment. Members debated a substitute motion that would fund the new cottage staff for the opening of the new dormitory, with supporters emphasizing the need to avoid leaving the new facility unused and opponents noting the budget’s size and the broader constraints on other agencies. The substitute motion failed and the original motion passed, resulting in a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered the State Department of Education budget. The agency requested additional spending authority for school bus camera grants, an extended USDA farm-to-school grant, and ongoing child nutrition technology grants. A substitute motion to increase the farm-to-school authority to match the anticipated federal extension failed, and the original motion passed, approving the dedicated and federal fund increases and sending the budget forward with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, how there's mychniman was raised on a 1/5 generation farm and ranch in Garber, Oklahoma.
• Upon graduation, Tyler moved home to Garber to continue his legacy of farming and ranching alongside
• Tyler currently farms with his older brother Travis and his dad Lee and looks forward to the future of
• more fulfilling to Tyler than knowing that the next generation is anxious to continue his legacy of farming
• Attended Oklahoma State University, immediately came back to the farm.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the number one economic driver in the state, and I feel like this portfolio from urban farm, new
• Mark Figenbaum, with the Missouri Farm Bureau, testifying in favor of HB 2713.
• And with you all, with Farm Bureau on here, I was waiting to put this spiel on, and with you all, with
• Farm Bureau on here, I just want to compliment Farm Bureau that stepped up and purchased the tax credits
• And if we need to continue to invest in rural family farms, we have to have programs like this.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The Agriculture Committee first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 24-22 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bills 2713 and 2716, both sponsored by Representative Deal. HB 2713 was described as the larger agriculture tax credit package, including removal of sunsets from several existing ag-related credits and technical changes to programs such as biodiesel, meat processing, specialty crops, wood energy, and rolling stock. HB 2716 focused on the short-line rail tax credit and related rail infrastructure incentives, including track rehabilitation and industrial development credits. Representative Deal said the bills were intended to provide long-term certainty for agriculture and rail investment and noted the programs’ positive return on investment. Committee members raised concerns about eliminating sunsets, how future legislatures would review the credits, and whether some credits could be used if Missouri moved toward eliminating income tax. Questions also focused on whether abandoned or minimally used rail lines would qualify, and on the transferability of rolling stock credits to entities with different tax liabilities. Deal and witnesses said the rail provisions were aimed at active short lines and that data on the credits’ performance could be provided. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybeans, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Eastern Railroad, Missouri Economic Development Council, Osage Valley Electric Cooperative, and the Missouri Railroad Association. Supporters said the credits have stimulated ethanol, biodiesel, dairy, specialty crop, meat processing, and rural economic development projects, and that rail credits help preserve and expand short-line service, reduce truck traffic, and attract industrial investment. No opposition testimony was offered on either bill, and the hearings on HB 2713 and HB 2716 were adjourned without any recorded committee vote on those bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that when wind farms, solar farms, or battery electric storage systems are built in a community
• , the solar farm, the battery systems are classified as equipment.
• So wind farms, solar farms that are already there will continue on the property tax system until they
• Revenue neutral—the intention is that the systems over the life of the wind farm or the life...
• The intention is that the systems over the life of the wind farm or the life of the solar farm, they

Summary: House Finance met on Friday, January 23rd, and heard three bills. On House Bill 2194, staff explained that the bill would allow a county and a city within that county to both impose the cultural access sales and use tax at the same time, with the county providing a credit for the city tax. Representative Parsley said the change would let more jurisdictions support cultural, arts, science, and school-related programs. Olympia and Thurston County officials testified in support, describing grant funding for cultural organizations, free programming, and school access benefits; a committee member raised a question about how the change could affect county bond obligations. The committee then heard House Bill 2089, which would narrow a B&O tax preference for first mortgage interest by removing the requirement that a financial institution be located in 10 or more states, and direct the resulting revenue to the wildfire response, forest restoration, and community resilience account. Staff said the bill would raise significant revenue and have implementation costs for the Department of Revenue. Representative Scott said the bill was intended to restore wildfire funding and limit the preference to community banks, while opponents from the Washington Bankers Association and Community Bankers of Washington warned the bill could harm community banks and mortgage lending if not drafted carefully. The Department of Natural Resources and a public employee representative supported restoring wildfire preparedness funding. Finally, the committee heard a proposed third substitute for House Bill 1960, which would replace property taxation for new or repowered large renewable energy facilities and battery storage systems with a state and local excise tax structure, while also creating a local investment distribution account and a tribal capacity grant program. Staff and the sponsor described the bill as a way to reduce property tax shifts onto nearby taxpayers and provide more stable, predictable revenue for local governments and tribes. County officials, assessors, treasurers, and some clean energy and conservation groups supported the concept but asked for clearer definitions, payment timing, and rate adjustments; utilities and renewable developers said they supported the goal but opposed the bill as drafted because of concerns about the rates and the treatment of centrally assessed utilities. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings on all three bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> farm to one of our sons. farm to one of our sons.
• This was going to make a big impact on their farm as they worked to transition their farm to the next
• Bank farm bankruptcies are up 95%.
• </c> the farm to school in Lake Care. the farm to school in Lake Care.
• </c> net farm income since the mid1 1990s. net farm income since the mid1 1990s.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee sub just takes out a section about requiring a signature register of farm bureau farm vehicle
• signature section uh about requiring a signature register<00:01:54.320><c> of</c><00:01:54.399><c> farm
• </c><00:01:54.640><c> bure</c><00:01:55.280><c> farm</c><00:01:55.520><c> vehicle.
• </c> register of farm bure farm vehicle. register of farm bure farm vehicle.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill helps to provide affordable health coverage options for Florida Farm Bureau members, particularly
• I'm actually a member of the Florida Farm Bureau, so I can actually get insurance through them, right
• Tripp Hunter, Farm Bureau, waiving in support.
• Trip Hunter, Farm Bureau. prosperity, waiving in support, Tripp Hunter, Farm Bureau, waiving in support
• Tennessee Farm Bureau had brought this forward several years ago, and it's working.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The committee heard and acted on six bills. SB 480, by Senator DeSigley, would allow a narrowly tailored nonprofit agricultural organization to offer health coverage to its members, especially farmers and ranchers, outside the Florida Insurance Code; supporters said it would improve affordable access in rural areas, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network warned the plans would not have to cover preexisting conditions or comply with ACA protections. An amendment aligning the bill with the statute for nonprofit religious organizations was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1226, also by Senator DeSigley, would create a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs; it drew no opposition and was reported favorably. SB 988, by Senator Truenow, would revise securities exemption and filing requirements under Florida’s Invest Local exemption law; a strike-all amendment clarifying terms, fingerprinting, and related compliance provisions was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute. SB 944, by Senator Davis, would correct an omission in the law governing insurance overpayment claims so the 12-month limit applies to psychologists and HMO claims, with an effective date tied to January 1, 2026; the Florida Psychological Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with committee substitute after an amendment. SB 756, by Senator Burton, would remove the age-8 diagnosis cutoff and age cap for mandated insurance coverage for autism services, update the autism definition to the current DSM, and also repeal age caps for Down syndrome diagnosis; disability advocates and provider groups supported the bill, and it passed as amended. SB 1078, introduced on behalf of Senator McLean, would streamline permitting and inspection procedures for certain fire alarm and sprinkler projects, set deadlines for local agencies, limit extra documentation demands, and restrict enforcement of local ordinances not properly submitted; fire industry representatives supported the compromise amendment, some senators questioned local flexibility and permitting delays, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also approved a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They farm a lot of ground, but they have a long-term investment approach to monetizing water.
• I have a thousand acres of it on my farm.
• I don't know how much time you have to farm because you're down here all the time to testify.
• I don't know how much time you have to farm because you're down here all the time for testifying.
• of Arizona's farm and ranch families throughout every corner of the state.

Bills: HB2014 , HB2031 , HB2078 , HB2102 , HB2103 , HB2117 , HB2261 , HB2262 , HB2264 , HB2278 , HB2428 , HB2494 , HB2756 , HB2758 , HB2762 , HB2782 , HB2932 , HB2933 , HB2986

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, water rights, groundwater, Willcox, active management area, certificate of grandfathered rights, Arizona legislature, aggregate mining, reclamation plans, environmental protection, public safety, land use, domestic water, improvement district, water delivery, water hauling

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> strengthen farm-toschool strengthen farm-toschool initiatives.<00:35:58.960><c> First</c><00:35:
• We believe that investing in farm-to-school programs is an investment in Hawaii's future.
• /c> farm-toschool programs support student farm-toschool programs support student health,<00:40:07.599
• </c><00:40:38.800><c> to</c> that Hawaii's commitment to farm to that Hawaii's commitment to farm to
• Next we have HCR 104 / HR 100 on urging the DOE to strengthen farm-to-school initiatives.

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.