Transcript Highlights:

• The Hawaii Finance Corporation stands for testimony and support. Thank you.
• Next, we have County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, followed by Agatha Joyce
• I am a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa pursuing my master's in social work.
• I would like to say that houselessness continues to be a prevalent issue in Hawaii, with ever-increasing
• My name is Jan, and I'm a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard three bills. HB 1428 would appropriate funds for HHFC to distribute to HUD-certified housing counseling agencies and require a report to the Legislature. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including HHFC, the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, and individual testifiers who said housing counseling, financial education, and one-on-one guidance can help keep residents housed. In response to a question, HHFC said there are five certified agencies in the state and requested $1.5 million for one year, noting uncertainty around federal funding. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. HB 833 would create a five-year Community Land Trust Equity pilot program through HHFC, using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund money to provide lines of credit for acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of housing for certain households. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support. HHFC said the needed funding depends on the size of the pilot and estimated that 50 homes at $500,000 each would require about $25 million; members discussed how the funds would revolve as loans are repaid. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including replacing the income restriction with qualified residents under HRS 20-32 and prioritizing applications requiring the lowest funds per unit per year. The recommendation was adopted. HB 286 would increase the maximum annual deduction and account limits for Individual Housing Accounts. The Department of Taxation testified, with support also noted from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and several individuals, and one individual in opposition. In response to questions, DOTAX said the change would likely have limited impact because fewer than 100 IHAs have been reported and suggested the deduction would need to be above the Roth IRA limit to matter. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments and reported the proposed limits as $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married filing jointly. The committee adopted the recommendation, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• from Hawaii Bicing League in support. from Hawaii Bicing League in support.
• Up next, we have Travis Council from Hawaii Bicycling League in opposition.
• Up next, we have Travis Council from Hawaii Bicycling League in opposition.
• First we have Travis Council of Hawaii Bicycling League in support.
• Hawaii Bicycling League in support. Hawaii Bicycling League in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Public Safety hearing considered HCR 121/HR 117, which asks federal and state transportation and defense agencies to coordinate on expanding Kle Pass as an emergency exit route. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state departments and community representatives, though one member raised equity concerns about other communities needing similar access solutions. Both committees recommended passage, and the resolutions were adopted in tandem. The Transportation Committee then heard a series of road safety and mobility resolutions. These included HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots; HCR 52/HR 48 on a sidewalk between Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach; HCR 57/HR 53 on traffic calming around Piywa Street in Waipahu; HCR 112/HR 108 on a pedestrian-first policy; HCR 129/HR 125 on safety and congestion near Haiku Elementary; HCR 131/HR 127 on rural air service and short takeoff/landing aircraft; HCR 136/HR 130 on reflective gear for pedestrians at night; HCR 137/HR 131 on school crosswalk safety at Kipapa Elementary; HCR 177/HR 173 on a summer streets pilot; and HR 43 on an emergency access road on the YNI coast. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of pedestrian and school safety measures, while some transportation and bicycling advocates opposed the reflective-gear resolution as placing too much responsibility on pedestrians rather than improving the built environment. During decision-making, the committee advanced all measures. HCR 43 was amended to specify the study should include district court impacts. HCR 131/HR 127 was amended to shift the rural air service study from the Legislative Reference Bureau to the Department of Transportation. HCR 136/HR 130 was amended to change the reflective-gear proposal from a requirement to an encouragement. HCR 137/HR 131 and HCR 45/HR 38 were also advanced with technical or clarifying amendments, and the remaining resolutions were passed as is. Several members noted reservations or no votes on the reflective-gear measure, but all recommendations were ultimately adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State Senate and mahala for your continued support and we look forward
• <00:04:52.240> Major the Salvation Army Hawaii. Major the Salvation Army Hawaii.
• <00:05:16.639> State Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State Um, so welcome to your Hawaii State
• Congratulations, and thank you so much for your service, as well as Adrienne Trullock from the Hawaii
• In 2023, over 21% of Hawaii residents are over the age of 65 years old.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For 35 years, students from Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii.
• Locally, we have David Arawa from the community relations at the Hawaii United Okinawan Association,
• <00:02:02.079> it's Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii it's Okinawa have been coming to Hawaii
• United Okinawan Association the Hawaii United Okinawan Association as<00:02:43.680> well<00:02
• Can we welcome them to the Hawaii Senate?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a system of systems, and one of the most important aspects of the system...
• Perhaps we could do the same with missile defeat systems from the ground.
• Hawaii is in the defense from ballistic missiles of for Hawaii is part of my responsibility.
• United States with integrated missile defense systems to protect our homeland.
• And while I agree that our immigration system is broken.

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have members of Hawaii Children's Action Network, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, Hawaii Children's Trust
• We have um members of Hawaii abuse.
• We have um members of Hawaii Children's<00:15:00.880> Action<00:15:01.279> Network,<00:
• ,<00:15:03.680> Hawaii<00:15:04.079> Children's<00:15:04.560> Trust Abuse Hawaii
• , Hawaii Children's Trust Abuse Hawaii, Hawaii Children's Trust Fund<00:15:05.600> Coalition,<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one measure on this agenda, House Concurrent Resolution 58 HD1, requesting the Hawaii State Energy
• energy working group to evaluate the regulatory and policy landscape surrounding geothermal energy in Hawaii
• Uh, Monique Zus on behalf of the Hawaii State Energy Office.
• landscape in Hawaii? landscape in Hawaii? A<00:02:29.440> lot.
• <00:09:16.399> State uh the support of the Hawaii State uh the support of the Hawaii State

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard HCR 58 HD1, which asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to review the regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal development in Hawaii. Testimony was generally supportive: the PUC, Consumer Advocates Office, and State Energy Office all said they stood on written testimony in support. In response to questions, a State Energy Office representative explained that geothermal exploration and permitting involve multiple agencies and depend on the land involved, and estimated that drilling an initial slim-hole test well could cost around $2.5 million or more, with additional work needed afterward to characterize the resource. The representative also noted that drilling can provide useful information about groundwater, geology, and temperature profiles. The committee discussed the importance of including community members and relevant energy stakeholders in the working group. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend HCR 58 HD1 be passed unamended. The chair, vice chair, and Senator Richards voted yes, Senator Fevella was excused, and the recommendation was adopted. Later in the same meeting, the committee heard HCR 68, which urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a dedicated animal education and training complex in the Kalai Loa Parklands, and HCR 72, which urges county ethics commissions to adopt standards similar to those applied to state elected officials and officers. Pacific Pet Alliance testified in support of HCR 68, citing the lack of animal-friendly facilities on the Leeward side and the high cost of renting space for shows and related events. No one testified on HCR 72. The committee then voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with Senator Fevella excused, and both recommendations were adopted before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization states that Hawaii is exiting its modest
• <00:32:28.640> Economic While the University of Hawaii Economic While the University of Hawaii
• Research Organization states that Hawaii Research Organization states that Hawaii is<00:32:31.560
• <00:38:09.320> has state for the record that Hawaii has state for the record that Hawaii has
• So, I'm hopeful that we avoid all that here in Hawaii that has troubled parts of the mainland.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the prior journal, and welcomed visiting fifth-grade students from Kauai’s Island School and Laie Elementary to the gallery. The body then received and referred a series of governor’s nominations and House bills, and introduced numerous Senate concurrent and Senate resolutions for committee referral. It also took up a large consent calendar of Senate bills, approving the consent package unanimously and passing those measures on third reading. The chamber then considered many individual bills on third reading, with several floor amendments adopted to add effective dates and delay final action on measures including SB 2454, SB 2830, and SB 2397. Some bills were recommitted to the Judiciary Committee or separated from committee reports, including SB 2480 and SB 2423. The Senate also passed a number of policy bills covering motor vehicles, public safety, property insurance, elections, campaign finance, renewable energy, financial disclosures, liquor, veterans’ benefits, social media, electric energy, coastal resilience, climate planning, conservation, agriculture, education, collective bargaining, transportation, housing, land use, fishing, and natural resource management. Several measures drew reservations or no votes, but most still passed by wide margins. Notable debate centered on SB 3125, relating to income tax, where Senator Dela Cruz supported the bill as a way to preserve tax relief for working families while addressing fiscal uncertainty, Senator DeCorte opposed it as a rollback of promised relief amid Hawaii’s high cost of living, and Senator McKelvey and Senator Rhoads defended it as a responsible balance between tax relief and budget stability. SB 3125 ultimately passed third reading 23-2. Other bills also passed with recorded opposition, including SB 2009, SB 2517, SB 2721, SB 2731, SB 3071, SB 2418, SB 2568, SB 2975, SB 2100, SB 2353, SB 3062, SB 2761, SB 2003, and SB 2981.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even within systems, providers and system stakeholders are not fully aware of the full service array
• We know that using not just in the adult system, but also in the juvenile system.
• The system is much smaller.
• system of some sort?
• Two to three years into the adult system?

Transcript Highlights:

• So, she is the Hawaii Child and Youth Services Bennett Youth Center awardee.
• So, she is the Hawaii Child and you.
• He's the MEP center director for Innovate Hawaii with HTDC.
• to the Hawaii House of Representatives?
• <00:45:41.760> House resolution urging the Hawaii House resolution urging the Hawaii House

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong Hawaii electric uh testifying in strong support<00:13:14.760>
• So we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii, everybody who works
• So we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii, everybody who works
• So we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii, everybody who works
• Hawaiian Electric, so we think that this legislation is good for Hawaii, good for the people of Hawaii

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended. A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to say that we from the Hawaii Island and in Hilo, Miss Isha Rose Mata has been nominated and
• voted to be a Miss Hawaii USA, and we hope that we have an opportunity later to meet her someday here
• USA and we and voted to be a Miss Hawaii USA and we hope<00:04:14.159> that<00:04:14.480>
• ,<00:05:30.720> and Together, the Salvation Army Hawaii, and Together, the Salvation Army
• Hawaii, and the<00:05:31.039> Mahala<00:05:31.600> Mai<00:05:32.560> Women's<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I potential of expanding this system.
• The system consists of two interconnected water systems in northeastern Montana, which serve tribal and
• system.
• > system.
• <04:24:45.359> authorization extends the water systems authorization extends the water systems

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pollutant discharge elimination system pollutant discharge elimination system permits<01:20:25.600
• Over 48,000 of them in Hawaii alone.
• Over 48,000 of them in Hawaii alone.
• Over 48,000 of them in Hawaii alone.
• appealing to the merit systems appealing to the merit systems protection<05:01:47.600> board.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Bills: HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354, HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there are many states operating on a file-and-use system. It is not unheard of.
• I just think over regulation and switching a system that there's a lot of factors.
• the consumer and the insurer, and It's incredibly important to the wellbeing of our state that this system
• I think a profit cap in a free market system is just It's not the answer to me.

Bills: SB1969, SB1953, SB1277, SB1287, SB1061, SB1916, SB1589, SB2178, SB1444, SB1438, SB1501, SB1873, SB1364

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• My team indicated that there are significant costs associated with this proposal, such as system changes
• I don't know why we worry about taking people that are abusing a system off of it.
• So how are we, how is the system, how are you going to differentiate between the bad actors and those
• And so for the next 25 years, they made the state build the system.
• And so the system has been built around Arnold v. Sarn.

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733, SB1192, SB1398, SB1399, SB1494, SB1557, SB1813, SB1821

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Any excess revenue after actual costs are recovered must be reinvested in the utility system or returned
• Any excess revenue after actual costs are recovered must be reinvested in the utility system or returned
• of a day, and this is a great thing that will actually help more people engage in our government system
• There is a cost to extend infrastructure and maintain that system.
• Would you say that the current system or setup at the state level mirrors the requirements that we're

Bills: S0018, S0028, S0260, S0848, S0934, S1014, S1102, S1264, S1566, S1622, S1724

Keywords: negligence, compensation, child welfare, law enforcement accountability, personal injury, police negligence, law enforcement, monetary compensation, civil rights, city liability, electric vehicle, EV, battery fire, lithium-ion battery, towing, wrecker service, vehicle storage, submerged vehicle, saltwater damage, fire marshal

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills focused on water safety, utilities, housing, transparency, and claims relief. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was presented as a follow-up to prior water-quality legislation and reported favorably with one support waiver. SB 28, a claims bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child-drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy and drowning-prevention groups in strong support; amendments required rental license applicants to certify compliance and removed local-government add-on authority, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 18, a claims bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, prompted questions about settlement and responsibility but was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from a waiver form. Several utility and infrastructure measures were considered. CS/SB 1724 would regulate municipal utility service outside city limits, limit revenue transfers, require public meetings, and cap rate differences; an amendment added gas utilities, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from municipal utility representatives and small-county advocates. CS/SB 1014 would require municipal utilities to extend water and wastewater service to certain nearby residential properties without conditioning service on annexation; an amendment narrowed the bill to residential uses and clarified capacity and grandfathering provisions, and it passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 would allow local infrastructure surtax revenue to fund body camera programs, with an amendment making the surtax authorization prospective and requiring a new referendum; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 260 on electric-vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to focus on storage only and to tie the higher fee to the period before fire-risk inspection, then reported favorably after testimony from insurers, fire officials, and EV industry representatives. The committee also advanced education, housing, and ethics-related bills. SB 1264 would ease zoning and code barriers for small private schools and micro-schools, with supporters arguing it would expand school choice and opponents raising implementation concerns; it was reported favorably. SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a tax-exemption section that conflicted with the Live Local Act, then reported favorably. SB 1622 would provide a one-time waiver of late financial-disclosure fines under specified conditions and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related materials, and an amendment added utility revenue reinvestment and other changes while removing DEI spending restrictions; the bill drew support for transparency but concern from small cities and counties about cost and workload, and it was reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment after senators recorded votes on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates a redundant system that Arizona would now be responsible for administering.
• It creates a redundant system that Arizona would now be responsible for administering.
• Madam Chair: Kelsey, if I understand right, it would be very, very hard under the system that's being
• Obviously you're concerned about this system here where it offers the telemedicine.
• This is a very long time to wait to be paid, and the system... It is a problem.

Bills: SB1021, SB1144, SB1164, SB1178, SB1181, SB1241, SB1247, SB1286, SB1415, SCR1011

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Transcript Highlights:

• 1908 relates to a study by the Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing a statewide system
• The price of the lawyer was daunting, and he warned us that it is a biased system.
• Senate Bill 111 brings much needed transparency and accountability to this broken system.
• I want to cast light on solutions because I discovered in our system... ...of education, we have laws
• The existing system isn't working.

Bills: SB205, SB582, SB625, SB1884, SB1903, SB2600, SB2617, SB2751, SB111, SB3061, SB1908

Keywords: fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code, pregnancy, reproductive health, infertility, birth defects, prenatal development, unborn child, trimester, medically accurate instruction, age-appropriate instruction, drug and alcohol effects, lead exposure