Transcript Highlights:

• As<00:42:16.560> the<00:42:16.640> chair<00:42:17.040> mentioned<00:42:17.520>
• could<00:42:19.320> get<00:42:19.520> into<00:42:20.240> areas<00:42:20.680>
• <00:42:34.000> helping<00:42:34.480> us<00:42:34.840> to<00:42:35.040> figure
• out how<00:42:37.360> the<00:42:37.560> inputs<00:42:38.040> lead<00:42:38.280>
• So I guess<00:42:40.760> my<00:42:41.000> concern<00:42:41.520> is<00:42:41.760>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:42:03.160> words<00:42:03.400> that<00:42:03.560> CAU<00:42:03.760><
• > I<00:42:06.760> don't<00:42:07.000> love<00:42:07.400> and<00:42:07.760
• <00:42:11.000> just<00:42:11.280> wondering<00:42:12.280> like<00:42:12.440>
• :42:13.319> the<00:42:13.400> new<00:42:13.800> language<00:42:14.800> um
• it out because then<00:42:20.760> you<00:42:20.839> see<00:42:21.240> gas<00:42:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you<00:42:05.280> like<00:42:05.359> to<00:42:05.520> take<00:42:05.760>
• I<00:42:07.599> I<00:42:08.000> said<00:42:08.160> everything<00:42:08.400> I
• <00:42:08.720> think<00:42:08.800> I<00:42:08.960> want<00:42:09.040> to<
• > want<00:42:34.800> to<00:42:34.960> be<00:42:35.119> clear<00:42:35.280
• I I<00:42:36.000> was<00:42:36.160> unaware<00:42:36.560> that<00:42:36.960>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:41.839> thinking<00:42:42.000> of<00:42:42.240> or<00:42:42.400> do
• Um<01:42:12.719> the<01:42:12.960> only<01:42:13.199> other<01:42:13.600> section
• <01:42:14.080> that<01:42:14.639> we<01:42:14.960> take Um the only other section
• that we take Um the only other section that we take issue<01:42:15.600> with<01:42:15.920>
• <01:42:18.560> uh<01:42:18.800> lines Um, the only other section that we take issue

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:42:01.400> I<00:42:01.440> would<00:42:01.600> ask<00:42:01.840> for
• Not<00:42:05.920> Senator<00:42:06.440> Friends<00:42:06.880> moves<00:42:07.280
• <00:42:09.240> amendments,<00:42:10.120> the<00:42:10.240> one<00:42:10.360>
• Um Um Um we<00:42:13.120> have<00:42:13.240> a<00:42:13.280> lot<00:42:13.480>
• Is<00:42:19.560> there<00:42:19.680> any<00:42:19.840> further<00:42:20.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:12.560> So<00:42:13.359> we<00:42:13.760> have<00:42:13.920> a
• <00:42:14.160> long<00:42:14.319> ways<00:42:14.560> to kilowatt hour.
• <00:42:15.599> to<00:42:15.920> begin<00:42:16.319> to<00:42:16.640> have
• this model<00:42:17.280> of<00:42:17.680> deregulated<00:42:18.400> at<00:42:19.040
• <00:42:23.119> We<00:42:23.359> are<00:42:23.440> like<00:42:23.599> in

Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> if<00:42:05.319> you<00:42:05.440> take<00:42:05.560> a<00:42:05.640>
• :25.800> it<00:42:25.920> helps<00:42:26.160> us<00:42:26.520> you<00:42:
• :42:27.800> projects<00:42:28.599> by<00:42:28.760> bringing<00:42:29.079> in
• /c><00:42:35.160> because<00:42:35.319> it's<00:42:35.480> based<00:42:35.760>
• <00:42:43.200> and<00:42:43.319> then<00:42:43.440> we<00:42:43.599> also

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<01:42:22.560> I'll<01:42:22.960> take<01:42:23.119> the<01:42:23.280>
• >> Um,<01:42:31.040> could<01:42:31.199> you<01:42:31.360> give<01:42:31.440
• > only<01:42:49.360> cons<01:42:49.679> I'<01:42:49.920> I've<01:42:50.239
• <01:42:55.199> My<01:42:55.360> my<01:42:55.679> rate<01:42:55.840> of
• authority is<01:42:57.380> [snorts]<01:42:57.520> given<01:42:57.760> to<01:42:

Bills: HB1719, HB1742, HB1737, HB2049, HB1725, HB1726, HB1738, HB1799, HB1700

Keywords: housing crisis, manufactured homes, factory-built housing, zoning, relocatable housing units, farm employee housing, agriculture, Hawaii Revised Statutes, agricultural districts, land use, regulation, renewable energy, community development, housing, affordable housing, real estate, state regulation, building codes, construction, permitting

Summary: The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making. The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• brief section by section of the bill. brief section by section of the bill.
• 42:01.839> have<00:42:02.000> a<00:42:02.240> a<00:42:02.640> big<00:42:02.800
• before<00:42:16.880> coming<00:42:17.119> to<00:42:17.280> the<00:42:17.359
• :18.400> And<00:42:18.560> I<00:42:18.800> worry<00:42:18.960> that<00:42
• be<00:42:21.280> debated<00:42:21.599> and<00:42:21.760> voted<00:42:22.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400> about<00:42:01.760> um<00:42:01.920> kind<00:42:02.160> of<00:42
• > uh<00:42:14.319> that<00:42:14.560> are<00:42:14.800> set<00:42:14.960>
• or<00:42:15.440> not<00:42:15.520> and<00:42:15.760> the<00:42:15.839>
• 42:17.280> genders<00:42:17.760> that<00:42:18.079> tend<00:42:18.240> to
• :42:57.599> more<00:42:57.760> of<00:42:57.920> a<00:42:58.000> long<00:42

Bills: HF3432, HF3411

Keywords: resident tuition, employment, higher education, Minnesota, tuition rates, state universities, immigration status, immigration, postsecondary education, privacy, data access, federal officers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Nap, Larson,<00:42:52.560> Lloyd,<00:42:53.760> Larson,<00:42:54.240> JT,<00:42:
• <01:42:03.840> This<01:42:04.080> helps<01:42:04.480> Wyoming<01:42:05.440><
• as premium.<01:42:08.239> We<01:42:08.400> get<01:42:08.560> a<01:42:09.199>
• The<01:42:14.080> primary<01:42:14.480> purpose<01:42:14.800> of<01:42:14.960>
• Seeing<01:42:35.280> no<01:42:35.440> one<01:42:35.679> headed<01:42:35.920>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none,<01:42:21.520> we're<01:42:21.600> going<01:42:21.760> to<01:42:21.840
• I<01:42:26.159> um<01:42:26.480> Representative<01:42:27.280> Sher,<01:42:27.760
• :28.639> open<01:42:28.800> it<01:42:29.119> uh<01:42:29.280> make<01:42:
• <02:42:16.880> are >> I<02:42:20.960> just<02:42:21.200> don't<02:42:21.359
• <03:42:11.120> So<03:42:11.359> that<03:42:11.680> was<03:42:12.239> my

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:42:23.200> do<00:42:23.280> you<00:42:23.400> have<00:42:23.480> to
• <00:42:23.599> do<00:42:23.920> some<00:42:24.319> chapter<00:42:24.599>
• 42:28.720> could<00:42:28.839> you<00:42:28.920> explain<00:42:29.200> that
• it's when<00:42:34.760> we<00:42:35.760> uh<00:42:36.040> have<00:42:36.200>
• and<00:42:38.599> we're<00:42:38.800> looking<00:42:39.079> to<00:42:39.440

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:02.000> not<00:42:02.160> be<00:42:03.040> doing<00:42:03.280> things
• <00:42:11.680> And<00:42:11.920> so<00:42:12.319> if<00:42:13.200> using<
• <00:42:18.720> there<00:42:18.880> has<00:42:19.040> to<00:42:19.119> be<
• to be someone has<00:42:19.680> to<00:42:19.760> be<00:42:19.920> shouting<00:42
• <00:42:24.720> or<00:42:25.200> kind<00:42:25.440> of<00:42:25.599> anti-

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:42:07.760> we've<00:42:07.920> had<00:42:08.079> on<00:42:08.400>
• :42:24.640> of<00:42:24.880> the<00:42:25.119> incident<00:42:25.520> of<
• <00:42:27.280> and<00:42:27.599> the<00:42:27.920> fragility<00:42:28.720> of
• :42:31.440> programs<00:42:31.839> to<00:42:32.000> try<00:42:32.240> to<
• projects<00:42:40.400> the<00:42:40.720> costs<00:42:41.280> based<00:42:41.680

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session began with HB 656, as amended, which would treat federal funds received by school districts as unanticipated money unless already listed in the annual report, and would require notices and school board minutes to identify the grant and summarize any obligations attached to accepting it. Supporters said the bill was aimed at transparency so voters would understand the “strings attached” to grants, while opponents raised concerns that the amendment was new, potentially vague, and could require districts to publish lengthy or redundant information, increasing costs and administrative burden. Several members suggested alternative approaches, such as a state-level list of common grant obligations or posting grant documents online. No vote was taken, and some members argued the bill was not ready for action. The committee then moved to HB 665, which would expand eligibility for free school meals to households at up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines and use education trust fund money to cover the added cost. Representative Damon strongly supported the bill, citing food insecurity and arguing the fiscal note likely overstated costs because the bill requires at least one free meal, not necessarily both breakfast and lunch. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote or final action on HB 665 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They concluded<00:42:14.400> the<00:42:14.640> conduct<00:42:14.960> that<00:42:
• c><00:42:24.960> or<00:42:25.440> neglect<00:42:25.839> of<00:42:26.079> duty
• and<00:42:32.640> is<00:42:32.800> broad<00:42:33.119> enough<00:42:33.920>
• > a<00:42:46.240> wrongful<00:42:46.720> act<00:42:47.359> or<00:42:47.680><
• :53.599> a<00:42:53.760> lawful<00:42:54.160> act<00:42:54.800> but<00:42

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ;> uh<00:42:16.000> Madam<00:42:16.319> Chair,<00:42:16.960> uh<00:42:17.680>
• :42:21.280> instance,<00:42:21.599> today<00:42:22.319> we<00:42:22.560> do
• > um<00:42:48.160> of<00:42:48.480> that<00:42:49.200> um<00:42:49.440>
• but I think<00:42:50.240> one<00:42:50.480> of<00:42:50.560> the<00:42:50.720><
• > do<00:42:54.720> not<00:42:54.880> want<00:42:55.040> the<00:42:55.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, section 21-I:42 relates to personnel and if you go to 21-I:42, Roman numeral 1, it says managing
• <04:42:20.120> um<04:42:20.320> our<04:42:20.638> industry<04:42:21.638>
• trucks<04:42:24.120> driving<04:42:24.440> on<04:42:24.560> the<04:42:24.680>
• Machinery<04:42:26.240> making<04:42:27.160> materials<04:42:28.040> and<04:42:
• :29.000> so<04:42:29.240> all<04:42:29.400> of<04:42:29.520> those<04:42:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:05.079> in<00:42:05.200> the<00:42:05.359> calendar<00:42:06.000> and
• :42:08.640> that<00:42:08.800> we<00:42:08.960> got<00:42:09.319> I<00:42
• > you<00:42:14.880> yeah<00:42:15.040> no<00:42:15.240> it's<00:42:15.440
• I'd<00:42:21.280> like<00:42:21.400> to<00:42:21.559> open<00:42:21.839>
• c><00:42:24.040> on<00:42:24.200> HB<00:42:24.599> 225 it's<00:42:27.839> a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:07.040> in<00:42:07.240> section<00:42:07.599> two<00:42:08.720> um<
• /c> um for the language in section two um um for the language in section two um the<00:42:09.839>
• > the<00:42:25.559> department<00:42:26.240> is<00:42:27.280> that<00:42:
• :28.000> may<00:42:28.160> be<00:42:28.480> too<00:42:28.839> broad<00:42
• <00:42:30.920> you<00:42:31.079> to<00:42:31.240> the<00:42:31.359> use

Keywords: 1191, senate, all