Transcript Highlights:

• The work has ensured that the priorities of the lāhui Remains centered in the organization's initiatives
• Through its work as a Native community development financial institution and As a HUD-certified housing
• Equally noteworthy is the council's unwavering commitment To culture as a central pillar of its work.
• In this role, she oversees all legal work, supervises nine attorneys, and manages her own caseload.
• Since 2016, she has worked as a Deputy Attorney General in the Family Law Division of the Department

Bills: SCR8, SR10, SCR90, SR85, SCR110, SR103, SCR54, SR52, SCR107, SR101, SCR178, SR173, SR76, SCR40, SR30, SCR145, SR137, SCR62, SCR95, SR90, SCR45, SR44, SCR119, SR112, SCR63, SR57, SCR21, SR18, SCR27, SR24, SCR75, SR69, SCR7, SR7, SCR149, SCR55, SR53, SCR180, SR175, SCR86, SR77, SCR59, SCR41, SR31, HB1678, HB1824, SCR177, SR172, SCR5, SCR85, SR75, SCR139, SR131, SCR146, SR138, SR84, SCR31, SR27, SCR46, SR45, SCR48, SR47, SCR9, SR11, SCR83, SR73, SCR20, SR17, SCR56, SR54, SCR87, SCR39, SR29, SCR142, SR134, SCR203, SR191, SCR200, SR188, SCR196, SR184, SCR194, SR183, SCR114, SR107, SCR166, SR157, SCR96, SR91, SCR172, SR163, SCR109, SR102, SCR50, SR49, SCR64, SR58, SCR184, SR165, SCR81, SR71, SCR19, SR16, SCR22, SR19, SCR32, SR28, SCR57, SR55, SCR58, SR56, SCR103, SR97, SCR159, SR150, SCR163, SR154, SCR169, SR160, SCR68, SR63, SCR105, SR99, SCR112, SR105, SCR198, SR186, SCR11, SR9, SCR132, SR124, SCR189, SR179, SCR26, SR23, SCR93, SR88, SCR117, SR110, SCR164, SR155, SCR165, SR156, SCR170, SR161, SCR168, SR159, SCR173, SCR197, SCR47, SR46, SCR94, SR89, SCR99, SR93, SCR100, SR94, SCR130, SR122, SCR78, SR82, SCR154, SR145, SCR195, SR192, SCR162, SR153, SCR201, SR189, SCR202, SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• For<00:02:52.959> the<00:02:53.360> land For the land For the land of<00:02:55.440
• She does not have a hotel in her district, and yet much of her work is working with the hotel industry
• the<00:24:33.919> hotel her work is working with the hotel her work is working with the hotel
• The mission was to acquire land, acquire Dole land, acquire land so that we could save it for future
• The mission was to acquire land, acquire Dole land, acquire land so that we could save it for future

Bills: HCR1, HCR2, SB2001, SB2002, SB2003, SB2004, SB2005, SB2006, SB2007, SB2008, SB2009, SB2010, SB2011, SB2012, SB2013, SB2014, SB2015, SB2016, SB2017, SB2018, SB2019, SB2020, SB2021, SB2022, SB2023, SB2024, SB2025, SB2026, SB2027, SB2028, SB2029, SB2030, SB2031, SB2032, SB2033, SB2034, SB2035, SB2036, SB2037, SB2038, SB2039, SB2040, SB2041, SB2042, SB2043, SB2044, SB2045, SB2046, SB2047, SB2048, SB2049, SB2050, SB2051, SB2052, SB2053, SB2054, SB2055, SB2056, SB2057, SB2058, SB2059, SB2060, SB2061, SB2062, SB2063, SB2064, SB2065, SB2066, SB2067, SB2068, SB2069, SB2070, SB2071, SB2072, SB2073, SB2074, SB2075, SB2076, SB2077, SB2078, SB2079, SB2080, SB2081, SB2082, SB2083, SB2084, SB2085, SB2086, SB2087, SB2088, SB2089, SB2090, SB2091, SB2092, SB2093, SB2094, SB2095, SB2096, SB2097, SB2098, SB2099, SB2100

Keywords: recess, legislative session, Hawaii State Legislature, 2026, Governor address, joint session, legislature, Hawaii, state of the state, Banyan Drive, Waiakea peninsula, Makaokū, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HCDA, Hawaii Community Development Authority, community development district, redevelopment, urban renewal, blight

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure that they're going to work with everybody.
• It is something that I have looked at and worked for since I came up here.
• And make it work.
• Full disclosure, we are getting out of the land application business.
• But we've got to find something that works for it.

Bills: HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246

Keywords: climatology, emergency declaration, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, environment, weather data, public policy, state governance, natural resources, advisory councils, sunset law, water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste, radiation management, public health, biosolids, land application, environmental quality, agriculture, wastewater treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm sure they're going to work with everybody.
• Okay. land in an agricultural manner is trying to be a fertilizer.
• We're destroying our land. It does end up in our dinner plates.
• So we do have concerns about this, and I have been working on this.
• So we do have concerns about this, and I have been working on this.

Bills: HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246

Keywords: climatology, emergency declaration, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, environment, weather data, public policy, state governance, natural resources, advisory councils, sunset law, water quality, hazardous waste, solid waste, radiation management, public health, biosolids, land application, environmental quality, agriculture, wastewater treatment

Summary: The committee took up several measures dealing with environmental regulation, waste management, and energy. Early on, it passed sunset-extension bills for the Oklahoma Climatological Survey and several environmental advisory councils. It then heard extensive debate on HB 1907, the Battery Stewardship Act, which would create a battery recycling system for small and medium batteries through DEQ. Supporters argued it would reduce landfill and garbage-truck fires, protect the environment, and create recycling value, while opponents raised concerns about added regulation, costs shifted to producers and retailers, and the creation of a new state FTE. Despite those objections, the bill passed 8-3. The committee also considered HB 3403, a pilot study on biosolids and sewage sludge applied to farmland. Members debated a committee substitute that shortened the study timeline from five years to three years and added a phased rollback of land application. Supporters said the study was needed because of unresolved questions about PFOS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and other contaminants, while critics argued the timelines conflicted and the bill could be hard to implement. The committee substitute was adopted, an amendment to delete key rollback provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 8-2 after testimony from Oklahoma City utilities officials and multiple rounds of questions about testing, health risks, and disposal practices. The committee then passed HB 3175 to establish the Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, with members noting it would have minimal fiscal impact and could help Oklahoma build nuclear expertise and jobs. It also passed HB 3986, expanding a gross production tax exemption for wells completed with recycled water, and HB 3466, which removes the statutory requirement that the Corporation Commission maintain a petty cash fund. Finally, HB 3411, another biosolids-related bill to buy testing equipment and provide information to landowners, and HB 4246, a rural water transparency/lowest-bid bill, both passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The meeting ended with the chair thanking members and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's too much work for cost benefit.
• land near the public transit stations. land near the public transit stations.
• Uh, we've worked with them extensively, or my staff has worked with them extensively.
• Uh, we've worked with them extensively, or my staff has worked with them extensively.
• land and homes? land and homes?

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• board, to the land and natural resources, and working with all the different divisions of DLNR as advisory
• <01:10:16.960> and land board to the for the land and land board to the for the land and natural
• add a lot of extra work for our land<01:38:19.199> division<01:38:19.760> might<01:38:
• working together in the community. working together in the community.
• , you can work in real estate companies, so there's a variety of experiences you can work.

Bills: HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619

Keywords: coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Bills: HB2028, HB1859, HB1851, HB1660, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB2122, HB2012, HB1770, HB2121, HB1979, HB1650, HB1982, HB218

Keywords: Labor Day, construction workers, tax credit, economic development, state law, employer support, workforce development, employment, career counseling, local economy, high-demand jobs, taxation, apprenticeship, income tax credit, qualified apprenticeship program, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo, Jackie, for your<00:10:30.280> hard<00:10:30.600> work,<00:10:30.920> and
• please<00:10:31.640> join<00:10:31.920> me<00:10:32.040> in your hard work
• , and please join me in your hard work, and please join me in congratulating<00:10:33.080> our
• and mahalo for all of your hard work. and mahalo for all of your hard work.
• So, I just wanted to recognize them for the work that they do, even if we don't agree with it.

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• issues consumers are seeing and also give insight into how the platforms actually operate to make the working
• group hopefully come up with some real recommendations for us to work on next year.
• Um, prior to teaching, I started working in banking, and audits were always taught to me as something
• Um prior to teaching, I started working Um prior to teaching, I started working in<00:05:47.720>
• Next,<00:08:15.600> I'm<00:08:15.720> working<00:08:16.000> on<00:08:16.240>

Bills: SCR173, SCR78, SCR114, SCR162, SCR48, SCR160, SCR87, SCR28, SCR74, SCR20, SCR32, SCR55, SCR69

Keywords: ticket scalping, task force, consumer protection, event accessibility, local economy, menstrual health, menstrual cycle, period education, period poverty, menstrual products, menstrual dignity, health education, sexual health curriculum, DOE, Department of Education, public schools, school health, reproductive health, puberty education, hygiene education

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:52.000> with<00:14:52.160> the working with the com working with the working with the
• lands and lands that limited to public lands and lands that are<00:37:36.320> generally<00:37:
• <00:49:11.119> It attraction for that kind of work. It attraction for that kind of work.
• public land uh trust lands raises public land uh trust lands raises serious<01:25:40.000> concerns
• So if was there a uh seated lands.

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Bills: HB2148, HB2306, HB1776, HB2007, HB1939, HB2490, HB1733, HB2049, HB1710, HB1918, HB1926, HB2325, HB2426, HB1553, HB2544, HB2599, HB2616

Keywords: estate tax, generation-skipping transfer tax, unrealized gains, surcharge, property transfer, tax exemption, small business, relative, income tax, tax brackets, household care credit, employment-related expenses, earned income tax credit, food tax credit, fraud disallowance, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it reduces premature... actuarial and legal work. Until these actuarial and legal work.
• In response to the Department of Labor, we think the working group's work is tremendous.
• And so I am working with Rep.
• We'll do the work group. We'll take it seriously and we'll work with the plans on the issue.
• we'll work with the plans on the issue. we'll work with the plans on the issue.

Bills: HB20, HB2612, HB2404, HB2459, HB2194, HB1880, HB2284, HB1969, HB2458, HB1546, HB2161, HB1721, HB1641, HB2137, HB1782, HB2360, HB1965, HB1897, HB1513

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• consistency and given that it is a work consistency and given that it is a work in<00:03:00.160>
• We did offer um some amendments that I think might work towards this.
• We did offer um some amendments that I think might work towards this.
• <00:26:43.039> to and DAB have done you know work to and DAB have done you know work to ensure
• some amendments that I think might work some amendments that I think might work towards<00:27:09.039

Bills: SB2064, SB2662, SB2862, SB2343, SB2075, SB2781, SB2927, SB3068, SB3015, SB2929, SB2938, SB3230, SB3249, SB3332, SB3216

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise, gubernatorial appointments, senate confirmation, executive branch, accountability, civil service, SB2343, Hawaii Legislature, regular session, lengthened session, continuous legislature

Summary: The committee met on February 12, 2026, to take decision-making on measures previously heard earlier in the month. Several bills were deferred indefinitely or set for later discussion, including SB 2064 on the Office of the State Architect, SB 3068 on procurement, and SB 3216 after its contents were moved into another measure. SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, SB 2781, and SB 315 were all deferred to Tuesday, February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225 for further work. The committee also noted that if technical problems interrupted the meeting, it would reconvene later for outstanding decision-making. The committee passed SB 2343 on the Legislature with amendments incorporating language from SB 3216, technical changes, and a defective date of 2525. SB 2075 was advanced as a Senate draft 1 after amendments responding to constitutional concerns raised by the attorney general and SPO. SB 2927 on procurement was also passed with amendments clarifying debriefing requirements and adding technical changes, and SB 2938 on search and rescue was amended to place the position in Hima rather than the Governor’s office before being adopted. SB 3249 on procurement protests was amended to remove the term "frivolous," reduce the forfeiture to half the bond amount, and note unresolved issues, then adopted. The committee also took up SB 3332 on state-funded travel, amending it to remove certain lines, report travel by position number to protect confidentiality, remove subsection G, and add a defective date of 2525; it was adopted. SB 2929 on public notice was amended into a pilot project for counties with populations between 100,000 and 175,000, with a year-end report to the Legislature, and was adopted. Later, the committee returned to SB 2094 on environmental action levels, heard testimony from the Department of Health in support of its current scientific process and from an environmental caucus witness in strong support of the bill’s transparency and petition provisions, and then deferred decision-making to February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225. In the joint hearing portion, SB 3233 on agricultural workforce housing drew generally supportive testimony from ADC, the Farm Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the State Procurement Office, with concerns focused on clarity, flexibility for smaller farms, and avoiding concentration of benefits in one large operation. The committee ultimately recommended passing SB 3233 with the State Procurement Office’s clarifying amendments and the Hawaii Farmers Union’s amendment to ensure workforce housing incentives benefit multiple farmers, and the measure was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually think that a lot of work has gone into this.
• Very grateful to have worked with the House on this.
• And I also want to thank Chairman Turner for all your work on energy.
• And I also want to thank Chairman Turner for all your work on energy.
• Well, again, I think the dealers feel best about working with people that they have a working relationship

Bills: HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard testimony on HB 149, the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. Senator Schwertner described the bill as an outcomes-based AI framework that would require disclosure when people interact with AI, prohibit manipulative or social-scoring systems, address biometric capture, discrimination, and deepfake child exploitation, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. It would also create an AI Sandbox and AI Council. Witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a Houston attorney, TechNet, and the Texas Association of Business strongly supported the bill, praising its stakeholder process and pro-innovation approach, while Texas Appleseed suggested regulators should have more examination authority over sandbox participants. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard SB 229, which would prohibit motor vehicle dealers from conditioning a sale on dealer-offered financing or charging more because a buyer uses outside financing or cash. Senator West said the bill is meant to stop forced financing and bait-and-switch pricing, and he noted the bill passed the committee and Senate in the prior session. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill, arguing it would force dealers to accept any third-party lender or cash transaction on terms they cannot control. The Texas Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying consumers should be able to choose outside financing without hidden fees or pressure. After questions about cash purchases and dealer practices, the bill was left pending. The committee also took up SB 2566, which would clarify legislators’ access to information from executive agencies, including confidential information, by setting response deadlines, limiting confidentiality agreements to statutory terms, requiring a standard AG form, and creating a complaint and penalty process for noncompliance. No witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 1749, as substituted, would let certain court-related employees and judicial conduct commission personnel keep personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers confidential, with work addresses used in place of home addresses for certain purposes. District clerk and judicial conduct commission witnesses described threats and harassment as the reason for the bill, and a court administration witness answered questions about how the address protections would work with voter registration and precinct records. That bill was also left pending, and the committee recessed without further business.

Bills: SB2054, SB2143, SB2145, SB2400, SB2447, SB2494, SB2723, SB2727, SB3131, HCR187, SCR177, SR172, SCR5, SCR85, SR75, SCR139, SR131, SCR146, SR138, SR84, SCR31, SR27, SCR46, SR45, SCR48, SR47, SCR9, SR11, SCR83, SR73, SCR20, SR17, SCR56, SR54, SCR87, SR79, SCR160, SR151, SCR28, SCR120, SCR129, SR121, SCR71, SR66, SCR147, SR139, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SCR60, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177, SCR89, SCR69, SCR74, SR68

Keywords: public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, elections, chief election officer, vacancy, order of succession, election commission, law enforcement, recording rights, private action, civil rights, police accountability, SB2400, seaglider, wing-in-ground craft, wing in ground effect, WIG craft

Transcript Highlights:

• of this work in advocacy.
• of this work in advocacy.
• . work. work.
• forward to the work ahead. forward to the work ahead. Mahalo.
• to make the numbers work. to make the numbers work.

Bills: HR203, SB2802, SB3081, SB2902, SB2005, SB3252, SB2096, SB2095, SB2046, SB2999, SB3103, SB83, SB2041, SB3234, SB3156, SB3154, SB2146, SB2053, SB2010, SB2009, SB2667, SB3215, SB2698, SB2363, SB2372, SB2673, SB2948, SB2277, SB2057, SB3085, SB3025, SB2761

Keywords: H.R. 203, House Resolution, Hawaii education, teacher of the year, educator recognition, Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, public education, K-12, elementary school, STEM education, literacy, teacher appreciation, school excellence, Hawaiʻi Legislature, keiki

Transcript Highlights:

• The people that work in those jobs, they buy cars at Jobs.
• The people that work in those jobs, they buy cars at dealerships, they buy homes.
• The amendment would work against its intended purpose.
• You know, I spent many years working in a congressional office doing liaison work with the hospitals.
• We continue to work on it, and I'm going to continue to work on it.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up and passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, which modifies the paid family and medical leave program. Supporters said the bill uses an actuarial model to set rates and establishes a four-month reserve to improve program stability. The bill advanced to third reading without amendments and passed 95-1. The House then considered Substitute Senate Bill 5841, related to completion of course and financial aid information. The House adopted Amendment 2140, which adds a financial aid calculator and requires follow-up when students indicate they have completed a financial aid form in their high school and beyond plan. After that amendment and the Education Committee amendment were adopted, the bill passed 92-4. Members supporting it said it would help students understand and access financial aid, while one opponent argued schools should not be inserted into family FAFSA decisions. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981, concerning the 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. Numerous amendments were offered to limit the program’s expansion, direct more revenue to patient care or low-income patients, restrict contract pharmacies, add reporting, delay implementation pending court cases, or narrow participation by hospitals and PBMs; most were rejected, and one amendment was ruled beyond the scope of the bill. Supporters of the bill argued it would help safety-net providers, rural hospitals, and FQHCs, while opponents warned it would mainly benefit large hospital systems, create administrative burdens, and likely face litigation. The House adopted the Health Care and Wellness Committee amendment and then passed the bill 67-30. After those actions, the House received messages from the Senate, including passage of Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 and the Governor’s signing of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 252. The chamber then moved to House Bill 2487, a tax bill, where several amendments were withdrawn and additional amendments were debated, including one clarifying the definition of taxpayers and another creating a three-year repayment schedule and changes to the advanced computing surcharge.

Transcript Highlights:

• They love working in the woods. They love working in the fields.
• They love working in the steel and the aluminum plants. They love working at it.
• They love working in the steel and the aluminum plants. They love working at Boeing.
• working, and if it's working great, we'll keep going.
• return back to work.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House received messages that the Senate had passed House Bills 2104 and 19883, and that the President had signed Substitute House Bill 1570. It also referred committee reports without objection. A motion to relieve the Rules Committee of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 and Engrossed Senate Bill 6347 failed on a 48-38 vote after debate over the bills’ fiscal impact and constitutionality. The House then took up Engrossed Senate Bill 6246, dealing with emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries and the Climate Commitment Act. Several amendments were offered, including proposals to permanently exempt these industries or to limit Ecology’s authority over closed facilities, but those amendments were rejected. A striking amendment that reflected stakeholder negotiations and added reporting and other changes was adopted 56-31, and the bill then passed 57-38. The House also passed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, narrowing the bill to certain corrections officers and deputy prosecutors and aligning state hiring rules with federal work authorization; it passed 62-33. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, concerning access to medical care and workers’ compensation, drew extensive amendment debate. The House adopted amendments creating a 25-mile provider-access standard, adding quarterly reporting to the Workers’ Comp Advisory Committee, and other changes, while rejecting a pilot-project amendment and a self-insurance amendment; a point of order was sustained against an amendment on legislative privilege as outside the bill’s scope. The bill then passed 67-28. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194, which allows higher reimbursement for Astria Toppenish Hospital, and Senate Bill 6132, which supports rail funding for the Port of Moses Lake; both passed unanimously. Later, the House passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6113, a technical tax-law correction bill, by 92-4; Substitute Senate Bill 5520, creating a compensation process for the wrongly convicted, by 72-23 after rejecting a stricter “actual innocence” amendment; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6162, reforming property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and some small businesses, by 93-2; and Senate Bill 6137, allowing in-state collegiate sports wagering with added athlete-protection provisions, by the required three-fifths margin of 70-26. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 on toxicology testing, with debate starting on an amendment to address discovery and subpoena requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a cry rising in the land.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House was called to order, the roll was taken, and a quorum was announced present. The chamber then escorted the flags, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard an opening prayer focused on righteousness, revival, and guidance for the legislative body. The minutes of the previous day were approved without objection. After routine announcements, Representative Cortes stated that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Barto said the Republicans would caucus in five minutes. The House then went at ease for caucus. No bills, motions, or votes on legislation were taken in this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have staff on Oahu at Yaka Seabach, in case folks work closely with the VA.
• And we also have staff on Oahu at Yaka Seabach, in case folks work closely with the VA.
• <00:46:57.839> see<00:46:58.079> folks<00:46:58.240> work at Yaka Seabach in
• Okay. see folks work at Yaka Seabach in Okay. see folks work closely<00:46:58.880> with<00:46

Bills: SB2421, SB2690, SB3103, SB3137, SB3164, SB3206, SB2933, SB3133, SB3315

Keywords: cannabis, marijuana, Hawaii Cannabis Law, legalization, decriminalization, adult use, hemp, taxation, social equity, public health, primary care, health insurance, health carrier, insurance commissioner, Med-QUEST, Medicaid managed care, provider reimbursement, downcoding, prior authorization, utilization review

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1864, which would require health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services for people undergoing medically necessary treatment, drew broad support from SHIPA, the Department of Health, HMSA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and others. Testifiers emphasized that fertility preservation is routine coverage on the mainland and important for patients facing infertility from cancer or other treatment; one patient described incurring more than $20,000 in costs. The Insurance Division flagged possible Affordable Care Act issues, a potential conflict in the bill’s language about using patient history to determine limits, and a mismatch with state medical-necessity standards. Committee discussion also focused on whether the bill should apply to all women of childbearing age rather than a narrower age-based category. HB 2305 would require nutrition and metabolic education as part of physicians’ continuing medical education. The Hawaii Medical Board opposed the measure, arguing that CME should remain flexible and tailored to each physician’s specialty and warning that topic-specific mandates can expand over time. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, saying it would help the state’s rural health transformation application and could improve federal funding prospects, though the exact impact was unclear. Members questioned whether nutrition is already covered in medical training and whether the requirement should be limited to primary care physicians; the board said Hawaii currently has no topic-specific CME mandates and that physicians can already choose relevant courses. The committee also heard strong support for HB 1597, which would establish an Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Hawaii. Supporters from the university, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and others said the center could attract federal research dollars, expand clinical trials, and help address the state’s high Alzheimer’s-related health costs. HB 2159, which appropriates funds for health care workforce development, also received broad support from the University of Hawaii, health systems, and advocacy groups, with no opposition noted. Finally, HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices, drew support from the Department of Health, youth advocates, and public health groups citing youth addiction, environmental waste, and fire hazards; the department said a separate bill, HB 1573, would be more comprehensive and better defined for enforcement and penalties. The committee ended with HB 1913, creating a veteran services mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center, which was supported by veteran services officials and others who said veterans need better navigation and coordination for behavioral health care.