Transcript Highlights:

• :01.120><c> The</c><00:16:01.279><c> board</c><00:16:01.519><c> has</c><00:16:01.759><c> not</c><00:16
• It will be<00:16:04.560><c> reviewing</c><00:16:04.880><c> it</c><00:16:05.040><c> at</c><00:16:05.279
• At<00:16:06.800><c> this</c><00:16:06.959><c> time,</c><00:16:07.120><c> we'll</c><00:16:07.360><c> stand
• 16:08.959><c> I'm</c><00:16:09.120><c> here</c><00:16:09.199><c> if</c><00:16:09.360><c> you</c><00:16
• </c><00:16:14.480><c> Yosa</c><00:16:15.519><c> uh</c> Next we have Michael Yosa from the Hawaii Iron

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 16, congratulating Dr.
• </c><00:13:04.560><c> has</c> Healthc Care Association of Hawaii has Healthc Care Association of Hawaii
• And yes, that's in Hawaii since 1939.
• Since 2014, Association of Hawaii.
• Hawaii. Hawaii.

Bills: SB2723, HB9

Keywords: law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day, Hawaii, commemoration, public safety, honor sheriffs, HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• active</c><00:16:09.839><c> duty</c><00:16:10.880><c> um</c><00:16:11.040><c> and</c><00:16:11.279><c
• 00:16:33.680><c> died</c><00:16:34.079><c> in</c><00:16:34.399><c> combat</c><00:16:35.839><c> um</c>
• And so um<00:16:43.680><c> Senator</c><00:16:44.079><c> Daniel</c><00:16:44.480><c> Kinoi,</c><00:16:
• </c><00:16:47.519><c> I</c><00:16:47.759><c> had</c><00:16:48.160><c> the</c><00:16:48.480><c> honor<
• It was<00:16:53.839><c> please</c><00:16:54.079><c> keep</c><00:16:54.320><c> your</c><00:16:54.560><

Bills: HB9, SB2723

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 9 HD1, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart State, and SB 2723, relating to State Sheriff’s Day. On HB 9 HD1, Takumi Abby of Purple Heart Chapter 483 testified in strong support, saying the bill would recognize the service and sacrifice of combat-wounded veterans and honor Purple Heart recipients and their families. Additional support was noted from the Office of Veterans Services, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and CARES, whose representative Angela Melody Young described related veteran-honoring efforts in Honolulu and across Oahu and said the state designation would extend that recognition statewide. Members then moved to decision-making on HB 9 HD1. One member briefly commented on family military service and the importance of remembering Purple Heart recipients. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation to pass the measure as is, with all members present voting aye. For SB 2723, the chair indicated the committee would further defer the date, while also recommending passage with amendments. The committee voted on the amended version and adopted the chair’s recommendation with no objections or reservations.

Bills: HR202, HB2095, SB2657, SB2138, SB3110, SB3082, SB3109, HB1800

Keywords: Hawaii, Hawaiʻi, house resolution, congratulatory resolution, education, public schools, librarian of the year, middle school principal of the year, school counselor of the year, teacher of the year, library system, blind and print disabled, accessible learning, braille, audio technology, principal, school counselor, agriculture education, culinary arts, student recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:16:07.040><c> from</c><00:16:07.199><c> now</c><00:16:07.440><c> but</c><00:16:07.600><c> anyway
• :11.600><c> 30</c><00:16:11.839><c> years</c><00:16:11.920><c> ago</c><00:16:12.160><c> was</c><00:16
• :12.320><c> a</c><00:16:12.480><c> long</c><00:16:12.639><c> time</c><00:16:12.720><c> ago</c><00:16:
• I'm sorry<00:16:19.120><c> that</c><00:16:19.360><c> you</c><00:16:19.519><c> didn't</c><00:16:19.680
• or not, specifically, and a lot of the process that's in HR 6601, which is tied to 16, and applications

Bills: SB2033, SB2487, SB2497, SB2471, SB2829

Keywords: renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking

Summary: The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m. The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted. A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• 16:29.600><c> the</c><00:16:29.759><c> Hawaii</c><00:16:30.399><c> State</c> amazing teachers from the
• Hawaii State amazing teachers from the Hawaii State Teachers<00:16:31.199><c> Association</c><00:16:
• ><c> for</c><00:16:37.360><c> our</c><00:16:37.600><c> kids</c><00:16:38.240><c> in</c><00:16:38.560>
• </c><00:16:39.920><c> And</c><00:16:40.079><c> we</c><00:16:40.240><c> all</c><00:16:40.399><c> know<
• </c><00:16:46.720><c> And</c><00:16:46.880><c> really</c><00:16:47.199><c> without</c><00:16:47.519><

Bills: HB2118, HB1764, HB1815, HB2117, HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566, HB2573, HB1736, HB2425, HB1590, HB1913, HB1573, HB1542, HB1804, HB1976, HB1704, HB1996, HB1541, HB1926, HB1703, HB1866, HB1710

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:02.639><c> Thank</c><00:16:02.800><c> you,</c><00:16:02.959><c> Vice</c><00:16:03.279><c>
• </c> Okay.<00:16:09.279><c> Members,</c><00:16:09.680><c> turning</c><00:16:09.920><c> to</c><00:16:10.160
• </c><00:16:45.440><c> From</c><00:16:45.759><c> her</c><00:16:45.920><c> bills,</c><00:16:46.320><c>
• :16:47.920><c> big</c><00:16:48.160><c> fan</c><00:16:48.480><c> of</c><00:16:48.720><c> trees.
• She works<00:16:50.560><c> with</c><00:16:50.720><c> students</c><00:16:51.040><c> from</c><00:16:51.279

Bills: HB2118, HB1764, HB1815, HB2117, HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566, HB2573, HB1736, HB2425, HB1590, HB1913, HB1573, HB1542, HB1804, HB1976, HB1704, HB1996, HB1541, HB1926, HB1703, HB1866, HB1710

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• First on the agenda, we have HB 2165 relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law.
• </c> of Hawaii Professionals Assembly. of Hawaii Professionals Assembly.
• </c><00:29:00.399><c> Employer</c> contributions to the Hawaii Employer contributions to the Hawaii Employer
• First, we have HB 265 relating to Hawaii employment security law.
• Adding technical page 4 lines 13 and 16.

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.720><c> own</c><00:16:10.959><c> the</c><00:16:11.199><c> land.
• Okay.<00:16:14.160><c> And</c><00:16:14.560><c> any</c><00:16:14.880><c> discussion?
• </c><00:16:17.680><c> Anyone</c><00:16:18.000><c> voting</c><00:16:18.320><c> no</c> &gt;&gt; All members
• <00:16:23.600><c> Next</c><00:16:23.839><c> item.
• </c><00:16:24.240><c> Senate</c><00:16:24.480><c> bill</c><00:16:24.720><c> 2803.</c> >> Thank you.

Bills: SB2088, SB2925, SB3263, SB2047, SB2087, SB2100, SB2268, SB2353, SB2781, SB2902

Keywords: coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, agriculture, biosecurity, environment, coconut rhinoceros beetle, student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, drug pricing

Summary: The joint committee on Ways and Means and Consumer Protection met for decision-making only on two agendas and took action on a large number of Senate bills, with no oral testimony heard. On the 1016 agenda, the committee recommended passage of measures including SB 2088, SB 2925, SB 2781, and several others, and passed a number of bills with amendments. Notable amendments included SB 3263, which adopted AG amendments related to the name, image, and likeness endowment trust fund; SB 2047 on pharmacy benefit managers, which incorporated Hawaii Pharmacist Association changes; SB 2087 on health insurance, which added Insurance Division clarifications; SB 2100 on pesticides, which added a blank appropriation; SB 2353 on outdoor signage, which removed provisions related to the Wiki special district; and SB 2902 on renewable energy, which clarified certification standards for portable solar devices and exempted them from certain disclosure requirements. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though a few members noted reservations on selected bills. The committee also deferred one bill on the agenda, SB 3327. The committee then moved to the 1015 agenda and acted on additional measures. SB 2003 was passed with amendments tied to Act 255, including a repeal trigger if deadlines are missed; SB 2497 on utility-related transparency drew the most discussion, with one member warning about litigation and costs while another argued it was simply about electricity-rate transparency, and it ultimately passed with PUC-related amendments and an exemption for utility cooperatives. Other measures were passed unamended or with technical or fiscal amendments, including bills affecting land planning, tax credits, conveyance tax language, shoreline maintenance, and community improvement projects. Several bills had appropriations blanked or effective dates deferred to 2050, and many were adopted with members noting reservations rather than opposition. On the 1017 agenda, the committee continued approving measures, including SB 709 on crisis intervention officers and assisted community treatment, SB 2153 on defining bona fide farmer/agriculture activity, SB 2694 on water rate adjustments, SB 3025 on income eligibility limits, and SB 3085 on the Hawaii film studio, which included a five-year repeal provision if the studio has not relocated. The committee also passed numerous other bills unamended or with technical amendments, often deferring effective dates or blanking appropriations. Across both agendas, the committee’s actions were largely consistent: bills were advanced with amendments tailored to agency requests, technical corrections, or fiscal adjustments, and votes were generally unanimous or near-unanimous with occasional reservations recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• Mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such

Bills: SB2042, SB2892, SB1163, SB2076, SB2116, SB2122, SB99, SB2088, SB2114, SB2117, SB2118, SB2245, SB2386, SB2079, SB2043, SB2155, SB2268, SB2932, SB3240

Keywords: SB2042, Hawaii insurance, captive insurance, sponsored captive, class 4 captive, minimum capital, surplus requirement, unimpaired capital, insurance commissioner, HRS 431:19-104, commercial insurance, risk retention, insurance regulation, financial solvency, captives, Ways and Means, CPN, feral chickens, chickens, animal control

Bills: SB2042, SB2892, SB1163, SB2076, SB2116, SB2122, SB99, SB2088, SB2114, SB2117, SB2118, SB2245, SB2386, SB2079, SB2043, SB2155, SB2268, SB2932, SB3240

Keywords: SB2042, Hawaii insurance, captive insurance, sponsored captive, class 4 captive, minimum capital, surplus requirement, unimpaired capital, insurance commissioner, HRS 431:19-104, commercial insurance, risk retention, insurance regulation, financial solvency, captives, Ways and Means, CPN, feral chickens, chickens, animal control

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, over the next 8 years, the average household of three to four in Hawaii would be saving around
• This relief that we promised to the people of Hawaii will help them now.
• have sequence 1040-001, new sequence transferring out three temp FTEs and $360,000 in A funds to Hawaii
• have sequence 1040-001, new sequence transferring out three temp FTEs and $360,000 in A funds to Hawaii
• New sequence trading off two temp FTEs and $78,000 in A funds to the Hawaii Health Administration.

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• All the next bill is a Senate bill, SB 2152, proposing amendment to Article 6, section 3 of the Hawaii
• section<00:29:50.240><c> 3</c><00:29:50.480><c> of</c><00:29:50.560><c> the</c><00:29:50.640><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:29:51.040><c> state</c> section 3 of the Hawaii state section 3 of the Hawaii state constitution
• So, this is the one on the electronic means—various sections of the Hawaii campaign spending laws—part
• </c> means various sections of the Hawaii means various sections of the Hawaii campaign<00:35:39.359>

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB816, HB1535, HB1537, HB1541, HB1562, HB1574, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB1577, HB2443, HB2498, HB2581, HB2622

Keywords: HB816, Hawaii, opioid overdose, opioid crisis, buprenorphine, naloxone, Narcan, paramedics, emergency medical services, EMS, first responders, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, withdrawal management, overdose reversal, pilot program, Department of Health, DOH, county population under 100,000, rural health

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079><c> of</c><00:16:00.200><c> the</c><00:16:00.320><c> day</c><00:16:01.160><c> that</c><00:16:
• Senator<00:16:20.959><c> DeCourcy.</c><00:16:21.680><c> Mr.
• </c><00:16:23.520><c> It's</c><00:16:23.600><c> been</c><00:16:23.760><c> moved</c><00:16:24.079><c>
• It's been moved and seconded.<00:16:24.680><c> If</c><00:16:24.839><c> there</c><00:16:24.959><c> are
• If there are no objections from<00:16:25.880><c> the</c><00:16:26.000><c> members,</c><00:16:26.520><

Bills: HB1166, HB389, HB644, HB1509, HB1692, HB1842, HB1878, HB1926, HB1949, HB2116, HB2581

Keywords: HB1166, automated speed enforcement, speed cameras, traffic enforcement, road safety, traffic safety, Department of Transportation, state highway fund, special fund, appropriation, fiscal year 2026-2027, camera enforcement, speeding citations, automated traffic enforcement, highway safety, HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:16:07.320><c> I</c><00:16:07.360><c> think</c><00:16:07.600><c> I</c><00:16:07.640><c> need</c
• </c> Okay,<00:16:11.360><c> it's</c><00:16:11.440><c> all</c><00:16:11.480><c> sorts</c><00:16:11.760
• And<00:16:37.000><c> I'll</c><00:16:37.360><c> just</c><00:16:37.880><c> say</c><00:16:38.160><c> if<
• <00:16:39.240><c> like</c><00:16:39.360><c> to</c><00:16:39.480><c> testify,</c><00:16:40.400><c> you
• I think that the transparency and the management of the current HRS 235-17, the Hawaii film, motion picture

Bills: SB2580, SB2578, SB2259, SB3084, SB2816, SB2928, SB2075, SB3322, SB2377, SB2436, SB2835, SB3248

Keywords: SB2580, Hawaii film tax credit, motion picture tax credit, digital media credit, film production incentive, income tax credit, general excise tax exemption, DBEDT, DOTAX, local hires, local workforce, film industry, movie production, television production, streaming platform, streaming series, loan-out companies, motion picture project employer, qualified production, qualified production costs

Summary: The committee opened by reviewing hearing procedures and then took up SB 2580, which concerns Hawaii’s film production tax credit and related incentives. Testimony was strongly supportive overall, with witnesses saying the measure would help attract productions, extend the sunset date, include streaming platforms, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness. Several supporters asked for cleanup language on grant administration, tax credit management, local-hire uplifts, and limits on third-party audit requirements for smaller productions. The state film office said the bill was generally strong but suggested clarifying language and noted that DBEDT and DOTAX already provide oversight of the current credit. No vote was taken in the transcript, but the bill drew broad support with a few comments and one opposition noted later in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2578 SD1, a measure to create a film commission and related grant structure. Testifiers said the proposal would formalize industry input, improve accountability, and help the state compete globally, but they also raised concerns about how a new grant program would interact with the existing tax credit system. The film office said the grant program and tax credit should be separated operationally, that the advisory structure should include industry voices and possibly union representation, and that county film commissioner language may need technical adjustment. A testifier also suggested a Hawaii film museum and related tourism opportunities. The measure was described as having 42 supporters, one opposition, and five comments, with no final action shown. The committee next considered SB 2259, a dementia training measure. Supporters, including the bill’s drafter and the Alzheimer’s Association, described personal caregiving experiences and said free dementia training could help workers and families. Suggested amendments focused on clarifying the relationship between EOA and DBED and allowing retraining every two years because of workforce turnover. DBED said the bill is worthwhile but is not really an economic development initiative, and it should align with existing dementia programs and be easy for businesses to use, preferably online. The committee then moved to SB 3084 SD1, which HTDC said would expand its R&D matching program beyond SBIR to other federal research grants because of uncertainty at the federal level; the transcript ends as testimony begins, with no vote or final action recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he's actually here for the fourth time in Hawaii, having lived here for six months back in 2017.
• And his mom, uh, it's her second time here in Hawaii. Tonight, they'll be visiting Hawaii Island.
• </c><00:02:50.239><c> Tonight,</c> second time here in Hawaii. Tonight, second time here in Hawaii.
• </c><00:02:52.480><c> So</c> they'll be visiting Hawaii Island.
• So they'll be visiting Hawaii Island.

Bills: SB2169, SB2263, SB2360, SB2359, SB2031, SB2796, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2120, SB2593, SB2751, SB2135, SB2024, SB2872, SB3179, SB2308, SB2392, SB2470, SB2398, SB2902, SB2841, SB2436, SB2806, SB2691, SB2824, SB2645, SB2384, SB2697, SB3153, SB3156, SB888, SB2423, SB2746

Keywords: business competitiveness, economic development, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, business climate, regulatory reform, permitting, economic ranking, state ranking, top 10 states, business climate improvement working group, business revitalization task force, CNBC America’s Top States for Business, Hawaii business climate, workforce development, infrastructure, cost of doing business, tax competitiveness, labor unions, private sector

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c><00:16:12.720><c> the</c><00:16:12.839><c> result's</c><00:16:13.240><c> going</c><00:16
• I'm the legislative chair of<00:16:50.079><c> the</c><00:16:50.200><c> Hawaii</c><00:16:50.520><c> Psychological
• </c><00:16:51.440><c> Association</c> of the Hawaii Psychological Association of the Hawaii Psychological
• Hawaii. Hawaii.
• Hawaii. Hawaii.

Bills: HB1626, HB1643, HB1668, HB1550, HB1974, HB1858, HB1871, HB1966, HB1972, HB1973

Keywords: youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.