Bills: SB2816

Keywords: enterprise zones, economic development, innovation enterprise, job creation, Hawaii, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background. Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:10.560><c> The</c> students and innovation zones. The students and innovation zones.
• Thank you for your time.” innovation zone laws from 2012 to 2017. innovation zone laws from 2012 to 2017
• </c><01:04:20.400><c> that</c> been part of the innovation zone. that been part of the innovation zone
• c><01:04:53.039><c> Megan</c> innovation zone does apply to Megan innovation zone does apply to Megan
• c> innovation zone, CTE, hour of innovation zone, CTE, hour of instruction,<01:05:16.960><c> flexible

Bills: HF630, HF1435, HF1607

Keywords: short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Zone</c> education Innovation The Innovation Zone education Innovation The Innovation Zone project
• the Innovation Zones provision and House File 6.
• Innovation zones helped create enriched educational journeys with a promising future for our students
• </c><01:01:30.559><c> zones</c> support the concept of innovation zones support the concept of innovation
• </c> of an innovation zone is Tri District of an innovation zone is Tri District Community<01:01:44.720

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> resilient food and product innovation resilient food and product innovation network<00:43:16.960
• <00:49:35.119><c> network</c> innovation network innovation network passing<00:49:37.040><c> with</c>
• So expanding that half mile may zones.
• And so buffer zone on their property.
• </c><01:21:40.400><c> If</c> if there's a buffer zone or not. If if there's a buffer zone or not.

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Bills: SB2359, SB2169, SB2170, SB2263, SB2360, SB3084

Keywords: time share, registration, renewal, consumer protection, real estate, SB2170, North Kohala, Kynnersly East Site, Agribusiness Development Corporation, ADC, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, agricultural development, land acquisition, fee simple, Hawaii Island, Big Island, rural development, food security, sustainable agriculture

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems heard House Bill 2585 on agricultural tourism. The bill would create statewide uniform standards for agritourism in counties that adopt such ordinances, require registration with county planning departments, and require agritourism to remain secondary and accessory to farming. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure but recommended amendments to make the language more consistent and to ensure agritourism remains tied to agricultural activity; the Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill with the same general guardrails, while the White Tourism Authority offered comments. A member raised concerns about a trailer/roadside-stand provision, and the department ultimately said it did not support that specific language. The chairs then recommended passage with amendments, including a definition of principal farm operations, clarification that agritourism must not interfere with on-farm operations, revised termination rules after 60 consecutive days without active production with notice and cure procedures, restoration of the department’s proposed change to the trailer language, and technical corrections. HB 2585 passed both committees unanimously with excused members noted. The committees then heard House Bill 2602 on sustainable tourism infrastructure, which would establish a matching grant program in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for capital projects that improve sustainability and climate resilience in the visitor industry. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support. The chair recommended passage with a committee report note estimating a roughly $5 million cost and a date correction, and both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. House Bill 1948 on single-use plastics was also heard. It would prohibit lodging establishments from providing certain personal care products in small plastic containers and impose civil penalties. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its testimony, and the Department of Health supported the waste-reduction goal but suggested the language belonged in a different chapter. The chair recommended an HD1 that would omit lotions from the definition of personal care products, adopt the Department of Health’s proposed clarification about reusable containers, and correct the date; the measure passed both committees unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1960 on human trafficking was heard. The bill would require the Attorney General to develop human trafficking awareness training for transit accommodation workers, require employers to provide training, keep records, post signage, adopt prevention policies, and report suspected trafficking, with penalties and rulemaking by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Department of Labor Relations supported the intent but said the Department of Law Enforcement should be the lead agency, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the bill while asking for amendments to recognize existing industry programs and apply the requirements equitably. The chair recommended an HD1 incorporating a July 1, 2027 deadline for training materials and employer training, adopting the hotel industry and DLE-related amendments, and making technical corrections; HB 1960 passed both committees unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts is always led where innovation meets impact.
• “The least commoditized companies that use the most innovative technologies need to be in the most innovative
• It allows them to make some changes to their zoning.
• And this issue is not about innovation.
• We've adopted zoning changes.

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development bill, H.5386, the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowitz described the bill as a follow-on to the 2024 Mass Leads Act, with roughly $305 million in new bond authorizations and several policy changes aimed at lowering business costs, attracting global capital, supporting AI/quantum/robotics/defense innovation, expanding downtown revitalization, and easing housing and development rules. The administration also highlighted a proposed Global Mass initiative, a $50 million innovation access fund, $20 million for international company sites, a reduced LLC filing fee, a larger small business energy tax exemption, internship tax credits, and changes to non-compete law and nurse English proficiency requirements. Committee members questioned the administration about AI competition, infrastructure and data centers, housing affordability, and whether the bill would actually keep graduates and companies in Massachusetts. Healey and Paley argued that the state must compete globally, not just with other states, and said the bill supports housing production, workforce development, energy relief, and targeted investments in sectors where Massachusetts is already strong. Gorzkowitz said the bond authorizations fit within the state’s debt affordability framework and emphasized fiscal discipline. Several witnesses supported specific provisions, including Northeastern University on internship tax credits, the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council on waiving redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, municipal officials and the MMA on codifying standardized site plan review, and business and international company representatives on the Global Mass proposal. There was also notable opposition to some sections. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, arguing it would significantly reduce revenue and could increase fraudulent filings. Attorney Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, saying the current law was a negotiated compromise and warning that moving alternative consideration to separation could backfire. The AFL-CIO urged adding a trigger law to preserve labor protections if federal labor law is weakened. Other testimony included support for tiny homes as a housing option, a proposal on low-carbon fuel standards from Rep. Markey, and regional economic development advocates asking for more flexible competitive grants. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee accepting written testimony afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some reason to innovate, but they're also kind of stuck based on whatever laws the legislature
• </c><00:58:13.839><c> to</c> other so they're always trying to other so they're always trying to innovate
• and produce new products in the innovate and produce new products in the market<00:58:17.400><c> there
• <c> there's</c><00:58:31.079><c> also</c><00:58:31.559><c> they're</c><00:58:31.760><c> kind</c> innovate
• but there's also they're kind innovate but there's also they're kind of<00:58:32.000><c> stuck</c><00

Bills: HF837

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to promote responsible innovation and protect consumers.
• First, let's talk about safe and responsible innovation.
• This has pushed innovation, investment, and market activity offshore.
• You know, innovation is a driver of economic growth, and we've all lived through waves of innovation
• You have been somebody who supports responsible innovation among digital assets.

Keywords: Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is why my Innovate Act introduces a new definition of foreign risk.
• As the associate state director of innovation center, which provides guidance to innovators, often including
• But it's their idea and their innovation that drives us forward.
• We've innovated so we can give away the Internet Explorer.
• They are the innovators. It's their technology.

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv3psjaet4I, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Cabinet for Economic Development Update 00:02:35 Bourbon Brings Jobs: Workforce Training and Spirits Innovation 01:05:09 Creating Local Startups and Opening Innovation Hubs Across KY 01:26:20, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• each nominee will, if confirmed, help shape the future of American energy policy and scientific innovation
• Through research and innovation to unlocking our vast natural resources and technologies to scientific
• Using the combined power of AI and supercomputers to develop a system model to steer fusion innovation
• These innovations could help meet growing demands for high-tech tools such as artificial intelligence
• So what do you see as the department's biggest challenges to fostering bolder innovation?

Keywords: nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• The story of the 21st century will be written by whichever nation can innovate the fastest.
• If in fact we educate and skill the talent and can innovate faster than they can.
• He is a world leader in scientific and technological innovation.
• And the way I usually think about it is removing barriers to innovation.
• With this innovation come serious threats.

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• the certainty they need to invest billions in their networks and lead the world in revolutionary innovation
• airwaves became available, and the U.S., then lagging EU countries in digital wireless, began to innovate
• Technology innovation reconfigurable technology will revolutionize spectrum use.
• As a result, U.S. innovators were able to develop the first mobile apps.
• So what is your assessment of when innovation might be stifled given the increasing data traffic?

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The seventh best program on Capitol TV is now in session: the House AI and Innovation Committee.
• appreciate all the great work this committee is doing around emerging issues surrounding AI and the innovation
• You know, this is the 'and innovation' part of this committee. I mean, it's a catch-all.

Bills: HB2133, HB2592

Keywords: sexual material, consent, synthetic depiction, privacy, internet regulation, rights protection, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to move then to HP 2201, relating to state enterprise zones.
• Just wanted to acknowledge the support and the well-run program in BDS for enterprise zones, and this
• </c> Uh relating to state enterprise zones. Uh relating to state enterprise zones.
• and this is really enhancing the zones and this is really enhancing the rest<00:15:06.720><c> of</c>
• </c> This bill invests in Hawaii's innovation This bill invests in Hawaii's innovation economy<01:37:

Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee is now called to order.
• So second is reducing and eliminating the unnecessary restrictions on AI innovation.
• I know they've been innovative on a number of fronts from a deregulatory perspective.
• And so we need to leave degrees of freedom to have Arizonans innovating and delivering some of those
• What we don't want to do is constrain it, because if we're constraining that innovation, either other

Bills: HB2452, HB2592

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for workers in those work zones.
• That TRIP report showed in Oklahoma that 110 deaths in work zones from 2020 to 2024.
• This camera would communicate to a live OHP officer at the end of the work zone.
• work zone-related fatalities.
• I would rather us as mentioned, put a trooper at the front of the work zone.

Bills: SB1220, SB1221, SB1239, SB1309, SB1349, SB1434, SB1516, SB1531, SB1538, SB1861

Keywords: memorial designation, interchange, Terry Walker, transportation, Oklahoma, driver license, tracking system, expedited delivery, Service Oklahoma, REAL ID, public safety, apportionment, state revenue, funding, vehicle registration, infrastructure, state roads, bridges, economic development, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Senate Bill 317 is for the Alabama Innovation Corporation, and it’s to provide for staggered terms

Bills: SB253, SB317

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing board, public safety, criminal background check, temporary permit, emergency order, Alabama Innovation Corporation, board of directors, staggered terms, economic development, entrepreneurship, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:47.520><c> zones.
• Um, establishes into non-infested zones.
• This is an affordability zoning issue.
• Develop a product innovation network.
• It project product innovation network.

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: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all