Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this would establish a mattress stewardship program.
• </c> Uh, this would establish a mattress Uh, this would establish a mattress stewardship<00:03:24.200
• </c><00:03:25.200><c> First</c><00:03:25.480><c> to</c><00:03:25.519><c> testify,</c> stewardship program
• First to testify, stewardship program.
• Seeing none, we're going to move on to SCR 39, the mattress stewardship resolution.

Bills: SCR142, SCR39, SCR40, SCR83, SCR168, SCR96, SCR166, SCR172

Keywords: dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee, speaking to you today on Senate Bill 6313, which relates to creating a capital centennial stewardship
• The bill before you establishes the capital centennial stewardship account for the purposes of remodeling
• The bill before you establishes the capital centennial stewardship account for the purposes of remodeling

Bills: SB6313

Keywords: Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, 904, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on two bills. Senate Bill 6313 would create a Capital Centennial Stewardship Account to fund remodeling, repairs, interpretive and educational facilities, and other improvements to Washington’s Capitol campus ahead of the legislative building’s 100th anniversary in 2028. Prime sponsor Sen. Marco Elias described the bill as a way to invite gifts and donations from the public to help enhance the Capitol and potentially expand visitor experiences, including tours to the top of the building. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6076, which would expand procurement and self-performance authority for public utility districts and other consumer-owned utilities for certain energy-related projects, including non-emitting generation, renewable generation, storage, transmission, and distribution. Staff said the bill raises thresholds for self-performed work and bidding flexibility through 2045, with no state fiscal impact but an indeterminate local impact for training and procedure updates. Testimony from IBEW Local 77 and Grant PUD supported the bill, citing a backlog of infrastructure work, rising material costs, and the need for faster maintenance and construction; they said the bill would not affect land acquisition. No opposition testimony was heard. In executive session, the committee considered Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5901 on school construction assistance program facilities reports for on-base schools. Members said it would help military-connected school districts bridge gaps between state and federal funding and support quality facilities for military children. The committee approved the bill 16-0, with three excused, and reported it out with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced that amendments for upcoming executive session bills, including SB 6313 and SB 6076, were due later that day.

Bills: SB2178

Keywords: industrial hemp, Hawaii, agriculture, sustainability, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• you today on Senate Bill 6313, which is... ...which is the bill that creates a capital centennial stewardship
• striking amendment is substantially similar to the original bill, except the capital centennial stewardship
• committee, briefing you today on Senate Bill 6313, which is the bill that creates a capital centennial stewardship
• striking amendment is substantially similar to the original bill, except the capital centennial stewardship

Bills: SB5188, SB6313

Keywords: broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, 904, all

Summary: The committee held an executive session on two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6076 would change the authority of consumer-owned utilities, especially public utility districts, to self-perform certain public works related to non-emitting and renewable resource generation projects. Members adopted Hatfield 208, described as a technical amendment clarifying that the self-performance authority applies only to the work covered by the bill, and then voted to report the bill out of committee with a do pass as amended recommendation. Senate Bill 6313 would create a capital centennial stewardship account. The committee adopted a striking amendment sponsored by Representative Walsh that instead places the account as a sub-account within the existing capital building construction account, which members said addressed concerns raised in testimony and simplified the structure while preserving the bill’s purpose. The committee then voted to report the bill out of committee with a do pass as amended recommendation. Both measures passed by voice vote with 16 yeas, 0 nays, and 3 excused. The chair also noted that one additional committee time block remained on March 11 if needed, but no further meeting was anticipated, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• auditor's report pursuant to section 4 of Act 255 to include a recommendation as to whether Monarch Stewardship
• Monica Stewardship and Oversight Authority. >> Thank you.
• eight, starting on line eight, the report shall include a recommendation as to whether the Monae Stewardship
• :05:44.639><c> whether</c><00:05:45.039><c> the</c><00:05:45.280><c> Monae</c><00:05:45.759><c> Stewardship
• </c><00:05:46.240><c> and</c> to whether the Monae Stewardship and to whether the Monae Stewardship and

Bills: SB2003

Keywords: Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.

Bills: HB2592

Keywords: Mauna Kea, MKSOA, Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, University of Hawaii, UH, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 195H, land management, transition period, management plan, administrative rules, rulemaking, lease extension, sublease, public lands, Native Hawaiian rights, cultural stewardship

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters. On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office. The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.

Bills: HCR13, HCR91, HCR183, HR15, HR83

Keywords: coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, tree canopy, public schools, environmental equity, shade coverage, education, HCR183, House Concurrent Resolution, Department of Education, DOE, immigration enforcement, ICE, federal immigration officers, sensitive locations, school safety, student protection

Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This establishes a mattress stewardship program.

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota recognized this 30 years ago when it established its current stewardship program.
• Once the stewardship organizations are in place, we intend to educate through our church networks and
• Once<01:07:19.960><c> the</c><01:07:20.080><c> stewardship</c><01:07:20.640><c> organizations</c><01:
• 07:21.480><c> are</c> Once the stewardship organizations are Once the stewardship organizations are in
• </c><01:35:02.080><c> or</c> know, even things like mattresses or know, even things like mattresses or

Bills: HF3426, HF3896, HF1426, HF3793, HF4061, HF4246

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Bills: SCR94, SCR22, SCR99, SCR165

Keywords: Waikiki, surfing, cultural heritage, environmental protection, tourism, climate change, Hawaii, community, conservation, Ahuʻena Heiau, Hawaii history, Kamehameha the Great, historic preservation, cultural significance, community stewardship, arts, culture, nonprofit, creative residency, community engagement

Summary: The Culture and the Arts Committee met on April 17 and heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 94 would endorse Waikiki as a world surfing reserve; testimony in support came from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Waikiki Beach Improvement District Association. SCR 22 recognized the fifth anniversary of the restoration of Iolani Palace and its spiritual, political, and cultural importance, with no testimony offered. SCR 99 SD1 proposed convening a working group to establish a state-recognized nonprofit to support arts and culture engagement; DBEDT’s Creative Industries director supported the measure, and additional support was noted from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, several individuals, and the Hawaii Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. SCR 165 SD1 designated March as March for Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. After a brief recess, the committee voted to pass all four measures as is. SCR 94 passed with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, with Representative Garrett excused. SCR 22 SD1, SCR 99 SD1, and SCR 165 SD1 were also adopted without reservations, with Representative Garrett excused on those votes as well. The committee then adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• a producer or retailer of covered batteries or batteries containing products to join a battery stewardship
• The BSO will submit yearly battery stewardship plans to DEP for review and approval.
• We strongly support the safe and responsible stewardship of our products at end of life.
• We strongly support the safe and responsible stewardship of our products at end of life.
• We strongly support the safe and responsible stewardship of our products at end of life.

Bills: S0912, S1196, S1422, S1510, S7034

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and intensity of catastrophic wildfires while ensuring the scientifically sound and sustainable stewardship
• Like most residents of Gunnison County, I am dedicated to the stewardship of our cherished federal public
• We take seriously our commitment to working with our federal partners to support stewardship of these

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 4R stewardship certification program encourages ag retailers and independent crop consultants to
• The 4R stewardship certification program encourages ag retailers and independent crop consultants to

Bills: HF363, HF2155, HF1524, HF821, HF1677, HF1292

Keywords: HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Summary: The House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held its last meeting before policy cutoff and considered a full slate of bills, mostly on executive action. Members first reviewed several measures and proposed amendments, including bills on Washington State Leadership Board fundraising and reporting, campaign finance reporting deadlines, Public Records Act exemptions for student and employee information, and agency report reductions. The committee also discussed a joint memorial calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Aichner-Ezgi, with members speaking to the importance of accountability and dignity for Americans killed abroad; it was reported out on a 5-2 vote. The committee then acted on several bills. Senate Bill 6044, recognizing Diwali and Bandichhor Divas, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 6313, allowing private fundraising for state capital campus improvements, passed 4-3 after debate over whether such funding should come through the capital budget instead. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, concerning confidentiality of certain student and employee records, had an amendment to remove the Healthy Youth Survey exemption rejected before the bill passed 5-2. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which reduces agency reporting requirements, was amended to restore some reports and rejected amendments to add new reports before passing unanimously as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting was amended to remove one new report deadline and extend the reporting adjustment window from two to three business days; it then passed unanimously as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants, had a reporting amendment rejected and then passed 6-1. The committee also passed Senate Bill 5000, Senate Bill 5325, and Substitute Senate Bill 5827, each by voice or roll-call vote, with brief discussion noting state symbol recognition, veterans’ benefits, and general support. The meeting ended with thanks to staff, OPR, caucus staff, and members for their work through cutoff, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Kichi, chair of the Mona Stewardship and Oversight Authority.
• ><c> Oversight</c> Mona Stewart Stewardship Oversight Mona Stewart Stewardship Oversight Authority Authority
• </c><01:29:47.040><c> uh</c> Stewardship and Oversight Authority. uh Stewardship and Oversight Authority
• John Kijiji, chair of the Mauna Stewardship Oversight Authority.
• So this is [clears throat] the Mauna Stewardship Oversight Authority bill.

Bills: HB1527, HB1823, HB2490, HB2223, HB2325, HB2104, HB2593, HB2592, HB1927, HB1553, HB1964, HB1918, HB1990

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Bills: HR209, SB3131, SB2494, SB2447, SB2727, SB2145, SB2143, HR22, HCR22, HR97, HCR105, HR138, HCR146, HCR16, HCR35, HCR40, HR3, HCR4, HR161, HCR171, HR109, HCR117, HR33, HCR33, HR141, HCR149, HR190, HCR200, HR193, HCR203, HR194, HCR204, HR196, HCR206, HR197, HCR207, HR191, HCR201, HR12, HCR10, HR148, HCR157, HR184, HCR194, HR195, HCR205, HR192, HCR202, HR173, HCR183, HR179, HCR189, HR181, HCR191, HR21, HCR21, HR23, HCR24, HR60, HCR66, HR113, HCR121, HR145, HCR153, HR74, HCR82, HR77, HCR85, HR90, HCR98, HR27, HCR36, HR165, HCR175, HR187, HCR197, HR5, HCR6, SB2054

Keywords: entertainment, comedy, youth wellness, cultural identity, Hawaiian culture, mental health, public service, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, campaign finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Through our mattress recycling program, we not only divert tens of thousands of mattresses and box springs
• The mattress recycling...
• ISPA represents mattress manufacturers.
• ISPA represents mattress manufacturers and suppliers of components and services to the mattress industry
• Ten years ago, we created a nonprofit entity called the Mattress Recycling Council to operate mattress

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Bills: SB143, SB367, SB388, SB398

Keywords: bulletproof vests, body armor, peace officers, law enforcement funding, police equipment, officer safety, local police, sheriff's office, municipal police, parish law enforcement, grant fund, special fund, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, criminal justice, protective gear, NIJ standards, USMCA, small agencies, public safety, Act 739

Transcript Highlights:

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• And that economic stability strengthens<00:26:02.720><c> stewardship</c><00:26:03.200><c> and</c><00:
• 26:03.440><c> keeps</c> strengthens stewardship and keeps strengthens stewardship and keeps knowledge

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.