Video & Transcript Research : 'nearshore waters'
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AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- So, all this bill does is take motorized vehicles out of the waters, not being able to... ...out of the
- waters, not being able to use motor scooters and all-terrain vehicles in the water.
Bills:
SB171
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> Resources</c><00:20:37.200><c> in</c> Uh Darren Learner, Water Resources in Uh Darren Learner, Water
- federal Clean Water Act.
- Eliminating demand water Maui followed.
- So Bill 2232 relating to clean water.
- We're relating to water heating systems.
Bills:
HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774
Keywords:
wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure.
On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work.
The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- can experience that out in the water.
- You can experience that out in the water with your net and that sort of thing.
- Methods to ensure cut and uprooted plant matter is removed from these waters.
- You drag it out of the water when you cut it, right?
- What if it was a state water patrol? They would go to the state. Okay, whichever.
Keywords:
fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, HB212, aquatic plants, public waters, state waters, waterways, water management, aquatic vegetation, weed removal, vegetation control, lake management, river management, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Feb 12th, 2025
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Keywords:
weight limits, trucking regulations, transportation, enforcement authority, portable scales, SB64, Alabama, state waters, public waters, aquatic plants, aquatic vegetation, lake management, waterway maintenance, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, commercial contractors, vegetation removal, mowing aquatic plants, uprooting plants
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- Basically, it requires that weeds that need to be cut by entrepreneurs now need to be removed from the water
- We have massive problems with our water lines.
- The location for the door and water is a minimum requirement for the shelters.
Keywords:
SB64, Alabama, state waters, public waters, aquatic plants, aquatic vegetation, lake management, waterway maintenance, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, commercial contractors, vegetation removal, mowing aquatic plants, uprooting plants, Class C misdemeanor, fine, water quality, invasive species, lakes
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 18th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- enforcement's not able to enforce or move them on. enforce or move them on because it's a public conveyance, waters
- Senator Albritton, you and I represent an area that has a lot of water.
- The term does not include a vessel or other watercraft designed for transportation on water.
Keywords:
archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, SB142, Alabama, voting, voter registration, election law, Secretary of State, board of registrars, ERIC, Electronic Registration Information Center, National Change of Address, NCOA, voter roll maintenance, address change, voter list cleanup, inactive voter
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
State Government
Keywords:
codification, state law, legal revisions, Alabama code, legislative updates, archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, catfish, transportation, public waters, criminal penalties, natural resources, education, public schools, constitution amendment, national anthem, weekly broadcast
TX
Keywords:
alternative fueling, grants, environment, public accessibility, transit authorities, scrap tires, tire dumping, illegal dumping, waste tire cleanup, environmental remediation, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, county grants, public education, enforcement, prosecution, right-of-way, coastal waters, inland waters, solid waste
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Sites, and this includes issues such as vapor intrusion into buildings and contaminated drinking water
- Sacrificing air quality, water quality, water quantity, groundwater quality, soil health, or any other
- If in those assessments you find that there are water quality impacts or air quality impacts...
- There is also a sandy beach and shallow water. It's a perfect spot for families and children.
- Five different carp species, faucet snails, and water fleas are examples of other animals.
Keywords:
HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we're not going to be sacrificing air quality, water quality, water quantity, groundwater quality
- There is also a sandy beach and shallow water.
- It's a perfect spot for families water.
- Faucet snails and water flea species.
- That is an essential water bodies.
Keywords:
HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:34.080><c> season,</c> of just during the open water season, of just during the open water
- </c><01:13:00.080><c> and</c> with the Minnesota Board of Water and with the Minnesota Board of Water
- ><c> permit</c><01:38:04.639><c> transfer</c> support for water permit transfer support for water permit
- Even though the water permit was already in place, the water use never changed.
- </c> the state where we already have water the state where we already have water concerns<01:42:11.280
Keywords:
boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 19th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- When in state waters or within three miles of the Washington State coastline.
- in the Washington coastal waters.
- laden with heavy metals into marine waters.
- Essentially, scrubbers turn air pollution into water pollution.
- off the road as fast as possible into the closest body of water.
Keywords:
6PPD, tires, environmental impact, public health, chemical regulation, HB1652, Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act, marine fuel, low-sulfur fuel, sulfur emissions, ocean-going vessels, shipping, maritime pollution, air quality, particulate matter, Department of Ecology, port visit, regulated waters, fuel switching, vessel emissions
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several environmental bills. House Bill 2284, aimed at reducing litter, would remove a scheduled increase in plastic bag thickness, preserve penalties on thicker bags, and create a Litter Solutions Task Force. Supporters from business, retail, agriculture, and recycling groups said it takes a data-driven, collaborative approach and avoids higher consumer costs; Ecology said it supports removing the thickness increase but raised budget concerns and suggested adding more task force members. Opponents or cautions focused on implementation costs and the need to align with the state’s upcoming litter study. No vote was taken in the hearing.
House Bill 1652 would require certain ocean-going vessels in Washington waters to use fuel with no more than 0.1% sulfur, with Ecology overseeing enforcement and a proposed substitute clarifying vessel coverage and recordkeeping. Supporters, including environmental, public health, port, and tribal voices, said the bill would reduce air pollution and toxic scrubber washwater that harms marine life and communities. Ports, shipping interests, and industry groups opposed or raised concerns, arguing the bill could effectively prohibit scrubbers, burden vessels and ports, and create compliance and economic issues. The hearing also included questions about whether cruise ships were already voluntarily avoiding scrubber discharges in Puget Sound.
House Bill 2367 would end remaining coal-related exemptions by limiting cap-and-invest exemptions to pre-2026 emissions, removing limits on additional greenhouse gas regulation for the Centralia coal plant, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. The sponsor and environmental groups said it would align state law with the planned coal phaseout and prevent any return to coal combustion after the plant’s retirement date. Business and petroleum representatives warned that if the plant were pulled into cap-and-invest, the allowance market could be affected and the program might need adjustment. The committee then heard House Bill 2421, which would ban 6PPD and regrettable substitutes in tires by 2035 and impose a 6PPD mitigation fee starting in 2027 to fund monitoring and cleanup. Supporters from salmon, city, tribal, youth, and environmental groups said 6PPD is a major cause of salmon mortality and that the fee would help fund mitigation; tire manufacturers, retailers, trucking, and business groups opposed the bill, arguing there is no proven alternative yet, the fee would raise costs, and the timeline could create safety and liability concerns. No votes were taken in the transcript provided.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Father, we know water is important and manifestation of our lives.
- So father we know water<00:06:28.479><c> is</c><00:06:28.720><c> important</c><00:06:29.520><c> and</
- c><00:06:29.680><c> manifestation</c><00:06:31.039><c> of</c> water is important and manifestation of
- water is important and manifestation of our<00:06:31.520><c> lives.
- House Bill 38 by Chairman Brown relating to state waters.
Keywords:
district attorneys, prosecutorial function, law enforcement, criminal procedure, legal advice, paternity, putative father registry, adoption, legal rights, parental rights, HB181, Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority, bond authorization, state bonds, capital improvements, public buildings, State Capitol, renovation finance, public office facilities, infrastructure financing
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Jan 29th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- public hearing on Senate Bill 6238 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters
- public hearing on Senate Bill 6238 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters
- bill before you is Senate Bill 6238 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters
- I'm just curious, I mean, how many, what does this really mean as far as the ships that are on the water
- Maneuver the boats within restricted waters. Sure.
Keywords:
traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, disability, parking privileges, accessibility, special parking, local government, oil tankers, restricted waters, environmental safety, maritime regulations, state law, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held work sessions on two major WSDOT corridor projects. Brian White updated members on the U.S. 12 Walla Walla corridor, saying seven of eight phases are complete and phase 8 would finish the 11-mile project by adding a separated four-lane facility, new interchange work near Italia, and a jurisdictional transfer of the old highway back to Walla Walla County. He said the project has a large funding gap, but the state, local partners, and a $110 million federal Rural Surface Transportation grant are being used to try to piece together a buildable segment for 2027. Shar Kay then briefed the committee on the North Spokane Corridor, describing seven of eight highway miles open, major recent and ongoing construction, and the remaining I-90 connection work. She said the project is on track for design completion in 2027 and final completion around 2030, but faces risks from tight construction space, labor and consultant constraints, utility issues, and federal review of revised access plans. Committee members praised both projects and the community engagement around them.
The committee also heard a presentation from the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council. Karen Mesmer summarized the council’s 2025 report and 2026 priorities, emphasizing that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain too high and that the council is using a safe system approach to recommend changes in speed management, road design, land use, vehicle size, micromobility policy, driver education, and post-crash care. She highlighted concerns about toxicology delays, data quality, and the need for more targeted recommendations next year.
In public hearings, the committee heard Senate Bill 6131, which would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review work by designating it a public health authority, allowing limited access to health information for traffic safety research, and creating a confidential fatality review committee. Supporters said the bill would help identify common contributing factors in roadway deaths while protecting sensitive information; a media representative said the bill preserved public access limits and was negotiated to avoid closing records that are currently open. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6155, which would extend disability parking privilege renewals from every five years to every 20 years and remove the need for a new health care practitioner signature at renewal; supporters said this would reduce burdens on people with permanent disabilities, while one testifier warned it could increase fraud. Senate Bill 6238, on oil tanker escort requirements in restricted waters, would set tug escort horsepower at 3,000 or 5% of tanker deadweight tonnage, whichever is greater; the Board of Pilotage said the change would align statute with existing practice and rulemaking.
In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed SB 5746 on EV charging infrastructure property crime, SB 5824 on fifth wheel travel trailer length, SB 6110 on e-bikes and e-motos after rejecting an amendment to add several agencies to the work group, SB 5839 on county ferry district authority, and SB 6148 on extending regional transit authority bond terms up to 75 years, despite one member calling it a bad idea. The committee then adjourned after signing committee reports.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/16/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Friends of the Boundary Waters. This is Friends of the Boundary Waters.
- </c> Waters Wilderness. Waters Wilderness.
- Farmers care deeply about water quality. excess water away excess water away below<00:57:00.320><c> the
- our local water systems.
- </c> water issue water quality issue. water issue water quality issue.
Keywords:
air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 27th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- We're surrounded by water, but we only use it for a few big ferries.
- In between the legs is water, a lot of water.
- So I think it's time that we consider getting off the roads and onto the water.
- For our residents, the expanded Bash on Water Taxi is our...
- For our residents, the expanded Bash on Water Taxi is our only reliable lifeline.
Keywords:
vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 29th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- current law, oil tankers of between 40,000 and 125,000 deadweight tons may operate in certain state waters
- current law, oil tankers of between 40,000 and 125,000 deadweight tons may operate in certain state waters
- Those of you who have been on the waters in the Salish Sea, especially up in the San Juan Islands, you
- He explained that their plant has several steps: they convert CO2 to CO, there are water electrolyzers
- We convert CO2 to CO, there's water electrolyzers, there's a fisher tropes process.
Keywords:
oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel
Summary:
The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on several bills, including HB 2436, which would update tug escort horsepower requirements for certain oil tankers in Puget Sound waters. The sponsor and the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners described it as a technical cleanup to align statute with existing rulemaking and industry practice, with the goal of better protecting the Salish Sea and southern resident killer whales. The hearing on HB 2436 was then closed.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 2322, which would change Clean Fuels Program rules and the timing of tax incentives for alternative jet fuel. Supporters, including the sponsor, 12, the City of Moses Lake, and U.S. Oil & Refining, said the bill would provide needed certainty for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel investment and clarify how electricity carbon intensity is calculated, including treatment of hydro power. Ecology opposed the bill, saying it would weaken the clean fuels program’s ability to drive new renewable generation and that it was willing to work on concerns through rulemaking. The hearing on HB 2322 was then closed.
In executive session, the committee advanced HB 2343 on water discharge permits for publicly owned animal facilities, HB 2426 allowing Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals to be heard by a single member or alternate panel by agreement, HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements for plastics, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel-supplier thresholds, and HB 2421 on 6PPD restrictions in tires. HB 2421 saw an unsuccessful amendment to exempt rural eastern Washington counties before passing. The committee deferred action on HB 2301 and HB 2296 until a later meeting. Most measures were reported out on party-line or near-party-line votes, with HB 2343 passing unanimously and the others passing by recorded vote.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-HHS, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-02-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:27.599><c> We</c> the Honolulu Border Water Supply. We the Honolulu Border Water Supply.
- testing</c><00:03:17.840><c> that</c> irregularities of water testing that irregularities of water testing
- and our water resources.
- and our water resources.
- </c> the water eventually goes to the ocean. the water eventually goes to the ocean.
Keywords:
fuel tank, environmental impact, groundwater, health and safety, military facilities, local communication, advisory committee, Hawaii legislation, PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, toxic chemicals, environmental contamination, water pollution, drinking water, surface water, soil contamination, fish consumption, food safety, public health
Summary:
The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown.
The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination.
Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill.
The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The nearshoring opportunity—nearshoring is not a future trend.
- infrastructure and advance innovative water technologies to expand water access.
- The USMCA facilitates trade flows and nearshoring.
- I work for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
- I am a program manager for a unit that issues water quality permits.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and how the agreement affects California’s economy, jobs, supply chains, and competitiveness. Opening remarks emphasized California’s heavy trade dependence on Mexico and Canada, the importance of stable trade rules, and concerns that tariffs or uncertainty could harm workers, small businesses, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and border communities. Members said the hearing would help inform a future legislative report or resolution on California’s priorities for the agreement’s review.
Academic and policy witnesses argued that the USMCA is central to North American economic integration and California’s role in it. Testimony from UC San Diego and CETYS University described California and Mexico as co-producers rather than simple trading partners, highlighting sectors such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Witnesses also warned that the upcoming review could involve not just trade but security and immigration issues, and they urged a stronger, longer-term agreement with more certainty, better border efficiency, and new tools such as specialized technician visas, binational certification standards, innovation zones, and a technology fund.
Go-Biz and chamber representatives said USMCA provides predictability, market access, and support for small and medium-sized businesses, while also creating compliance burdens through rules of origin, labor standards, and customs procedures. They pointed to California’s trade missions, export support programs, and state-level cooperation with Mexico and Canada as ways to help firms participate in regional supply chains. Mexican government and business representatives said the agreement is largely functioning well, that Mexico’s public consultation process received nearly 800 submissions and about 2,000 chapter-specific comments, and that many stakeholders favor maintaining or extending USMCA. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and asked witnesses for follow-up information to inform its report and future recommendations.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 04-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As the loyal water stewardship.
- </c> Commission on Water Resource Management. Commission on Water Resource Management.
- Water is culture.
- It is a living part of our ecosystems, integral to the health of our nearshore waters and deeply rooted
- </c><01:11:40.480><c> waters,</c> to the health, and our nearshore waters, to the health, and our nearshore
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process.
The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe.
The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.