Video & Transcript Research : 'shoreline easement'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- On this next measure, SB 2401, SD1 HD1, relating to regional shoreline mitigation districts.
Keywords:
image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> easements for electricity delivery. easements for electricity delivery.
- c> these</c><00:10:34.079><c> situations</c> easement saying in these situations easement saying in these
- We're talking about non-recorded easements and we're trying to create prescriptive easements, which are
- ><c> we're</c><00:19:22.400><c> trying</c> non-recorded easements and we're trying non-recorded easements
- ,</c><00:19:24.160><c> which</c> to create prescriptive easements, which to create prescriptive easements
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> shorelines are public for the public. shorelines are public for the public.
- </c> is to minimize uh shoreline hardening. is to minimize uh shoreline hardening.
- the shoreline in one place.
- the shoreline in one place.
- </c><00:51:29.359><c> Um,</c> shoreline in one place. Um, shoreline in one place.
Bills:
HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619
Keywords:
coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed.
Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Rescriptive easements.
- It's not a new easement. We're not addressing new easements.
- </c> easement is 30 feet in each direction. easement is 30 feet in each direction.
- </c><01:37:32.400><c> That's</c> easement if they abandon it. That's easement if they abandon it.
- </c> easements then be recorded? easements then be recorded?
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- to shoreline work.
- </c> government to pursue regional shoreline government to pursue regional shoreline planning.<01:04:
- </c> back into reinvesting in our shorelines back into reinvesting in our shorelines and<01:20:55.199
- </c> both the beaches and the shoreline both the beaches and the shoreline properties<01:21:57.520><c
- </c> the the shoreline related disclosures. the the shoreline related disclosures.
Bills:
SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken.
The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed.
For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties.
Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- shoreline adaptation plans.
- </c> resolutions for easements. resolutions for easements.
- the easement.
- </c> You said it's for shoreline hardening. You said it's for shoreline hardening.
- </c> shoreline mitigation initiative? shoreline mitigation initiative? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Keywords:
conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach.
The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA DEFER, WLA Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds.
- <00:03:57.680><c> stream</c><00:03:58.000><c> maintenance</c> shoreline stream maintenance shoreline
- </c><00:04:04.080><c> Testifying</c> shorelines and wersheds. Testifying shorelines and wersheds.
- It's more to prevent shoreline erosion, but it's also... >> So with the R&D on creating new coral, are
- It's more to prevent shoreline erosion, but it's also... >> The reason I bring this up is because many
Bills:
SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996
Keywords:
historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail.
The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs.
A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement.
Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Bills:
SCR47, SCR21, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170, SCR50, SCR75, SCR149, HCR83, HCR111, HCR110, HCR122, HCR118, HCR61, HCR162, HCR36, HCR19, HCR106, HCR14, HCR178, SB3022, SB3102, SB3144
Keywords:
sister-state, Hawaii, Okayama, Japan, cultural exchange, economic partnership, tourism, agriculture, international relations, healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Legislative Cooperation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements for facilities, and projects that include land acquisitions, restorations, or conservation easements
Keywords:
natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It should encourage more CEB and ACSC designations so that shorelines can be maintained better, with
- way we do this is that the CEB designation is used by USACE as a crucial point of eligibility of a shoreline
- opportunity and the privilege, I suppose, of selling future development rights through a conservation easement
- think, Senator Smith's question, would this open the door to allowing golf courses on conservation easements
- think, Senator Smith's question, would this open the door to allowing golf courses on conservation easements
Keywords:
golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably.
The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- easement.
- easement.
- easement.
- . easement. easement.
- </c> shoreline uh due to again shoreline shoreline uh due to again shoreline migration.<00:32:45.360>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several shoreline easement resolutions and a water-supply study resolution. For the easement measures, the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported each item, and testimony also came from affected landowners and community members. Members asked about why some easements were granted gratis to public agencies, with DLNR explaining that those cases involved public infrastructure such as stormwater management and did not require bonds or rent. For private properties, DLNR described the standard process of monthly rent during the legislative approval gap, followed by a one-time appraised payment for a 25-year easement once the appraisal is completed.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on shoreline erosion and whether hardened shoreline structures or seawalls were contributing to beach loss. On one measure, DLNR explained that a large sandbag shoreline structure was tied to a nearby boat harbor that had altered sand movement over time, causing flanking erosion on adjacent unarmored property. On another, DLNR said a wall built under a valid 1960s permit was originally a boundary or landscaping wall, but now functions as a seawall as the shoreline has migrated landward. Members raised concerns about fairness, public beach access, and whether adjacent owners should share costs, and DLNR responded that shoreline matters are handled parcel by parcel under existing statute.
The committee also heard support for a resolution creating a task force or study on desalination. DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management supported the intent but asked for more time to complete a comprehensive report, noting the work would require substantial staffing and coordination. The Board of Water Supply and CARES also testified in support, with CARES emphasizing future water-supply needs, cultural and historic preservation concerns, and the importance of coordinating with other agencies. DLNR said it would rely on existing studies and work with county agencies and the Department of Health. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , either an express easement or implied dedication easement, because the public uses it and as a result
- , either an express easement or implied dedication easement, because the public uses it and as a result
- , either an express easement or implied dedication easement, because the public uses it and as a result
- No problem. an easement either an express easement an easement either an express easement or<00:30:04.880
- </c> five projects along Waikiki's shoreline five projects along Waikiki's shoreline uh<00:36:27.280>
Keywords:
building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided.
The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law.
The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 02-05-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the board and it's within the shoreline the board and it's within the shoreline within<00:30:44.799
- :30:48.000><c> the</c> within state shoreline Waters the the within state shoreline Waters the the staff
- </c><00:31:22.039><c> the</c> for an easement for to allow the for an easement for to allow the structure
- In that area, many of those had easements.
- similar um in Kan day we have easements similar um in Kan day we have easements out<00:34:37.119><c>
Summary:
The committee heard several water, land, and natural resources measures. SB 5 would narrow the definition of historic property to properties eligible for the Hawaii Register of Historic Places or with important Native Hawaiian or ethnic cultural value. The State Historic Preservation Division said the bill would tighten the definition and could reduce or streamline reviews, while one testifier warned it could add another layer of review and delay. Support and opposition were both noted. SB 19 would appropriate funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to establish positions, and it drew strong support from DLNR and multiple ocean and reef advocates.
SB 145, concerning declarations of water shortage and emergency, was supported by the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Board of Water Supply, which said rulemaking would improve transparency and public input. The chair also noted broader public concern about water use and pricing, especially on Maui. SB 44 would prohibit commercial sale of parrotfish caught by spearing and ban spearing them at night; DLNR supported the measure, while several fishers and gathering-rights advocates opposed it, arguing it would restrict traditional gathering and that resource management should focus on fish populations rather than methods. The committee noted 26 communications in support and opposition combined.
SB 427 would bar the state from leasing or extending public land leases to parties in arrears, out of compliance with environmental obligations, or convicted of a crime, and would require gubernatorial certification for certain federal leases. DLNR said existing law and BLNR procedures already address compliance and cure periods, while supporters argued the bill would help ensure accountability for contaminated or poorly managed lands. The committee also began SB 457, dealing with submerged land reclamation and leasing of submerged/tidal lands; DLNR again said current statutes and BLNR protocols were already adequate, describing existing review and enforcement practices for shoreline structures and easements. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 17, 2025, 11:30AM HST - Day 53
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So the government hardened the nearby shoreline, which caused erosion of this particular property.
- </c><00:26:20.880><c> hardening</c> and sites where shoreline hardening and sites where shoreline hardening
- </c> that these these requests for shoreline that these these requests for shoreline hardening<00:27:
- This specific easement is because the structure that's currently there now functions as a seawall.
- Um, this is issuance of an easement, which again has to do with personal property and the...
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- condominium project on the shoreline in Kahana Bay, Maui.
- </c><00:44:45.400><c> for</c> did already approve uh the easement for did already approve uh the easement
- We have been undertaking studies of regional shoreline erosion and options.
- </c><01:09:44.000><c> setbacks</c> and because of the shoreline setbacks and because of the shoreline
- I live in the Holani Condominiums along the Kahana Bay shoreline.
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard SR 18, which asks DLNR to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture to support agriculture. DLNR, through Don Chang, opposed the resolution, saying the department has already been transferring parcels by mutual agreement and should not be required to transfer lands it does not consent to. Ranchers and agricultural advocates strongly supported the measure, arguing that the lands are active production areas, that partial transfers would undermine ranching operations, and that water infrastructure built by ranchers must be protected. Testimony from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land for food production, wildfire management, and long-term ranch viability. Committee members pressed both sides on acreage, specific parcels, and whether negotiations were still ongoing, with DLNR later clarifying that some parcels remain under negotiation and that some proposed transfers have been narrowed or adjusted.
Several specific ranches and parcels were discussed, including Batello, Diamond B, Delo, Nobriga, and Kapala Ranch. Witnesses described the operational importance of water systems, grazing areas, and access routes, and said that losing productive acreage would threaten business viability. Some members expressed concern that the proposal appeared to transfer productive land while leaving less useful land with ranchers, and urged the department to continue transparent negotiations and consider the practical impact on agriculture and conservation. A DLNR representative said some transfers were tied to other needs, such as transportation mitigation, and not to a broader effort to take more land. The Department of Agriculture later stated it supports the intent of the measure, but suggested its concerns would likely be addressed if the resolution were narrowed to the specific parcels at issue.
The chair also announced that the related House bill on the same subject remains alive and will be heard by Water and Land on Thursday. After concluding SR 18, the committee moved on to SCR 51 and SR 33, which seek a working group to evaluate establishing and administratively placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development indicated support for the concept, noting the office’s value in Maui wildfire recovery efforts.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so SCT4, authorizing the issuance of a 25-year term non-exclusive easement covering a portion of
- state submerged lands at Kikiwoa Kaha Kawaii for a shoreline protection structure and for use, repair
- /c><00:10:02.160><c> Kawaii</c><00:10:02.480><c> for</c><00:10:02.640><c> a</c><00:10:02.800><c> shoreline
- </c> Kikiwoa Kaha Kawaii for a shoreline Kikiwoa Kaha Kawaii for a shoreline protection<00:10:03.839>
- covering a portion of the easement covering a portion of the state's<00:11:01.680><c> submerged</c><
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation May 28th, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Keywords:
Boston, easement, highway improvement, Woburn, Burlington, public safety, transportation, land transfer, vessel transportation, Marston Mills, Osterville, Barnstable, state highway, traffic safety, maritime regulation, local legislation, Hyannis Transportation Center, Thomas S. Cahir, Cape Cod, commemorative designation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hearing on five bills, centered on the governor’s Ride Safe Act and related micromobility legislation. Administration officials from MassDOT and the MBTA described the bill as a first-in-the-nation, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, replacing outdated device categories with statewide rules on age, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration/insurance for higher-speed devices, crash-data reporting, and battery safety standards. They said the goal was to improve safety and consistency without discouraging affordable, multimodal transportation or first-mile/last-mile transit connections.
Committee members and several legislators asked about enforcement, data collection, battery fire risks, commuter rail accommodations, and how the bill would apply to shared-use paths. Some members supported the speed-based approach but raised concerns that the bill may need clearer path-speed limits, better education and enforcement tools, and more work on future regulations. Representatives and senators from affected districts testified in support, emphasizing rising complaints, youth injuries, and the need for uniform statewide rules. One senator urged quick action before summer, citing recent local incidents and the rapid growth of e-bike use.
The micromobility commission panel, including bicycle, pedestrian, retail, and police representatives, largely supported the bill’s classification framework and crash-data provisions, but urged additional work on default path speed limits, automated enforcement, and funding for safer infrastructure. A police chief stressed the need for education, meaningful penalties, and training for officers. Two pediatric physicians strongly supported the bill but argued it should go further by adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement, citing severe and increasing child injuries. UL Standards representatives endorsed the battery safety provisions and recommended tighter language requiring certification to recognized standards.
Two members of the public who commute on vintage mopeds opposed the bill as written, arguing it unfairly excludes mopeds from micromobility protections and creates inconsistent treatment for similar low-speed vehicles. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Apr 8th, 2026
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Keywords:
Holyoke, municipal governance, acting mayor, city council, local government, Oxford, town charter, municipal government, town manager, residency requirement, local approval, charter amendment, home rule, local governance, municipal administration, residence of officials, Worcester County, Worthington, solar, solar photovoltaic
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on late-filed bills and formal petitions, with testimony taken on Senate Bill 3026 and House Bill 5294. For S.3026, speakers from the Six Town Regional Planning Board and local town boards supported the bill as a way to equalize voting access for residents in a proposed regional school district reorganization. They said the measure would give all six towns the same opportunity to vote throughout the day, rather than limiting some towns to a single voting window, and argued the decision is especially important given declining enrollment and financial pressures on the school districts and towns involved.
The committee then heard testimony on H.5294, a Worthington home rule petition seeking a one-year moratorium on certain large-scale solar and battery storage projects. Worthington officials, residents, and public health and conservation advocates said the town needs time to develop zoning, safety, and emergency response rules before more projects move forward. They raised concerns about limited municipal staff, volunteer fire department capacity, water supply and watershed impacts, decommissioning responsibilities, and the cumulative effect of industrial-scale solar development on rural character and farmland.
Several witnesses emphasized that their opposition was not to solar energy itself, but to the pace and siting of projects in small rural towns with limited resources. They argued that state siting and permitting processes do not adequately account for local conditions in western Massachusetts and that towns need time to evaluate legal, environmental, and public health issues. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded testimony without further action announced.