Joy Vega — Identified as the chief deputy attorney general for the Natural Resources Division.
Joy Vega — Joy Vega introduces herself as the division chief for the Energy and Natural Resource Division of the Office of the Attorney General and explains that she is speaking about the settlement agreement. She outlines the key points of the settlement, including that the tribe will recognize and protect state law-based water rights with priority dates of September 6, 2023 or earlier, and that water will also be reserved for future state law-based development and municipal groundwater needs. She says the agreement resolves ongoing disputes, avoids continued litigation over water quantity and future development rights, and is a victory for all parties. She concludes by noting that the settlement requires approval through House Bill 789 and subsequent federal action.
Tyrell Stevenson — Tyrell Stevenson introduces himself as the legislative director for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and notes that he has represented the tribe for nearly 20 years. He then thanks the many people involved over the years, including Norm and others, for their persistence in getting the effort to this point.
Ron Mendive — Referenced as the chairman who was being thanked and who introduced the tribal chairman.
Ron Mendive — Joy Vega addresses the committee chair by name.
Chief Allen — Introduced as the chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.
Chief Allen, Chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe — Chief Allen, Chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, gives a unified statement introducing himself, stressing that he is not focused on legal technicalities but on the broad agreement and shared interests behind the bill. He reflects on his long service and presents the tribe as similar to everyone else, with common concerns about safety, health, housing, and education. He emphasizes that water is the life force connecting everyone, then shares a personal story about surviving a jet ski accident on Lake Coeur d'Alene, describing the lake as comforting him. He explains that the settlement is intended to secure water rights and provide certainty for farmers, business owners, and county governments, and he closes by urging the committee to recommend the bill do pass.
Ms. Vega — The chair asked whether there were questions for Vega and then noted that her testimony had addressed litigation.
Paul Arrington — Was called as the first person signed up to testify, but deferred speaking because of the motion.
Chris Bromley — Was called to testify and said he would defer, but offered written materials to the chair.
Candace McHugh — Candace McHugh, representing the city of Coeur d'Alene, testified that the city was a party to the water rights adjudication and had to file its own water rights, including a right in Lake Coeur d'Alene. She explained that the city intervened in response to Avista’s and the governor’s water rights to preserve the historic operation of the lake and maintain certainty going forward. She concluded by submitting written comments and recommending the settlement receive a due pass.
Norm Somanco — Norm Somanco introduces himself as the managing shareholder of Parsons Bailey and Latimer in Boise and explains that his firm represents more than 300 people in the Cordillane-Spokane-Spokane River Basin adjudication.
Terrell Stevenson — Will introduce the chairman of the tribe.