House Floor

Will the House come to order?

[Roll call]

Madam Speaker, 48 Members are present. Three are excused.

Thank you. Item number two. Reading of the journal. Representative Morikawa. Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred. So ordered. Item number three. Messages from the Governor. Mr. Clerk, are there any messages from the Governor?

Madam Speaker, there are none.

Item number four. Senate Communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate Senate Communications?

Madam Speaker, there are none.

Introductions, Members, are there any introductions? Speaker. Representative Takenuchi.

Thank you. Just wanted to acknowledge one of my hard working staff Members today who joined us in the gallery to watch my short last minute invocation. Taylor Lagario. Please. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Okay, moving on to the order of the day. Item number five, Reports of standing committees. Representative Morikawa. For the motion to suspend the rules.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules of the House in order to consider a certain House Bill for third reading by consent calendar. Representative Garcia.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Any questions? All those in favor say Aye. All those opposed say no. The motion is carried. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt Standing Committee report number 1170 as listed on page one, and that the accompanying House Bill pass third reading.

Representative Morikawa. Madam Speaker, I second the motion. Any discussion on HSCR number 1170? Representative Souza.

Thank you. Madam Speaker, this. I stand in strong support. Please proceed. This OHA budget bill will essentially provide funding for operating expenses for the Office of Hawaiian affairs for the fiscal biennium beginning on July 12025 to June 302027. As OHA continues to implement its strategic plan, Mana I M Ola.

And also create 13 new staff positions to accelerate implementation of the plan. The primary reason for why we need to keep allocating funding to OHA by way of a measure such as this one is because we are not providing OHA with its full pro rata share of seeded land revenues.

Once we do that, perhaps we no longer have to keep appropriating funding in this way because OHA will receive what is rightfully theirs and will, in turn, in line with their mission, continue to utilize those increased resources for the benefit of Native Hawaiians.

With all of the funding cuts that are taking place at the federal level, especially in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion, which does affect Hawaiians and Hawaiians are included in this conversation.

No matter how much some may be averse to utilizing the DEI acronym, we have to be extra vigilant at the state level in ensuring that Hawaiians are continuing to receive support and resources to thrive as a Hawaiian.

I will say that we cannot allow the current federal Administration to undermine the progress that we have made as Hawaiians and the progress yet to be made as we continue our efforts centered on education, housing, health, and the list goes on.

I strongly support this bill relating to the budget of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, but also look forward to the day that no operating budget is necessary because OHA will have its full share of ceded land revenues. Mahalo.

Any further discussion? Representative Hussey in support and speaker. Please proceed.

I want to ask for the words of the Representative from Makakilo to be entered into the journal as my own.

So ordered. Thank you. Okay, we're gonna. Representative Morikawa. For the vote.

Madam Speaker. On the measure before us, all majority. Members vote, I, Representative Garcia.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On the measure before us, all minority Members vote aye.

Have all votes been cast? Said House Bill passes third reading. Members, please note the 48 hour notice for HSCR number 1171. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt Standing Committee report number 1172 listed on page two, and that the accompanying House Bill, as amended past second reading and be placed on the calendar for third reading.

Representative Morikawa, I second the motion. Any discussion on HSCR number 1172, Members will be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The motion is carried. Item number six. Announcements, Members, are there any announcements? Representative Quinlan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. A man who makes you feel that you're never alone he has witnessed his head shiny in chrome his heart and kindness are plain to see Happy birthday to our friend, Michael Lee.

Thank you, Majority Leader. Representative Kapela.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would also like to mention that art at the capital is coming up. It's going to be on April 11, and today is the deadline to let us know if you are going to open your office.

We have over 33 offices that are participating, and it would be great to have all of you so you know who you are. And please let us know if you'd like to participate. Also, we do have the revival of our Capital Talent show, so please show off your hidden talents and sign up to participate. Thank you.

Any further announcements?

Representative Morikawa Madam Speaker, I move that this House stand adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow.

Representative Garcia Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The motion is carried. The stand house stands adjourned until 12 noon tomorrow.