House Floor

Will the House come to order. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Madam Speaker, 49 Members are present, one is excused.

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 communications.

Yes, Madam Speaker, if you and the Members will turn your attention to the addendum to today's order of the day. We are in receipt of communications returning the noted House Concurrent Resolution having been adopted in the Senate. We are in further receipt of a communication informing the House that the Senate has passed the noted Senate bills on final reading.

We are in further receipt of a communication informing the House that the Senate has reconsidered action in disagreeing to amendments proposed by the House and has moved to agree to the noted Senate Bill. We are in further receipt of a communication informing the House that the Senate has adopted the noted Senate Concurrent Resolution.

Finally, we are in receipt of communications informing the House that the Senate has made changes to conferees to the noted House and Senate bills.

Next item. Members, are there any introductions. Representative Quinlan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the gallery today, I spy a former colleague and Diet Coke aficionado, Director of Human Services, Ryan Yamani. Sitting next to him is our ever cheerful and fatally optimistic Director of BNF, Louis Salivaria. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Reyes Oda.

Thank you, Speaker. And in the gallery, I see today someone who used to work with us and has worked in the building since 2012 as the administrative Services Manager for the Clerk's office. Who's been here I think this would have been his 16th year. And I spy him on that side, that's Ross Miyasato.

Hey, Ross. Welcome to the House of Representatives.

Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I see a lot of black shirts up there and I just wanted to welcome and acknowledge the 2A community up there. Would you like. Would you please stand. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Okay, Representative Templo.

Thank you, Speaker. In the gallery today, I am proud to welcome my dear friend and mentor. Her name is Dr. Sharon Beasley, please stand. She's on that far right corner with the hat. She is retired. She served the Georgia General Assembly as the House of Representatives for 28 years.

And she's also a machinist with the International Association of Machinists and she was there for 30 years. She's very passionate about taking care of people and I'm just glad that she's in my life and she's here today to support us. So, Ms. Sharon Beasley, welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Perruso.

Representative Alcos.

Madam Speaker, I'm happy to welcome Henry Curtis and Kat Brady, two fearless and very consistent advocates. If you could please stand and be recognized. And welcome to your House of Representatives.

Aloha, Speaker. Thank you. In the gallery today we have Nelson, Chris Franklin and could you guys please stand. And welcome to the House of Representative.

Representative Holt.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today in the gallery we have some of our friends. Strong support of labor. We have four of our union friends. Cody Sula, Kika Bukowski, Mike Pacheco and Emmanuel Ziwakalam. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Okay, if there are no further introductions, I like to call a recess. Subject to the call of the chair.

Will the House come to order. Members, first take up a few measures out of order. please turn to page 36 and refer to CCR number 98. Representative Morikawa.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules of the House in order to consider certain House and Senate bills for final reading by consent calendar Representative Garcia Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt Conference Committee report number 98 as listed on page 36 and that the accompanying Senate Bill as amended, pass final reading.

Representative Morikawa Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Representative Kila.

Madam Speaker, I have a floor Amendment to offer.

Mr. Clerk, have copies of the floor amendment been distributed to the Members.

Yes, Madam Speaker, Copies of floor amendment number four have been distributed.

Representative Kila Madam Speaker.

I move to adopt the floor amendment.

Representative Grandinetti.

Second the motion.

Any discussion on the proposed floor amendment.

Madam Speaker in support, please proceed. The floor amendment being offered today allows us to make sure we are passing, non-conflicting statute and language. That's what we're doing.

Any further discussion. Members, we are going to take a voice vote, say Aye. If you are in favor of the floor amendment, vote no. If you are opposed to the floor amendment. All those in favor say Aye. Those opposed say no. The floor amendment has been adopted. Members, Please note the 48 hour notice for this measure.

Please turn to page 46 and refer to CCR number 198. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt Committee or Conference Committee report number 198 as listed on page 46 and that the accompanying Senate Bill as amended, pass final reading.

Representative Morikawa.

Representative Takayama.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Madam Speaker, I have a a Floor Amendment to offer.

Mr. Clerk, have copies of the floor amendment been distributed to the Members.

Yes, Madam Speaker, Copies of floor amendment number five have been distributed. Representative Takayama Madam Speaker, I move to.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the floor amendment.

Representative Kitagawa.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Any discussion on the proposed floor amendment. Representative Takayama.

Madam Speaker in support please. Madam Speaker, the reason for the floor amendment is that it clarifies that the money contained in the proposal in the in the proposed state budget to Fund this program goes into a special Fund for that purpose rather than from the General Fund. Thank you.

Members any further discussion. Members, we are going to take a voice vote. Vote "Aye" if you are in favor of the floor amendment, vote "no" If you are opposed to the floor amendment. All those in Favor say "aye". Those opposed say "no". The floor amendment has been adopted.

Members, Please note the 48 hour notice for this measure. Please refer to CCR number 199. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt conference Committee report number 199 as is said on page 46, and that the accompanying House Bill, as amended, pass final reading.

Representative Morikawa Madam Speaker, I second the motion. Representative Sayama.

Madam Speaker, I have a floor Amendment to offer.

Mr. Clerk, have copies of the floor amendment been distributed to the Members.

Yes, Madam Speaker, copies of floor amendment number six have been distributed.

Representative Sayama.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the floor amendment.

Representative Lee. Second the motion. Madam Speaker. Any discussion on the proposed floor amendment. Representative Sayama.

Thank you, Madam Speaker in support. This floor amendment would clarify that the appropriations contained in this Bill would exceed the expenditure purchasing by 2%. Again, the appropriations of this Bill is to pay for the hazard pay for the bargaining units listed.

Any further discussion, Members. We are going to take a voice vote. Vote "Aye" if you are in favor of the floor amendment, vote "no" if you are opposed to the floor amendment, all those in favor say "aye". Those opposed say "no". The floor amendment has been adopted. Members, Please note the 48 hour notice for this measure.

Now please turn to page 52 and refer to CCR number 233. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt conference Committee report number 233 as listed on page 52, and that the accompanying House Bill, as amended, pass final reading.

Representative Morikawa. Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Representative Tarnas. Madam Speaker, I have a Floor Amendment to offer.

Mr. Clerk, have copies of the floor amendment been distributed to the Members.

Yes, Madam Speaker, copies of floor amendment number seven have been distributed.

Representative Tarnas. Madam Speaker, I move to Adopt the floor amendment.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Any discussion on the proposed floor amendment. Representative Tarnas in support. Please proceed.

Representative PoePoe.

Thank you. This floor amendment is to make it clear in this measure that companies who. Have a current explosives license issued by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives are exempt from the Prohibition for shipping aerial devices, articles, pyrotechnic and other display fireworks via air delivery.

That way, these companies are able to bring in these aerial fireworks and other fireworks for special events like concerts by air delivery, because these are done just in time. So I urge Members to support this floor amendment. Thank you.

Any further discussion. Members, we are going to take a voice vote. Vote "Aye" if you are in favor of the floor amendment, vote "no" if you are Opposed to the floor amendment. All those in favor say "Aye", those opposed say "no". The floor amendment has been adopted. Members, Please note the 48 hour notice for this measure.

Members, please turn to page one. We will be taking up the state Executive budget. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to Adopt Conference Committee report number 45 as listed on page one and that House Bill number 300 HD1 SD1 CD1, as amended, pass final reading.

Any discussion on this item. Representative Yamashita.

Representative Morikawa.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Bill 300 HD1 SD1 CD1. Please proceed. Thank you very much.

With this preparation, we simply do not have all the resources necessary to provide all things to all people. This budget puts us in position to make informed decisions as we head into the interim. Our work is just beginning. Madam Speaker, I asked for everyone's support on this budget.

First of all, I'd like to reiterate what I said when we passed the House draft 1, that I really do appreciate all the support from you, Madam Speaker, and your leadership team as we move forward through this budget and your input through that.

The chairs, I'd also like to thank all of you for all of your input through the process and this is a critical part of putting together this budget.

The the Finance Committee Members, put in a lot of long hours and we do appreciate, and they did input as we went through this process and finally finishing it up, you know, led by our Vice Chair who put in yeoman hours and we were up till, I don't know, 1:30 o' clock in the morning sometimes and we worked on Easter Sunday to try and get the budget out in a timely manner and I think we did okay.

So thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Also our CIP chair who I've done it before, like I've said before and I know what it takes and it's a lot of work and a lot of time.

So I really appreciate everything she did on that budget as well as our GIA chair who has done this is his first time, but I think he did a great job for us.

So everybody should thank all these people, the finance staff who is not in the audience today, but you know, I'd like to thank them for all their long hours that they put into putting this budget together. There's a lot of detail that goes into this work.

So a big thanks to them as well as the WAM Chair you and I have been doing.

This is the third year we have done it together and I can say that our relationship is growing and we are moving a little quicker and have a better understanding of what both of us want to do to improve the state.

So I want to thank you very much as well as his staff and of course to thank also the Administration, the Governor and his Administration. There were, I was going to say that there were two directors this time. Last time we only had one, but they left, so I won't be able to say that.

But we'd like to thank the Administration for their input also, as well as the community. Everybody gave us input as to the support of this budget.

So with that, just a few weeks ago, speaking on HD1, I noted that 2025 session began with uncertainty and continues to show signs of major headwinds and challenges and that this picture will become clearer after the Council on Revenue meets. Unfortunately, that's not the case today. Uncertainty remains the challenge and headwinds have grown.

This is why the conference draft of the State Budget before you Dedicates funds for core services, Safety net programs, reserves a healthy carryover balance to shore potential fiscal shortfalls in the upcoming months. The budget process was a thoughtful and deliberate effort that incorporated valuable input from the Members and the broader community.

Our focus throughout has been on doing what is best for the state. We remain committed to ensure core services and are uninterrupted while addressing critical community needs including agriculture, housing, natural resources, transportation, public safety and economic development. Tens of millions of dollars have already been restricted or cut from the federal grant.

From Federal grants these grants support local businesses, provide non-profits with the ability to deliver valuable services to those most in need Enhanced Government Services for the safety net Programs throughout the State. The Federal Government has frozen or terminated about $30 million in grants to government that affects programs and research.

We are Here are just a few of the grants. Invasive Species, Climate Crisis, Advanced technology and Training in Agriculture and Food Systems, Energy Resilience, Environmental Justice, Medicaid Options for the State. Representative Tarnas, May I yield my time. Thank you very much.

Medicaid Options for States Alzheimer's and Dementia Prevention and Reversal, Preservation of Native Hawaiian Culture and Oral History. We have heard from several agencies that critical services are at risk and may be on the chopping block. Additionally, a reduction in force is in a danger that we cannot afford to implement again.

Money remaining in the LM balance can be prioritized as we get more definitive action and information from our federal partners. From our Congressional delegation, we provided $50 million in SB 933 to assist organizations providing core services across our state. The budget provides support for numerous core programs for the critical well being of the people of Hawaii.

I think it is a well thought out budget and I ask my colleagues on the Finance Committee to also give highlights into everything going forward. And Madam Speaker, may I also insert additional written comments?

So ordered.

Okay, thank you very much and I Yield to the Vice Chair.

Representative Takenouchi.

Thank you speaker in strong support. Please proceed.

To start I would just like to thank you really quickly and your leadership team for for this really monumental opportunity letting me Vice Chair alongside Chair Yamashita or along with the Finance Chair this year it was not lost to me and I appreciate the trust of you and the body to do this so early in my career and thank you again to the Finance Chair for really opening up a lot of learning opportunities for me and looking forward to another year.

This budget, Madam Speaker makes investments to protect Hawaii's families and our keiki. It strengthens the judicial system by enhancing public safety, improving correctional oversight and ensuring support for families and children. It also focuses on education through expanded access to our public libraries and early learning opportunities that give our youngest keiki a strong start to success.

Through the Department of the Attorney General, we invested $590,952 and four positions to the Sex Offender Registry Program to keep the program up to date and bringing accurate, timely information available to the public.

We have $4 million for litigation expenses to cover work that our Attorneys General is doing, including expert witnesses, outside counsel, trial costs, filing fees, discovery expenses and all the materials and supplies that go along with promoting their work.

$468,308 and two positions for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission to ensure the state's prisons and jails remain transparent and operate and we operate safe humane prisons, focused on rehabilitation and there's $6.2 million for child support enforcement services, for the wellbeing of children and to offer financial and medical support for the health and stability of their families.

In our public library system, there's $868,000 for temporary locations for the Wahiawa, Pearl City and Makawa Libraries to ensure we continue access to library materials while much needed refreshers are made to these popular locations and $750,000 to for their update to update their automated material handling system to speed up the labor intensive process of sorting return books and getting them back on the shelves for patrons to enjoy.

Lastly, in the Department of Education through the Executive Office on early learning, there's $13,264,299 and 108 positions for public pre-kindergarten expansion to to continue the state's progress ensuring that our keiki are getting the early help and support they need in their education and best prepare them for their future.

So in strong support and now I'd like to yield to the finance grant and a chair, the Representative from District 28, Representative Holt.

Thank you Madam Speaker and strong support. Please proceed. I rise today in strong support of this budget which makes critical investments to strengthen Hawaii's health and human services. This budget reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that Hawaii's most vulnerable residents have consistent access to care, support and resources they need.

It also prioritizes our Keiki tackling the serious challenges they face within the welfare and protected services systems. Under the Department of Health Community Health, this budget allocates over $248 million to the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, ensuring that essential health care services remain available for residents of Hawaii and Kauai Islands.

These funds will support hospitals and clinics that serve as lifelines for rural communities, especially where private health care options are scarce or non-existent. We're also investing $3.7 million in 21 new positions to support certification of community behavioral health clinics across Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

These certifications will unlock enhanced Medicare reimbursements through value added, value based care models, improving the quality of care while managing service volume. Turning to the Department of Human Services, this budget makes a transformative $7 million investment to the high thrive system, a comprehensive upgrade to our child welfare information infrastructure.

With improved technology and user friendliness, this system will help caseworkers better track progress and deliver timely interventions for Hawaii's most at risk youth. We're also addressing the workforce crisis in child protective services with a $6 million allocation for salary differentiation. Recognizing the critical role and high demands place where these workers who protect our Keiki Data daily.

Furthermore, $20 million is provided for in home and community based services which will empower kupuna and individuals with disabilities to live independently with dignity. And with $2 million dedicated to our mental our youth mental health, we are responding to the alarming rise in anxiety, depression and trauma among our youth ensuring they receive support before crisis escalate.

To modernize our operations, $4 million will go towards it upgrades keeping our systems current and equitable for all residents. And finally, we commit $12.9 million to disaster case Management project to continue recovery efforts from the Maui wildfires.

This funding will help coordinate emergency response, case management and ensure that affected residents are not left behind during this long road to recovery. Madam Speaker, this budget is not just a financial document. It's a reflection of our values. It's a promise to care for our kupuna, to protect our kiki and uplift our communities in time of need.

I'm proud to support this budget and yield the floor to the representative from District 2.

Representative Keohokapu‑Lee Loy.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In strong support. Please proceed. Madam Speaker, this area of the budget addresses urgent health care access needs especially in rural areas and invests in programs that saves lives and strengthens community health. It also focuses on improving emergency response and expanding healthcare education in underserved communities.

This budget commits a little more than $1.2 million and 2 positions. To reestablish the state oral health program to address dental health disparities for Hawaii's Keiki. The program will provide third graders basic oral health screening surveillance and a community based school dental sealant program for high priority DOE school complex areas.

This budget also commits 7.6 million for collective bargaining for contracted services for 911 emergency ground ambulance and 911 emergency aeromedic ambulance services, for the County of Maui. This Fund ensures that Maui's communities continue to have access to reliable emergency medical services.

I'm also excited to report that this budget commits 3.45 million for ambulance services for North Kona, where access to primary health care services can be as much as 30 miles away. Funding for an additional ambulance will improve response time to 911 calls in an area increasingly likelihood of successful outcomes for the community.

We also have $3.2 million to support continued operations of a second medic station and ambulance on Molokai. This funding addresses the island's previous reliance on one ambulance and ensures uninterrupted access to life saving emergency medical services across the island.

And of course $30 million for health care education loan repayment programs, to help recruit and retain high demand health care professionals by offering up to $50,000 per year in student loan repayment for those who commit to serving in underserved communities across the State of Hawaii for at least two years.

This program will help address staffing shortages and ensure that families in rural areas have access to health care for their needs. It's for these reasons I stand in strong support of this. And now I yield to the distinguished House Representative from District 50. Representative Lee.

Thank you Madam Speaker. Strong support. Please proceed. This budget supports Hawaii's workers and families by protecting worker rights and modernizing state employee structures. It also uplifts our local farmers, agricultural industry, and families in need by strengthening food security. The Department of Labor industrial relations is $1 million for the farm to Food bank program.

This program will contract food banks to purchase local produce to provide food insecure families with nutritious Hawaii grown items while also supporting Hawaii's agricultural industry.

750,000 for a family Leave Study to estimate the costs and outcomes of implementing a paid leave program through an actuarial analysis of Hawaii's workforce and legal analysis of ERISA prepaid health care and family leave laws.

The Department of Human Resources development $12,006,375 for workers compensation claims to protect workers from unexpected financial hardship, due to work related injuries. And finally $1,750,000 for a classification and compensation study to update Executive Branch civil service classes. The last comprehensive compensation study was completed over 30 years ago in 1990.

This new study will ensure that our Jobs act classifications align with the actual duties performed today, creating a more accurate, fair and competitive workplace and improving both recruitment and retention in state jobs. And I now yield to the good Representative of District 20.

Representative Grandinetti.

Thank you Madam Speaker in support, please proceed. By making strategic investments in transportation systems, this budget prioritizes public safety, transportation connectivity and emergency preparedness, ensuring that our communities are resilient and accessible. It also focuses on creating safer routes for our students and improving transportation infrastructure. Statewide.

This budget commits $2.46 million for automated external defibrillators, and publicly accessible defibrillator units for airports to ensure that all state airports are equipped with fully are fully equipped with AED and PAD units. These units are essential for providing emergency support.

This budget also commits 350,000 for the Molokai Air Subsidy Program to maintain continuous air service to the island of Molokai, ensuring that residents and visitors have reliable access to transportation. This helps support the local community tourism and overall connectivity to and from the island.

$15 million to the highway statewide fire mitigation clearing or for removing flammable brush, establishing fire breaks and identifying alternative evacuation routes for use during an emergency. These actions help reduce fire risk, contain its spread and ensure safe evacuation options in case of an emergency.

$13.46 million goes for highways Safe Routes to School program to identify, develop and recommend safe routes for students to travel to and from school across the state. This initiative aims to enhance student safety, promote walking and biking and improve overall transportation infrastructure for school children. I now yield to the House Representative from District 29, Representative Hussey.

Thank you Madam Speaker in support. Please proceed. Madam Speaker. This budget invests in workforce development, small business innovation and programs which empower local startups to fuel sustainable development growth.

This budget includes 2.9 million for the healthcare workforce development program which will help to train a greater number of high school students in the field of healthcare and to address the nursing. The nursing shortage in our state.

This budget also includes $2 million for the manufacturing assistance program which would help local businesses gain assistance to grow and be more competitive in the global global market. 2.0 million for the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Phase one and phase.

I'm sorry, Phase two and phase three grants, which will support Hawaii's innovation economy by leveraging federal funding, supporting commercialization and fostering high quality job growth. This budget also includes $12 million for renovation costs for the Kinkalakawa Building to accommodate offices for the State Department of Commerce and Consumer affairs and the downtown post office. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

And I yield to the House, to the District one representative.

Representative Kusch.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and strong support. Please proceed. First, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the finance staff and leadership chair and Vice Chair and all my fellow finance Members. It was a real learning experience as a freshman and I'm grateful for that opportunity.

This budget supports sustainable agriculture, protects our environment and invests in the University of Hawaii supporting athletics, a nursing program and cultural initiatives to preserve Hawaii's rich history while promoting student success.

For the Department of Agriculture, we have $26.6 million and 44 positions for the continued support to the Department of Agriculture's biosecurity program to control and prevent increasing threats of pests and enhance the Department's ability to mitigate and manage invasive species. $2 million to supplement the revolving Fund for irrigation systems and for the University of Hawaii, 7.04 million and 4 positions.

For the UH Manoa athletics and their UH athletic programs. 1.0 million for UH Hilo athletics and which will allow them to remain in the NCAA program.

$660,000 for the Practical Nurse Bridge Program at UH Maui campus, which will help support the statewide shortage of nurses. This program provides certified nurse aides and other health professionals to the professional nursing experience and training opportunities.

1.5 million and three positions for the Ulu'ulu Archives Moving Images, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing Hawaii's moving images and digitized films to reflect the rich history and culture of Native Hawaiians and the people of Hawaii.

1.26 million and three positions for the Pamantasan Council--hope I got that right--to support student success and retention services for Filipino students, promoting leadership and development and college success through the Pamantasan Internship Program and Pamantasan Ambassadors Program. I get that? 250,000 and one position for the UH Maui Water Quality Lab, which will continuously measure water quality, ensure it's free for harmful substances. I thank you, and I now yield to the House Representative of District 30.

Representative Templo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support.

Please proceed.

This budget strengthens our investment in public safety. It focuses on protecting our communities and improving our ability to respond during emergencies. Key initiatives include upgrades to the State Emergency Operations Center, continued support for the Youth Challenge Academy, expanded reentry services for former inmates, increased law enforcement presence in Wahiawa, targeted action against illegal fireworks, and a gun buyback program to reduce firearm related-risks.

The following appropriations highlight our commitment: with the Department of Defense, 230,000 will go to the Distributed Antenna System at the State Emergency Operations Center, enhancing emergency communication, and 4.5 million for the Youth Challenge Academy to support at-risk youth through mentorship and training.

With the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, 8.2 million will go to reentry services to assist former inmates with housing, obtaining vital documents, and mental health and substance use treatment. And with the Department of Law Enforcement, 1.3 million and six positions will provide law enforcement at the new Wahiawa District Court and Civic Center.

5.2 million and eight positions will establish a new unit to combat illegal fireworks and related crime, 2.4 million to support the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and boost enforcement, and 825,000 for a gun back buyback program to remove unwanted and illegal firearms from our communities. With these investments, we affirm our commitment to keeping Hawaii safe. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I now yield the floor to the Representative from District 36.

Representative Lamosao.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In strong support.

Please proceed.

Madam Speaker, this budget supports modernizing Hawaii's emergency and financial systems with investments in expanding 911 services, upgrading the state's accounting infrastructure, and establishing a new Business Transformation Office. It also prioritizes protecting Hawaii's natural resources by funding wildfire prevention and strengthening conservation enforcement.

For the Department of Accounting and General Services, the budget commits the following: $10 million to support the expansion of 911 services through emerging technologies--the funding will provide all public safety answering points across the state with the necessary resources to implement, operate, and maintain these services--$3.3 million and six positions for redevelopment of the famous accounting system which will develop subject matter expertise in the system configuration and design, enabling ongoing support for the Enterprise Financial System project and reducing reliance on external consultants.

In addition to, as mentioned, what was mentioned, $1.6 million and ten positions, establishing the Business Transformation Office to manage and manage the implementation of the new Enterprise Financial System and to provide support staff and training for the state once the system launches.

Additionally, for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the budget also commits the following: $14.8 million and 22 positions for Fire Protection Program. By expanding capacity, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife will be able to to better manage forest landscapes to help prevent fires from occurring, mitigate their impact, and aid in fire and emergency response, $800,000 to support vital hydrologic studies to revise sustainable yields to manage our most critical resource, helping to secure clean water, healthy ecosystems, and resilient communities across the islands.

$5 million for the Dam and Apparatus Program to ensure these vital structures meet safety standards so that they can continue serving important roles, supporting fire protection, and helping manage flood risk, keeping our communities safe. Lastly, Madam Speaker, $6.9 million and 21 positions for the Department of Land and Natural Resource Conservation and Resource Enforcement Officers.

With increased staffing and resources, DOCARE officers can more effectively safeguard our forests, coastlines, wildlife, ensuring their continued vitality for current residents for future generations alike, a critical investment in the stewardship and sustainability of Hawaii. I now yield to the House Representative of District 10.

Representative Miyake.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In strong support.

Please proceed.

Madam Speaker, this budget strengthens Hawaii's government operations and prioritizes securing stable housing for our most vulnerable populations. For the Department of Budget and Finance: $465,084 and five positions for the Office of Federal Awards Management to assist the state with tracking changes to federal policies, $3,307,382 to increase salaries for the Office of the Deputy Public Defender in order to bring the public defenders on par with other public service attorneys, such as Attorney General and Prosecutor's Offices.

For the Department of Human Services, 3.1 million for the Family Assessment Centers in Waianae and Puna, which offers temporary housing and case management services focused on civic engagement for homeless families with minors while working to secure permanent housing, 7.5 million for the Housing First Program, which targets chronically homeless individuals, supporting their success in rehabilitation, and ultimately enhancing their health, quality of life, and ability to pursue personal goals.

3.5 million for outreach and civil legal services to identify and support unsheltered homeless individuals by connecting them with outreach programs, assisting them in obtaining identification documents, and helping them apply for public benefits.

$7.5 million for the Rapid Re-Housing Program to offer short to medium-term rental assistance and services, helping homeless households to secure housing quickly, enhance self-sufficiency, and maintain stable housing. Last but not least, I now yield to the House Majority Floor Leader and good representative of District 17.

Representative Morikawa.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In strong support.

Please proceed.

This budget strengthens Hawaii's public education system by addressing school maintenance needs, expanding Hawaiian language programs, supporting student athletics, improving security, and enhancing Summer Learning and workforce readiness opportunities. It ensures safer schools, healthier students, and better preparation for Hawaii's future generations.

$150 million for deferred maintenance of public education facilities. For decades, the Legislature has attempted to provide resources to the department in order to address the longstanding backlog of preventive maintenance in our public schools.

With this appropriation, we can begin making progress on proper maintenance of state-owned school facilities while at the same time addressing issues when they are small, rather than waiting for them to grow into large issues that require more capital improvement funds to address, $4,200,384 and 13 positions for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni in order to support the department's K-12 Hawaiian Language Immersion Program, which delivers instruction through the Hawaiian language and connects future generations Hawaiian ways of knowing and being.

$11,781,786 for athletics, including increases for travel, increases in coaching salaries, increases in athletic training supplies, flag football, and adding an athletic trainer to Kulanihakoi High School, 41,980,000 for Summer Learning programs, helping to ensure that students have equitable access to robust Summer Learning programs that address specific needs of students ranging from remediation to advancement.

7,550,000 for workforce readiness, which will prepare our students for their future by providing opportunities and creating skilled, attractive job candidates by developing students into high-skill, high-wage, in-demand, and future-focused ready keiki.

$20 million for skilled nursing, provided to students based on their Individualized Education Program or EIP or Section 504 Plan, 927,248 and six positions for mathematics and financial literacy curriculum initiatives and for instructional support for classroom teachers, $13 million for increased nighttime security at schools and school security enhancements to ensure a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.

49,380,000 for food and nutrition shortfall and menu development and training, helping to ensure that the department has the proper amount of funding for meal services. That was a lot of money. I would now like to defer to the CIP chair.

Representative Kitagawa.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In strong support.

Please proceed.

Thank you. First, I'd like to start off by thanking you, Madam Speaker, and the leadership team as well as members of this body for the opportunity to work on CIP this year. I'd also like to thank the Finance Chair, Vice Chair, GIA Chair for all of their hard work and support on this budget and as well as thank the Finance Committee for their hard work and input in crafting this CIP budget.

The biennial CIP budget includes about $1.9 billion in General Obligation and General Obligation revolving bonds and about 5.7 billion when you consider all means of financing. The CIP budget addresses many important issues in our state and prioritizes areas such as health and safety, affordable housing, education, and preparing for the future.

I'd now like to highlight a few of the items that are included in this CIP budget. The CIP budget includes $380 million for affordable housing projects statewide, including funding for the Ka Lei Momi Development Project, kupuna supportive housing, and an infusion of funds to both the Rental Housing Revolving Fund and the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, $70 million for land acquisition to improve Hawaii's agriculture initiatives and to improve our state agriculture, irrigation systems, and reservoir systems.

35 million to support the third Hawaii State Veterans Home on Maui, 36 million to support repairs and upgrades to the Hawaii Convention Center, 29 million for post-harvest and food processing facilities, 21 million for a small animal slaughterhouse processing and storage facility, 432 million for the Department of Education for various improvements and repairs to school facilities, including funds to address deferred maintenance, health and safety, ADA, and Title IX compliance, as well as funding to expand our pre-kindergarten classroom capacity.

$20 million for Hawaiian Homelands, $115 million for healthcare services statewide, including 25 million for the new Keaau Benioff Medical Center and 13 million for Kona Community Hospital's new emergency department.

71 million for land and natural resources statewide, including watershed protection, rockfall mitigation, health of drinking water aquifers, and state parks and small boat harbors, 52 million for state libraries, 84 million for various public safety and correction facilities, and 273 million to support higher education and the University of Hawaii System.

Madam Speaker, this CIP budget is something that we can all be proud of. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this budget. I'd now like to yield to the GIA Chair.

Representative Holt.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Still in support.

Please proceed.

Serving as a Grant-in-Aid manager was a very tough but rewarding experience this year. Over the past couple months, I've had the honor to review 374 applications, totaling $192 million in requests and the unenviable task of trying to fit the needs with a $30 million budget.

Each grant represented more than funding. It represented trust, hope, and partnership. From youth programs to health clinics, food security to cultural preservation, these investments helped turn local visions into lasting impacts. I witnessed firsthand the power of public investment when aligned with community good.

Whether it was a health clinic in rural Ka'u, a children's theater programs on Molokai and Lanai, or a program based in Hawaiian culture to restore dormant Ag land on the west side of Kauai, these grants were catalytic. It's humbling to read the stories, meet the advocates, and see the heart and hope behind every request.

Mahalo to House Leadership, the Finance Chair for their confidence, and all the members who assisted me in this difficult process. To all the nonprofits, advocates, and community leaders who have brought passion and purpose to the table, mahalo. This experience reaffirmed my belief that public service, when done right, can transform lives. Thank you, Speaker.

Okay. Is there any further discussion? Representative Iwamoto.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support with reservations.

Please proceed.

Thank you. I just want to thank the Finance Committee for all of their hard work. I know there are a lot of difficult decisions that had to be made and I do know that--I know that all of my constituents, no matter where they--there's so many services that they're going to be benefiting from--

Representative Iwamoto.

Sorry. Yes, thank you. Thank you. I know there's so many services that they'll be benefiting from and so many facilities that they'll be utilizing, so thank you for all of the hard work.

I just wanted to center some of why I support this, this budget and why I have reservations. Earlier this month, I mailed out a survey to my district, and the survey basically asked my constituents to identify on a spectrum if they wanted us to invest more in more bigger jails, longer sentences if that's the better way of addressing public safety, or if we should invest in root causes that lead to crimes such as mental health services, drug abuse treatment, housing, and over--we had almost 600 responses, and of those 600 responses, over 70% cited on the side of investing in the root causes behind crimes.

So that's the lens I use when I look at the budget. So I just want to thank the Finance Committee and the chair and leadership for allocating 8.2 million for reentry services, for allocating 37 million for Kauhale development projects, and again, my reservations now stem with the 30 million for planning to replace OCCC jail when there are more cost-effective alternatives that exist.

Also, diversion infrastructure and pre-trial reforms can eliminate overcrowding and reducing costs. So for these reasons, I do support and also hold on to reservations. Thank you.

Representative Perruso.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support. With comments.

Please proceed.

So in 2019, a mere six years ago when I first entered the building, you know that at that time, the Aina Pono Pilot Program report was first issued, and in that report, they provided an estimation of $19 million to renovate all 172 school production kitchens in the DOE so as to be able to do scratch cooking and support Farm To School.

Going through Covid, we saw, again, the increased importance of Farm To School and Farm to State, and in 2023, the former Deputy Superintendent of Facilities for the DOE officially committed the department to the centralized kitchen model, and when challenged about his reasoning, said that his estimations of doing the work described above in the pilot report actually amounted to more than $100 million.

So his argument to support the centralized kitchen model rather than a decentralized approach was that of fiscal responsibility. So, reflecting on that and considering the inclusion in this year's budget of $55 million for the expansion of the centralized kitchen in my district, I wanted to make sure the body understands that this second allocation of funding to the only centralized kitchen that we are actually building and has not yet actually broken ground and is located in a tiny village in my district, they were allocated $35 million last year.

And this year, with the $55 million--I'm sorry, I've scratched out notes--the total estimation for that singular centralized kitchen is $90 million, so coming on close to the $100 million that it would have cost, even with the former Deputy Superintendent's estimation of 100 million for all 172 school production kitchens.

So, and if we extrapolate out using this model, especially considering that land acquisition will have to be taken into account--these huge industrial sites cannot be built on school properties--we can estimate that it's going to cost us about $450 million to do this on every island for work that, you know, if we had adopted a more decentralized approach, according to the 2019 report, would have cost us about $20 million. So I acknowledge that this is the approach that we've adopted, recognizing this plan and approach was not initiated by this body. I just want us to be aware of the fiscal commitments that we're making. Mahalo.

Any further discussion? Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for the previous two speakers and their comments. I value open discussion. Madam Speaker, I rise in support with reservations.

Please proceed.

First of all, awesome mahalo to the Finance Chair, Vice Chair, committee members, and staff for the incredible efforts in reviewing and processing this budget with funding appropriations. As we've heard, there are many good and worthy causes being funded, and of course, we may not agree with certain line items.

We are challenged with the desire to spend more for the needs of our people yet balance fiscal responsibility which includes decisions to cut back and even withhold monies. Madam Speaker, I am hopeful that in my time of service here that I can learn how to assist the process and outcomes to better contribute, facilitate, and secure funding for continued progress and outcomes to make a difference in our lives and families. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Representative Belatti.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support with reservations.

Please proceed.

Thank you. I support this bill, Madam Speaker, in large part because of the investments we are making as described by the previous speakers. In particular, and in opposition to the Vice Chair of Public Safety, I really do appreciate the investment of $30 million for the new facility, and the reason is this: as we look at the building and rebuilding of prisons, facilities, rehabilitation centers across the nation, they cost a lot of money.

San Quentin in California is looking at a $239 million appropriation. I can only imagine what they might be getting in other funding as well. So a $30 million investment in the new prison where we have the opportunity to continue to push the department to move towards rehabilitation services is an important step, and so for that, I am very supportive.

Madam Speaker, my reservations lie in the fact that the budget, unlike any bill, other bill, is such a massive bill that is built on many assumptions, and my concern is that because we need a balanced budget, this bill moves along with the many, many appropriation bills we are about to consider in the coming hours, hour, I hope.

Because of that, this is a budget that is built on what we know will be restrictions and possible lapses that will impact the appropriation of funds to other programs, and for that reason, my concerns exist. I do hope that we will be able to address this as we move forward into the year, but it's because of that lapsing and the threat to potential other programs that we have appropriated funds for and we will appropriate funds for that I have deep concerns about this budget. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Representative Muraoka.

Morning, Madam Speaker. In opposition.

Please proceed.

You know, Madam Speaker, if I embarrass myself today, I apologize, but listening to this award-winning performance this morning on this budget, affordable housing: I challenge anybody sitting in this room right now to show me one community that has a truly affordable house for sale today, but it's in our budget again.

Critical operations: I keep hearing critical, critical, critical operations. The only thing critical in Hawaii is our people, and they cannot afford to live here. But I heard over 70--if I counted correctly--new positions being created. Not one of those new positions being created had a title of 'holding people accountable.'

I can go on and on, but as you can probably see, I'm shaking. I'm pretty angry hearing a lot of this stuff repetitively. It's on YouTube. We can go back over the years and years and years. All of this stuff that we talked about, most of them is in the previous budgets. Nothing got done.

With that being said, I'm in opposition. The only critical thing in Hawaii is our people. We need to focus on keeping them home because without Hawaiian people in Hawaii, we'll not even worry about the future. Thank you.

Representative Souza.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support.

Please proceed.

With, with reservations. And I want to thank the Finance Chair, Finance Vice Chair, and all the members of the Finance Committee for your hard work, and I would like the words of the representative from Makiki inserted into the record as my own.

So ordered.

Thank you.

Any further discussion? Representative Pierick.

Thank you, Speaker. In opposition.

Please proceed.

So with much respect to the representative from Waianae, I have a similar speech. Basically, we have about $40 billion in this budget, or almost $20 billion for each year allocated towards solving the issues of our state: housing, homelessness, the roads, potholes, education, cost of electricity, the cost of gas.

I am curious to know if in one year or two years from now, after we spend 20 billion of the taxpayers' money, if all of these problems will be solved or even decreased significantly.

So with a history of our state not solving these issues with the state budget because of a framework of government that hasn't proven itself successful compared to the other 50 states, I'm voting no, knowing that this budget probably isn't going to solve the issues because the framework is: let's build the government to give services to the people versus let's decrease the government, decrease regulations, so the private sector can grow and flourish.

Is there any other discussion? If not, for the vote--oh, excuse me. Representative Matsumoto.

Recess, please.

Recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Calling this meeting back to order. Representative, Representative Morikawa for the vote.

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

Representative Garcia.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On the budget before us all minority Members vote aye, with the exception of Representatives Garcia, Muraoka and Pierick.

Have all votes been cast? House Bill number 300 HD 1SD1 CD1 passes final reading. Recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Will the House come to order? Mr. Clerk, are there any announcements?

Yes, Madam Speaker. I have been informed by a representative of the President of the Senate that the Conference Committee report for House Bill number 300, House draft one, Senate draft one, conference draft one was adopted and said House Bill relating to the state budget passed final reading in the Senate.

In addition, I have been informed by the Assistant Clerk of the House that at 10:49am on this day. House Bill Number 300, House draft one, Senate draft one, Conference draft one, has been duly transmitted by the Legislature to the Governor pursuant to Article 7, Section 9 of the Hawaii State Constitution.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Let's move on to the Consent calendar. Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the Conference Committee reports listed on pages two through twenty six and that the accompanying House and Senate bills, as amended, pass final reading.

Madame Speaker, I second the motion.

Representative Morikawa.

Members, there will be no discussion as these are items agreed to by this body for placement on the Consent Calendar. Representative Morikawa for the vote.

Madame Speaker, on the measures before us, all majority Members vote aye, with the exception of the following. On page three, Conference Committee report number 17, SB 1464 HD1 CD1, Rep. Iwamoto votes no. On page 16, Conference Committee report number 14, SB number 1567, SD1 HD1 CD1 Rep. Garrett votes no. On page 23, Conference Committee report number 202 SB number 1500, SD2 HD1 CD1 Rep. Kong votes no.

Representative Garcia.

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

Have all votes been cast? Said bills pass final reading. Members, please remember to submit to the Clerk the list of House and Senate bills on the Consent Calendar for which you will be inserting written comments in support or in opposition. This must be done by adjournment of today's floor session. Let's move on to item number 5C.

Unfinished business, ordinary calendar. Members, please refer to page 34. CCR number 85 will be moved to the end of the calendar. Members, we are on page 27.

Representative Todd.

Madam Speaker, with the exception of Conference Committee report numbers 85 and 98, I move to adopt the Conference Committee reports listed on pages 27 through 36, and that the accompanying House and Senate bills, as amended, pass final reading.

Representative Morikawa.

Speaker, I second the motion.

Any discussion on these items beginning with Conference Committee report number three? Number four? Number five? Number six? Number seven? Representative Iwamoto

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support with reservations.

Please proceed.

Thank you. And I believe this is to relating to crimes against protected services workers. So Native Hawaiian families are disproportionately overrepresented in in interactions with the foster care system.

That paired with the higher rates of unsubstantiated complaints contained or recorded in the Department of Human Services data, I think we should be very mindful that the system is coming to a family home and perhaps taking a child out of the arms of their parents.

For those who are not guilty of abuse, for the majority of them who are not guilty of abuse or neglect, it might be very shocking to have that experience.

Imagine if you found yourself in such a situation and trying to hold on to your child that you accidentally smush a social worker against the door frame to your home. Now imagine going to jail for this, especially if you were innocent of the claims that initiated the incident.

This is exactly the time that social workers caseworkers should apply de escalating tools and not move with any sort of arrogance that some that they can somehow throw a parent into jail for protecting their child. And those are my reservations. Thank you.

Moving on to the top of page 28, Conference Committee report number 11. Representative Muraoka.

I'm sorry, it's for the last one.

Okay, let's go back to conference Committee report number seven. Representative Muraoka,

In opposition.

Please proceed.

You know we're trying to protect them, and I agree that we should to some measure. However, I see no introduction of any type of Bill or anything protecting little Ariel and so many others like her that were placed into homes by CPS. So that's the reason for my opposition.

Representative Marten.

In strong support.

Please proceed.

This is not a Bill about the moment of removal of a child from a home that's been found to be dangerous to that child. This is about ongoing threats which are real, not imaginary, made to staff verbally and writing through the Internet, stalking their families, making people not want to work in our government.

We need these people to do this job for us. And if we don't protect them, they will not come and work for us. So this is a really critical Bill, and I urge this body to support it.

Okay, moving on to the top of page 28. Conference Committee report number 11. Number 13, CCR number 15. Representative Matsumoto

In opposition.

Permission to insert written comments into the journal.

So ordered. Representative Reyes Oda.

Reservations.

So ordered. Moving on to conference Committee report number 18, 20. At the top of page 29, conference Committee report number 22, 26, 27. Representative Iwamoto.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I rise in support, with reservations. Thank you. So I have served as a licensed therapeutic foster parent, so I know what happens when children are neglected and abused to the point of torture.

What I learned providing this service is that no matter what trauma my foster kids went through, whatever they were subjected to, they were going to resume a relationship with their biological parent.

Instead of spending money on again, locking more people up, having mandatory minimums, we should be making sure that these parents get the services that they need to heal from their own trauma and to be better, a better person for their children who will seek them out one day.

This Bill will remove judicial discretion and impose a, a sort of a three strikes felony, A for multiple counts of, of heinous acts that can be prosecuted, you know, individually. And they can also do them.

And all of the acts, all of the heinous crimes listed in this particular Bill can be prosecuted individually and sequentially for this reasons. Those are my reservations.

Moving on to Conference Committee Report 29, Representative Iwamoto.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support with reservations.

Please proceed.

Okay, so this has to do with removing, giving the Department of Commerce and Consumer affairs the opportunity or the authority to remove certain professional licenses from individuals who are on the sex offender registry.

And so I understand when the, when customary professional situations requires the individual being in a small room in potentially a state of undress and close physical contact, that there might be a problem with the delivery of those professional services if the person's on the registry.

But there are professions that require licensing, that do not put a potential victim in harm's way. For instance, a hairstylist at a busy salon where there's multiple stations. In a crowded salon, there's no, many of us wouldn't feel like we're vulnerable to a transgression. And so, or even a manicurist that requires a license.

And if somebody's on the registry, we have to think about, they serve their time, they're on the registry, perhaps forever, but they still need to pay their rent, maybe even provide child support for a child. They need to live, they need to be able to sustain themselves.

And there's also other ways to mitigate the harms that we're trying to protect the public from, such as posting a sign. So if it's a hairstylist, for instance, they could put a sign at their station indicating that they're on the registry and maybe what they did to kind of inform people, but they can still make a living.

Because I think the worst case scenario would be that they, that they are put into position, that they rely on taxpayers to Support them. That would be the worst case scenario. So for those reasons, I have reservations.

Moving on to the top of page 30, Conference Committee report number 31, 32.

Representative Kila

Mahalo, Madam Speaker in support.

Please proceed.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The adoption today of HB 958 would designate Lau Lau Day not as a holiday, but as a symbolic observance. It's something small on paper, but there's so much meaning for our Lahui and local families across Hawaii. Lau Lau is more than food. It is tradition. It is healing. It's resilience.

And it's one of those things that has stuck through everything and is still here today. The state recognized other cultural observances, such as Buddha Day, Sakata Day, Kimchi Day, and these are rightfully so recognized. Moments where we stop to honor people and the culture behind our food.

But this Bill follows the same path because just like kimchi, Lau Lau also tells a story. It reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It's wrapped with intention, a tea leaf or foil to save money. It takes time, though, and it brings people together.

These are folks fundraisers, their baby luaus, their graduations, and sometimes even funerals. It's for some how folks make a living. And for others, it teaches our kids values, patience, respect and hard work. For many, their first lesson in business is with a fundraiser for Lau Lau to pay for uniforms, to travel, for school.

And it's where sometimes our ethic and community mindsets come into focus. I know it personally. 12 years ago, my dad held a Lau Lau fundraiser to help send me off to college. That's how we covered the first expenses for flights, my bedding, my school supplies. It was a way forward.

And today, a decade later, my dad continues to still do this, but has now turned from a fundraiser but our hopes for survival. But even more than that, it healed him. My dad struggled with addiction, but when he found Lau Lau, he found purpose.

In some ways, it kept him grounded and it connected him to something ancestral and something bigger than him. And that, speaker, is the power of food and the power of culture. When I first introduced this Bill, the day chosen was May 1st. And I do want to clear up.

I never intended to take away May Day, but I do want to acknowledge I chose May 1st as my dad's birthday. I wanted to honor him and thank him. But as we move forward, it would designate the first Friday of May as Lau Lau Day. And this is more than just one dish Speaker.

Tthe Legislature has done amazing work over the last two years under your leadership to support local food systems. We push farm to school, food hubs, farmer training, our native crop support and funding to keep our food supply strong and grounded in Hawaii. And I believe Lau Lau day is just a part of that.

Because when we uplift food, we uplift people, we uplift knowledge, and we uplift the culture. And as we advance food sovereignty, the right to grow and to prepare food and our own values, this is more than just recognition. It's reclamation. Lau Lau is just not a side dish, Madam Speaker. It's a main plate.

It's our go to, it's our grind. It's how we survive and celebrate.

And no offense, but if you go to a baby luau and there's no Lau Lau, and it's a little suspicious. With that, Madam Speaker, even it's significant that kalo was designated as a state plant back in 2007, but due to something, it didn't get adopted to this year. But in some ways, that's the same way that haloa grows.

It takes time. And I hope that this is just the beginning. We always make space for local food or Hawaiian products and policies and that we can continue seeing cultural preservation. It's proactive and not just performative, but it's a building a stronger Hawaii for generations to come. So, no, I want to clarify.

We do not get a day off to eat Lau Lau, but it gives us a day to remember who we are and to recognize something our people have always known that when Lau Lau is more than ingredients, it's our legacy, strength. And it's still here.

So when we pass this Bill, it's for the Kupuna who measure recipes in handfuls. It's for the keiki who choose to sell Lau Lau to start a dream. It's for the people who live every day in Hawaii.

And for every ohana that knows, when you open the pot and you see the steam, you are home and you are in Hawaii. And those are my reasons for support.

Representative Souza.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. With reservations and permission to insert written comments into the journal.

Moving on to standing Committee report number 38. Representative Iwamoto. Reservations. So ordered. Moving on to standing Committee report 39, 40, 42.

On the top of page 31, standing Committee report number 51, 52. Representative Belatti. Representative PoePoe.

451.

Okay, let's move back to conference Committee report 51. Representative PoePoe.

Thank you. Permission to enter comments into the journal.

What is your position.

No.

So ordered.

Thank you.

Moving on to Conference Committee Report number 52, Representative Iwamoto.

Reservations.

So ordered. Representative Belatti.

Madam Speaker, with reservations, brief remarks.

Please proceed.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support. My reservation stems from language that was introduced in Senate Draft 1 that said, "Provided that emergency erosion protection structures constructed"—excuse me—"Pursuant to permits issued by the Department, shall not be deemed abandoned property."

This raises concerns for me because the Department issues numerous permits for all types of shoreline beach restoration, and I'm concerned that this language, which was then changed in the Conference Committee that added, "Provided that emergency erosion protection structures constructed pursuant to permits issued by the Department and that continue to provide the protection for which they were permitted shall not be deemed abandoned remnant materials."

It concerns me that this might create liability that we are not clear about, so that there might be large unintended consequences for this measure.

Just simply because there is so much happening at our shorelines and the Department permits many, many, many things. I would, I would want to proceed with caution with this kind of measure. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Representative Perruso.

Reservations.

So ordered.

Representative Souza.

With reservations, and I would like to insert the words of the representative from Waikiki into the record as my own.

So ordered.

Moving on to Conference Committee report number 54.

Representative Poepoe,

We're 52.

Okay, back to Conference Committee report 52. Representative Poepoe.

With reservations and permission to enter comments.

So ordered. Moving on to CCR number 54. Number 61.

Excuse me, Speaker.

Representative Shimizu, CCR 54, please. Please proceed.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in opposition with brief comments.

Please proceed.

I want to thank and acknowledge the introducer, the chairs. And appreciate all of the hard work and the intent behind this Bill. However, Madam Speaker, I believe the current process and consequences are appropriate.

And we should allow our judges, as they hear and evaluate evidence on a case by case basis, the freedom to exercise their expertise and experience in handing out appropriate sentences. And not dictate to them what they can or cannot do. That's my position of opposition. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Moving on to CCR number 61. At the top of page 32, Conference Committee Report number 65. Representative Reyes Oda.

Reservations.

So ordered. CCR 68. 69. Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in opposition.

Please proceed.

I have previously spoke at length in opposition and giving comments. And as a courtesy to this body, I will spare them a reiteration of that floor speech. But permission to enter written comments into the journal, please.

So ordered.

Thank you.

Representative CCR number 71. At the top of page 33. Conference Committee Report number 74. Representative Muraoka.

In opposition.

Please proceed.

Based, simply put, this Bill seeks to override county home rule to protect their residents in potentially in favor of developers. For this reason, I oppose this Bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in respectful opposition to this Measure which proposes $2.5 million for sting operations and the establishment of explosives and firearms lab to combat illegal fireworks. Now, let me be clear. I do not support illegal fireworks. They are dangerous. They pose risk to our communities, our first responders and our environment. But I cannot.

Let me repeat, I cannot ignore the larger crisis that surrounds us every single day. A crisis that this Bill does not address. We are facing an epidemic of drug addiction, violent crime and an ever worsening crisis of homelessness in nearly every community across our state. These are, excuse me, these are seasonal issues.

These are not seasonal issues like fireworks. These are daily emergencies and our constituents are living in fear, frustration and desperation. We're proposing two and a half million dollars for fireworks enforcement and a lab. Yet we cannot find the same dollars to expand drug treatment and prevention programs or increase patrols and investigate resources to address violent crimes.

Fireworks may be loud and visible, but the silent suffering caused by drugs, crime, homelessness is far more devastating and more enduring. If we want to invest in public safety, let's start where the pain is most acute.

Let's fund detox, outreach and real time criminal enforcement to tackle fentanyl, crystal met and other items that are killing the people in our streets. Let's not send a message that illegal fireworks are a greater threat than the addiction, violence and homelessness displacing and plaguing our communities every day. I urge my colleagues to reconsider our priorities.

This is not about ignoring the problem of fireworks. It's about responding first to the problems that are killing us now and and every day.

Any further discussion? If not, we're moving on to conference Committee report number 77. Representative Iwamoto.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Excuse me. I rise in opposition with comments.

Please proceed.

Thank you. Simply this Bill prohibits the legislative body of a county from imposing stricter conditions than the HHFDC. Stricter area median income requirements or a reduction in fee waivers to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project.

CCR number 78. Oh, Representative Grandinetti.

On the previous measure.

Okay. CCR number 77.

In opposition, and I've also shared my thoughts.

Please proceed.

Oh, thank you. I've shared my thoughts on this measure, on—in—previous floor sessions, so just, permission to insert written comments into the journal.

So ordered. Representative Evslin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just want to clarify.

In support. Thank you.

In support or?

Please proceed.

Just to clarify, we spoke about this Bill previously, but there is currently two discretionary view processes written into the law in 21-H38.

And the legislative branch of the county still has the full authority to reject any of these projects if they so choose, so the Bill clarifies that counties have to be allowed the opportunity to submit written comments on 21-H38 projects.

HHFTC should be reviewing those written comments and proposing projects that have, you know, the highest likelihood of chancing at passing at a county level, but the county still have that opportunity to reject if they so choose. Thank you.

Representative Perruso.

With reservations.

So ordered.

Representative Souza.

With reservations.

So ordered. Moving on, Representative Poepoe.

In opposition. Permission to enter written comments?

So ordered.

Let's move on to Conference Committee report number 78. Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. With reservations, please.

So ordered. Representative Amato.

Thank you, Madam Speaker with reservations

So ordered.

Representative Belatti.

Reservations

So ordered. Representative Souza.

Reservations.

So ordered.

Speaker.

Representative Poepoe.

With reservations.

So ordered. Moving on to Conference Committee, report number 79. 81. Representative Iwamoto.

Reservations.

So ordered.

Moving on to the next page. Page 34. Conference Committee report number 82. Representative Souza,

with reservations

So ordered. Conference Committee Report number 84.

And Conference Committee Report 86. Representative Amato.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. With reservations.

So ordered. Representative Matsumoto. At the top of page 35, Conference Committee Report number 87. Representative Iwamoto.