House Floor

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

[Roll Call]

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. We are in receipt of communications transmitting the noted Senate bills, all having passed third reading in the Senate.

Representative Morikawa.

Madam Speaker, I move that the Senate bills laying on the Clerk's desk pass first reading by title.

Representative Garcia.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

It has been moved and seconded that the Senate bills laying on the Clerk's desk pass first reading by title. We will be taking a voice vote. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The motion is carried. Members, any introductions? Representative Morikawa.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to welcome and introduce in the Ina Chamber today a former Hawaii girl now working out of Washington D.C. with NCSL, Nguyen Vong. Welcome.

Representative Chun.

Thank you, Speaker. Colleagues, today is the Inaugural Food and Product Innovation Day at the Capitol. FPIN Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity to showcase Hawaii's entrepreneurs, including their locally made value added products and network to support their endeavors. As part of FPIN Day, I have two introductions, if I may be so honored.

First, I would like to welcome the students from Wat Pau High School. Students, would you please rise? And also accompanied by their principal, Mr. Zachary Sheets. Welcome to your House of Representatives. And may I please have their names inserted into the journal?

And second, on behalf of our Majority Leader, I would like to recognize Berkeley Welch. She's...Please stand to be recognized. Berkeley is the founder of Shaka Butter, which is born on the north shore of Oahu and creates island-inspired coconut peanut butter. Welcome to your House of Representatives and thank you for being here.

So ordered.

Representative Kusch.

I'd like to introduce my office staff. We have my office manager and legislative aide.

And oh my gosh, there we are. So, Teshira, Haruna, and Raka, together we make the unusual name club in room 311. Thank you. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Tam.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the representative from Nanakuli and myself, we have a few friends visiting from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. When I say your name, please rise. Harrison Young, J.J. Gonzalez, Tony Crow, and Patrick Cotter. Welcome to the White House of Representatives.

Representative Olds.

Hello, Speaker. I would like to welcome two students from the agriculture program affiliated with the Young Entrepreneurs Program by the Hawaii Ag Foundation at Kaimuki High School. When I call your name, please stand to be recognized. Raver Dave Alombro. Clemens. Okay, right on.

These students are showcasing today their business, Hidden Gems, specializing in gummies sourced from the local honey and fruits. Welcome to your House of Representatives up there, guys. Mahalo, Speaker.

Representative La Chica.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, we'd like to recognize the impactful work of the American Heart Association here in Hawaii. The Association continues to lead in advancing cardiovascular research, promoting heart healthy lifestyles and advocating for policies that save lives. So, the beautiful people wearing red, please rise.

With heart disease remaining one of the leading causes of death in our state and across the nation, their mission is vital to the health of our communities and residents here in the state. So, please welcome Mr. Don Wisman, Ms. Leslie Yano, Mr. Lauren Simpson Gomez, State Government Relations, and Megan Davidson. Do we also have Demi Duran?

Okay, if I miss your name, I apologize, but may I please enter the rest of their names into the journal?

So ordered.

Thank you. Welcome.

Representative Kong.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm not sure he's here, but I'd like to recognize Kenny Suru. He's not here. Send him a hello anyway. Kenny is a pro city high school student who created waves in the ice cream business. So, you might have tried some of it at Kenny Boy's Ice Cream.

And he is the youngest to be entered and participate in the Leeward Community College's Ina Tumake Program, a 12-week program that examines what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. So, I'd like to welcome him to the house even though he's not here. And I hope he knows what he's walking into. Thank you,

Members, any further Introductions? Okay, turning now to the order of the day, item number five, introduction of resolutions. Mr. Clerk, are there any resolutions for action?

Madam speaker, there are no resolutions for action. May all others be referred to print.

So ordered. Members, are there any announcements? Representative Kusch.

Thank you, Speaker. I want to thank everybody for visiting the booths and vendors of the food product innovation today. And if you haven't had a chance, the agricultural activities will continue tomorrow with Agriculture Awareness Day. And it will be also on the fourth floor.

Sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau and co-hosted by your House and Senate Agriculture committees, the event will showcase Hawaii's diverse agricultural industry with over 60 exhibitors and organizations. Will be held on the fourth floor 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and I hope everybody gets a chance to stop by. Today was wonderful and tomorrow will continue. Thank you.

Thank you, Speaker.

Members, any further announcements? Okay, seeing none. For the motion to adjourn, Representative Morikawa.

Madam Speaker, I move that this House stand adjourned until 12 o'clock noon, Thursday, March 5th.

Representative Garcia.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no. The motion is carried. The House stands adjourned until 12 o'clock noon, Thursday, March 5th.