House Floor

Will the house come to order? Mister Clerk, please call the roll.

Here.

Mister Alcos?

Miss Belotti?

present

Miss Amato?

Yes.

Here.

Miss Cochran?

Present.

Mister Chun?

Mister Evslin?

Here.

Here.

yo.

Mister Garcia?

Mister Garrett?

Mister Gedian?

Not present.

Present.

Here.

Miss Grandinetti?

Miss Hartsfield?

Mister Hashem?

Mister Hussey?

Yes.

Yes.

Present.

Mister Iligan?

Miss Iwamoto, miss Kahaloa, miss Capella, miss Kohokapuliloy, mister Keela, miss Kitagawa, mister Kong, mister Kush, Miss La Chica? Here. Mister Lee? Here. Miss Loewen?

Okay. Miss Martin? Mister Matayoshi?

Miss Matsumoto?

Yes.

Mister Miyake?

Yes.

Here. Here.

Miss Morikawa?

Yes.

Yes.

Here.

Miss Nakamura?

Mister Muraoka?

Here.

Mister Olds?

Here.

Miss Peruso?

Mister Pierrick?

Here.

Miss Reyes Oda?

Here.

Here.

Miss Poipoi? Mister Quinlan?

Mister Sayama?

Here.

Present.

Mister Takayama?

Mister Shimizu?

Miss Takenouchi?

Here.

Here.

Yes.

Present.

Mister Tarnas?

Mister Tam?

Miss Templo?

Here.

Here.

Mister Todd? Mister Woodson?

Mister Yamashita?

Madam speaker?

Here.

Madam speaker, 49 members are present. One is not present.

Here.

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. Mister Clerk, are there any messages from the governor?

Madam speaker, there are none.

Item number four, Senate communications. Mister Clerk, are there any Senate communications?

Madam speaker, there are none.

Members, any introductions? Representative Illagan.

Thank you, madam speaker. In the gallery, we have a corporation and also a chamber, not the Senate chamber, but the Chamber of Commerce. We have HTDC who is the Hawaii, technology development corporation. And there are also members I would like to introduce. First, let's introduce the CEO.

Trump, could you please rise? We also have his team, Sandy, Cindy, Wayne, and Uma. Let's give them a round of applause members. HDDC actually established in 1983. They're Ithink 42 or 43 years old.

And they are working on this showcase along with the chamber. But before I go to the chamber, I just wanna showcase their partners. I believe the SBIR, the Small Business Innovation Research. Could you please rise? I don't know all their names but I will definitely insert into the journal later.

We also have MAP. Actually, let's give them a round of applause members. If you could please sit. And then we also have, MAP which is the manufacturer assistance program. If you could rise.

Let's give them a round of applause. Thank you for manufacturing all those goods for us. And then if you could place it, we also have, the accelerator program. Thank you. Could you please give them a round of applause as well?

And I believe Thank you. And we also have some Hawaii technology and innovation ecosystem. Could you please rise? Thank you. Thank you for being here.

Last but not least, we have the Chamber who's helping us with the Build Here Innovation Showcase. We have our, fearless leader, Sherry. Could you please rise? And her team, we have, let me quickly just tell you who is in her team. I know there's Nadia, there's Tonga, there's Zoe and Julian.

Thank you for being here. Welcome to your house of representatives. Members, they will be up there at the showcase. It starts at one, PM to 3pm. Thank you.

Representative Woodson.

Thank you, madam speaker. Joining us in the gallery today, we have Rebecca Pringle. If that name sounds familiar, it's because she is the president of the National Education Association, also known as NEA. She's here visiting her HSTA counterpart. Please welcome her to the Hawaii House of Representatives.

Thank you, Ms. Pringle, for all you do.

Representative Keohokapu-lee Loy.

Thank you, madam speaker. I have a very special student in the gallery today. Perseus Fanbulb, if you would please rise. She is a junior at a very fine high school, Waiakea High School, and she's part of our Keiki Caucus intern program. She participates in the Interact Club along with the Big Island Youth Commission and volunteers at her local church.

Members, please help me welcome Perseus. Welcome to the House of Representatives.

Okay. Members of their representative, Iwamoto.

Thank you very much, madam speaker. I'd like to introduce, or recognize the, great team from the Hawaii, state teachers association. There are many members here. If you please rise and then let us allow us to welcome you to our, house of representatives and we'll enter their names into the record. Thank you.

So ordered Members, seeing no further introductions, we'll turn now to the order of the day. Item number five, floor presentations. Mister Clerk, are there any floor presentations?

Yes, madam speaker. We have one floor presentation today. House Resolution number 209 commending Tamua for his outstanding accomplishments as a leading figure in Hawaii's entertainment community, his collaboration with the state of Hawaii to support youth wellness, and his positive far reaching social media presence that uplifts and perpetuates Hawaii's culture while bringing laughter to the people of Hawaii. This resolution is offered by representatives Garcia and Muraoka.

Representative Garcia.

Madam speaker, I move for the adoption of this resolution.

Representative Muraoka.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

Members, it's been moved and seconded that their resolution be adopted. Any discussion? Representative Garcia.

Thank you, madam speaker. Madam speaker and members of the house, today is April 1.

In support.

April fools day. In support. Yes. In full support. It's April fools day madam speaker.

Now usually this is the one day out of the year where you gotta double check everything you hear especially in this building. But let me be clear right from the start, that this resolution is no joke. And the man we're honoring today is definitely no fool. Although I will say he's made a career of making all of us look like fools laughing at ourselves, our families, and the everyday life that we all recognize here in Hawaii.

Members, today we recognize and commend Tamua, one of Hawaii's leading voices in entertainment, culture, and let's be honest, local style roasting.

Born and raised right here in Honolulu, Tamua's story is one a lot of our young people can relate to. He was an athlete, a division one football player at the University of Hawaii, balancing school, sports, and life. Just trying to figure things out like the rest of us. And somehow along the way, he discovered something powerful, comedy. But not just comedy, connection.

Connection with the people of Hawaii. Because madam speaker, Tamua doesn't just tell jokes, he tells our stories. He takes the way we talk, the way we act, and the way our aunties scold us, the way uncles argue at the party, And he puts it on stage and online for the world to see. And somehow makes it funny without losing what makes it real. During COVID 19, when people were forcibly stuck at home, stressed, uncertain, and disconnected, Tomua stepped in with content that reminded people of home.

Local style humor, content in a language that us locals understand, showcasing local life here in the 808, and people responded. Hundreds of thousands of followers across social media sold out shows across Hawaii from the Blue Note to the Blaisdell, and now touring across the country and beyond. But what makes this recognition important is not just the success, it's what he chose to do with it. He partnered with the Hawaii Department of Health to support youth mental health and wellness through Teen Link Hawaii's campaign.

Using his platform not just to entertain, but to uplift and reach young people in a way government often struggles to do.

And colleagues, that matters. Because influence today doesn't just come from this chamber, It comes from the voices that people trust. The voices they can relate to. Voices that sound like them. And Tamua has become one of those voices for Hawaii.

He represents a new generation of leaders. Not elected officials, but cultural ambassadors of Hawaii. People who carry Hawaii with them wherever they go. People who remind the world that our culture is alive, that it is strong, and it's still evolving. And yes, sometimes a bit loud, a bit raw, but always real.

And that's why people love them. Because in a world that can feel overly scripted, overly polished, and honestly sometimes fake, Tomoe is unapologetically local. Beyond the stage and the screen, what truly grounds him is something even deeper. His faith, his family, and the freedom to live, speak, and create authentically. Today, we're honored that his family joins us here in the gallery.

His wife Rachel, their beautiful daughter Davie, his mom and dad. If you could please wave or stand, and let's give him a round of applause. His greatest audience, his greatest blessing, his family. Madam speaker and members, today we recognize not just a local Harabedian, but a young man who took a simple gift, the ability to make people laugh, and turned it into something much bigger. A platform, a voice, and a way to represent Hawaii to the world.

At a time when so many things, issues, politics, differences can divide people, laughter and joy still have the power to bring us all together. And that's something our country and our state needs more of. Colleagues, please join me in commending Tomua Tuine for his outstanding accomplishments as a leading figure in Hawaii's entertainment community and for per and and and for perpetuating Hawaii's culture while bringing joy and laughter to the people of Hawaii. God bless you, Rachel, and your daughter, Dovi. Keep repping Hawaii.

Keep making us laugh, and keep reminding the world who we are. Mahalo, madam speaker.

K. Members, if there's no further discussion, all those in favor of the resolution say aye. Aye. The motion is carried. Representative Garcia, please proceed with the certificate and lay presentation.

The chair will call a recess to allow the members to meet and congratulate the honoree. Recess. Will the house come to order? Representative Kahalua.

Madam speaker, I move to adopt standing committee reports numbers 1585-26 through 1590-26 as listed on pages two and three, and that the accompanying Senate bills as amended pass second reading and be placed on the calendar for third reading.

Representative Morikawa.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

Members, any discussion on these items beginning with House Standing Committee Report number 1585 1586 1587 1588 1589. Representative Tarnas.

Madam speaker, I rise in support.

Please proceed.

Thank you. I apologize. I I just wanted to make note that the record of votes taken for this measure in the judiciary and Hawaiian affairs committee is incorrect. It should reflect that representatives Garcia and Shimizu voted with yes with reservations on the measure. So the vote sheet attached to the committee report is incorrect.

I've been assured by our great chief clerk's office that the bill status for this measure will be corrected and the error will be noted in the house journal. Thank you very much.

Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, madam speaker. I wanted to, rise in support with reservations.

Please proceed.

Thank you to my awesome, judiciary chair for, that follow-up. The the reason that I have reservations is, my understanding is that the current, law is already in place that allows this and not sure if we need to, pass another law. Thank you.

Representative Pierrick.

Thank you. No vote.

So ordered. Standing committee report 1590. Representative Shimizu.

In opposition panel speaker.

Please proceed.

The current process for choosing the commissioner chair, is within the body of the the commission. And they also have the responsibility of electing or firing the chief elections officer. If the commission has a problem of selecting a chair in an appropriate time frame, the current statute allows for the chief justice to make that selection. I I would offer that, to be consistent, we should allow the commission to continue their responsibility of hiring or firing the chief election officer and selecting the replacement as ne necessary.

And if there is a time frame that is, required, we should put that in, the bill and allow the chief justice to make that decision so that we are consistent with the process.

That that's my, suggestion and my, reason for opposition. Thank you, madam speaker.

Representative Garcia.

no vote.

So ordered. Representative Muaroka.

So ordered. Representative Cochran. Also no vote. So ordered. Representative Alcos.

No vote.

Same request.

So ordered. Representative Gedeon.

Same request.

Reservations.

So ordered. Representative Reyes Oda.

So ordered. Representative Souza.

Representative Matsumoto.

Reservations.

So ordered.

Reservations.

So ordered.

Representative Garcia.

Madam speaker, when time permits, can we go back to the previous bill, SCR 1589?

Yes. Let's just finish up on 1590. Any further discussion okay seeing none we'll go back to 1589 representative Garcia

No vote

so ordered okay members will be taking a voice vote all those in favor say aye All those opposed say no the motion is carried. Representative Kahaloa.

Madam speaker I move to adopt standing committee report numbers 1591-26 through 1653-26 as listed on pages three through 21 and that the accompanying House Resolutions and house Concurrent Resolutions as may be amended be referred to their designated committees. Representative Morikawa.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

Members will be taking up discussion of companion measures in tandem beginning with how outstanding committee report numbers 1591 and 1592. 1593 and 1594. 1595 and 1596 1597 1598 and 1599 1600 1601. Representative Garcia.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Pierrick.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Alcos.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Moraoka.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Shimizu.

Thank you madam speaker. I rise in support with the reservation.

Please proceed.

This resolution specifically names a president by name and just to have proper decorum as as we do on the floor. We don't use personal names to keep it professional and objective. My reservation is that we should, refer to the Federal Government and, and not to a person in particular to take out the politics of things. I think we're all here beyond politics. So you madam

speaker. Representative Gideon.

Reservations.

So ordered. Okay members, next is Senate Committee Report 1602 and 1603.

Same.

So ordered. President Matsumoto.

1604 and 1605. 1606 1607 1608 1609 1610 1611 1612 1613 1614 1615 1616 1617 1618 1619 1620 and 1621.

Representative Pierrick.

No vote.

So ordered. 1622 and 1623. 1624 and 1625. Representative Garcia.

And, speaker, when time permits, can we please go back to 1621?

Okay. We'll go back now. 1621 and

1620. Yes. Together.

1620.

No vote.

So ordered. Okay. Members, we'll go back to the top of page 13 1624 and 1625 1626 and 1627 1628 and 1629. 1630 and 1631. 1632 and 1633.

Representative Garcia.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Perrick.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Muraoka.

No vote.

So ordered. 1634 and 1635 1636 and 1637 1638 and 1639 1640 and 1641 1642 and 1643 1644 and 1645 1646 and 1647. Representative Garcia?

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Pierrick?

No vote.

With reservations.

So ordered.

So ordered. Report number 1648 1649. Representative Cochran.

Thank you madam speaker. If Back to 1650 1651.

Report 1650 1651. 1652 1653. Representative Cochran.

Okay. We'll go back to 1650 1651.

So ordered. K.

With reservations, please.

1652 1653. K. Members will be taking a voice vote. All those in favor, say aye. Aye.

All those opposed, say no. The motion is carried. Representative Kahalua.

Madam speaker, I move to adopt standing committee reports numbers 1654-26 through 1661-26 as listed on pages 21 through 23 and that the accompanying House Resolutions and house Concurrent Resolutions as may be amended be adopted. Representative Morikawa.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

Okay. Members, any discussion on these items starting with Standing Committee Report fifth 1654? 1655 656 and 1657 1658 and 1659 1660 and 1661. Representative Garcia.

So ordered. Representative Pierrick.

No vote.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Alcos.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Shimizu.

Opposition.

Please proceed.

No vote. I I I believe the current laws that are already in practice are are sufficient. And my statement of a no vote is just to protect life. Thank you, madam speaker.

Representative Matsumoto.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Muraoka.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Garcia. Excuse me. Gedeon. Sorry.

No vote.

So ordered. Representative Belotti.

In strong support, I believe this is HCR six and number five and HR number five. Yes. Correct. Brief comments. Strong support.

You know, I think at a time when health care is at risk that an affirmation of support is important. And so for those reasons, you know, this is a priority of the women's legislative caucus. And I think it's these times that we have to make these kinds of statements.

So in strong support. Representative Garcia.

Please proceed.

In opposition.

And I'd like to adopt the words of the representative of Monalua as my own.

So ordered. Okay. Members will be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye.

All those opposed say no. The motion is carried. Members, please note the 48 hour notice for outstanding committee report number 1662 located on page 23. Item number seven, announcements. Members, are there any announcements?

Representative Illegon.

Thank you, madam speaker. I would like to make an announcement. I am switching parties to non partisan. I'm just joking. April fools.

I do have an announcement madam speaker. Build here over at the 4th Floor is a innovation showcase. It starts from 1PM to 3PM And, I just want to share that there's a sign in front of the table. And the sign has the representative and the senators of where that business is located. As well as you may see SBIR as well as MAP or Accelerator just to see how those businesses are assisted through state funding, through HTDC.

So for all the members here, please check out the Build Here Innovation Showcase led and organized by HCDC and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Thank

you okay members if there are no further announcements the chair would like to remind committee chairs that today is the lateral filing deadline for house Concurrent Resolutions that need to move to their final committees please file your committee reports and drafts with the chief clerk's office by 6PM this evening. 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. Aye. Okay. You guys, you gotta wait till I ask for the nose. Let's try that again.

All those in favor, say aye. Aye. All those opposed, say no. No. The motion is carried.

The house stands adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow.