House Floor

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

[Roll Call] Madam Speaker, 48 Members are present. Two are not present.

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?

Madam Speaker, there are none.

Members, any introductions? Representative Belatti.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I be permitted two sets of introductions? Our first set, our very special guests in the gallery who are here for one of the floor presentations. I'm not gonna read all the names, so if I may be permitted to enter their names into the journal.

So ordered.

If I could have the representatives from these four organizations rise and stay standing until you're all identified. Representatives from Oahu Veterans Council, representatives from US Vets, representatives from Armed Services YMCA, and representatives from American Legion Auxiliary, and American Legion. If you could all rise and be recognized. Members, please welcome them to our chambers.

Thank you. You may be seated. Madam Speaker, my second set of introductions is related to these veteran service organizations that I just recognized. If we could have, and I don't know who all is in the chamber, but if we could have Representatives Muraoka, Representative Pierick.

Representative Kong, and Representative Ilagan, and any other veterans or here in the gallery, please rise and stand if you can to be recognized. These are our veterans standing in our community today. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Tam.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the gallery today are two of my constituents, Judy and Dave Anderson, please rise. Both are retired senior naval officers. And for 15 years, they spent an hour and a half each day cleaning up harmful pollutants at Ala Moana Regional Beach Park. Through the years, they've collected 65 tons of pollutants, like plastic bottles, bags, wrappers, and more.

I'm always so inspired by our constituents and the willingness that they give to our community. Thank you so much for all that you do. And joining them is our good friend, Sandy Ma. Please rise and be recognized too. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Marten.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is my great honor on behalf of our Representative from District 50 and Representative from District 49 and myself to welcome the Kailua Intermediate School broadcasting class students who are here at the Capitol learning all about the communicating that we do here in this building.

If you can please rise and stay standing. Nora, Chloe, Sarah, Annalise, Alessandra, Nicolette, Sabrina, Madeline, Courtney, Aizen, James, Kanani, Eden. And accompanying them, Robert Furukawa, Katie Gallo, Renee Stevens. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Sayama.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to introduce my hardworking staff from my office. If you can please stand. Evelyn, our office mom, Ariel, our international relations expert, and Mark, our aspiring lawyer. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Reyes Oda.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to introduce Colonel Jeremy Beaven from Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He's the soon to be exiting installation commander. Thank you for your service, and welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative Muraoka.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the gallery here today, she's here on behalf of her organization, but I wanna introduce her on another hat she wears as the leader of our Rotary Club out in Waianae. Not only does she work super hard, she's doing something this year that is historic for Waianae. Through all of her hard work and a little bit of pestering on my behalf, Ms. Tanya Brown, we are gonna have the Waianae's Night Parade for Christmas this year.

Representative Quinlan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the gallery today, we have some mentors and parents and students from the Waialua Robotics team. Please hold your applause until I get through all the names. It's quite a list. So, please rise when I call your name.

Melvin Matsunaga, Linda Souza, Jefferson Bruno, Sarah Miyataki, Myrna Onizuka, Kelly Onizuka, Donna Accordo Manmano, Edwin Manmano, Jess Kawachi, Tiana Saguibo, Michelle Simpson, William Simpson, Michelle Clark, Sean Clark, and Bill Martin.

You don't have to get up, but I see you up there, buddy. And for students, we have Nick Canfield, Ernest Lee, Hai Martin, Lum Mato, Masyn Onizuka, Jeilah Taguchi, Liam Ejercito, Pressli Garcia, Jeremiah Clark, and Mykaela Simpson. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Representative La Chica.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I see a good friend of mine in the gallery, Eddie Quan. Please rise. He's my classmate from Pacific Century Fellows class of 2024 and also we're very proud of him for recently getting promoted with Bank of Hawaii as senior vice president. Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Members, are there any... Representative Shimizu.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just wanted to honor the head of the US Army Garrison, Colonel Rachel Sullivan. Would you please stand? Welcome to your House of Representatives.

Members, if there are no further introductions, we'll turn next to the order of the day. Item number five, floor presentations. Mr. Clerk, are there any floor presentations?

Yes, Madam Speaker. We have two floor presentations today. The first being House Resolution number 211, honoring the Oahu Veterans Council, Armed Services YMCA Hawaii, US Vets Hawaii, and ALA Hawaii Girls State for their dedicated service to veterans and their families in Hawaii. This resolution is offered by Representatives Belatti and Muraoka.

Representative Belatti.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the resolution.

Representative Muraoka.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Any discussion? Representative Belatti.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Colleagues, today we take a moment to recognize something deeply important in our state. Those who continue to serve long after the uniform comes off and those organizations that serve them. Hawaii is home to over 100,000 veterans. They're part of every community, our neighbors, coworkers, and family members.

They have served in times of war and peace, and they have helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today. We also know that service does not end when someone returns home. Many veterans face real challenges, finding stable housing, accessing care, building new careers, and simply navigating civilian life in one of the most expensive states in this country.

That is why I'm standing in support of the resolution, Madam Speaker, as to why the we honor the organizations that who are here today with us. First, from the Oahu Veterans Center, if CR Drumheller of the American Legion Senior Vice Commander, could please stand and be recognized.

What makes Oahu Veterans Center so special is not just what they do, but how they bring people together. They have created a space here on Oahu where veteran organizations do not operate in silos, but instead collaborate, share information, and support one another. The Oahu Veterans Center is a place where veterans can walk in and find not just services, but community, a place for connection, conversation, and rebuilding.

In many ways, it is the kind of steady behind the scenes leadership that strengthens an entire network and ultimately strengthens the lives of veterans across our island. Thank you, Mr. Drumheller, for being here with Oahu Veterans Center. I defer to the Representative for of Waianae for further remarks.

Representative Muraoka.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Next, I'd like to recognize the Armed Services YMCA of Hawaii and their executive director, Keolamaikalani Taniguchi, simply known as Keola. We often talk about programs and numbers, but what stands out most here are the families behind them.

During the government shutdown, the YMCA stepped up through its Ohana open market, providing food and support to families who needed it most. One veteran, a working mom, a disabled veteran, a National Guard member raising five children, shared what that meant to her.

She said that when her family opened the box of food and saw the items for meals they loved, they were truly stunned and deeply grateful. And that in that moment, they were reminded that they were seen, supported, and not alone.

That is the impact of this organization. Not just meeting needs, but restoring dignity, stability, and hope for families who have given so much. Next, I'd like to recognize the US Vets Hawaii and their program director, Ms. Tamah-Lani Noh.

Their work to end homelessness is critical, but what truly defines them are the lives transformed through that work. One story stands out, a man named Gary Taylor. Gary came to Hawaii after spending 17 years on homeless, 17 homeless years on Skid Row in Los Angeles.

He arrived in Hawaii still struggling, unsure of what would come next. But instead of continuing down that path, he made a different choice. He walked into the US Vets at Barber's Point. There he found mentorship. He learned a trade. He rebuilt his life step by step. Today, Gary owns a successful plumbing company, generating millions in revenue.

He's, he has expanded his business, purchased a home, and now gives back, supporting the very organization that helped him get there. This is what US Vets Hawaii does, and it doesn't just provide services. It creates second chances and in doing so transforms entire families. Thank you. I defer to the Representative from Makiki for remaining remarks.

Representative Muraoka, you're in support?

I absolutely am.

Thank you. Representative Belatti.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Finally, we wanna recognize American Legion Auxiliary Hawaii Girls State, and we ask Brister Thomas to please rise. She's the director of the Girls State and was is the incoming national chair of the ALA Girls Nation.

ALA Hawaii Girls State and many of its members are actually family members of veterans, and they often serve and volunteer at many veteran events. ALA Hawaii Girls State is about giving young women a chance to see themselves differently, often for the first time.

One participant's story captures this. Kyung Mi Lee grew up as a daughter of an immigrant taxi driver. She was driven and capable, but like so many students, didn't have the connections or clear pathway into college spaces. She she chose to attend Girl State, and that experience changed her trajectory. There, she found her voice.

She found and learned how to lead. She was placed in an environment where people expected her to step up, and she did. She went on to be selected as only one of two young women from Hawaii to attend Girls Nation in Washington DC. From there, doors opened. She was accepted to Yale, Princeton, and Harvard and chose Yale, not my school, where she has continued to excel.

But what she has shared is that Girl State isn't just a line on a resume. It was a place where she began to see herself differently, where she realized she belonged. And we hear versions of that story again and again, young women who come in unsure of themselves and leave with a sense of confidence, direction, desire to serve.

Girls State teaches young women about government, leadership, and service, but more than that, it instills a deeper understanding of what it means to be an American. Thank you, Brister, for all that ALA Hawaii Girls State has done for families of veterans and for the girls themselves.

In closing, Madam Speaker, as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, it is fitting that we recognize not only those who have worn the uniform, but those who have stood beside them, supporting them, uplifting them, and ensuring that their service is honored, not just in words, but in action.

To the Oahu Veterans Council, Armed Services YMCA Hawaii, US Vets Hawaii, and ALA Hawaii Girls State, thank you for the work you do, the lives you impact, and the communities you strengthen. On behalf of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, we extend our deepest gratitude and warmest aloha. Mahalo. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

All those in favor of the resolution, say aye. The motion is carried. Representative Belatti, please proceed with the certificate and lei presentation.

Mr. Clerk, is there another floor presentation?

Yes, Madam Speaker. House Resolution number 212, commending and congratulating Waialua Robotics Team 359 Hawaiian Kids for its outstanding accomplishments. This resolution is offered by Representatives Quinlan and Perruso.

Representative Quinlan.

Madam Speaker, I move to adopt the resolution.

Representative Perruso.

Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Any discussion? Representative Perruso.

In support. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of students, mentors, and educators from Waialua High, an intermediate school whose robotics program is setting a statewide and increasingly international standard for excellence.

This year, their accomplishments span multiple competitions, multiple teams, and multiple levels of recognition. At the state level, their VEX teams have dominated, earning multiple tournament championships, including the 2026 Hawaii Middle School State Championship, along with Excellence, Think, Create, Inspire, and Sportsmanship awards.

At the regional and international level in FIRST Robotics, this team has consistently risen to the top. They are numerous, they are tournament champions across Hawaii, Idaho, and the Canadian Pacific Regional, and finalists in others. They have earned the Impact Award, Quality Award, and multiple Innovation in Control Awards, recognizing advanced engineering, programming, and design.

And at the highest levels of the program, they have been recognized not just for what they build, but how they build it. A leadership award at the Hawaii Regional and a Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, one of the most respected honors in FIRST recognizing transformative leadership.

They're now advancing to world championship competitions in both VEX and FIRST Robotics, placing Waialua on a global stage, which is something Waialua desperately needs right now. These achievements reflect not just talent, but a deeply rooted system of support.

This program is powered by a broad network of educators, alumni, industry professionals, and community volunteers. Sorry. Who returned to mentor the next generation, many of them former students. They contribute across every aspect of the program, engineering, programming, fabrication, business strategy, media, logistics, fundraising, and outreach.

It is a truly community built institution where learning is shared, leadership is cultivated, and responsibility is collective. Students are not just participants in this program, they are leaders. They serve as captains, drivers, programmers, designers, and strategists, taking ownership of complex systems and taking care of each other.

This is what public education looks like when it's working, when young people are trusted with real responsibility and supported to meet it, and for that I am deeply grateful. I'd like to recognize individuals who are here with us today on the floor.

So Glenn Lee, Waialua Robotics team lead, whose leadership over the years has built this program into what it is today. Aidan Accordo Manmano, whose... Sorry. VEX Middle School 2026 Hawaii State Champion. Janel Lee, recipient of the FIRST Leadership Award at the Hawaii Regional Competition, Chase Pacpaco, student captain and driver.

And Malcolm Menor, Woodie Flowers finalist at the Canadian Pacific Regional. Congratulations on your accomplishments, and welcome to your House of Representatives. Please join us in congratulating them. I'd like to yield to my colleague from Mililani Mauka.

Representative Matsumoto.

I stand in strong support. I've had the opportunity over the past 15 years to observe how dedicated the teachers, students, and community of Waialua are to creating this world class program. The amount of passion every member of Team 359 has is evident in everything they do. Every single time I have done a tour, they've leveled up in some way in something that they've done with their program.

You know the program is special when you have so many students return to help and be mentors and to continue to make a difference. You're going to hear more about their successes next, but I did want to give take a moment to give a special recognition to Mr. Glenn Lee.

Mr. Lee consistently goes above and beyond for his students and programs, whether that's helping them after school or securing grants so they can be the best in the world. Your dedication is inspiring. Again, congratulations, Team 359. And I would now like to yield from the, to the Representative from the North Shore.

Representative Quinlan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support. You guys can sit down now. I know it's weird just standing while people talk about you. Madam Speaker, it's been a rough couple of weeks for Waialua, for our community. And the focus and commitment and wherewithal that these young men and women showed in the face of that adversity is nothing short of absolutely astonishing.

Their houses may have flooded or their neighbors houses or their family's houses. But as Waialua is going through this challenging period, it's such an uplift to all of us in the community that we are one of the greatest robotics teams, not just in the state, but in the entire world. And, you know, when I was around your guys age, I was, I was a huge nerd.

So I spent most of my time building computers with my head stuck to a computer screen all day. And that was before all this stuff was cool. The ladies were not beating down my door at that time. I can assure you. They, we didn't have superhero movies and Lego didn't make Star Wars kits.

But what you men and women are doing is you're making it cool. You're making science cool and you're making engineering cool. So from the bottom of my heart, from the biggest nerd in my high school, which was me, thank you so much. Waialua thanks you and we're all so so proud of you. Congratulations.

All those in favor of the resolution say aye. The motion is carried. Representative Quinlan, please proceed with the certificate and lei presentation.

The Chair will call a recess to allow the Members of the House to meet and congratulate the honorees. Recess.

Will the house come to order members run item number six unfinished business representative Morikawa for the motion to suspend the rules.

Madam speaker I move to suspend the rules of the house in order to consider certain Senate bills for third reading by consent calendar. Represent Garcia.

Madam speaker I second the motion.

Any questions? All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no the motion is carried representative Kahaloa.

Madam speaker I moved to adopt standing committee report number 1662-26 as listed on page two and that the accompanied Senate bill as amended passed third reading.

Representative Morikawa. Madam speaker second the motion.

Members, any discussion on how standing committee report number sixteen sixty two? Representative Morikawa for the vote.

Madam speaker on the measure before us, all majority members vote aye with the exception of the following. Representative Khan.

Representative Garcia.

Thank you, madam speaker. On the measure before us, all minority members vote aye with the exception of the following. On SCR 1662, Senate Bill 2054 SD2 HD2. Representatives, Alcos, Garcia, Gideon, Matsumoto, Mora Oka, and Shimizu vote no.

Members have all votes been cast? If so said Senate Bill Passes third reading. Item number seven reports of standing committees representative Kahaloa.

Madam speaker I move to adopt standing committee report numbers 1803-26 and 1804-26 as listed on page two and that the accompanied Senate bills pass third reading. Representative Morikawa.

And speaker, I second the motion.

Members, any discussion on these items beginning with standing committee report number 1662, 1663, excuse me 1803. Sorry I'm gonna just try that again. Members, any discussion on standing committee report 1803, 1804. Representative Iwamoto.

Thank you, madam speaker. I rise with reservations and a brief comment.

Please proceed.

Thank you. While I'm really excited about the innovation of this potential new passenger method of gliding over the surface of the ocean, this bill feels a little premature, especially to exempt this method of transportation from the PUC, which this bill attempts to do. Community members have brought up concerns. Where will they take these concerns? I heard in committee that, the Coast Guard would be the one to have, to oversee, the flight path, I guess, between potentially Kewalo Basin Harbor to a neighboring island.

And so I think there are a few, community members who are concerned with the noise, and potentially potential collisions, when whales breach the ocean surface and it may collide with a, a sea glider. Where do community members take their concerns? I think people are very comfortable with the PUC being a place where there there can be third party interveners, where you can bring up issues. It's just unclear to me where, community members would take concerns with the Coast Guard.

K. Members, if there's no further discussion, representative Morikawa.

Thank you, madam speaker. On the measures before us, all majority members vote aye with the exception of the following. For Stancom report number 1804-26, SB number 2400 SD1 HD1, the following vote no. Reps Hartsfield and PoePoe.

Representative Garcia.

Thank you, madam speaker. On the measures before us, all minority members vote aye with the exception of the following. On SCR 1804, SB 2400, SD1 HD1. Representatives, ALCOS, Garcia, Gideon, Matsumoto, Mora Oka and Shimizu vote no.

Members have all votes been cast? Said Senate bills passed third reading representative Kahaloa.

Adam speaker I moved to adopt standing committee reports numbers 1805-twenty six and 1806-26 as listed on pages two and three and that the company House Resolution and house Concurrent Resolution as amended be adopted. Representative Morikawa.

House speaker, I second the motion.

Members will be taking up discussion of these companion measures in tandem. Any discussion on standing committee report, that's number 18 o five and 1806. Seeing none, we'll be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no.

The motion is carried. Members, please note the forty eight hour notice for outstanding committee report numbers 1807-26 through 1810-26 as listed on page three. Item number eight, third reading, representative Kahaloa.

Madam speaker, I move that the Senate bills listed on pages four and five pass third reading. Representative Morikawa.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

Members, any discussion on these items beginning with Senate bill number 3131? Senate bill 2494. Senate bill 2447. Senate bill 2727. Senate bill 2145.

Representative Garcia.

Reservations.

So ordered. Representative Kila.

Reservations, madam speaker.

So ordered. Senate Bill 2143.

Representative Souza.

With reservations.

With reservations.

So ordered. Representative Reyes Oda.

So ordered.

Madam Speaker?

Representative Kila.

Same request.

So ordered. Okay, Representative Morikawa.

And speaker, on the measures before us, all majority members vote aye. Representative Garcia.

On the measures before us, all minority members vote aye with the exception of the following. On SCR 1590, Senate Bill 2143, SD1 HD1. Representatives Aucos, Garcia, Gideon, Matsumoto, Mora Oka, and Shimizu vote no.

Members, have all votes been cast? Said Senate bills passed third reading. Item number nine, announcements. Members, are there any announcements? Representative Morikawa for the motion to adjourn.

Madam speaker, I move that this house stand adjourn until 12:00 noon tomorrow. Representative Garcia.

Madam speaker, I second the motion.

All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The motion is carried. The house stands adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow.