Senate Floor

Will the Senate come to order? Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

[Roll Call] 24 present, one excused.

Thank you. The Chairs read the journal of the preceding day and approves the same. Are there any any introductions this morning, Senator Richards.

Thank you, Mr. President. Welcome to Cattlemen's Day at the Capitol. Today, I rise in recognition of that and extend a sincere appreciation to members of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council who are with us today.

Hawaii Cattlemen's Council represents Paniolo and ranching families across our islands, individuals who have carried forward a legacy of hard work, stewardship, and deep respect for our aina.

For generations, we have played a vital role in sustaining Hawaii's agriculture economy and preserving open lands that define our rural communities and define who we are. Agriculture in Hawaii is more than just an industry.

It's a way of life and strengthens our food security. At a time when we are working to improve our self sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports, the work of our cattlemen in is more important than ever.

They are not only producers of local food, but also steward our natural resources and partners in building a more resilient future for our state. With us today are members from Kualoa Ranch, John Morgan, Amy Rodelia, and Taylor Kellerman. Please stand.

Hold your applause till we get to the end.

Alan Gottlieb from Pono Hole Ranch, Jerry and Jason Moniz from KK Ranch, Mark Fox from Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation, Steven Deluze from Ernest Deluze Ranch, Tristan Griffith from Rocker G Livestock, BJ Griffith from four j Livestock Company,

Bridget Kapahu from NK Livestock, Doug Beitman from Pu'uai Ranch, Whitney Botello from Park Ranch, Charles and Vanessa and Chloe and Cooper Stevens from SC Ranch, Charlay Irinan from Triple S Livestock, Randy Cabral, and Janet Ashman,

and Brian Miyamoto from Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Nicole Galassi from the Hawaii Cattlemen's. Thank you for being, and welcome to the Senate.

Further introductions, Senator Richards?

Thank you, mister president. I would like to introduce my family, my wife, Terry, and the twins, Ruby and AR. And, Mr. President, we have two from the Mauna Kea Authority, Noi Noi Wong Wilson and Rich Matsuda, who's second chair first chair and second chair.

Welcome to the Senate.

Any further introductions, Senator Wakai.

Thank you, Mr. President. You know, Members, every day we fight on the floor of this Senate to keep money in the pockets of our kamaaina. Why? So they can buy more beef, so they can buy more pork, and so they can go shopping.

Today is the retail merchants of Hawaii's hundred and twenty fifth birthday.

It started as a merchants association of Honolulu in nineteen o one. The organization has served as a statewide voice for retailers, shopping centers, restaurants, and allied businesses, all to support economic development, small business, and jobs here in Hawaii.

The sector supports more than 200,000 jobs statewide and remains a key contributor to the economy and our communities. They continue to their mission to advocate for the industry while fostering collaboration between businesses, government, and community.

I wanna introduce you to the members of the retail merchants who are in the gallery.

I ask that you please hold your applause until I recognize all of them. Kaylee Haverley, if you could please stand joined by Dave Erdman, Charlene Shar Calistro, Julie Plant, Jenna Takenishi, Louis Chun, Jolan Garridan Prieto, and David Marsden.

Thank you for all that you do for the state of Hawaii, and please welcome them to the stand. Senator.

Any further introductions, Senator San Buenaventura?

Thank you, mister president. Today, I give rise to April as Medicaid awareness month, and that's the reason a number of us are wearing these red buttons. Medicaid is known as QUEST, and this month, we highlight that Medicaid is QUEST to ensure every resident

understands their coverage. It is important to remember that QUEST serves as a vital lifeline for approximately 385,000 residents. It is essential for families covering one third of our keiki and one out of three births across the street.

Furthermore, our kupuna and neighbors with disabilities rely on Quest for their life sustaining prescriptions and preventive care they need to stay healthy. With upcoming federal changes under OBBA, many families face new eligibility renewals.

Increased outreach is critical to ensure residents do not lose access to their care due to paperwork burdens or system updates. So I want to recognize AlohaCare and its partners join with us today. Please help us welcome their representatives for Papa Ola Lokahi.

We have Keopu Reuletz and Kaylene Sanchez. Please stand. And, members, hold your applause until we mention all of them. For Kama Kapili Church, we have Anne Leakey. From Indivisible Hawaii, we have Robert Justice.

From Hawaii Primary Care Association, Eric Abe and Emily Chung, Department of Health. Albert Holm, department of human services. Kwanani Crabbe Parker and Meredith Nichols. No. K.

Hawaii Community Foundation, Greg Kishiba, Anandan Glutet. Hawaii, Children's Action Network, Sirbon Clark, Malia Tsuchiya, John Paul, Jason Cardenas, American Cancer Society, Cynthia Au. And, for Pacific Government Relations, Nahelani Parsons. Oh, they're there. Okay.

And Taylor Matoba, Chelsea Pang, Annabelle Stone, Jeremy Janicek, John Mai, Janai, Mickey, Paula, Arcina, Mike Gwen, and Maria Roloha, all of aloha care. Welcome to the Senate. Thank you very much.

Any further introductions? If not

Mr. President, I promise this is the last one. I want to introduce my staff from the Great District 4. I have Reggie Garcia, my office manager, Meiji Chang, my session hire, and Magdalena Marbon, my scheduler. Welcome to the Senate.

Any further introductions? If not, madam clerk.

Governor's message number 813 withdraws a nomination to the Land Use Commission.

File.

House communication numbers 810 and 811 and 816 and 817 inform the Senate that the house has appointed conferees to various bills.

File.

House communication number 812 informs the Senate that the House made changes to conferees for various bills.

File.

House communication number 813 informs the Senate that the House has discharged conferees to House Bill 1946 Senate Draft 2.

File.

House Communication numbers 814 and 815 inform the Senate that the House has reconsidered its action in disagreeing to the amendments made by the Senate to various House bills.

File.

Starting on page 15, Standing Committee Report numbers 3883 to 3912 for one day notice.

So ordered.

Beginning on page 22, advice and consent.

We will be taking advice and consent on consent.

Standing Committee Report numbers 3853 to 3867 and 3873 to 3875 on governor's messages for adoption.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes?

24 Ayes.

Thank you. The nominees for said governor's messages have been confirmed. Senator DeCoite.

Thank you, Mr. President. May I be permitted for a late introduction, please?

Since you're wearing a beautiful Kauai purple outfit.

Yes. Alright. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, mister president. Joining us in the gallery today, members, please hold your applause.

And for those in the public, when I call your name, please stand to be recognized. From the Hawaii Tourism Authority's advisory board of directors, we are joined by GM 604, Chris West.

And if you would please stand along with ILW government liaison, Brenton Wailihua, Hanson, and ILW local 142 general counsel, Kiani Alapa.

Also with us are GM594, Danny Ojiri, GM601, Troy Lazaro, and GM596, Linda Wong, as well as HTA interim president and CEO, Caroline Anderson, and chief administrator, administrative officer, David Uchiyama.

Please join me in warm warmly welcoming them and congratulating them on their nominations. Mahalo. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Gabbard.

Senate President, I'd like to, request a late introduction.

Please proceed.

Mr. President, colleagues, staff, and guests, I'd like to recognize Jason Moniz who has just been confirmed to serve on the board of agriculture and biosecurity as GM 617. He is joined by his wife, Jeri Anne.

Please rise to be recognized. Mahalo, Jason, for stepping forward to serve our state. Welcome to your Hawaii state Senate. Mahalo.

Senator Rhoads.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have, two people I'd like to introduce if that's okay.

Please proceed.

We've just, confirmed, Karrison K. K. Walker to the commission on the Status of Women, if you'd like to stand, if you're here. And, also Aria Castillo, who was just confirmed to the board of registration for the Island Of Oahu.

Thank you for your service and, mahalo for being willing to do it.

Do we have any other late introductions? Not madam clerk?

Adoption of resolutions beginning on page 29. Standing Committee Report numbers 3868 to 3872 and 3876 to 3880 on House Concurrent Resolutions for adoption.

Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of sit Standing Committee Reports and house Concurrent Resolutions.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections?

If not, the motion is carried, said house Concurrent Resolutions have been adopted.

Referrals and re referrals.

Referrals and re referrals are made in accordance with any supplemental orders of the day that may be filed later today.

No further business, Mr. President.

Are there any announcements today? Not Senator Wakai.

Mr. President, I move that the Senate stand adjourned until twelve noon tomorrow.

Senator DeCorte.

Mr. President, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. If there are no objections from the Members, the Senate will stand adjourned until twelve noon tomorrow.