Senate Floor

Will the Senate come to order, madam clerk? Please call the roll.

[Roll Call] All 25 members are present.

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

Thank you, mister president. Today it is a great honor of mine to introduce a very good friend of mine and commemorate a remarkable milestone of Hawai'i's one of Hawai'i's finest on her hundredth birthday: Kahuna Nui Leimomi Mo'okini Lum, Aunty Momi. Aunty Momi is a revered cultural practitioner, public servant, community leader whose life has been defined by service and Kuleana. Born 04/29/1926, Aunty Momi is a current Kahuna Nui in an unbroken geological, genealogical lineage spanning more than 1,500 years--50 generations--tracing back to the founders of Mo'okini Heiau in North Kohala.

For generations, this sacred place has stood as a testament to the continuity of native Hawai'ian culture and under her stewardship, it continues today. In 1977, she assumed her role as the Kahuna Nui. And then in a landmark thing, in 1978, she made the decision to lift the kapu, a Maukini Heiau, and redirecting it as a place of learning for the children of Hawai'i. Through her leadership, the Heiau has become a living classroom connecting generations of young people to their history and their identity.

In addition to her cultural leadership, Aunty Momi was a pioneer in law enforcement, becoming one of the first policewomen here in Honolulu in 1950.

She served more than three decades, including in the juvenile crime prevention, and earned distinction for her professionalism and skill. Her commitment to the committee, community extends across education, mentorship, and public service. Both she and I share the fact that we are lifetime Girl Scouts, and she, with her husband, were, was able to help the Girl Scouts on the Big Island at Kilohana Girl Scout Camp with her husband who is General Lum and coordinating between the military and the Girl Scouts to help the Girl Scouts.

That's when I first heard of her back in the sixties. Members, Aunty Momi's life reflects the very best of our state: resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to future generations.

Please join me in honoring her and her hundredth birthday. She is joined here with her family, friends, many, many, many family members, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Thank you, Aunty Momi.

Thank you, Senator Richards. Any further introduction, Senator Awa?

Mahalo, Pelekikena. And just in front of Aunty Momi, one of those next generations, the students, the sixth graders from Hau'ula Elementary School led by Mrs. Sherry Kahawai. Welcome to the Senate.

Do we have any further introduction? Senator Inouye, did you have an introduction?

Thank you, mister president and members. I do want to share my relationship with Aunty Momi as well. And I'm sorry, because we have been dear, dear friends. Actually, I think most of my lifetime, as a Brownie, all the way up to working as a Girl Scout leader, up 'til left high school. And Aunty Momi has been in my district, as a former mayor as well.

And as my colleague friend who took over Senate District 4 when I left that district to return to my district in Hilo. I've known Edgerton General Lum, her husband, for many years. But let me say about Aunty Momi Lum. Though to me, she's still young at age 100, up until our, until today in this decade, Aunty Momi has been a standing star. And the record that my colleague from Kohala and Waimea has mentioned.

Mo'okini Heiau has been the telling for generations. But more importantly, when she created the visitation to open up Mo'okini Heiau to our students.

But let me tell you, other than that, during the time I was her Senator in the district as well, and her daughter Angela was my office manager that some of you have met during my term here, that during the time of her care and her active--I'll tell you--this woman goes to the Heiau every day when she returns home to Waimea and Kohala. But the telling story that was heartbroking in, on the Big Island was when someone stole the Mo'okini Heiau sign.

And it was very heartbroken.

And I'll tell you, it hurt Aunty Momi deeply because we could not find the sign. And through some time things happen; all of a sudden the sign appears again. So unknown to whoever returned it made life so different for the people of Kohala, particularly Aunty Momi and the Heiau, as well as the students that were so happy, and an abundance of kids all over the state that sent communications to her about the loss of the sign.

Members, Aunty Momi and the Mo'okini Heiau is so deeply rooted in Hawai'i. There is no other Heiau with the care and the history, that I hope some of you would have a chance here to go visit.

Again, Aunty Momi, God bless you and look forward to finish the day. And God bless to the ohana who's here. And it's very special for them to be with Aunty Momi and the ohana together. Thank you. Mahalo.

Thank you. Any further introductions? If not, I am going to call for a short recess as we are racing to meet deadlines. The ways and means or conference committee is looking at the nomination of Seth Colby as the director of BNF. It was scheduled for 12:30, if the committee could convene on time, and then we will reconvene when the committee gets back.

Will the Senate come to order? Madam Clerk?

House Communication numbers 877, 879, and 880 informs the Senate that the House appointed conferees for various bills. And House Communication number 878 informs the Senate that House Bill 1752 Conference Draft One passed final reading in the House.

File.

On pages three and four, standing committee report numbers 3992 to 3994 for one day notice.

So ordered.

Beginning on page four, advise and consent.

If there are no objections from the members, we will be taking advise and consent on consent. Senator Lee?

Thank you, mister president. At the appropriate time, may I be permitted a late introduction?

Please proceed.

Thank you. I'd just like to introduce the Vice Chair of the Hawai'i State LGBT, LGBTQ plus commission who's here with us today, Mr. Michael Golieu, who I think is somewhere up here. Welcome to the Senate.

Mister president, we are on standing committee report numbers 3937 to 3990 on Governor's Messages for adoption.

Is there any discussion? Senator Rhoads?

Mister President, may I be excused from voting on Governor's Message 709? Raven Sevilleja for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oahu Service Area Board, she's a current employee of mine.

Please note, on that item, Senator Rhoads is excused. Any further discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Any no votes?

With the except, well, 23 ayes on Governor's Message 709. All other messages, 24 ayes.

Thank you. The nominees for said Governor's Messages have been confirmed.

We're on page 17, standing committee report number 3991on Governor's Message number 801, Vladimir P. Devens, gubernatorial appointee for Chief Justice of the Hawai'i State Supreme Court for adoption.

Is there any discussion, Senator Gabbard?

Mister president, colleagues, and guests, I rise today in strong support of the confirmation of Justice Vladimir Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Please proceed.

Justice Devens brings over thirty years of legal experience to this role, including his current service as an associate justice since January 2024. Prior to joining the bench, he built a distinguished career in private practice, focusing on complex civil litigation and appellate work. He's also demonstrated leadership through his service as Director on the Hawai'i State Bar Association Board. Importantly, Justice Devons is not new to this court. He's already been tested on the bench and has demonstrated sound judgment, intellectual rigor, and a deep understanding of the law.

His record reflects careful, principled decision making and an unwavering respect for the rule of law. Colleagues and stakeholders consistently describe him as measured, even handed, and collegial. He approaches cases with integrity and professionalism. These qualities are essential for a Chief Justice who must guide the court through complex issues while building consensus and maintaining public trust. Justice Devens has earned broad support across our state.

Major labor organizations have expressed their support. He's also widely respected within the legal community, with consistent testimony highlighting his fairness and character. His nomination is also supported by former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald. In closing, continuity and steady leadership in our judiciary is critical. Justice Devens brings both experience and a strong sense of public service.

He understands that the decisions of our highest court are not abstract. They have real and lasting impacts on the everyday lives of the people of Hawai'i. So colleagues, I respectfully urge you to support his confirmation. Mahalo.

Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Chang?

In support.

Please proceed.

Thank you, mister president. Justice Devens is a lifelong resident of District 9. He is a proud graduate of Kalani High School, a family man with three daughters, and has an extensive record of community service, including volunteering for the Hawai'i State Bar Association, as a volunteer attorney for the courts in the community, and in the community as a boxing, baseball, soccer, and softball coach.

Something else I've never seen before in a judicial nominee: he became a police officer after he went to law school, serving in HPD for six years as a full time officer followed by another twenty-eight years as a reserve officer. Nothing against ivory towers, having spent a lot of time in them myself, but this is someone who's walked the beat and understands what life is really like on the streets.

Some have raised concerns about his participation on the Be Change Now PAC, which he did not disclose in his application to become an associate justice in 2023. Since then, he has stated his omission was inadvertent, taken responsibility, and apologized to the Judiciary Committee, and disclosed it in his current application for Chief Justice this year. Contrary to news reports he has never represented Be Change Now, the Carpenters' Union, or any of their affiliates as their lawyer. But let's get to the underlying issue.

Is Justice Devens an impartial judge?

Or does he just parrot the interests of his previous clients and affiliations? We don't have to speculate. Let's look at his record on the bench over the last two years. One of his primary clients was the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers, or SHOPO, and of course he was a police officer for thirty-four years. In State v. Zufante, decided last year, Justice Devens joined the majority in requiring law enforcement to record custodial interrogations.

This ensures that police conduct during questioning is documented and subject to review. It is a reasonable bright line new rule that promotes greater transparency and fairness to both law enforcement and criminal defendants. Some might be surprised given his background, but as he stated during his hearing: "If there's anyone who should be able to recognize that there was a violation of someone's rights, I hope it's me."

"Because of my experience, because I was putting criminal procedure into practice as a police officer, that I hope I would have greater insight into whether there is a violation and to make sure that it's corrected." Professor Kenneth Lawson of the Hawai'i Innocence Project, one of his early skeptics, testified that Justice Devens quote "approaches these cases the way a good judge should."

"Without ideological preconception, with careful attention to the record, and with a visible willingness to follow the law where it leads, including to outcomes that cannot have been comfortable for someone with his professional history. His reasoning has been rigorous, his questioning and argument has been even handed, and his written opinions reflect a justice who understands that the stakes in a criminal case for the accused, for victims, for the public are too high for shortcuts."

When asked what he'd like to accomplish as Chief Justice, Justice Devin focused on modernizing court operations, addressing staffing shortages, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring the court can keep up with a greater workload especially, now as the ICA is disposing of cases more quickly. He called for greater security at judiciary facilities. He's sensitive to the historic gender parity on the bench achieved under former Chief Justice Recktenwald.

He also called for a top to bottom review of the judiciary to identify and fix inefficiencies while planning for longer term improvements. In addition, he highlighted deteriorating court facilities and the costs of deferred maintenance. These are the reasons that I believe Justice Devens is prepared to lead our judiciary with integrity, fairness, and respect, and to ensure the impartial, efficient administration of justice in our state. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support his nomination. Thank you.

Thank you. Any further discussion? If not, do we have Senator San Buenaventura, then Senator Awa?

Okay. Thank you, Senate President. I'm just gonna make this short. The YouTube video is out. You've heard our comments.

In opposition, Senator Buenaventura, please proceed.

Thank you. In opposition. You've heard our comments. You've heard the questioning. I disagree with a number of the statements prior people have stated as to what occurred at the hearing. Again, it's on YouTube. To me, a character of a person is determined not but like, not when everyone is watching, but when no one is watching.

He knew what he went into when he became a member, a Director of, one of three, in Be Change Now. He knew the character of the organization he chose to be a member of. He wasn't hired. He wasn't of counsel. He wasn't an attorney.

He chose. He was a decision maker, one of three, smaller than even our small committee hearings. I'm just gonna let that stand there because as Chief Justice, he is the judge above all the other justices. He determines ethics of not only other judges, but also attorneys. He becomes like the governor of the third branch of government.

If we choose not to confirm him this time, he will still be an associate judge. He will still be able to do those opinions or join in opinions and make decisions like he did the past two years. And I wanted to point out, I asked him twice, once at the interview and once at after the hearing, for a copy of his decisions--of what he wrote--and I never got them. So I went online. As an attorney, I have the ability to do that.

Found only one written opinion. He joined in a number of others. Only one written opinion. Doesn't mean he's not a hard worker. But when people say you need to be upfront, be upfront.

You know, if you only vote one decision, tell us you only vote one decision, and don't promise me that you're gonna give me copies of decisions and dissents and not come forward with it. Again, a character of a person is determined by when no one is watching. And I'm just gonna leave it at that, and that's why I'm gonna be voting no.

Thank you. Senator Awa?

Mahalo, Pelekikena. Just to speak following up to the character part of it, which I, yeah, has been understood.

Is this in support? Please proceed.

In support, thanks.

What I saw in our, in our hearing, was a man who acknowledged that something could have been done better, apologized for it sincerely, and said he would have did it differently. And I can tell you, I haven't been on as long as Senator Rhoads' 70 nominees, but from the judges that have come through the judiciary, I don't believe that there's somebody more qualified who could do the job, or maybe not qualified, but who could do the job as Chief Justice as Vladimir Devens.

By the way, this is coming from the lawmaker, the only lawmaker of 76 in here who took no, no dollars, no PACs, no nothing. This message is not bought or paid for. I'm not on the take, for anybody saying that we're supporting because of anything like that.

But, yeah, we've, the first time he came through, saw honest man who was the closest representation of the kind of people that we represent. And for us, we feel that, and I hope that he will live up to our vote of support for to do what's best for the people of Hawai'i, but we believe that he will. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion, Senator Inouye?

Thank you, mister president. I will be voting no on this GM and to say that--

So in opposition, please proceed.

In opposition. I was committed to vote up on this nominee. However, may I ask, mister president, that the comments of the Senator of District 2 be included in the journal as it if it was mine? The concern that I have is that this GM will be the Chief Justice.

And the words of the Senator to also say that he, in my term, he will be the king of the courts. And that's, really, it, that's very bothering, to me as well, because of the the position that this GM will hold. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Any further discussion? If not, do we have Senator Ihara?

Mister president, I rise to speak for GM 801, with reservations

Please proceed.

And aspirations. Mister president, this nomination would elevate Associate Justice Vladimir Devens to the position of Chief Justice of the Hawai'i Judiciary and its Supreme Court. You know the story by now. It's a political story. And I'll tell you my version of what's going on in the political dimension of this nomination.

The nominee was a politically active labor attorney who served on political committees that selected candidates for union endorsements. He was also a fiduciary on a three person Hawai'i nonprofit corporation board that functioned as a political action committee for a political organization. The nominee did not disclose the name of this nonprofit PAC in his 2023,

Actually he applied in 2022, but confirmation in 2023, his application for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and was confirmed unanimously by the Senate without that information. In his application for Chief Justice, the nominee listed past service on nonprofit boards, but again, did not disclose his directorship on the nonprofit board that he was on.

Mr. President, this data set has caused some public concern and fear among people, fear of external political influence on the de, the judiciary and its courts. These concerns signal distress within the system, like red lights from a ship entering a rough sea. Its urgency leads to short term thinking that focuses on symptoms, instead of sources, of problems and has resulted in financial stress for half the community, residents forced to leave due to unaffordable housing, and persistent chronic homelessness.

These are outcomes of a political system unable to adapt itself to changing circumstances. Western democracies use competition-based system to allocate resources, adopt policies, resolve problems, and establish relationships among players.

Competitions control to produce efficient outcomes that favor the strong, the smart, the creative, the cunning, and the ruthless. To manage the state the systems fear and distrust, government is divided into three branches to limit their powers, prevent overreach, and control excessive power. Indigenous values-based systems provide guidance by organizing around caring, belonging, and responsible action. Stewardship carries cultural memory that expands each generation's ability to produce outcomes and stewardship and ability to adapt to the reality of their time.

Controlled systems protect and produce outcomes, and stewardship guides by care.

Both are needed: control to survive, and care to nurture. Too much of one can cause imbalance and make government wobbly and grow distortions. By happenstance, Hawai'i had a hybrid care-and-control system during the Hawai'ian kingdom. The monarchs were guided by the aloha spirit as defined in 5-7.5 HRS, using all three branches of their government in collaboration by, to control by caring and managing government programs by stewardship. This hybrid system fostered stewardship guidance inside a deliberative democratic system.

Hawai'i government, governance went all Anglo, Anglican-Western at the 19, at the 1893 Hawai'i kingdom overthrow. And until eighty-five years later, when in 1978, the Constitutional Convention installed indigenous values into the State Constitution and added response, stewardship responsibilities to, to state government to guide government and its systems. I happened to be there, so I know. Eight constitutional amendments installed this stewardship governance, guidance system into our constitution.

Responsibilities to care for the land, water, and environment, protection of agricultural lands and marine resources, respect for indigenous practices, revenue for the, from the Public Land Trust received and expended by a single native Hawai'ian entity, mandated funding of Hawai'ian homelands, and required Hawai'ian language education and made Hawai'ian an official language in state proceedings--all new in 1978.

That Constitution connected the state to the values of the kingdom that continued inside of a Western competition-for-the-resources system. The move by the 1970, 1978 Con-Con to embed indigenous values into the State Constitution was inspired in large part, I believe by Chief Justice William Richardson, who led the state's highest court on landmark rulings that it reflected Hawai'i's history and values, not just those imported by Western systems.

Thanks in part to CJ Ander, Richardson the 1978 Constitutional Convention reconnected values of the kingdom to the modern U.S. State of Hawaii. And since then, the Supreme Court has faithfully protected the Constitution from laws that harm indigenous values embedded in that constitution. I believe this GM 801 Chief Justice nomination has enabled new insights into Hawai'i politics, political influence, and public trust.

Our political system that seems to continue to proceed. It is our political system that seems to continue to produce financial stress among our community. Residents having to leave because they can't find housing, and persistent homelessness. Adding, carrying, belonging, and stewardship governance seems appropriate now, and perhaps useful to compliment the comp, the competition system. So we decide not by the competition, but by values. I believe the circumstances of this nomination provide a pathway to create a safe space for returning stewardship governance to our islands.

The 1978 Constitution inserted a provision for public funding of election campaigns. Back then we knew the cost of campaigning was more than family and friends could support, and that candidates had to engage with political stakeholders to pay for their ads, signs, and materials. I believe this Chief Justice nomination and in, and this particular nominee, could help focus sustained public attention on political influence in Hawai'i, assuming Justice Devens is confirmed today.

I asked the nominee and that if confirmed, would he endeavor to restore public trust in judiciary? He said he would not object to this, and indicated an openness to require disclosure of political connections of judicial nominees in a Devens' term as chief justice, which seems likely today,

I feel there's a possibility of sustained tension and public attention on the boundaries needed to protect and safeguard Hawai'i's constitutional officers from outside influence so that we, and they, could faithfully perform their duties to the Constitution. If we have values guiding our election system--a publicly funded system--I believe it can be a trust infrastructure in which we live and can conduct our constitutional duties faithfully and free of external pressure, and not as an operating expense.

Mr. President, I've laid out my views on this Chief Justice nomination. And with my vote, I will cast,

I will launch my hope and a movement for a community wide, community wide journey to draw boundaries around our constitutional institutions so that we can be faithful to our Constitution. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Any further discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? Reservation Senators Elefante, Senator Keohokalole, Senator Moriwaki, Senator Dela Cruz, any no votes?

No votes, Senator Fukunaga, San Buenaventura, Inouye, and Senator Rhoads, Senator Kidani.

Mister President?

Senator Lee?

Okay. Can I register a WR?

Oh, I'm sorry. Reservations for Senator Lee as well.

Thank you.

20 ayes, five noes.

Thank you. Vladimir P. Devens has been confirmed as Chief Justice for the Hawai'i State Supreme Court. Senator Gabbard?

Mister president, may I be permitted a late introduction?

Please proceed.

I'm pleased to introduce our new Chief Justice at the Hawaii State Supreme Court, Vladimir P. Devens. Would you please stand?

Chief Justice Devens has joined in the gallery by his wife, Joy Miyashiro Devins, and two daughters, Doctor Carly Devens and Lauren Devens. Please stand, please.

And Mister president, at the appropriate time, could we invite Chief Justice Devens and his guests to the floor?

So Senator Gabbard and member Senator San Buenaventura, late introduction?

Yes, please. Thank you.

Please proceed.

Thank you, Mister president. Your committee of Health and Human services considered a large number of nominations for which we had confirmed a large number of them today. And I invite the nominees who attended today's session to please stand and be recognized. Any nominees who have been confirmed, please stand. Come on up.

Thank you. Congratulations, and welcome to the Senate.

Thank you. Any other late introductions, Senator Kanuha?

Thank you, Mister president. May we also welcome to the gallery, the governor of the State of Hawaii, Governor Josh Green.

Any further late introductions? Senator Fevella.

Sorry, Senator president. It's not an introduction, but rise on personal privilege.

Personal privilege is generally at the end of Oh,

Sorry. Sorry. Agenda. A fuse it.

Any other late introductions, Senator Awa?

Just because why not? Might not be able to do it again. Brooks Baer, long time friend. Welcome to the Senate.

Any other late introductions? If not, the chair has won. Apparently, these young ladies have not, checked in with the Senator of their district. But directly in front of me, I see what appeared to be three girl scouts who are here watching our session. I assume getting some type of merit badge.

Will you please rise? Please stand, young ladies. Welcome to your state capital. Now, back to the business at hand. We have a lengthy agenda, and I want the judiciary to go back to work.

So what we're going to do is recess. Will the Sergeant Escort Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice Devens and family or friends to the floor to be greeted? And pictures, we were gonna wait for adjournment to ask Auntie Mommy to come down, but you've lived a hundred years. The rules don't apply to you. Will they also escort Auntie Mommy down during this recess so we can get our pictures done, done, and then she can go back to taking care of our community and her family. Recess.

Will the Senate please come back into order, Madam clerk?

We are on page 18, adoption of resolutions. Final adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution numbers 78 House draft 1 and 130 House draft 1.

Senator Wakai.

Mister president, I move for the adoption of said Senate Concurrent Resolutions.

Senator DeCorte.

Mister president, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried. Said Senate Concurrent Resolutions have been adopted.

Beginning on page 18, final reading.

If there are no objections from the from the members, we will be taking final reading on consent.

Conference committee report number two, final reading of Senate bill 2466, conference draft one, relating to the chief elections officer.

Is there any discussion? If not, do we have unanimous consent? If not, do we have unanimous consent? Any reservations? No vote.

Senator Awa, Senator DeCorte, Senator Fevella.

21 aye's, 3 no's.

Thank you. SB2466 CD1 passes final reading. I'll ask for honor in the gallery so that we can conclude our business.

Conference

I will ask for honor in the gallery so that we can conclude our business, please. Thank you, madam clerk.

Conference committee report number three, final reading of House bill 1163, conference draft one relating to commercial driver's licensing.

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

25 ayes.

Thank you. HB1163 CD1 passes final reading.

On page 19, conference committee report number four on final reading of House Bill 1514, conference draft one relating to workers' compensation.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. HB 1514 CD1 passes. Final reading.

Conference committee report number five, final reading of Senate Bill 3082, conference draft one relating to military families.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. SB 3082 CD1 passes final reading.

Conference committee report number six, final reading of Senate Bill 2135, conference draft one relating to privacy.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. SB 2135, CD1 passes final reading.

Conference committee report number seven, final reading of Senate Bill 2727, conference draft one relating to discrimination.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. SB 2727 CD1 passes final reading.

Conference committee report number eight, final reading of Senate Bill 3097, conference draft one, relating to the exemption from Civil Service of Executive Personnel of the Employee's Retirement System.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. SB 3097 CD1 passes final reading.

Conference committee report number nine, final reading of House Bill 1696, conference draft one relating to relating to Commercial Driver's Licenses.

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

25 aye's.

Thank you. HB 1696 CD1 passes final reading.

On page 20, conference committee report number 10, final reading of House bill 2021, Conference draft one, relating to Transportation.

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

24 ayes, one no.

Thank you. HB 2021, CDC1 passes final reading.

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.

Miscellaneous communications. Miscellaneous communication number six from the honorable Ronald D.Kouchi, President of the Senate, and honorable Nadine K. Nakamura, speaker of the House of Representatives, dated 04/29/2026, transmitting a legislative communication extending the conference deliberation deadline for house bill 1800 beyond 09:00pm.

File.

Miscellaneous business, reconsideration of disagreement to house amendments, and motions to agree.

Senate Concurrent Resolution number 162, House draft one.

Senator Kim.

Mister president, I move that the Senate reconsider its previous action and disagreeing to the amendments made by the house to Senate Concurrent Resolution number 162 SD1 and agree to set amendments.

Senator Wakai.

I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion, Senator Kim?

Thank you, Mister president. This bill and this rezo is for the DOE to establish Kaiapuni Schools in Kapolei, and the house added an action plan and final report to the legislature.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried. One day notice is hereby given for final adoption of SCR 162 HD 1.

Senate bills, Senate bill numbers 2614, House draft two, and 3118, House draft two.

Senator Kim.

Mister president, I move that the Senate reconsider its previous actions and disagreeing to the amendments made by the house to Senate bills 2614 and 3118 and agree to set amendments.

Senator Wakai?

I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion, Senator Kim?

To president, Senate bill 2614 is for high school diplomas for veterans, and 3118 is for interstate compact for military children. And both, we agreed to both amendments, minor amendments that was made by the house.

Senator Inouye, would you please hang up the phone? It's not supposed to be, having these conversations in session with someone speaking. Is there any further discussion? Any objections? If not, the motion is carried.

One day notice is hereby given for final reading of SB 2614 HD 2 and 3118 HD 2.

No further business, Mister president.

Are there any announcements today? If not, Senator Wakai,Senator Fevella, did you have personal privilege?

Yeah. Just I don't wanna get all shook up like Elvis Presley. Anyway, I just wanted to make a shout out. I'm a phone acting up, send the President, see what happens. I just wanna make a shout out to Lady C Sabers.

They won the 2026 OIA division one softball champion defeating Kapolei. I'm not gonna say the score. 04/25/2026, working their second league title in four years. We had a couple of grand slams, couple of home runs, but I wanna tell Senator Kadani, you know, Mililani giving us another chance to go to the state champions and the Hawaii champion. Thank you, Senator Kidani.

Thank you, Senator president. If I can enter the names later on, do the journal.

When you get them to the clerk so ordered, any further announcements? If not, Senator Wakai?

Thank you for shaking this up, Senator Fevella. I move that the Senate stand adjourn until 06:30PM tomorrow.

Senator DeCorte?

Mister president, I second the motion.

It's been moved and seconded. If there are no objections from the members, the Senate will stand adjourn until 06:30PM tomorrow.