[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6282335,"mediaKeyId","2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca","parentId",2596700,"title","Senate committees advance HB431 to expand supportive housing and Ohana Zones; lawmakers ask for spending details","audioSeconds",895,"startMs",5211000,"endMs",6106000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca&start=5211&end=6106","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca/thumbnail_5211000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282335/Hawaii/Senate-committees-advance-HB431-to-expand-supportive-housing-and-Ohana-Zones-lawmakers-ask-for-spending-details","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282335-ecabae2539fb80d8490d173a5908a481/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443441&Signature=JDkzQ1qmhFkRlmVSM10u3jnRR2vxkBecVllVrqgCRtsVuYWeObu5ed9gHTbZTgTD0BuxhOA590thpytA777nRa178BhDpZu9ZWgS6K6PacDayxzl3qwp7IfOOLXpkau9zF1dP~qsBMobNZF8CXUUr2ce-dvvrpzeuhDCLoj2GPJ5YtOBp2c8PCqZsmN5oFWd9zFANfZ8je7lf7j09j9KxmAJgcMeOjmBZRYCCJ4cXHQKWfFL7ckI1VlOGObCdKMv9wc~L9fO2FQ81Ji-rt~3Qxwe8K9Wrx-REo3FMYn9RnYF5LI6k-2Idloqzmw6WllptJqR-jI9c33RJ2B9KjEv9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment","date","2025-03-08T00:07:13Z","article","Supportive housing and expanded Ohana Zones were the focus of lengthy testimony at the joint hearing for HB431, a measure to create or continue state programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.

The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), Department of Human Services, the Office on Homelessness and multiple nonprofit providers and advocates testified in favor of the bill. Advocates characterized the measure as an important tool to streamline development of permanent supportive housing, coordinate county and state resources and continue the Ohana Zones pilot program established under prior law.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the legislation would help increase housing supply targeted at people experiencing homelessness and provide ongoing operations funding for wraparound services. Catholic Charities, HomeAid and other providers urged the legislature to fund program administration and supportive services to ensure projects are built and remain operational.

Questions from lawmakers and next steps
- Special fund vs. general appropriation: Senators pressed HHFDC on why a special fund is needed rather than a direct general appropriation. HHFDC said a special fund supports long‑term service provision and avoids lapsing of funds; the agencies said they would provide more detail in follow‑up materials.
- Coordination and efficacy: Senators asked whether existing funding to providers — including federal and county grants and large contracts with providers such as Institute for Human Services — is delivering the expected reductions in homelessness. HHFDC agreed to provide a fuller plan and data on outcomes and agency coordination.

Committee action: Chairs recommended passing HB431 with substantial amendments to (1) appropriate funds for continued Ohana Zones implementation, (2) move and rework sections regarding supportive housing funding and administration, and (3) request HHFDC supply specific funding amounts for supportive housing, Ohana Zones and Kahale (Kāhale) initiatives to the Ways and Means Committee. The recommendation passed in committee votes.

Ending: Senators asked HHFDC and the Office on Homelessness to deliver figures and a plan for how funds would be used, and to explain how state and county responsibilities will align. The committee report will record requested FTE and implementation notes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HHS-AEN, HHS-HOU, HHS Public Hearings 03-12-2025","oneSentenceSummary","HB431, which would fund supportive housing, Ohana Zones and Kahale initiatives, won broad support from housing and social‑service groups; senators asked HHFDC and the Office on Homelessness for program and fiscal details before WAM review.","taxTitle","Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, Senate, Legislative , Hawaii","taxId",25725,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282339,"Avian influenza bill advances after heated public testimony; DOH and Ag detail response needs",1114,3262000,4376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca&start=3262&end=4376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca/thumbnail_3262000.jpg","/articles/6282339/Hawaii/Avian-influenza-bill-advances-after-heated-public-testimony-DOH-and-Ag-detail-response-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282339-ac14e08428da40aac08014ea1e0a25af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443441&Signature=cy2sw88Vcf9O9gb67G8Cfh19TK5E1C~N3mDaa0Cawegf1cnjhPUJiG-ZLJMngo6Dn-3DuRE0eUe31qU0d36SpTudLs992xMBYpj9nWVV8xsZchf11iAhg5J~y5D054JkfwcG~k0EcwNDlQqHS9bSXDy~at54CwFH81HwHroBJBtZQNiE0U2QZTX3812d43l1BTywQwHXMYQAkm2unSs2v1F-T8zP~yaIaatfiWxiVzo8SMdTY89Uoi7zOjAyNBzbwXyu6QFV2yxDWGdhUmnG64cPP-mVYwOyemBWejHrVsW24RCSS7bpaDQu1FawzbePLZaD8rv7NjGqFgT11GTP2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HB1427, a measure aimed at avian influenza planning and response, prompted vocal public testimony and extensive questioning of state health and agriculture officials during a joint Senate hearing.

The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture testified in support of the bill, describing the mechanics of outbreak response and the zoonotic concerns that drive the proposal. \"Our concern on the human side is that the more the virus is spreading, the more chance for it to evolve and for that transmission to increase,\" Nathan Tan, Deputy Chief of the Disease Outbreak Control Division, said, outlining the state’s surveillance and communication role.

Agriculture officials described federal protocols for controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza in animal populations. Isaac Mada of the Department of Agriculture explained that the USDA approach has included \"stamping out\" infected flocks and that infected flocks often die rapidly; depopulation is used to limit viral load and spread.

Public opposition and concerns: Several public witnesses opposed the bill or raised concerns about proposed appropriations and vaccination. Opponents questioned the need for a large appropriation when documented human cases in the U.S. remain rare and argued for alternatives such as enhanced biosecurity and voluntary measures. One witness raised vaccine safety concerns and described skepticism about mRNA technologies; other speakers called for more precise appropriation details.

DOH clarified that the funding request does not include purchases of human vaccines and that the appropriation would support preparedness, surveillance and response capacity including laboratory and field resources. DOH also said the agency would provide itemized cost information to the Ways and Means Committee.

Committee action: The chairs recommended passing HB1427 with amendments and noted agency budget requests in the committee report (Department of Agriculture requested $2,300; Department of Health requested $3.3 million to $4.7 million). Senators recorded reservations but the committees adopted the recommendation to advance the bill for further fiscal review.

Ending: Senators asked DOH and Agriculture to supply detailed cost breakdowns, and some members flagged interisland bird movement and transport rules as a potential immediate policy lever if risk indicators rise.","HB1427, a bill to fund avian influenza preparedness and response, drew protests and concerns about vaccine policy from community members but received technical support from the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture, which outlined depopulation protocols and the need for funding and coordination.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282344,"Committees back labeling bill for wipes, but DOH warns enforcement and staffing needed",377,2659000,3036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca&start=2659&end=3036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca/thumbnail_2659000.jpg","/articles/6282344/Hawaii/Committees-back-labeling-bill-for-wipes-but-DOH-warns-enforcement-and-staffing-needed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282344-6c2958171cacffc1a555df8fd87f9d43/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443441&Signature=REZ4~lpr5VTcSiW7DQ13GvXsjvh3nDayLtD7m76ozuZGZwNAS-E5GG04jfiXFJfM0AytdxQyKaNbeedSeBa~iIC7CchQnlBRo1azK1TUCTLlYaORvqE5CK3iKtYh1bS6-Mzld4Jam2LII~npeTnLkCYnFGGvNO-h1p1rCUGJuaSWI7k4fy8rhKivCZNkqqx2dBV1bdfNC7Fv755QZQUbt25UMHuhmn6Bo9ATGEh~FEC4qrZZJIagiqRdoFUm31kscS6EiMslEHWLdywziwwLMpw2UCqoMo0lp8WmAlnvZ-gztjp5kK2NtP0imfZFNdoNDC6XP1mL2Rf1snUv8fcyHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The joint Senate hearing heard broadly favorable testimony on HB918, a bill that would require certain wipes be labeled \"non‑flushable.\" Industry groups, wastewater professionals and environmental advocates described the measure as a practical step to reduce sewer and treatment plant blockages.

Wes Fisher of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry told senators the bill mirrors legislation already adopted in several states and represents cooperation between the wastewater industry and wipes manufacturers. \"This legislation ... has passed in seven states to date,\" Fisher said, adding that most wipe products on U.S. shelves are already labeled non‑flushable.

Department of Health witnesses supported the intent but warned the state needs capacity to enforce labeling and run public education campaigns. \"If it's gonna be a statewide requirement, it requires states to have levels of effort to be able to enforce it, do outreach,\" Matt Carano of DOH Environmental Health Services said; DOH asked the committee to consider funding positions for outreach and coordination with counties.

Why it matters: Wipes described as \"flushable\" in some marketing have been linked to sewer blockages and \"fatbergs\" in wastewater systems. Supporters said labeling reduces confusion and helps counties protect sewer infrastructure.

Outcome: Committee chairs recommended passing HB918 with technical amendments, delaying the effective date to provide time for implementation, and recording a DOH request for funding (committee report to note a proposed $100,000 and two FTEs for outreach and limited enforcement). Senators voted to adopt the recommendation, with some members reserving on financing.

Ending: Witnesses emphasized education and county cooperation for outreach. DOH said counties ultimately operate wastewater plants and that state funding would support statewide outreach and coordination rather than house‑to‑house enforcement.","HB918 would require non‑flushable labeling for wipes; industry and wastewater stakeholders largely supported the measure, while the Department of Health urged funding for outreach and enforcement positions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282349,"Senators weigh cost, equity of wastewater and cesspool bills; health department seeks positions to run grants",1046,1253000,2299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca&start=1253&end=2299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca/thumbnail_1253000.jpg","/articles/6282349/Hawaii/Senators-weigh-cost-equity-of-wastewater-and-cesspool-bills-health-department-seeks-positions-to-run-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282349-96885fb49ce75cec8eca9c2e1a0c22b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443441&Signature=nbEYIOmveXa40PffYwbXuK1FfW7R4n-j3pL6MnCZ4bw8NGikrsdllAkr4FkxqGy6zn-dxbNWyirQG0TSwz-yVs8GfNqSyyjN0Wd6pxIdk35nYykCl5zuu7QIxqRO0q148oq2-b476agcdjBx7KX3sLSLP9daFYKO6ifmGx2XhcI-jssoqvKt6xDQ412OvhABusEdnG4v25GoPCojEyKVF1wx~BSSPrGuMnHJCnIgm~P4NQOeMDys0GAG6zLixhOzUCEBlUKmMuol~u-xzcfdMUpMnDyaNXL~ryD0vxM-DmizVWU4mPHX51omBBkPKB-~kVBuxc191MqeD4YSmliPdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A package of bills on wastewater systems and cesspool conversions prompted extended testimony at the joint Senate hearing, where environmental organizations, county officials and homeowner advocates urged lawmakers to ease financial barriers for homeowners while preserving water quality protections.

The bills discussed included HB734 (rules and updates for wastewater systems), HB735 (limits on bedrooms per individual wastewater system) and HB879 (a grant program to help low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners upgrade cesspools). The Department of Health testified in support of the bills but told senators it needed additional staff to administer grant programs.

Why it matters: Hawaii has an estimated large number of cesspools statewide. Witnesses said converting them is expensive and that state rules and county implementation affect cost and prioritization. Supporters argued updated rules, clearer prioritization and higher grant caps are necessary to ensure conversions do not unduly burden homeowners, especially low‑ and moderate‑income households.

Key testimony and concerns
- Cost and prioritization: Ted Bolen of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and Kim Polinski of The Nature Conservancy supported measures to update rules and raise grant amounts, with Polinski describing groundwater and coastal impacts from failing systems. Bolen said grant limits sometimes do not match local costs and urged raising the cap in HB879 from $20,000 to $30,000 in some cases.
- Department of Health role and capacity: DOH representatives said the agency focuses on technical standards and wastewater quality, not market pricing; Anjana Nagato of DOH’s Wastewater Branch said cost is a market issue, and the agency uses National Sanitation Foundation criteria to judge system performance. DOH also clarified it needs three full‑time positions to operate the grant program proposed in HB879 and asked that the committee note that need on the committee report.
- Local equity and implementation: Senator DeCoite and other lawmakers pressed DOH on whether rules can create exemptions for areas that are distant from aquifers or oceans. DOH referenced a statewide prioritization tool developed with Sea Grant and said the working group assessed priority by district; implementation and sewer availability remain county responsibilities.
- Technical changes: HB735 would allow an individual wastewater system to serve up to five bedrooms regardless of accessory dwelling units, a change county officials said is intended to help housing options in agricultural or plantation‑style settings while still addressing hydraulic capacity concerns.

Committee action: For HB734, HB735 and HB879 the chair recommended passing with amendments; the committee reports were to include requests related to DOH staffing (three FTEs for grant administration) and to continue the $20,000 grant maximum unless otherwise specified. Lawmakers recorded reservations on financing but overall voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations.

Ending: Senators asked DOH to provide cost estimates for the requested positions and to work with counties on prioritization. The committee accepted chair recommendations and directed staff to capture the funding requests and technical amendments in the committee reports.","Three related measures—HB734, HB735 and HB879—drew broad support from environmental groups, counties and the Department of Health; lawmakers pressed the department on cost, prioritization and local implementation for converting cesspools and updating rules.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282353,"Senators hear support for HB256 to lock in state standards for waste‑to‑energy plants",3820,979000,4799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca&start=979&end=4799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596700-602c36da336dd84faa60be08a01fd9ca/thumbnail_979000.jpg","/articles/6282353/Hawaii/Senators-hear-support-for-HB256-to-lock-in-state-standards-for-wastetoenergy-plants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282353-d8afbae38a59fa35c1e59f17d5a60728/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443441&Signature=FYEjENZ4g-aHMFeVdKxkAxgKB6j-xIFJM9A-coO3heyk3v5WOU~Kbe8B12lU4vWGolzN0xhdjloFp2zxDGFjrcGpYm8v4oxms1mfddKV3rMl8lFWfu1kCbNo8dQtYAv4uyQK5YJewuStje99yjZjYvllOx6yG8lFspw~gTcZLvi4X5UkeH4GiMGYCjfowxk9plX5A0OO4W1euR-vFnisq0IwhhIxV7izon4YcHkU2h~ICyrDShWLoAO6CgnPWhjPqtIrNoce~-p2rZe~261fQEcVCsVedZZAVYihhv-oKXKxOKV2x4rZbrnco2skxarXBzuL3RULzQhGBHxxtUJNDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Supporters of HB256 told a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment that the bill would prevent rollbacks of pollution standards for waste‑to‑energy facilities if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency weakens federal rules.

The measure, described at the hearing as relating to environmental protection, drew testimony from the Department of Health and several environmental and community groups. \"This bill would ensure that the standards that are now in place for waste‑to‑energy facilities ... will stay intact regardless of whether the EPA backtracks on any air or solid waste regulations,\" Frazier Blaylock of Reworld told the committees, citing a federal announcement about deregulation.

Why it matters: HB256 would let Hawaii maintain state‑level requirements for emissions and solid‑waste handling at incineration facilities even if federal standards change. Proponents framed the bill as a protection for local public health and air and water quality around facilities such as the H‑POWER plant.

Environmental groups also urged the committees to strengthen the bill’s language to address older burners at the H‑POWER facility. \"The 35‑year‑old burners ... are missing half of their pollution control devices,\" said a representative from Energy Justice Network, noting those older units lack nitrogen‑oxide controls and controls for dioxins and mercury that the facility’s newer burner has. The witness said nearly 90 percent of other U.S. incinerators have those controls and urged the state to require the same for older units in Hawaii.

Department of Health testimony was recorded in support. Multiple community groups and individuals filed written testimony and several stood to testify in support; the committee chair read a list of organizations that had submitted written testimony.

Outcome: The chair recommended passing HB256 with amendments. During the committees’ later vote sequence the chair announced the recommendation to pass with amendments; the committees recorded the chair and vice chair voting \"aye,\" and named senators who responded \"aye\" during roll call. The recommendation was adopted and the chair advanced the bill with amendments and a stated defective effective date on the committee report.

Ending: The committees moved on after the recorded testimony and incorporated the chair’s recommendation in their committee action. No final text of state amendments was read into the record during the hearing; committee staff will include the committee report notes and any technical amendments for later stages.","Supporters urged the joint Senate committees to preserve state pollution controls for Hawaii’s waste‑to‑energy facility regardless of possible federal rollbacks; environmental groups asked the state to close regulatory gaps for older burners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committees advance HB431 to expand supportive housing and Ohana Zones; lawmakers ask for spending details

Avian influenza bill advances after heated public testimony; DOH and Ag detail response needs

Committees back labeling bill for wipes, but DOH warns enforcement and staffing needed

Senators weigh cost, equity of wastewater and cesspool bills; health department seeks positions to run grants

Senators hear support for HB256 to lock in state standards for waste‑to‑energy plants