House approves swath of committee reports, schedules Feb. 12 public hearing on agriculture bill

The House of Representatives approved a broad set of standing committee reports and set a public hearing for House Bill 92, HD 1, during a floor session that opened with roll call and member introductions.

Representative Todd moved to "adopt standing committee report numbers 313 through 432 as listed on pages 1 through 31, and that the accompanying house bills as may be amended pass second and/or be referred to their designated committees," and Representative Morikawa seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The adoption bundled dozens of standing committee reports covering second-reading referrals and other routine actions. Several members used their allotted time to register opposition or concerns to particular bills within those reports. Representative Pierrick said of one bill under consideration, "I believe this bill would make it to where people only have to work about 5 years before they get a retirement, and that includes a pension," and described that threshold as "a pretty low bar." In other brief remarks associated with committee reports, Pierrick questioned changes affecting marriage-age limits and expressed a preference to direct funds to homeowners converting cesspools rather than to government agencies.

Members also noted receipt of a message from the governor requesting immediate passage of unspecified emergency appropriation bills; the clerk reported the message was received and filed.

On an announced committee action, Representative Kahalua requested and the House approved a waiver of the 48-hour notice rule so the Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems could hold a public hearing and decision-making session on House Bill 92, HD 1. The committee scheduled the hearing for Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 325.

The House completed introductions of visitors from Kauai, dental association representatives and medical students participating in homeless outreach, and advocates in the gallery. The clerk reported 47 members present and four excused at the start of the session.

Representative Morikawa moved that the House stand adjourned until 12:00 noon the following day; Representative Garcia seconded the motion, and the motion carried on a voice vote. The House adjourned until noon the next day.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 313'''through 432 (pages 1'''31), moving accompanying house bills to second reading or referral: Mover ' Representative Todd; Second ' Representative Morikawa; Outcome ' Approved (voice vote). - Waiver of 48-hour notice and scheduling of public hearing on House Bill 92, HD 1 (Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems): Mover ' Representative Kahalua; Outcome ' Approved. Hearing set for Feb. 12 at 9:30 a.m., Conference Room 325. - Message from the governor requesting immediate passage of emergency appropriation bills: Clerk reported receipt and filing (administrative action). - Motion to adjourn until 12:00 noon the following day: Mover ' Representative Morikawa; Second ' Representative Garcia; Outcome ' Approved (voice vote).

Why it matters: The package vote advances dozens of measures through procedural steps toward further committee work or second reading, while the approved waiver accelerates committee consideration of HB 92, HD 1. Comments voiced on the floor, though not controlling, signal member concerns that may shape later debate in committee or on the House floor.

Context and next steps: Committee reports adopted by the House will proceed as noted in the adopted reports (second reading or referral to designated committees). The scheduled public hearing on HB 92, HD 1 will take place Feb. 12 in Conference Room 325. The House reconvened at noon the next day per the adjournment motion.