Finance panel advances HB2240 with $1 technical amendment

The House Committee on Finance voted to advance HB2240 as amended (HD1), adopting a technical change that adds $1 to an appropriation line.

Chair Chris Todd told members the amendment is “a very small but important technical cleanup,” noting: “We will be adding $1 to the appropriation in section 1, subsection 1 subpart 1.” No members raised questions about the adjustment.

The Legislative Reference Bureau’s director, Charlotte Carter Yamauchi, opened the bill hearing by saying the bureau strongly supports the measure and stands on its written testimony. Robin Matsunaga, the state ombudsman, and Bonita Chaim, speaking for the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, also told the committee they stand in support and are available for questions.

State Auditor Lehi Condo used his time to preview imminent work by the Auditor’s Office, saying audits on the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR) and the Department of Education’s food-percentage goals are forthcoming. Condo also told the committee his office is establishing guidelines to pilot artificial-intelligence tools to increase efficiency.

During decision making, the clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes from the chair, vice chair and the following representatives: Hartsfield, Hassy, Keohokapole Loy, Pizagawa, Kush, Lee, Morikawa, Peruso, Tempo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gideon and Freya Sota. The committee’s recommendation to pass HB2240 with amendments was adopted.

Committee members did not request follow-up reports at the meeting; staff and agency witnesses said they were available to answer further questions. The committee will consider implementation details in later budget or technical sessions if needed.