URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO EVALUATE AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INITIATION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAWAII AND NEW ZEALAND TO FOSTER STRONGER TIES IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ARTS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE, EDUCATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.

SB 572, RELATING TO HOUSING.

Adds loan funds administered by certified Nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for certain for-sale affordable housing projects to the list of loan priorities for the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund. Expands the use of moneys in the revolving fund to allow financing as matching funds for CDFIs to mobilize other funding sources. (CD1)

HB 431, RELATING TO HOUSING.

Part I: Establishes requirements for kauhale projects, including reporting requirements by the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (OHHS). Requires the Auditor to conduct a management and performance audit of the kauhale initiative. Appropriates funds for the continued operation of the kauhale initiative. Part II: Establishes the Ohana Zones Program as a permanent program within OHHS. Appropriates funds to DHS for the continued implementation of the Ohana Zones Pilot Program. Part III: Requires OHHS to submit a report every four months to the Legislature detailing the expenditure of funds appropriated toward the kauhale and ohana zones initiatives and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. Part IV: Changes references to the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness to "Coordinator on Homelessness". Specifies that the Coordinator on Homelessness shall report directly to the Director of Human Services. (CD1)

HB 420, RELATING TO REMEDIES.

Clarifies that the statute of repose applies to contract, tort, and statutory claims. Clarifies the required contents of a notice of claim of a construction defect served on a contractor. Clarifies the process and time frame by which a claimant may accept or reject a contractor's offer to settle and authorize repairs. Clarifies the mediation process for construction defect claims. Clarifies the statute of limitation or repose for construction defect claims. (CD1)

SB 1296, RELATING TO DISASTER RECOVERY.

Exempts reconstruction of any lawfully constructed structure that was damaged or destroyed in a disaster proclaimed by the Governor to constitute a state of emergency or a disaster declared pursuant to federal law from the requirements of a special management area minor permit or a special management area use permit under certain conditions. Sunsets 7/1/2028. (CD1)

HB 830, RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEWS.

Beginning 7/1/2026, authorizes the State Historic Preservation Division to contract its review of proposed state projects and projects affecting historic properties to third-party consultants under certain circumstances. Establishes requirements for qualified third-party consultants providing review services. Requires the project proponent to pay the reasonable fee requirements of the third-party consultant. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to publish a draft of its proposed rules and later present its proposed final rules to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Sunsets 6/30/2030. (CD1)

HB 1064, RELATING TO FIRE PROTECTION.

Effectuates the recommendations of the "Phase 3" Forward-Looking Report by Fire Safety Research Institute on the 2023 Maui wildfires and further clarifies the appointment and role of the State Fire Marshal. Establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal in the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes the State Fire Marshal Selection Commission. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (CD1)