Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

Amends the collective bargaining negotiation procedure on the repricing of classes within a bargaining unit for public employees. Establishes an impasse procedure to be applied when an employer fails to initiate the negotiation or the parties fail to reach an agreement within 90 days. Repeals existing law that requires a different impasse procedure to apply in those situations. Sunsets 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO ADDITIVES IN FOOD.

Beginning January 1, 2027, bans the manufacture, sale, offer of sale, or distribution in the State of any food for human consumption that contains petroleum-based synthetic food dyes and synthetic chemical additives. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Prohibits the sale of nonprescription diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to any person under eighteen years of age. Requires retail establishments and delivery sellers to follow certain protocols regarding certain products to prevent access by minors to the restricted products. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to use consistent units of measurement in its summary to the public on the amounts of restricted use pesticides applied. Beginning 1/1/2027, establishes a one-half mile buffer zone for pesticides around schools during normal school hours and state and county public parks. Establishes certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO PESTICIDES.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to develop an online reporting tool for restricted use pesticides. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS.

Establishes the Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Appropriates funds. Requires DAB to adopt rules. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.

Requires certain wastewater treatment works to test sewage sludge and any other residual material intended for land application for the presence of PFAS. Requires the Director of Health to adopt rules for the monitoring, sampling, testing, and data collection of sewage sludge and other residual material at wastewater treatment works that contain PFAS. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

Establishes a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO THE FUEL TANK ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Requires the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee to hold at least one regular meeting during each calendar quarter. Requires the Advisory Committee to hold one regular meeting each year that convenes outside of normal business hours. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATED TO TOXIC CHEMICALS.

Requires state agencies that monitor environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels (EALs) to ensure the preservation of a safe environment. Prohibits modifications to EALs unless certain procedural requirements are met. Establishes a process to allow any resident to petition for modifications to an established EAL. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

Allows licensed mental health counselors to be appointed as child custody evaluators. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR WORKERS.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, to establish and implement a five-year voluntary Nontraditional Workforce Portable Health Care Benefit Plan Pilot Program that offers high deductible health plans or catastrophic health plans to nontraditional workers who are ineligible for health benefits provided by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund or prepaid health care plans under the Prepaid Health Care Act. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

Establishes a three-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program to be administered by the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to subsidize the cost of certain health insurance deductibles for eligible individuals. Authorizes the Department to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program; provided that the Department shall allow the operator to access state-backed reinsurance or risk stabilization support for the operation of the Pilot Program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and conduct a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Program. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature and adopt administrative rules. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLE TITLES.

Requires the county Director of Finance to issue a temporary, three-year title to an applicant in cases where no prior title exists, the prior owner is unable to provide one, or the Director is otherwise not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle. Requires the applicant to provide a surety bond and certain documentation to the Director. Allows for a right of action against the surety bond and temporary title. Requires the temporary title to convert to a full title after three years unless a suit has been instituted against the temporary title.

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Clarifies that rules adopted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources pursuant to section 190-3, HRS, may regulate aquarium fish permits. Establishes a criminal penalty and monetary fines for aquarium fishing violations. Clarifies that each fish or aquatic life specimen taken in violation of certain fishing laws regarding aquarium fish and the possession and use of prohibited explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances constitutes a separate offense. (SD1)

Dru Mamo KanuhaDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLICITY RIGHTS.

Protects a person's right to publicity from digital replicas by including "digital replica" in the definition of "likeness" that is protected under state law that governs publicity rights. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Establishes the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct a study, subject to legislative appropriation, on how to maximize housing development in transit-oriented development zones or other areas on state or county lands. Requires a report to the Legislature. Establishes a position. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO COUNTY PERMITTING AND INSPECTION.

Establishes a cooperative working group to address state projects that require county permitting and to explore, research, and make recommendations on streamlining processes. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.

Requires the Civil Rights Commission to establish a twenty-four-hour intake helpline to assist individuals who experience or witness civil rights violations in the State. Requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile an annual report and hold an annual public hearing on data obtained through the helpline. Requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile and submit to the Legislature, and post on its website, a monthly preliminary report on data obtained through the helpline. Appropriates funds to establish an unspecified number of Civil Rights Investigator, Data Analyst, and Program Manager positions within the Civil Rights Commission. Appropriates funds for the Civil Rights Commission to contract with Aloha United Way to implement the twenty-four-hour intake helpline and for website and data development costs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Prohibits the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or the national guard of any other state operating in Hawaii when the Governor has objected to the deployments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

Requires an owner or operator of an underground storage tank or tank system with a confirmed release to meet certain standards for the restoration of the environment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Exempts a dormant captive insurance company that has been issued a certificate of dormancy from certain taxes and the requirement that its governing body hold at least one meeting each year in the State. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY.

Establishes a working group to recommend the implementation of specific reforms to effectively eliminate the Land Court. Requires a report to the Legislature, including proposed legislation drafted with assistance from the Legislative Reference Bureau. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Reduces the unimpaired minimum capital and surplus that class 4 sponsored captive insurance companies are required to maintain. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. Authorizes the use of the Hawaii electricity reliability surcharge for cost recovery of certain expenses of the Hawaii Electricity Reliability Administrator associated with the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Requires a report to the PUC on the grid-ready homes interconnection process. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CORRECTIONS.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for purchasing body cameras for adult correctional officers to wear while on duty at state correctional facilities, beginning on or after 7/1/2027.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Requires purchase, lease, and power purchase agreements for residential solar energy devices to include a cover page with certain required disclosures. Requires any person or entity that markets, sells, leases, or solicits a residential solar energy device or markets, sells, or solicits power purchase agreements to comply with consumer protection laws. Prohibits any person or entity from installing, marketing, offering financing, or engaging in customer acquisition for a residential solar energy device without holding a contractor's license or having a contractual affiliation with a licensed contractor. Allows for rescission or cancellation of the agreement. Specifies that agreements in violation of the law are voidable. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO JURY DUTY.

Allows actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants employed in Federally Qualified Health Centers to claim exemption from service as a juror. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES.

Adds a minimum penalty and maximum penalty per violation of the State Water Code. Authorizes the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors the CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Increases maximum fines every 5 years from 2031 to 2046. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Requires electric utilities to compensate customer-generators for excess electricity credits. (SD1)

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.

Part I: Establishes requirements for transferors and transferees of used motor vehicles. Requires new number plates and tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals. Requires each county Director of Finance to notify all applicable state and local agencies upon receipt of official notification of a vehicle transfer from a transferor. Requires each county Director of Finance to establish a centralized notification system for applicable agencies for every vehicle transfer by 7/1/2028. Part II: Imposes a restriction on a person's ability to obtain or renew a driver's license or to register, renew the registration of, or transfer or receive title to a motor vehicle, as a consequence of unpaid monetary obligations, under certain circumstances. Repeals provisions that would have allowed any person prevented from obtaining or renewing a driver's license or motor vehicle registration solely due to failure to pay any monetary assessment to petition the court for a driver's license or motor vehicle clearance. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO FARM EMPLOYEE HOUSING.

Clarifies that a "farm dwelling" permitted in an agricultural district includes a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to certain restrictions. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO OUTDOOR ADVERTISING.

Increases the penalties for any person who violates the State's laws relating to the display of billboards or any outdoor advertising device. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSERVATION BANKING.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources and certain public or private entities to operate conservation banks, subject to approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, for situations where a person or entity is required to provide compensatory mitigation to offset adverse impacts to threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed species as part of an approved incidental take license and habitat conservation plan. Adds the Associate Director of the United States Geological Survey, Ecosystems Mission Area, to the membership of the Endangered Species Recovery Committee. Requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to review applications and proposals for conservation banks and conduct subsequent reviews and oversight. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Establishes within the Department of Land and Natural Resources a working group to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the governance and structure of the Commission on Water Resource Management to ensure that it effectively fulfills its constitutional public trust responsibilities while maintaining operational efficiency and implementation capacity. Sunsets the working group on 1/1/2028. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

Provides for the repeal of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and reversion of management authority over Mauna Kea lands to the University of Hawaii if the timelines specified in Act 255, SLH 2022, are not met. Establishes a deadline of 7/1/2030 for the transfer of appropriations, records, equipment, and other property to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Authorizes the Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to an additional 10-year term. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO TREES.

Establishes a two-year Fruit Tree Harvest Pilot Program. Requires state agencies, to the extent practicable, to plant fruit trees in new or renovated landscaping that includes trees within the boundaries of the program. Authorizes persons to harvest fruit from those fruit trees. Provides that the State is not liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the harvesting or ingesting of fruit, including food-borne illness. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD1)

Brenton AwaRepublican

RELATING TO HAWAIIAN CULTURE.

Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to establish and maintain Native Hawaiian cultural centers within the State. Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to construct one cultural center on Oahu by 2040. Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to submit reports to the Legislature regarding the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' compliance with this Act. Appropriates funds for the planning and design of the first Native Hawaiian cultural center. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Appropriates funds to establish positions within the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist eligible households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Utilities Commission Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide certain information and assistance to recipients of the program. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING.

Expands mandatory health insurance coverage for low-dose mammography for occult breast cancer to include any supplemental imaging deemed medically necessary for a patient of any age having an above-average risk for breast cancer as determined by the use of a risk-factor modeling tool. On or before 1/1/2026, expands mandatory health insurance coverage to include additional supplemental imaging for any patient, regardless of age, as deemed medically necessary by the patient's primary care provider. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO SERVICE DISRUPTIONS.

Requires hotelkeepers to provide adequate notice of strikes and lockouts to guests and third-party vendors under certain conditions. Allows for recovery of damages by injured parties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Henry J.C. AquinoDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT.

Establishes the Transit-Oriented Community Improvement Partnership within the Department of Transportation. Establishes the Community Improvement Special Fund. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds into and out of the special fund for the partnership and positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

Appropriate funds into and out of the Hawaii Historic Preservation Special Fund for the State Historic Preservation Division to inventory historic properties and burial sites in the State, collect data on burial site locations, and conduct an archaeological survey necessary to compile the inventory. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires each county, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other community-driven activities. Requires each county to submit an initial proposal to the Director of Transportation. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires, when planning and managing state highways, in certain areas to be determined by certain national standards. Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council. Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems. Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks. Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement additional automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee. Requires annual reports. Requires the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the Judiciary before any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Chris LeeDemocrat

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.

Requires employers in the hospitality industry to implement anti-harassment measures, provide training, and equip certain workers with panic buttons. Prohibits retaliation against a hospitality worker who files a complaint, uses the provided panic button, or participates in an investigation or proceeding related to a harassment complaint. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules, including rules determining penalties and establishing procedures for handling complaints. Requires all hospitality employers to comply no later than 1/1/2026. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LAHAINA BYPASS.

Adds a special assessment to the Rental Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax, sunsetting in 10 years, to fund revenue bonds for the Lahaina Bypass North. Includes payment of principal and interest of revenue bonds for the construction, operation, and maintenance costs of the Lahaina Bypass North as a permissible use of the State Highway Fund. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds to fund the Lahaina Bypass North. Directs transient accommodations taxes collected from West Maui transient accommodations to fund the Lahaina Bypass North. Defines "West Maui". Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat