Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to: (1) Establish a four-year Restorative Aquaculture Development Program to reduce aquaculture permit processing time, support aquaculture infrastructure expansion, increase the aquaculture workforce, and pursue federal aquaculture grants; (2) Establish three pilot demonstration sites for restorative aquaculture; and (3) Convene a Restorative Aquaculture Advisory Council. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

Transfers the rights, powers, functions, and duties of the Aquaculture and Livestock Support Services Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity that relate to agricultural enterprises to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Requires that the regulatory functions of the Aquaculture and Livestock Support Services Branch remain within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STATE PARKS SPECIAL FUND.

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to expend the moneys from the State Parks Special Fund for programs aimed at environmental protection.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Requires certain government entities in the State that issue building permits to establish a self-certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems that deems permit applications approved and allows applicants to proceed to build solar distributed energy resource system immediately. Requires certain government entities in the State that issue building permits to develop guidance for determining specific conditions when a Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated No-Rise Certification is not required for a solar distributed energy resource system located in a regulatory floodway. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO OUTDOOR SIGNAGE.

Allows the display of outdoor advertising devices, including digital outdoor signage devices, within the Stadium Development District with the authorization of the Stadium Authority and subject to certain conditions. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the impacts of light pollution associated with the devices and report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD2)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS.

Requires the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to make certain contact information for newly registered entities available online. Requires the Director to transmit the contact information to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Business Development and Support Division. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO VEHICLE SAFETY.

Requires the Director of Transportation to adopt rules allowing for mobile vehicle safety inspections of passenger cars. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO PARKING.

Prohibits minimum off-street parking requirements for new developments or redevelopment projects located in transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement program areas. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO TIP CREDIT.

Beginning 1/1/2027, increases the tip credit amount to equal twenty-five per cent of the minimum wage. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to annually calculate the adjusted tip credit amount.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter an area closed to the public or hiking on a trail closed to the public, and there is a sign giving notice of the closure.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF TIME SHARES.

Provides that applications for registration renewal required by section 514E-10, HRS, shall be deemed approved upon delivery. Provides that any amendment to a required time share plan registration shall be deemed approved by operation of law on the sixtieth day after the amendment is submitted to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, unless the Director issues a deficiency letter within that period. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain retail sales of tangible personal property, processing of certain value-added agricultural products, the Hawaii food and product innovation network, and the provision of certain professional services by health care professionals. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Beginning 1/1/2028, extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Applies to qualified businesses who join the Enterprise Zone Program on or after a specific date. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS.

Prohibits the sale and distribution of single-use plastic service ware by food and beverage service businesses.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the impacts of disallowing the dividends paid deduction for real estate investment trusts. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE COUNTIES.

Authorizes the counties to close or restrict public lands under the county's jurisdiction when necessary to protect public health, ensure public safety, or preserve natural or cultural resources. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOME CARE AGENCIES.

Prohibits a home care agency or person with a financial interest in the home care agency from providing home care services to a client if the home care agency or person owns or leases the client's residence.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMUNITY-BASED CARE.

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules mandating that each primary caregiver and substitute caregiver in a Community Care Foster Family Home be a licensed nurse or certified nurse aide. Makes the requirements for primary and substitute caregivers applicable to all Community Care Foster Family Homes, regardless of the number of clients in the home.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO PARKING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

Amends the fee exemption period for individuals possessing a disabled paid parking exemption permit from the first 2.5 hours or the maximum amount of time the meter allows, whichever is longer, to the first 4.5 hours.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO STATE BOATING FACILITIES.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: (1) Hold open public meetings before and as it develops a master plan regarding state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor; (2) Finalize the master plan for state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor; and (3) Consider the phased development of state small boat harbors, including the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO PLANNED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS.

Allows members of a planned community association to terminate the association with the approval of a plan of dissolution by 67% of the members of the association, a court of competent jurisdiction, and all holders of liens on association property. Enables the association board or other termination trustee to wind up the affairs of the association in accordance with the plan of dissolution.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO COMBUSTION-FREE ENERGY SOLUTIONS.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to commission a study of various energy sectors relating to cost-effective methods for decarbonization. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Before January 1, 2028, requires every renewable energy source with measurable carbon dioxide emissions that is regulated by the Clean Air Branch of the Department of Health to operate an in-stack carbon dioxide continuous emissions monitoring system in each smokestack. Establishes carbon dioxide emissions rate standards for renewable energy sources for compliance with renewable portfolio standards.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRIVOLTAICS.

Requires a landowner leasing agricultural sub-parcels on property used for agrivoltaics to prioritize lease offers for beginning farmers. Requires a landowner leasing agricultural sub-parcels on property used for agrivoltaics to submit an annual agrivoltaics compliance report to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Authorizes DAB to penalize any landowner that fails to meet agrivoltaics requirements. Authorizes the development of solar energy facilities on agricultural lands with productivity ratings of B, C, or D under certain conditions. Authorizes a county planning commission to issue special permits for agrivoltaics requirements before the approval of the Land Use Commission under certain conditions. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO TREES.

Establishes base selection criteria for designating exceptional trees. Establishes the significant tree designation, selection criteria, and related processes. Establishes the State Arborist Advisory Committee within the Department of Land and Natural Resources for administrative purposes. Requires County Arborist Advisory Committees to have at least five members, adopt new exceptional tree selection criteria, and designate significant trees. Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the University of Hawaii to cooperate with State and County Arborist Advisory Committees to carry out the Exceptional Trees Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO CARBON SEQUESTRATION.

Establishes a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions. Directs certain state agencies to identify opportunities for investing in nature-based solutions that reduce carbon emissions. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop methodologies to quantify carbon emissions reductions through marine ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO A BLUE ECONOMY.

Establishes the Blue Economy Working Group to study how to develop and support marine-based economic activities that align with the State's decarbonization and restorative food production goals. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Mike GabbardDemocrat

RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL TAX CREDIT.

Establishes a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel distribution in Hawaii to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provides $1 per gallon, increasing by 2 cents per additional 1 per cent emissions reduction, up to $2 per gallon. Caps total credits at $20,000,000 annually, with carryover provisions. Requires reporting to ensure transparency and compliance. Applies to taxable years after December 31, 2025, and sunsets on December 31, 2035.

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RENEWABLE FUELS PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT.

Expands the provisions of the renewable fuels production tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO PROPERTY DAMAGE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES.

Establishes the offense of criminal property damage to critical infrastructure facilities as a class C felony. Expands the term "critical infrastructure" to include broadband, wireless, and cable networks. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Clarifies insurance requirements for single-family and multi-family housing projects to obtain expedited permitting from county agencies. Clarifies that state or county inspectors shall inspect all projects with expedited permits. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Stanley ChangDemocrat

RELATING TO BAIL.

Amends bail and peace bond forfeiture rules to predicate forfeiture on whether bail providers performed and continue to perform their duties with reasonable diligence. Clarifies when bail providers may discharge their duties. Specifies the factors that courts shall consider in determining if bail providers are performing their duties with reasonable diligence or are negligent and should be subject to forfeiture. Requires courts to hold a hearing to order a forfeiture. Extends the deadline to file motions to set aside forfeitures. Clarifies that courts may extend, waive, or modify any procedural deadlines in forfeiture proceedings. Species that bail providers are not in privity with defendants, and therefore not barred res judicata from filing certain motions.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO FORFEITURE.

Extends the period during which a surety, surety insurer, or bail agent may file a motion or application to set aside the bond or recognizance forfeiture from thirty days to ninety days. Ensures that proper notice of a bail forfeiture judgment is provided to a surety or bail agent. Affirms that a judge may impose financial conditions of release and maintain full discretion to consider individual circumstances. Allows a surety or bail agent to apply to set aside a forfeiture, even if a prior motion has been filed. Subjects bail bond forfeiture proceedings to Rule 60 of the Hawaii Rules of Civil Procedure. Prohibits forfeiture from being ordered in any felony case.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTH CARE.

Requires health care providers using artificial intelligence (AI) in patient interactions to disclose to the patient that the patient is interacting with artificial intelligence. Requires health care providers using AI in making consequential decisions relating to the patient to provide certain notice and statements to the patient; maintain a qualified AI oversight personnel who shall be a natural person that reviews, evaluates, and validates or overrides AI outputs; monitor and conduct regular performance evaluations of their AI systems; implement procedures to address identified deficiencies; and maintain certain records. Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO INSURER PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.

Establishes the Prior Authorization Committee to specify medical conditions for which prior authorization by the insurer for treatment is not required for health insurance coverage. Requires health plan insurers to align their prior authorization processes for other conditions with Medicare policies.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Repeals certain prohibitions on the imposition of fees, conditions, or requirements on community retail pharmacies that are not imposed on mail order pharmacies.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Generally prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building to minors. Provides certain exceptions for vitamins and protein products.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO COMPLEX PATIENT TREATMENT.

Appropriates funds to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations for a behavioral health complex patient model. Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1)

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO THE UNIFORM PROBATE CODE.

Requires a personal representative of a decedent appointed under the Uniform Probate Code to notify the police department of the appropriate county of any and all firearms in an estate. Requires the police department to certify that all registered firearms in an estate and other firearms of which the police department has been notified are properly transferred or disposed of before the estate may close.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to contract with community-based organizations to provide preventive and early intervention mental health services to adolescents within the community. Requires a report to the Legislature.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO MENTAL ILLNESS.

Clarifies the procedures for assisted community treatment, examination, and hospitalization for individuals who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse who are imminently dangerous to self, others, or property. Amends the procedures for involuntary hospitalizations and assisted community treatment petitions. Amends the Hawaii Penal Code to streamline the determination process for penal responsibility and fitness to proceed, including requiring courts to issue orders for treatment to defendants excluded from penal responsibility due to a mental disease, disorder, or defect.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF NEED.

Exempts from the certificate of need requirements certain health care facilities and services that provide certain health care services, serve federally designated medically underserved rural areas, lower patient costs, are unlikely to be overprescribed, and assist certain vulnerable populations. (SD1)

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

By January 1, 2027, requires each law enforcement agency operating in the State to maintain a publicly available policy on the visible identification of law enforcement officers and use of facial coverings.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT.

Extends child care subsidies to disabled parents or guardians, regardless of their employment status. Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate caregiver capacity and dependent-care responsibilities when determining eligibility for medicaid home- and community-based services. Requires the Department of Human Services to update its evaluation form and functional assessment protocols related to level of care and at-risk needs determinations. Appropriates funds.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a medical treatment utilization schedule to standardize treatment for injured employees involved in workers' compensation claims.

SAN BUENAVENTURA

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies the authorizations for education expenses incurred by the board of directors of a condominium association.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES.

Specifies that all condominium associations, boards, and managing agents are required to comply with any applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES.

Requires all managing agents of cooperative housing corporations, planned community associations, and condominiums to distribute information received regarding educational opportunities or seminars electronically to the board of directors of the cooperative housing corporation, planned community association, or condominium.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat

RELATING TO HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS.

Expands the definition of condominium association to include associations organized under chapter 421J, HRS.

Carol FukunagaDemocrat