Bills & Legislation

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

Samantha DeCorteRepublican

REQUESTING THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO COMPLETE THE PURCHASE OF THE FEE SIMPLE INTEREST IN THE HALAULA AGRICULTURAL PARCEL IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEY: (3) 5-3-7:15.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO INCORPORATE INTO THEIR ASSESSMENT PROCESS THE POSSESSION OR ACTIVE SEEKING OF DAM LIABILITY INSURANCE BY PRIVATE DAM OWNERS.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO EXPAND THE AGRICULTURAL ENFORCEMENT PILOT PROGRAM TO THE ISLANDS OF KAUAI AND MAUI.

III RichardsDemocrat

URGING THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS THE LEASES AND SUBLEASES ON MAUNA KEA LANDS.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING EACH STATE AGENCY TO PROVIDE THE AFFECTED PERSON WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE TAKING ANY FINAL ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION THAT MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTS A PROTECTED LIBERTY OR PROPERTY INTEREST.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER FEE SIMPLE TITLE OWNERSHIP OF PARCELS OF LAND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY PURSUANT TO ACT 90, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2003.

III RichardsDemocrat

URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROVIDE OWNER-OCCUPANTS WITH COMPARABLY EQUIVALENT TAX DEDUCTIONS AFFORDED TO BUSINESS ENTITIES FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO PROPERTY OWNERSHIP.

Brenton AwaRepublican

URGING THE STATE TO CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGELANDS AND PASTORALISTS AND ADOPT POLICIES THAT FURTHER SUSTAIN RANGELAND HEALTH AND PASTORALIST LIVELIHOODS.

III RichardsDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO INCREASE PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS FOR DOG ATTACKS ON LIVESTOCK.

III RichardsDemocrat

URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

NOMINATING JOHN D. WAIHEʻE III FOR INDUCTION INTO THE ALOHA ORDER OF MERIT.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

REQUESTING THE CENTER FOR NURSING TO COMPILE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF RECOMMENDED SAFE PATIENT STAFFING RATIOS FOR ALL NURSING SPECIALTIES AND SUBSPECIALTIES ACROSS ALL HEALTH CARE SETTINGS AND TO MAINTAIN A REPOSITORY FOR THIS INFORMATION.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICE TO CONDUCT SEMIANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT AUDITS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS ATTACHED AGENCIES.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE DETAILING FARM-TO-SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION, LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT, REGIONAL KITCHEN ALIGNMENT, AND FEDERAL FARM-TO-SCHOOL GRANT PARTICIPATION.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TO REQUIRE COMPLETION OF COMPREHENSIVE COURSEWORK IN READING, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY AS A CONDITION FOR GRADUATION FROM ANY STATE-APPROVED EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM LEADING TO TEACHER LICENSURE.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THREE PERPETUAL, NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS COVERING PORTIONS OF STATE SUBMERGED LANDS AT WAIALAE, HONOLULU, OAHU, FOR EXISTING DRAINAGE PURPOSES, AND FOR USE, OPERATION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE EXISTING IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED THEREON.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT AN AUDIT OF NO-BID CONTRACTS ISSUED BY STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES UNDER PROCLAMATIONS DECLARING STATES OF EMERGENCY DURING THE SIX-YEAR PERIOD BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2020, AND DECEMBER 31, 2025.

Donovan M. Dela CruzDemocrat

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION TO AMEND THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND GENDER IDENTITY IN EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, EDUCATION, FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS, CREDIT, AND JURY SERVICE.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ON HOW TO PREREGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE REACHING VOTING AGE.

Chris LeeDemocrat

RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES AND THE RISKS THAT TRAFFIC-RELATED AIR POLLUTION POSES TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT TO TRANSITION TO CLEANER TRANSPORTATION CHOICES.

Chris LeeDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

Stanley ChangDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL, LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO EXPAND, EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE, AND SUSTAIN TREE-CANOPY COVERAGE ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATE WIDE.

Chris LeeDemocrat

URGING THE DIVISION OF STATE PARKS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO IMPROVE STATE PARKS, AND TO DEVELOP APPROPRIATE BRANDING AND NARRATIVES FOR PARKS, LANDMARKS, AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT PLACES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

Chris LeeDemocrat

URGING APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES TO REDEVELOP THE PALI LANES PROPERTY TO PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURE AND PROVIDE FOR MEANINGFUL RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND COMMUNITY-SERVING USES THAT BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF KAILUA AND WINDWARD OAHU.

Chris LeeDemocrat

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

Chris LeeDemocrat

URGING THE GOVERNOR TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF THE HAWAIʻI NATIONAL GUARD FROM DISCRIMINATORY FEDERAL POLICY AND PERMIT QUALIFIED TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS TO CONTINUE THEIR SERVICE.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Repeals all permissible uses of consumer fireworks by minors. Establishes civil penalties for the use and sale of consumer fireworks, including nuisance abatement proceedings and forfeiture of assets used in the commission of the illegal use or sale of consumer fireworks. Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to provide for community safety education programs. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY.

Requires an attestation or declaration regarding project labor standards, including adherence to state-approved apprenticeship programs and prevailing wage requirements, for covered large-scale renewable energy generation projects. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Accounting and General Services to hire a consultant to evaluate potential locations and designs for the Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL.

Establishes the sustainable aviation fuel import tax credit. Increases the renewable fuels production tax credit amount. Repeals the: (1) cap amount of claimable renewable fuels production tax credit; (2) requirement that the tax credit be claimed for fuels with lifecycle emissions below fossil fuels; and (3) prohibition on claiming other tax credits for the cost incurred to produce renewable fuels. Specifies that the renewable fuels production tax credit can only be claimed for fuels that meet the certain thresholds. Adds an additional tax credit value. Clarifies that a taxpayer who previously claimed a renewable fuels production tax credit may claim another one for taxable years beginning after 12/31/2024. Clarifies and expands required information in the certified statement for the tax credit. Repeals the requirement that the Hawaii State Energy Office provide the taxpayer with a determination of whether the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for each type of qualified fuel produced is lower than that of fossil fuels.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Clarifies that adjustments linked to premium interest rates for high yield credit are just and reasonable. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to include these incremental adjustments to the rate for electricity generated from nonfossil fuels. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXPLORATION.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to conduct a statewide environmental assessment for, and subsequently administer, a Geothermal Resources Characterization Program under the direction of the Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.

Establishes the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program within the Department of Human Services to assist qualifying households in paying their energy bills. Requires the Public Utilities Commission Public Benefits Fee Administrator to provide certain assistants to recipients of the program. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to establish state goals and implement projects to promote economic diversification through innovation and technology. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds to the Small Business Innovation Research Program, Manufacturing Assistance Program, and Accelerator and Small Business Training Programs. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement and develop project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Requires the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment without possibility of parole or probation for a person convicted of a sexual assault offense.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE.

Requires the Department of Health to conduct a study on the adequacy of long-term care on the island of Molokai. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.

Transfers the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs Agency from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture and codifies its establishment. Establishes a grant program to be administered by the Agency to support the funding of certain initiatives for the State's public schools. Appropriates funds for grants.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO RECYCLING.

Allows manufacturers to coordinate activities directly related to the recycling of covered electronic devices. Expands the scope of covered electronic devices to include electronic device peripherals and certain legacy devices. Requires manufacturers to provide free collection service locations and collection events.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Establishes a new gift card fraud law, under the scope of unfair and deceptive practices law, which requires merchants and third-party gift card resellers to take certain steps to prevent gift card scams. Requires the conspicuous provision of information regarding terms and conditions of gift certificates, regardless of whether the cards are sold in person, electronically, or telephonically. Extends the minimum redemption period for paper gift certificates to four years. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATED TO TOURISM.

Amends the types of occurrences for which the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board of Directors may request the Governor to declare a tourism emergency. Reduces the minimum balance to be maintained in the Tourism Emergency Special Fund through an allocation of transient accommodations tax revenues. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO A STATE HOTEL.

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority and School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to collaborate to actively plan for the design, construction, and operations and management of a state hotel. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.

Establishes the Hawaii Start-Up Business Loan Program within the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Establishes the Hawaii Start-Up Business Loan Program Special Fund. Requires DBEDT to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes one full-time equivalent business loan officer position. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER POLLUTION.

Requires a landowner in possession of ten thousand or more acres in the State to be liable for damages and fines arising from runoff originating on the land and entering into state waters. Requires the Department of Health to prioritize enforcement of water pollution control regulations in rural areas where there are existing reports of runoff and other terms of water pollution. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES.

Increases the minimum age to operate a low-speed electric bicycle from fifteen to sixteen years of age.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO ALCOHOL.

Establishes a definition of "low alcohol by volume spirits beverage". Beginning 7/1/2025, establishes a tax on low alcohol by volume spirits beverages at a rate of $1.10 per wine gallon. Takes effect 6/30/2025.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.

Requires the Research and Economic Analysis Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the impacts of the incremental minimum wage increases pursuant to Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, on businesses and other employers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Amends the definition of draft beer to mean beer in an individual container of five gallons or more.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat