Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.

Establishes the Hanai Memory Network Program within the Executive Office on Aging to create a network of dementia care specialists and support systems to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO NOISE.

Establishes restrictions on the operation of privately owned and operated refuse collection vehicles before 6:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. within 500 hundred feet of any area zoned for mixed-use or residential apartment use within the Waikiki area of the City and County of Honolulu. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO RECORDKEEPING.

Establishes recordkeeping requirements for secondhand dealers, requiring records to be retained for two years from the date of sale. Amends and standardizes recordkeeping requirements for pawnbrokers, requiring records to be retained for two years from the date of maturity. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Prohibits state and county elected officials from soliciting and accepting campaign contributions during any regular session or special session of the state legislature, including any extension of any regular session or special session or any legislative recess day, holiday, or weekend.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO WATER.

Requires the Hawaii State Energy Office to implement and administer a three-year phased Water-Energy Resilience Competitive Grant Program in the County of Maui. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Repeals 6/30/2027. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO TRESPASS.

Prohibits persons being prosecuted for or convicted of the crime of criminal trespass on agricultural land from owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

Appropriates supplemental moneys for the Judiciary for the fiscal biennium beginning 7/1/2025 and ending 6/30/2027.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE DRIVERS LICENSE REVOCATION.

Authorizes administrative drivers license revocation hearings to be conducted using interactive conference technology, including teleconference, videoconference, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) systems. Clarifies that evidence in hearings conducted via interactive conference technology may be submitted and exchanged electronically. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO AGGRAVATED CIRCUMSTANCES IN CHILD PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS.

Expands the authority of the family court in child protective proceedings to find that aggravated circumstances are present at any stage prior to the termination of parental rights, not only at the outset of the case or the return hearing. Specifies what acts of torture against a child constitute aggravated circumstances.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Prohibits state or county grantees, officers and immediate family members of state or county contractors, and officers and immediate family members of state or county grantees from contributing to candidate or noncandidate committees for the duration of the contract. Requires candidates, candidate committees, or noncandidate committees to return any unlawful contribution to the contributor within 30 calendar days of receipt. Provides that if any unlawful contribution is not returned to the contributor within 30 calendar days, the unlawful contribution shall escheat to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

Establishes a three-year Homelessness Sanctuary Pilot Program to be administered by the Coordinator on Homelessness, in coordination with the Department of Human Services and the City and County of Honolulu, on designated land for the pilot program, which shall serve as a safe location for unhoused primary caregivers and children under the age of eighteen to reside and access services. Requires the Coordinator on Homelessness and the Coordinator's partner agencies to provide certain facilities and services to the designated location. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE SURCHARGE TAX.

Requires the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax to be prorated if the vehicle is rented or leased for fewer than six hours of a day.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE ORDERS FOR PROTECTION.

Removes the requirement that requests to withhold from public inspection the petition record of a denied temporary restraining order or denied protective order be made orally.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.

Increases the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all state and county elective offices. Amends section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), by increasing the maximum amount of public funds available for each election for candidates (1) for Mayor of the County of Kauai and the County of Maui by 125%; (2) for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs from $1,500 to 10% of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d), HRS; and (3) for candidates for all other offices by 50%. Amends section 11-429(a), HRS, by increasing the amounts of qualifying contributions for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs from more than $1,500 in the aggregate to more than $5,000 in the aggregate. Provides a downward adjustment of the amounts of qualifying contributions for the Office of Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii, and County of Kauai and for the Office of County Council for the County of Maui. Provides for an unspecified appropriation to pay for the increase in the partial public financing program. Provides for an appropriation in the amount of $200,000 for the Commission to hire 2 additional staff members.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.

Clarifies an association board’s authority with respect to calling and authorizing electronic meetings, electronic voting at electronic meetings, electronic voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting.

Karl RhoadsDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Establishes an annual vehicle registration surcharge for vehicles having a hood height greater than 40 inches for deposit into the safe routes to school program special fund.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

Allows a retirant to be employed without reenrollment in the Employees' Retirement System and without loss or interruption of benefits if the retirant is employed in a position identified as one needed for succession planning. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE FINANCING.

Establishes a joint legislative Long-Term Care Financing Advisory Commission to examine the feasibility of different financing options for long-term care services and supports. Permits the Commission, through the Legislative Reference Bureau, to contract for services of a part-time project director and prepare proposals for contracts for consultants to support the work of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle equipped with an engine brake in certain areas. Prohibits motor vehicles that tow a vehicle or trailer from driving in the far left lane on any roadway that has three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction in a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more, with certain exceptions. Establishes penalties.

Sharon Y. MoriwakiDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to develop an alternative pathway for a visiting international educator permit aligned to the duration of the educator's J-1 visa program. Repeals 6/30/2031.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Amends section 11-364, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to provide that an excess contribution of more than $100 in cash, in the aggregate, from a single person during an election period to a candidate, candidate committee, or noncandidate committee shall escheat to the Hawaii election campaign fund if not returned to the contributor within 30 days.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO VETERANS.

Repeals the 6/30/27 deadline by which the Maui State Veterans Home must be assimilated into a state agency having a Maui affiliation. Requires the transfer of the Maui State Veterans Home to be completed as soon as practicable. (SD1)

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT.

Amends the definition of "development" as it pertains to coastal zone management to clarify that certain activities excluded from the definition of "development" are not subject to special management area permit requirements.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires the Department of Education to give reasonable consideration to making all or portions of the facilities of a public school available to housing development for certain employees of the Department when closing the public school. Requires the Department of Education to identify unused public school facilities that may be appropriate for employee housing and inventory suitable grounds available upon public school closure for potential development of employee housing.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO YOUTH PENALTIES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Encourages the use of community service and other programs that employ aina-based principles. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model. Requires an expedited approval process by the Governor and Legislature. Appropriates moneys.

Troy N. HashimotoDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Increases the procurement thresholds for small purchases. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO ISLAND BURIAL COUNCILS.

Establishes stipends for certain Island Burial Council members. Amends section 6E-43.5, Hawaii Revised Statues, relating to quorum and compensation.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO RENT STABILIZATION.

Establishes a statewide 3% annual limit on rent increases under chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Prohibits rent increases during the first 12 months of a tenancy and requires notice and certification for exempt properties.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LAND USE COMMISSION.

Amends the composition of the Land Use Commission to require at least one member who has substantial experience and expertise in water resource management. Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to submit a list of nominees to the Governor for the appointment of a commission member having substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian land usage and knowledge of cultural land practices.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM COLLECTION.

Prohibits the capture and sale of aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes, regardless of the method of collection.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO PROHIBIT DESTRUCTIVE LIVE-FIRE MILITARY TRAINING ON PUBLIC LANDS.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit destructive live-fire military training on State public trust lands.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE CAMPAIGN SPENDING COMMISSION.

Adjusts the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission's Executive Director and Associate Director to align with similar government officials who have compliance and enforcement responsibilities. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Amends section 11-357, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), to prohibit state and county elected officials as defined in section 11-342(d), HRS, from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions during any Regular Session or Special Session of the state Legislature, including any extension of any Regular Session or Special Session or any legislative recess day, holiday, or weekend.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CONDOMINIUM RESERVES.

Requires a detailed budget summary to contain all required information without referring the reader to other portions of the budget or reserve study. Excludes the good faith defense for associations whose boards adopt a budget that omits the required detailed budget summary. Clarifies a unit owner's standing and the association's burden of proving substantial compliance. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Amends section 11-364, HRS, to provide that an excess contribution of more than $100 in cash, in the aggregate, from a single person during an election period to a candidate, candidate committee, or noncandidate committee shall escheat to the Hawaii election campaign fund if not returned to the contributor within 30 days.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.

Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.

Appropriates moneys as a grant-in-aid to the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Information Technology to upgrade the driver's license and motor vehicle application systems.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

Reestablishes the cesspool upgrade, conversion, or connection income tax credit. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSING.

Requires that state and county firefighters exempt from commercial driver licensure be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy for employees that is equivalent to, or exceeds the provisions of, the safety and health standards established by the United States Department of Transportation for holders of commercial driver's licenses.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Housing and Land Management and Department of Design and Construction of the City and County of Honolulu as grants-in-aid to comply with the requirements of Act 206, SLH 2017, and Act 210, SLH 2018. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPTION OF COUNTY POSITIONS.

Exempts positions of a county Housing and Community Development Office or Department from civil service laws.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HABITUAL VIOLENT CRIME.

Amends Act 213, SLH 2024, by repealing its sunset date and requiring the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit a one-time report to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2031. Requires the Department of the Attorney General, in consultation with the Criminal Justice Research Institute, to submit ongoing annual reports to the Legislature. (SD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

Clarifies that the importation of any pest or material infested or infected with an insect or other animal, disease, or pest is prohibited. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administratively inspect any article imported or moved into the State from the continental United States or between the Hawaiian Islands. Prohibits the sale, barter, or donation of items or material that is a pest, is infested or infected with a pest, or prohibited from being sold. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to compel the quarantine, treatment, or destruction of certain materials. Clarifies penalties for various quarantine and import law violations, based in part on whether violations were knowingly committed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

Includes recklessly causing serious or substantial bodily injury to a law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of duty as the offense of assault against a law enforcement officer in the first degree. Increases penalties for the offense of assault against a law enforcement officer in the first degree. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Authorizes each county that has established a surcharge on state tax before 7/1/2015 to extend the surcharge until 12/31/2045 at the same rates if the county does so before 1/1/2028. Provides that no county surcharge on state tax authorized for a county that has not established a surcharge on state tax before 7/1/2015, shall be levied before 1/1/2019 or after 12/31/2045. Repeals certain conditions on the use of surcharges received from the State for counties having a population equal to or less than 500,000 that adopt a county surcharge on state tax.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Establishes a gradient penalty structure for the offense of hindering prosecution in the first degree, based on the level of offense hindered. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Adds new preferences for state and county employees to the eligibility criteria for housing development programs administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Clarifies the Corporation's authority to adopt rules and determine the order of applicant preferences.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FAMILY.

Exempts, under certain circumstances, parties alleging domestic abuse from participating in mediation during paternity or divorce proceedings.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE CONVEYANCE TAX.

Establishes the Homeless Services Special Fund. Allows counties to apply for matching funds from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund for certain housing projects. Increases the conveyance tax rates for certain properties. Establishes conveyance tax rates for multifamily residential properties. Establishes new exemptions to the conveyance tax. Allocates collected conveyance taxes to the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund, Homeless Services Special Fund, and Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Amends allocations to the Land Conservation Fund and Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat