Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.

Extends the State's deadline to achieve its energy-efficiency portfolio standards target from 2030 to 2045 and updates the standards. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish interim goals for electricity use reduction to be achieved by 2025, 2035, and 2040. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the 2030 and 2045 standard and interim standards.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MONEY TRANSMITTERS MODERNIZATION ACT.

Aligns the State's Money Transmitters Modernization Act with the Model Money Transmitters Modernization Act, thereby enabling Hawaii to work within a network of states to license, supervise, and examine transglobal money transmission companies as a multistate system; adopts nationwide standards that provide clarity and consistency in calculating the tangible net worth of licensees; ensures that licensees have sufficient financial resources to conduct their business in a safe and sound manner; and promotes efficiency throughout the licensing process.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.

Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to certain individuals with a print disability.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INTEREST ON INSURANCE PROCEEDS RELATED TO A MORTGAGE LOAN.

Requires licensed mortgage servicers and financial institutions to pay interest on insurance proceeds held for the benefit of consumers. Provides that a fee shall not be charged to the borrower in connection with the maintenance or disbursement of interest earned from interest-bearing accounts. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FUNDING ADJUSTMENTS FOR STATE PROGRAMS.

Makes emergency appropriations and commensurate reductions to pay for anticipated operating shortfalls in the fourth quarter due to the limited ability to transfer funds between programs.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

MAKING EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL COSTS.

Makes emergency appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Judiciary for payroll and fringe benefits of affected Department of Law Enforcement personnel. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO LONG DURATION CLEAN ENERGY STORAGE.

Renames the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen Program to the Hawaii Renewable Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Program (Program). Amends the required activities of the Program, including conducting engineering and economic evaluations of potential locations for long duration clean energy storage and pumped storage hydroelectric projects. Renames the Hydrogen Investment Special Fund to the Hydrogen and Long Duration Clean Energy Storage Investment Capital Special Fund. Effective 5/13/2040. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO IRONWORKERS.

Prohibits any person from disassembling, dismantling, or demolishing iron projects unless the person has completed an apprenticeship program for ironworkers approved and registered with the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations. Establishes penalties. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to adopt rules.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO THE CENTER FOR CULTURAL AND TECHNICAL INTERCHANGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, INC.

Designates the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc., as the State of Hawaii Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc. Authorizes General Fund appropriations exempt from the requirements of chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the State of Hawaii Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, Inc.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO INTEGRATED LAND USE.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct an integrated land use study for the use of lands within the agricultural districts. Establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) planner position. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE GREENHOUSE GAS SEQUESTRATION TASK FORCE.

Repeals the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE STADIUM AUTHORITY.

Clarifies requirements to establish a quorum to do business and validate acts of the Stadium Authority. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO LAND USE.

Authorizes county petition process for review and approval of land use district boundary amendments based on adopted county general plans or county development plans.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Authorizes the use of county surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure in counties having a population of 500,000 or less. Authorizes counties that have previously adopted a surcharge on state tax ordinance after July 1, 2015, to amend the uses of the surcharge. Extends the period within which a county with a population of 500,000 or less may collect a surcharge on state tax, under certain conditions, to 12/31/2047. Authorizes cost-sharing with private or other public developers for housing infrastructure projects funded by surcharge revenues. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

Repeals the provision authorizing farm dwellings and farm employee housing on important agricultural lands, amends the provision for priority permit processing to include farm cluster housing, and adopts a new provision establishing farm cluster housing to incentivize the designation of lands as important agricultural lands pursuant to chapter 205, HRS.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE LAND STUDY BUREAU SOIL RATING SYSTEM.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in coordination with other agencies, to update the soil data used in the land study bureau soil rating system and create a mechanism for regular soil data updates. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Increases the cap for awards to assist businesses applying for the Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Program of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Adds purchasing of renewable energy systems as an eligible expense and clarifies that training on both new and existing manufacturing equipment is an eligible expense for the Manufacturing Development Grant Program. Clarifies that no tax credit is available for renewable energy systems purchased with a grant received under the Manufacturing Development Grant Program.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Creates a mixed-income rental housing subaccount under the Rental Housing Revolving Fund which shall make loans to mixed-income rental projects or units in a mixed-income rental project. Authorizes the transfer of moneys from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund Mixed-Income Subaccount.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Authorizes the Hawaii Community Development Authority to cooperate with or assist public and private sector entities to engage in projects that improve the State. Establishes the transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement program. Repeals the transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement district and board, under chapter 206E, part X, HRS. Makes additional consistent revisions to chapter 206E.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND.

Makes the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program permanent. Allows partial or full repayment of Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund interim loans in the form of unit equity through the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Program.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEWS OF STATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to determine the effect of any proposed State affordable housing project within ninety days of a request for determination. Sets forth the historic review requirements based on the project area's known historic, cultural, and archaeological resources.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Defines the term "agricultural tourism" and includes it in the definition of "enterprise" to authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support farming businesses engaged in agricultural tourism. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Adopts the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act (2023), as modified, to replace existing chapters related to advance health care directives and advance mental health care directives. (CD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Establishes an adjudication system and procedures to process fireworks infractions. Amends multiple definitions and penalties for fireworks offenses, including heightened penalties if another person suffers substantial bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death as a result of the fireworks offenses. Establishes various criminal offenses and penalties related to fireworks or articles pyrotechnics. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM OVERSIGHT COMMISSION.

Beginning July 1, 2025, extends the term of the Oversight Coordinator for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. Clarifies that the Oversight Coordinator has the general authority to inspect agencies and correctional facilities without notice. (SD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CONTENTS OF CITATIONS.

Clarifies that the omission of certain information or any error in a citation does not constitute ground for dismissal of a charge or for reversal of a conviction, if the omission or error did not prejudice the defendant.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO COURT-ORDERED PAYMENTS.

Requires the Judiciary to contract with a collection agency or licensed attorney to collect delinquent court-ordered fees, fines, sanctions, and court costs. Repeals the authority of the Judiciary to contract with a collection agency or licensed attorney to collect delinquent restitution. Expressly allows courts to specify a period of time or installments for payment of fees and restitution. Requires district courts to hold payment compliance hearings once per year or as soon as practicable, until all fees, fines, and restitution are fully paid, and requires a defendant in district court to appear and show cause if the defendant fails to pay in full within a time specified by the court or fails to pay three consecutive installments. Makes conforming amendments to related statutes. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS RELATED TO THE MAUI WILDFIRES.

Establishes the Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund to be administered by the Attorney General. Appropriates funds to fund the settlement of claims related to the 2023 Maui wildfires. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO FIREARMS REPORTING.

Amends the annual reporting requirements imposed on the Department of the Attorney General and the chief of police of each county regarding licenses to carry firearms.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO ABOLITION OF JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IN HIGHWAY-RELATED CIVIL ACTIONS.

Abolishes joint and several liability for government entities in claims and cases relating to the maintenance and design of highways. Makes government entities liable only for the percentage share of the damages actually attributable. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND MORALS.

Clarifies and updates the sex trafficking and promoting prostitution criminal offense statutes by clarifying the definition of "profits from prostitution" and making technical and other housekeeping amendments. (HD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO SOLICITATION OF FUNDS FROM THE PUBLIC.

Revises registration, fee, reporting, and enforcement requirements for charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities with chapter 467B, HRS, requirements. Removes duplication of registration, fee, and reporting requirements for charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF PROMOTING PORNOGRAPHY FOR MINORS.

Authorizes the offense of Promoting Pornography for Minors to be instituted by written information.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE STATE, ITS OFFICERS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES.

Makes appropriations and approves payments for claims against the State, its officers, and its employees. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS.

Deletes the term "agent of the contractor" in sections 28-17 and 846-2.7, HRS. Clarifies that contractors, contractor's employees, and subcontractors who have access to federal tax information held by the Department of the Attorney General may be subject to fingerprint-based background checks. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PLANS.

Removes outdated requirements for plans filed with the registrar's office; updates the statutory fee schedule to reflect those adopted in chapter 40 of title 3, HAR; grants additional discretion to the Department of Accounting and General Services to approve the format of plans; and updates permissible drawing scales used in plans. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Establishes a Procurement Automation System Special Fund. Designates the Executive Director of the School Facilities Authority as the Chief Procurement Officer for the School Facilities Authority. Effective 1/1/2491. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PESTICIDE USE REVOLVING FUND.

Increases the ceiling of the pesticide use revolving fund. Effective July 1, 2025.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.

Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, during a debriefing requested by a non-selected offeror. Authorizes the disclosure of a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score after a protest is resolved and the contract is executed.

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS.

Updates the Agricultural Loan Program by lowering interest rates, increasing and standardizing loan limits, and reducing the number of credit denials. Authorizes the Program to issue lines of credit. Creates a new class of loans to encourage large scale agriculture of import replacement crops grown for the Farm to State Program. Appropriates funds into and out of the Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund. (SD1)

Ronald D. KouchiDemocrat

RELATING TO AIR POLLUTION.

Requires owners or operators of waste combustion facilities to develop a plan to implement continuous monitoring and sampling technologies at each combustion unit to monitor and sample for certain air contaminants. Requires a publicly available website hosted by the Department of Health to track and display the data collected on the air contaminants. Requires the Department of Health to adjust permit limits for air contaminants based on the data collected. Requires annual reports to the Legislature.

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION.

Establishes conditions under which archaeological inventory surveys and reconnaissance surveys are required. Establishes conditions under which archaeological permits may be issued and revoked and the practice of archaeology may be temporarily revoked. Modifies the composition and operations of island burial councils. Modifies procedures upon the inadvertent discovery of burial sites. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Jarrett KeohokaloleDemocrat

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 THE AQUACULTURE INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.

For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2025, establishes a 5-year aquaculture investment tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualifying investment costs relating to qualified aquaculture businesses. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Lorraine R. InouyeDemocrat

RELATING TO TOURISM.

Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to establish and implement projects to assist small businesses related to the tourism sector with technology enablement. Requires HTDC to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO VEGETATIVE BURNING.

Prohibits the Department of Health from issuing permits for commercial burning of green waste products in residential areas or within one thousand feet of a residential property.

Lynn DeCoiteDemocrat

RELATING TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

Requires all playgrounds located in state and county parks and on public school grounds to include special needs recreational playground equipment as part of the recreational apparatuses by 6/30/2027, including at a minimum a wheelchair accessible swing set. Establishes the Special Needs Recreational Playground Equipment Special Fund. Appropriates funds.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO SHIPPING CONTAINER LICENSING.

Establishes within the Department of Transportation the container licensing program to mitigate the influx of illegal contraband into the State. Imposes a nominal licensing fee of $1 per container. Subjects all containers entering the State to inspections and authorizes the seizure of contraband.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Provides the amount of recovery for tenants who prevail in civil suits for a landlord's violation of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code concerning a dwelling unit within an area that was a federally declared disaster area as of 8/8/2023. Provides for reasonable attorneys' fees and recovery for the cost of the suit. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

Establishes the Department of Environmental Protection. Renames the Department of Health as the Department of Community Health. Renames the Department of Human Services as the Department of Healthcare Services. Administratively attaches the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to the Department of Healthcare Services. Transfers certain responsibilities between departments.

Angus L.K. McKelveyDemocrat