Bills & Legislation

RELATING TO ELECTRIC ENERGY.

Requires all electric utilities to provide transparent customer bill impact analyses that are accessible to the public in an electronic format reasonably usable by ratepayers. Establishes requirements for bill impact analyses. Requires electric utilities to submit annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

Clarifies that, for electric utilities, "performance-based incentives" include revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, rewards for superior performance, and penalties for subpar performance. Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to adopt alternative ratemaking procedures to establish electric utility rates and performance-based incentives. Requires the Commission to apply a presumption in favor of considering historical cost trends and external indices that reflect incentives to control costs if the Commission resets an electric utility's allowed revenues based on consideration of the utility's costs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline or on highly porous soils to include denitrification capacity. Requires the Department of Health to reduce requirements for disposal systems connected to wastewater systems with denitrification capacity. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nicole E. LowenDemocrat

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL GRANT ADMINISTRATION.

Establishes the Agricultural Grant Program and Agricultural Grant Revolving Fund for the purposes of grant application, execution, reporting, and auditing to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Appropriates funds out of the Agricultural Grant Revolving Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO RECORDS.

Removes outdated requirements and formats for plans filed with the registrar's office. Updates permissible drawing scales used in plans. Clarifies that statutory filing fees are set pursuant to the rules adopted by the Department of Accounting and General Services. Repeals obsolete terms such as "blueprint." Authorizes the Department of Accounting and General Services to approve the format of plans.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

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.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPT POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES.

Permanently exempts certain positions within the Public Works Division, Special Project Branch, and the Comptroller's Office from state civil service law. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

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. (SD2)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND MORALS.

Clarifies and updates the sex trafficking and promoting prostitution criminal offense statutes by refining the definition of "profits from prostitution," establishing an affirmative defense to these offenses for certain lawful transactions, and making technical and other housekeeping amendments.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THEFT.

Requires a mandatory twelve-month minimum sentence of incarceration for a conviction of theft in the first degree when the value of the property or services stolen exceeds $250,000, whether imposed as a mandatory minimum sentence for an indeterminate term of imprisonment or as a condition of probation, in addition to any other authorized disposition such as restitution or a fine.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RETENTION OF BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE.

Specifies the types of cases in which evidence must be retained post-conviction and the process by which evidence may be disposed of earlier than the standard period of retention, which includes a procedure for defendants to oppose the disposal of biological evidence by filing an objection with the court.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

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. Clarifies the collection and prioritization of court-ordered fees, fines, and restitution. Establishes procedures for proof of compliance hearings and consequences for nonpayment. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

Permanently exempts specified positions of the Department of the Attorney General and its administratively attached Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission from civil service and for certain positions from collective bargaining. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT.

Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

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.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION.

Requires the Director of Law Enforcement to adopt rules establishing training and certification standards and procedures for crisis intervention officers. Clarifies the scope of treatment allowable under orders for assisted community treatment. Requires the Department of the Attorney general to assist with the preparation, filing, and presentation of any request for a court or administrative order authorizing treatment over the objection of certain patients.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PERSONNEL.

Updates state position titles by changing "private secretary" to "executive assistant" and "secretary" to "administrative assistant," where applicable.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Makes the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program permanent, with modifications. Repeals the sunset date for Act 92, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

Clarifies the Rental Housing Revolving Fund statute by defining "mixed-income rental projects" to establish consistent eligibility and use of appropriations for mixed-income rental housing projects. Clarifies that mixed-income rental projects are primarily for households at or below one-hundred-forty per cent of the area median income, allowing participation by higher-income households. Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to transfer funds between the Rental Housing Revolving Fund into the mixed-income subaccount to support eligible mixed-income projects, without legislative approval. Repeals the sunset date in Act 159, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, thereby making these provisions permanent. Requires a report to the Legislature.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO A PROGRAM TO CHARACTERIZE THE POTENTIAL OF UNDERGROUND ENERGY RESOURCES STATEWIDE.

Establishes the Underground Energy Resource Characterization Program to identify the location and characteristics of underground energy resources through the use of slim-hole bores and requires a related environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

Requires disclosure of the names of compensated officers of state and county contractors and grantees. Prohibits the compensated officers of certain state and county contractors and grantees from making, promising, or soliciting certain campaign contributions for the duration of the contract or grant. Provides that, for contributions received through a third-party payment processor website, whether received by check or directly deposited to the candidate or noncandidate committee, the date the contributor executes the transaction on the third-party payment processor website shall be deemed the date of receipt and the date of acceptance for campaign finance reporting and compliance requirements. Clarifies that monetary contributions and other campaign funds shall be deposited within 14 days of their physical receipt in a depository institution. Requires unlawful contributions to be returned to the contributor within 30 calendar days of receipt or escheat to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. Clarifies that where a violation of the prohibition against contributions and expenditures by lobbyists during legislative session occurs because of the acceptance or agreement to accept a prohibited contribution, and the contribution is by check, the date of violation shall be the date of the receipt of the check and not the date of deposit. Appropriates moneys. (SD3)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

Requires notification to the security forces of each branch of the military when a protective order is issued in a case involving a military-affiliated individual. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Expands the allowable uses of Hawaii Technology Development Corporation grant funds to include providing grants to applicants for qualifying federal research and development awards and matching funds for recipients of those awards and related contracts.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII FILM STUDIO.

Provides an exemption to dispositions of lands set aside for film studio and film studio operation from prior approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources pursuant to section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, thus streamlining the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's use of the Hawaii film studio for filming activity and other film-related business in order to more efficiently develop Hawaii's film, media, and creative industries.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE HAWAII FILM AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL FUND.

Expands the funding sources of the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to include reveneues received by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism from managing the Hawaii Film Studio.

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO FILM PRODUCTION.

Adds the marketing and promotion of film productions filmed in the State as a power of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE MOTION PICTURE, DIGITAL MEDIA, AND FILM PRODUCTION INCOME TAX CREDIT.

Increases the qualified production credit from twenty-two per cent to twenty-seven per cent in any county of the State with a population of over seven hundred thousand and twenty-seven per cent to thirty-two per cent in any county of the State with a population of less than seven hundred thousand. Lifts the per production cap of $17,000,000 for productions with qualified expenditures of $60,000,000 per project. Increases the annual cap to $60,000,000 from $50,000,000 for the total amount of the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit allowed under section 235-17, HRS, and extends the sunset date of the tax credit to January 1, 2038. Clarifies and amends the requirement for an independent third-party certification and expands the definition of "qualified production" to include streaming platforms for the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit. Includes a definition of "streaming platform".

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO THE DOWNPAYMENT LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Amends the Downpayment Loan Assistance Program by: removing the prohibition on combined loan-to-value ratios; clarifying the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation's authority to establish interest rates and allow payment waivers and interest forgiveness; authorizing financial institutions, mortgage lenders, and other loan originators to originate downpayment loans; and reducing the borrower's required personal contribution toward the downpayment. Authorizes borrowers to use a portion of a downpayment loan to pay for closing costs, prepaids, and reserves for the purchase of the residential property for which the downpayment loan is provided. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

MAKING EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

Makes emergency appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of bargaining units (1) and (10) and their excluded counterparts to resolve issues related to temporary hazard pay for fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

MAKING EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT COST ITEMS.

Makes emergency appropriations for collective bargaining cost items for the members of bargaining unit (11) and their excluded counterparts, including the cost of salary adjustments negotiated between the State and the bargaining unit representative for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Nadine K. NakamuraDemocrat

RELATING TO AMBULANCES.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in central Maui, fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel, and increase the predictability and stability of available air ambulance services for all islands in the State. Effective 1/31/2050. (SD1)

Justin H. WoodsonDemocrat

RELATING TO TAXATION.

Repeals the sunset date of Act 163, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

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.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO FOOD PRICING.

Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study on how other states regulate price gouging of food products.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO COUNTIES.

Requires a county with a population of 500,000 or more to adopt ordinances to implement park maintenance standard prioritization. Imposes a fine for incompliant parks after three months. Authorizes DLNR to take action and be reimbursed by the county for costs incurred. Appropriates funds.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO SCHOOLS.

Requires public schools with elementary students to allow faculty and staff to provide time and space each day for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Hawaii Ponoi.

David Alcos IIIRepublican

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

Requires, rather than authorizes, the Department of Education to develop and administer a Traffic Safety Education Program. Requires the Department of Education's Traffic Safety Education program to include electric bicycles. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

REYES ODA

RELATING TO VOTING BOARDS.

Appropriates funds to implement an electronic voting board system in the chamber of the House of Representatives. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

REYES ODA

RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the Judiciary to develop, implement, and administer an automated court appearance reminder system that generates text message or electronic mail notifications for upcoming court appearances in certain types of cases. Requires persons making an arrest or issuing a citation to obtain, to the extent practicable, the offender's mobile telephone number and electronic mail address. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

REYES ODA

RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE.

Requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a study to recommend legislation to address the issue of long-term care facility closures. Requires reporting.

REYES ODA

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE ANALYST.

Requires the office of the legislative analyst to produce fiscal notes on all fiscal bills. Prohibits a committee from making a decision on a fiscal bill without a fiscal note. Mandates that fiscal notes be made available to the public. Appropriates funds.

REYES ODA

RELATING TO LAWMAKER SAFETY.

Prohibits the public disclosure of legislators' personal contact information in a voter's affidavit of registration, nomination papers, and electronic database for campaign committees. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO SPORTS OFFICIALS.

Authorizes the Department of Education to retain private counsel to represent a sports official in certain civil proceedings to obtain a temporary restraining order in response to incidences where the sports official has been assaulted or threatened in the course of legally discharging their sports official duties. Includes substantial bodily injury of a sports official engaged in the lawful discharge of the sports official's duties in the offense of assault in the first degree. Clarifies that a sports official includes a school administrator, league administrator, or athletics director. Clarifies that a sports official's duties cover sports events at public schools and private schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

Clarifies driver's obligations at crosswalks. Requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks. Strengthens penalties for traffic violations, particularly in school zones. Creates additional criminal penalties when pedestrians suffer bodily injury. Provides heightened protections for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

Prohibits health care facilities, health care providers, and emergency medical services from furnishing medical debt to a consumer credit reporting agency. Prohibits consumer credit reporting agencies from reporting or maintaining medical debt information in the file on a consumer. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires landlords or landlord's agents to accept comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports, if made available by an applicant, and prohibits application fees in such cases. Establishes remedies for refusing to accept those reports. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

LA CHICA

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FUNDING.

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Board of Education disclosing the moneys the Department allocated in the prior year to department schools and department administration.

Elijah PierickRepublican

RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS.

Requires the Department of Transportation to create and maintain an electronic dashboard on its website disclosing the costs, status, and expected timeline for completion of each current construction state project in excess of $1,000,000 involving state roads or highways.

Elijah PierickRepublican