Bills & Legislation

URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO REASSESS PRIOR DETERMINATIONS AND CLOSURE DECISIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT IN LIGHT OF EVOLVING SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND RECENT FEDERAL HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DESIGNATIONS.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESILIENCE TO SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S SECONDARY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAM AND THE FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA PROGRAM.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO DEVELOP, PUBLISH, AND PERIODICALLY UPDATE PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS REGARDING RADIOFREQUENCY ENERGY EXPOSURE FROM CELLULAR TOWERS.

Mike GabbardDemocrat

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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 TAXATION.

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

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO LIQUOR LICENSES.

Increases the liquor manufacturing limits for Class 18 small craft producer pub license holders.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR.

Defines low alcohol by volume spirits beverages. Establishes lower tax rates for class 18 small craft producer pub licensees, including for low alcohol by volume spirits beverages.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FIFTEENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the 15th senatorial district.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO FOSTER CARE.

Prohibits the Department of Human Services from using any social security income payments, including supplemental income payments it receives on behalf of a child under foster custody of the Department to cover the cost of foster care services. Requires the Department of Human Services to deposit all social security income payments received on behalf of a child under foster custody of the Department into a savings account that shall be made accessible to the child when the child leaves foster care custody.

Glenn WakaiDemocrat

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Requires and appropriates funds to pay salary differentials to English language educators as an incentive to attract and retain these educators. Appropriates funds.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine products and the mislabeling of e-liquids as nicotine free. Establishes penalties for violations. Authorizes the Department of Health to appoint, commission, or contract for services of inspectors. Establishes two full-time equivalent program specialist positions and one full-time equivalent hearing officer position. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2026.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO INSURANCE.

Beginning 1/1/2026, requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and health plans under the State's Medicaid managed care program to provide coverage for biomarker testing.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO TEACHER LOANS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a teacher loan forgiveness program to assist in the payment of loans for teachers who commit to teaching in the Hawaii public school system. Appropriates funds.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.

Requires the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the counties of the State, to establish a 1-year unregistered motor vehicle amnesty pilot program to encourage motor vehicle registration and mandate the surrender or impoundment of unregistered motor vehicles after the expiration of the program. Appropriates moneys.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO TOWING.

In addition to the current requirement that towing companies allow individuals to pay by cash, credit card, or debit card, requires towing companies to have an on-site automatic teller machine. Specifies that a towing company cannot charge for tows if noncompliant.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Requires Medicaid and private insurance coverage for intravenous ketamine therapy to treat depression. Appropriates moneys.

Kurt FevellaRepublican

RELATING TO RAW MILK.

Authorizes and decriminalizes the sale of raw milk, raw milk products, and raw milk dairy products directly from producers to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain restrictions. Authorizes the direct sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption. Establishes labeling requirements. Requires the Board of Agriculture and Department of Health to adopt rules no later than 7/1/2026.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Establishes the Health Infrastructure Grant Program within the Department of Health, to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to support health information technology infrastructure and the implementation of interoperable health information technologies in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Ryan White HIV/AIDs program centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers. Appropriates funds for the grant program.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS.

Authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to establish traffic cameras and issue a citation by mail for certain violations of traffic-related laws. Establishes that intentional destruction or damage to a traffic camera is a class C felony.

Brandon J.C. ElefanteDemocrat

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Allows a patient seen in-person by another health care provider in the same medical group as the prescribing physician to be prescribed an opiate prescription for a three-day supply or less via telehealth.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat

RELATING TO HOSPITALS.

Establishes the State's Hospital Price Transparency Act. Prohibits hospitals from taking certain debt collection actions against a patient if the hospital is not in compliance with hospital price transparency laws. Allows patients and patient guarantors to file suit against hospitals in violation. Requires hospitals to make public and post their Medicare reimbursement rates no later than 10/1/25 and deems violations as an unfair and deceptive act or practice. Requires the Department of Health to conduct performance assessments of hospitals for adherence to federal transparency rules annually and make a list of hospitals with poor performance available on its website no later than 2/1/2026. Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules.

Joy A. San BuenaventuraDemocrat