OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
THIRTY-THIRD STATE LEGISLATURE
COMMITTEE REFERRALS
_______________________________________________________________________________________
NO. 16
25th LEGISLATIVE DAY-March 10, 2026
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Committee Abbreviations:
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CAA - Culture & Arts |
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CPC - Consumer Protection & Commerce |
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ECD - Economic Development & Technology |
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EDN - Education |
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EEP - Energy & Environmental Protection |
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FIN - Finance |
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HED - Higher Education |
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HLT - Health |
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HSG - Housing |
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HSH - Human Services & Homelessness |
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JHA - Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
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LAB - Labor |
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LMG - Legislative Management |
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PBS - Public Safety |
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TOU - Tourism |
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TRN - Transportation |
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WAL - Water & Land |
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Committee |
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REFERRAL
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RELATING TO OUTDOOR ADVERTISING. Increases the penalties for any person who violates the State's laws relating to the display of billboards or any outdoor advertising device. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA |
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RELATING TO CONSERVATION BANKING. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources and certain public or private entities to operate conservation banks, subject to approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources, for situations where a person or entity is required to provide compensatory mitigation to offset adverse impacts to threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed species as part of an approved incidental take license and habitat conservation plan. Adds the associate director of the United States Geological Survey, Ecosystem Mission Area, to the membership of the Endangered Species Recovery Committee. Requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to review applications and proposals for conservation banks and conduct subsequent reviews and oversight. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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EEP, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT. Requires the Director of Human Resources Development to abolish vacant positions within state departments and agencies under its jurisdiction that have been vacant for more than 5 years with certain exceptions. Requires a list of positions abolished to be included in the Director's annual report to the Legislature. Requires funds for abolished positions to immediately lapse to the credit of the appropriate fund. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY. Repeals the Land Court. Transfers functions of the Land Court to the Bureau of Conveyances. Establishes a working group to recommend the implementation of specific reforms to effectively eliminate the Land Court. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO CHIROPRACTIC. Beginning 7/1/2028, allows chiropractic students enrolled in a qualified chiropractic college to engage in clinical practice as part of their college instruction if directly supervised by a qualified licensed chiropractor. Requires the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic to adopt rules. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
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HED, CPC |
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RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS. Requires the Civil Rights Commission to establish a twenty-four hour intake helpline for individuals to submit reports of harms from federal deployments in the State. Requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile an annual report and hold an annual public hearing on data obtained through the helpline. Requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile and submit to the Legislature, and post on its website, a monthly preliminary report on data obtained through the helpline. Appropriates funds to establish an unspecified number of Civil Rights Investigator, Data Analyst, and Program Manager positions within the Civil Rights Commission. Appropriates funds for the Civil Rights Commission to contract with Aloha United Way to implement the twenty-four hour intake helpline and for website and data development costs. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
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JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO STATE FACILITIES. Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility to be deposited into the Stadium Development Special Fund. Authorizes the display of the name of any entity that leased the naming rights to a stadium operated by the Stadium Authority on the exterior of the stadium. Exempts concessions within the Stadium Facility from chapter 102, HRS. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT. Requires purchasing agencies to apply a local preference in evaluating bids or proposals from qualified Hawaii bidders or offerors who submit a timely preference certification. Establishes criteria for a bid or proposal to qualify for a local preference. Establishes requirements for the qualification and certification of Hawaii bidders and offerors. Authorizes the false or misleading actions for the obtaining or retaining of a Hawaii bidder or offeror preference to constitute cause for debarment. Allows the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules. Effective 7/1/2525. (SD1)
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ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Establishes a PFAS Working Group within the Department of Health to investigate the existence and environmental dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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EEP, HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE. Establishes statewide goals for solid waste reduction and organic waste diversion. Requires each county to incorporate into its next integrated solid waste management plan revision a plan to reduce all organic waste produced within the county by facilities generating more than a specified amount of organic waste per year in alignment with established state benchmarks. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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EEP, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Authorizes the Adjutant General to expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified enlisted personnel in the Hawaii National Guard.
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PBS, HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS. Establishes a Traffic Fines Task Force that will examine the Finnish tiered traffic fines system, determine whether a similar system could be implemented in the State, and provide recommendations as to how a system could best be implemented. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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TRN, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO REVOLVING DOOR RESTRICTIONS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES. Prohibits new state employees from taking official action on matters they worked on before state employment. Prohibits former permanent employees of the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor from representing persons or businesses for a period of 12 months after termination from state employment.
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LAB, JHA |
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RELATING TO POLITICAL FUNDRAISING BY EXECUTIVE BRANCH EMPLOYEES. Prohibits any Executive Branch employee who is nominated or appointed by the Governor to a compensated position subject to confirmation by the Senate from engaging in certain campaign fundraising activities. (SD1)
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JHA |
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RELATING TO HEALTH. Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCING FOR CANDIDATES TO ELECTED OFFICE. Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State, to begin with the 2028 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
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JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY. Appropriates funds for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) grant writer position within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and converts the position from temporary to permanent. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, FIN |
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RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. Establishes the Kuleana AgTech Pathways Program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology. Requires the University of Hawaii to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and appropriate community organizations to develop and administer the program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL. Makes both the representative of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii and the representative of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii permanent standing members of the State Building Code Council, instead of members who alternate terms every 4 years. Adds members representing the Plumbers and Fitters United Association, Local 675 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186 to the State Building Code Council. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA |
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RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS. Requires the Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to make certain contact information for newly registered entities available online. Requires the Director to transmit the contact information to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Business Development and Support Division. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, CPC, FIN |
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RELATING TO PARKING. Prohibits minimum off-street parking requirements for new developments or redevelopment projects located in transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement program areas. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)
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HSG, WAL, JHA |
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RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES. Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for Enterprise Zone Program purposes to include retail sales of tangible personal property manufactured and sold in an enterprise zone that is to be used or consumed by the purchaser and not for resale, the processing of value-added agricultural products grown within an enterprise zone, and the provision of professional services by health care professionals in health care-related sectors. Extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit and general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state Enterprise Zones from 7 years to 9 years. Extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state Enterprise Zones engaged in the manufacturing of tangible personal property or the producing or processing of agricultural products from 10 years to 12 years. Makes the extension of the state business tax credit eligibility period applicable to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Makes the extension of the general excise tax exemption eligibility period take effect on 1/1/2028. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, AGR, FIN |
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RELATING TO TAXATION. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the impacts of disallowing the dividends paid deduction for real estate investment trusts. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS. Requires the Condominium Education Trust Fund to be used for educational resources for condominium unit owners in condominium governance, including programs designed to improve owner understanding of association operations, reserve requirements, financial obligations, and governance rights. Requires the Real Estate Commission to ensure the interests of condominium unit owners are represented in certain activities funded by the Condominium Education Trust Fund and to adopt rules protecting the rights of condominium unit owners for purposes of condominium governance. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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CPC, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER. Specifies that the Chief Election office who passes the standard state probationary period may only be terminated for cause.
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LAB, JHA |
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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. Confirms that the Public Utilities Commission may 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 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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EEP, CPC |
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RELATING TO CORRUPTION. Establishes a statute of limitations of nine years for a bribery offense.
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JHA |
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RELATING TO VACANCIES. Amends the processes for addressing party candidate and state senator vacancies.
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JHA |
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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 3/22/2075. (SD1)
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JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE CAMPAIGN SPENDING COMMISSION'S ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM. Amends various sections of Hawaii's campaign spending laws by requiring designated campaign finance forms to be submitted electronically through the Campaign Spending Commission's upgraded electronic filing system.
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JHA, FIN |
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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)
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HLT, PBS, FIN |
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RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES. Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish geographically based capital improvement project districts for the localized management of deferred maintenance. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION. Requires the Department of Education to hire a new contractor or contractors with the Governor's approval if a contractor under a student transportation contract fails to provide service on a contracted route for five or more consecutive instructional days. Requires the DOE to assess a penalty if a contractor fails to provide service on a contracted route without an approved justification. Specifies that the assessed penalties be deposited into the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund. Beginning 7/1/2026, requires all requests for proposals issued and contracts executed by the DOE for student transportation services to specifically reference certain new provisions. Authorizes the use of the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund to offset costs associated with procuring replacement services. Requires quarterly reports to the Legislature. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION. Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO CERTIORARI REVIEW BY THE HAWAII SUPREME COURT. Establishes a fixed disposition deadline requiring the Supreme Court to decide an application for certiorari within 60 days after the application is filed. Applies prospectively to cases in which the judgment or dismissal order of the Intermediate Court of Appeals was filed on or after the effective date of this Act.
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JHA |
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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.
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JHA |
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RELATING TO THE FILM INDUSTRY. Establishes the Hawaii Film Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes only and transfers the rights, powers, functions, and duties of the Hawaii Film Office to the Commission. Establishes the Film Industry Development Special Fund. Excludes media and film from the definition of creative industries and renames the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund as the Hawaii Creative Industries Development Special Fund. Amends the sources of moneys to be deposited into the Hawaii Creative Industries Development Special Fund, including requiring all revenues, fees, and charges from the processing of the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit to be deposited into the Film Industry Development Special Fund, rather than the Hawaii Creative Industries Development Special Fund. Allows the Creative Industries Development Special Fund to be used for the support and development of facilities and other initiatives to grow the State's creative industries. Requires the Governor to appoint Commission members, the Director of Business, Economic Development to appoint the Executive Director of the Commission, and the Executive Director to hire staff by 12/31/2027. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. Requires payments to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for letting, licensing, or renting of its properties to be at market rates or higher. Exempts lessees, licensees, and tenants who grow, raise, and harvest fresh local agricultural products for the Department of Education or are partner members of the Food and Product Innovation Network. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, FIN |
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RELATING TO NON-GENERAL FUNDS. Authorizes the use of moneys in certain special and revolving funds for operation and administration costs of the programs.
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FIN |
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RELATING TO THE GENERAL FUND. Requires that excess funds in the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund at the end of the fiscal year shall lapse to the credit of the general fund. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Designates the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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CAA, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL LAND TRANSFER. Revises tax map key numbers and the conveyance process by which identified properties are conveyed to the Department of Education pursuant to Act 307, SLH 2022. Directs the conveyance to the County of Kauai and Hawaii State Public Library System of certain lands held by the Department of Education. Clarifies that land dispositions of school buildings, facilities, and grounds made by the DOE shall not require approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources when these dispositions are for periods exceeding one year. (SD1)
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EDN, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH. Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii within the University of Hawaii. Requires the Research Center to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Requires JABSOM, the Research Center, University of Hawaii Center on Aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa to identify opportunities to capitalize on collaboration between the parties and maximize operational efficiencies. Requires the Research Center to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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HED, HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE COUNTIES. Requires a statewide permitting data standard developed collaboratively by the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Chief Data Officer. Requires each county to publish monthly updates of building and civil engineering permit data in accordance with that standard. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)
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WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO EDUCATION. Requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature on the integration of certain content into existing social studies curricula at public schools. Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year. Requires reports to the Legislature. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. Establishes a five-year Agriculture and Biosecurity Workforce Development Pilot Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, in collaboration with the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College and the Department of Human Resources Development. Requires a report to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2031. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION. Lengthens the statute of limitations to file a complaint of discrimination with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to one year.
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JHA |
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RELATING TO CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT. Appropriates funds for the purchase of equipment for the Hawaii Island Branch of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
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EEP, FIN |
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RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. Makes permanent the Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 235, SLH 2025. Renames the program as the Agricultural Enforcement Program and expands the program statewide. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS. Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. Appropriates funds to establish bachelor's degree programs in education and in agricultural science at Leeward Community College; to fund two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO BUDGET-RELATED REPORTS. Requires the Governor to ensure that the Governor's program memoranda and variance reports accurately reflect the current responsibilities of certain state programs, address the current and future needs of the State, and align with budget-related submittals.
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FIN |
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RELATING TO NATURAL HAIR BRAIDING. Exempts natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions.
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CPC |
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RELATING TO EDUCATION. Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula. Requires a report to the legislature. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO TAXATION. Requires the Director of Taxation to appoint a legal, tax, or accounting professional as an Administrative Rules Officer. Authorizes the Administrative Rules Officer to appoint individuals with suitable experience as Administrative Rules Specialists.
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO PERMITTING. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a statewide permitting intake platform implementing certain recommendations of the Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development Task Force. Appropriates funds for the development of the platform, subject to a matching funds requirement from the counties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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ECD, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, to a non-selected offeror until after any protest is resolved and the contract is executed. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)
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FIN |
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RELATING TO PROCUREMENT. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, effective 1/1/2525. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. (SD1)
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ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC NOTICE. Establishes the Electronic Posting Pilot Project for any county with a population between one hundred thousand and 175,000, to be administered by the county clerk of each participating county. Allows county agencies to satisfy county-wide public notice requirements by posting notices on official county websites, while retaining publication as an option. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD1)
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LAB, JHA |
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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 and fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel. (SD1)
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HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO CONSERVATION. Requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules that implement wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to the wildlife viewing guidelines issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires annual reports to the Legislature until rules are adopted. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA |
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RELATING TO INSURANCE. Requires homeowners insurance policies to permit an insured who sustains a total loss to apply additional living expenses benefits toward the lease of a housing unit to serve as the insured's temporary primary residence. Requires insurers to pay an advance of at least 4 months of additional living expenses benefits after a total loss to an insured's primary dwelling caused by a covered peril that occurred pursuant to a state of emergency. Requires homeowners insurance policies to provide additional living expenses benefits for a minimum of 36 months in the event of a total loss that occurred during a state of emergency. Provides for extensions of additional living expenses benefits under certain conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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CPC, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE MAUI WILDFIRE EXPOSURE STUDY AND MAUI HEALTH REGISTRY. Appropriates funds for the University of Hawai?i to expand and sustain services provided by the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO LIGHT POLLUTION. Beginning 7/1/2027, establishes outdoor light fixture requirements throughout the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PLANNING ACT. Establishes green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines for state facility systems, infrastructure, and transit projects in the Hawaii State Planning Act to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Adds a definition of "green infrastructure". Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to submit a report to the Legislature making recommendations for implementing green infrastructure objectives, policies, and priority guidelines.
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WAL, EEP, FIN |
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RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING. Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to allow any resident of a public housing project or state low-income housing project to keep one or more pet animals in the resident's unit, subject to applicable state laws, county ordinances, and any reasonable conditions. Provides that the Hawaii Public Housing Authority may charge a refundable deposit for each pet animal but shall not impose a monthly pet fee or pet rent. Allows the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to remove a vicious animal to protect persons or property. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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HSG, FIN |
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RELATING TO CULTURE AND ARTS. Establishes the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program to honor individuals who have made considerable and outstanding contributions to the State and serve as inspirations to others. (SD1)
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CAA, FIN |
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RELATING TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. Requires each county, in collaboration with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other community-driven activities. Requires each county to submit an initial proposal to the Hawaii Community Development Authority. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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TRN, FIN |
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RELATING TO FINANCIAL LITERACY. Requires the Department of Education to implement financial literacy instruction into existing courses in public high schools that have sufficient overlap with financial literacy program standards beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Requires the Board of Education to provide professional development to teachers. Authorizes the Board of Education to adopt rules. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL. Establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent position for the State Building Code Council to support statewide building code coordination, permitting transparency, and modernization initiatives. Requires county reporting on building permitting performance. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop a plan for the creation of a standardized statewide permitting data system or public dashboard and a state building code modernization and transparency initiative. Requires the State Building Code Council to develop standardized credentials and training requirements for permitting officials. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROCUREMENT. Exempts from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code procurements by the Department of Education of any amount of local edible produce and packaged food products that do not cost more than 5% of non-local alternatives. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPT POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES. Exempts from the State's civil service and collective bargaining laws the following positions within the Department of Accounting and General Services: all positions filled by the Public Works Division's Special Project Branch; and all positions within the Comptroller's Office hired to support communications, change management, and business process improvement programs as part of the State's information technology modernization efforts. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2077. Sunsets 12/31/2031. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT. Updates tobacco enforcement laws to confirm 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. Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in chapter 712A, HRS, in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. (SD1)
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JHA, FIN |
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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 reports to the legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)
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EEP, WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO MILITARY FAMILIES. Authorizes an eligible employee to take family leave for a qualifying military exigency under state law. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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PBS, LAB, FIN |
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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)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND INVESTMENT OFFICE STAFF SALARIES. Enables the Board of Trustees of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to establish appropriate salaries for the investment officers and investment analysts of the Trust Fund. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM'S EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NORMAL COST AND ACCRUED LIABILITY. Increases employer contribution rate for normal cost and accrued liability for police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers to ensure that the amortization period for the unfunded accrued liability of the State's Employees' Retirement System does not exceed the maximum funding period. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION FROM CIVIL SERVICE OF EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL OF THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM. Allows the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System, through its Executive Director, to appoint specified executive personnel positions of the Employees' Retirement System of the State of Hawaii and exempts these positions from the State's civil service requirements. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY. Establishes the Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as the Deputy Director of Emergency Management within the Department of Defense, under the direction of the Adjutant General, and clarifies the position's reporting structure and duties. Requires the Commission on Salaries, pursuant to section 26-56, HRS, to include the Deputy Director of Emergency Management in its recommendations for executive branch salary levels. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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PBS, LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD. Clarifies that employees of the Hawaii National Guard youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining. Renames the "Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Program" to the "Hawaii National Guard Civil-Military Program" and codifies its Hawaiian name, "Na Kula Alaka?i". (SD1)
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PBS, LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO LEAD MATERIALS IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE. Amends prohibitions on the use of lead materials in drinking water distribution to align with the Safe Drinking Water Act and related Code of Federal Regulations.
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EEP, JHA |
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RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S AUTHORITY TO REGULATE FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS. Removes duplicative food-related statutory material and aligns all food-related provisions under chapter 328, HRS. Ensures adequate statutory authority for permits, fees, inspections, and enforcement. Makes conforming amends. (SD1)
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HLT, CPC |
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RELATING TO INDEPENDENT AUDITS OF DEPOSIT BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTORS. Limits the independent audit requirement under the State's Deposit Beverage Container Program to deposit beverage distributors who distribute 5,000,000 or more deposit beverage containers a year. Identifies frequency of obtaining and submitting independent audits based on quantities of deposit beverage containers imported, manufactured, or distributed. Creates minimum requirements for independent audits. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
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EEP, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Amends the functions and responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Adds a new definition of "health care" for chapter 323D, HRS. Amends the exemption threshold for bed changes to up to thirty per cent of existing licensed bed types. Exempts the Department of Health from certificate of need requirements. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
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HLT, CPC |
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RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE COUNCIL. Replaces the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with the Department of Law Enforcement as the department responsible for budgeting administrative staffing for the State Fire Council.
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LAB, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. Requires unencumbered and unexpended revenues from the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund in excess of $12,000,000 as of June 30 of each year to lapse to the general fund.
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TRN, FIN |
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RELATING TO STATE EMPLOYMENT. Repeals language that limits the temporary employment of a person in a single position for 2 terms of 89 days. Requires each department and agency to submit an annual report to the Legislature that includes certain information about the department or agency's employment of 89-day hires. Automatically abolishes positions that have been vacant for more than 48 months. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH. Establishes the Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies, expansion of pathways for clinical trials and clinical research, and development of policy recommendations for safe, ethical, and culturally informed implementation of emerging therapies. Requires reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (SD1)
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HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO CORAL REEF RESILIENCE. Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to: (1) manage and administer aquatic life and resources, with the highest priority being to protect, restore, and maintain ecosystem integrity, using the best scientific data available; (2) make plans by certain dates for the restoration of reef ecosystems and indigenous species to a level that is not less than an unspecified per cent of their natural biomass potential; and (3) make a plan by 7/1/2027 for the expansion of live coral cover at not less than twenty-five per cent on reefs that have historically supported naturally occurring live coral cover. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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WAL, FIN |
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RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES. Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Provides for an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Provides for annual licensure and accreditation fees to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program.
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HLT, FIN |
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RELATING TO HARBOR SAFETY. Repeals the sunset provisions of part III of chapter 266, Hawaii Revised Statutes, thereby making permanent the requirement that the Department of Transportation ensure that the securing of mooring lines from vessels to commercial docks, wharves, piers, quays, and landings be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining.
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TRN, LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. Authorizes the use of the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund to conduct donor evaluations. Requires the related report to the Legislature to include any donor evaluations conducted using moneys from the fund. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS. Establishes the universal school meals special fund to accept deposits of Medicaid reimbursements received by the Department of Education.
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING. Requires state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Agribusiness Development Corporation, that administer agricultural leases, licenses, development programs, or procurement involving agricultural products to award points or preferences to agricultural projects incorporating agricultural workforce housing. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, HSG, FIN |
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RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS. Establishes a Language Access Education and Workforce Development Program at the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE. Appropriates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism through the Military and Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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PBS, ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the minimum certification periods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits households, participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and report to the Legislature. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. (SD1)
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HSH, FIN |
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RELATING TO HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. Establishes a Royal Mausoleum Working Group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop and implement policy for the preservation, operation, and outreach of Mauna ?Ala. Allows the Royal Mausoleum Working Group to make rules as necessary, employ staff, and receive private or federal funds. Requires the Royal Mausoleum Working Group to submit a brief report and a final comprehensive report to the Legislature. Requires the Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds to support the Royal Mausoleum Working Group. Effective 9/9/2129. (SD1)
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WAL, JHA, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND STAFF SALARIES. Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to establish the salary for an assistant administrator of the Trust Fund. Effective 1/1/2077. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. Establishes the Board of Education Internal Audit Office to conduct program and fiscal evaluations of the Department of Education's key strategic initiatives to identify program improvements and provide other benefits and review external audits. Requires the Board of Education to establish a standing committee with a scope that includes audit-related responsibilities. Prohibits the Department of Education from expending FY 2026-2027 appropriated funds for certain auditor, evaluation specialist, and related positions and expenses. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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EDN, FIN |
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RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII. Requires the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)
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HED, FIN |
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RELATING TO HOMEMADE FOOD PRODUCTS. Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules to authorize and regulate farm kitchens on the same basis as home kitchens producing homemade food products. (SD1)
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HLT, CPC |
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RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK. Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework. Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish key performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties to better support the Food and Product Innovation Network. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
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AGR, ECD, FIN |
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RELATING TO STATE-FUNDED TRAVEL. Establishes a two-year state-funded travel moratorium for certain state agencies, with certain exceptions. Permits the Department of Accounting and General Services to adopt rules. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 1/1/2525. Sunsets 6/30/2028. (SD1)
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LAB, FIN |
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RELATING TO TAXATION. Requires each county to apply any applicable real property tax exemptions, reduced assessments, or tax classifications for any affordable housing subject to income, resale, or occupancy restrictions as of the date a qualifying owner takes title to the affordable housing for the upcoming tax period, consistent with county procedures. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)
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HSG, FIN |
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