Budget & Taxes

This bill updates rules for fees and permits related to state small boat harbors, affecting harbor operators and users. It revises existing provisions to clarify how charges are assessed and what documentation is required for permits. The changes take effect on July 1, 2030, and aim to streamline administrative processes for small boat harbor management. The legislation does not alter the fundamental structure of harbor operations but focuses on updating fee schedules and permit requirements.

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

SCR 16 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the State Auditor conduct an audit of funds allocated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) under Act 279 (2022). It specifically seeks to review how DHHL used $600 million in appropriations meant to eliminate its waitlist of over 28,700 native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The resolution cites DHHL's overdue submission of required annual reports detailing fund expenditures and progress on assisting waitlist applicants, as mandated by Act 279. The audit will focus on accountability for funds intended to provide land, housing, or financial assistance to native Hawaiians.

SB 2012 removes a limit on the amount of property transfer tax revenue that must be directed to the land conservation fund. This change directly affects the land conservation fund by allowing it to receive all available conveyance tax revenue without a previously set maximum. The key mechanism is repealing the existing cap, meaning more funds could flow to land conservation projects as property transfers occur. This policy change shifts how tax revenue is allocated, increasing potential funding for land conservation efforts.

HB 2604 would add a small surcharge to the price of tickets for certain live performing arts events held in the state, such as theater, dance, or music performances. This fee would directly affect ticket buyers attending those specific events. The bill establishes a new fee structure where the surcharge is collected by the ticket seller and added to the final ticket price. The exact amount and specific event types covered aren't detailed in the provided abstract, but the surcharge applies only to events occurring within the state.

Authorizes a county that has adopted a surcharge to state tax to extend the surcharge to 12/31/2056. Extends the end date of the one percent Transient Accommodation Tax increase to 12/31/2056. Requires the State Auditor to conduct an audit and annual review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation until 12/31/2056. Requires the Comptroller to certify the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's invoices for capital costs until 12/31/2056.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health for the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Program to secure contracts for the provision of forty psychiatric beds annually for the Hawaii State Hospital. Requires the Department of Health to include line-item funding for the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Program in its annual budget request beginning with fiscal year 2027-2028 to secure contracts for the provision of psychiatric beds for the Hawaii State Hospital.

Increases the capital gains tax rate for individuals, estates, and trusts to nine per cent. Increases the alternative capital gains tax for corporations to five per cent.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain retail sales of tangible personal property; processing of certain value-added agricultural products; research development, sale, or production of all types of medical products and medical and health care services; activities of the Hawaii Food and Product Innovation Network; the provision of certain professional services by health care professionals; aerospace research and development activities; and information technology design and production services. Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to declare up to two census tracts on state land that contain an innovation enterprise to be designated as an enterprise zone, subject to the Governor's approval and notwithstanding certain conditions. Requires DBEDT to conduct a comprehensive review, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, of the State Enterprise Zones Program and to submit a report to the Legislature. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Beginning 1/1/2028, extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Applies to qualified businesses who join the Enterprise Zone Program on or after 7/1/2026. (CD1)

SB 390 appropriates state funds for capital improvement projects within the 16th senatorial district, such as infrastructure upgrades or facility renovations. It directly affects residents and local entities in that specific geographic area by allocating resources for physical improvements. The bill focuses solely on funding distribution without altering existing laws or creating new requirements. As a procedural funding measure, it does not specify individual projects or include voting records. The bill is currently pending in the 2026 legislative session after being carried over from 2025.