This Senate Resolution clarifies that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directs county governments to align their administrative policies with state law to ensure these credits retain their full value and transferability without time-based restrictions. The resolution also requests that future agreements between counties and housing agencies avoid adding conditions that could limit the credits' utility or lifespan. This measure aims to provide long-term stability for developers participating in affordable housing programs while ensuring counties recognize these credits as permanent financial tools.
This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize robotics as an interscholastic sport and to allocate state funding to support robotics programs throughout the state. It highlights concerns that recent funding cuts and a lack of consistent resources have caused many school robotics teams to disband, threatening student access to STEM education and competitive opportunities. The resolution requests the Department of Education to conduct an assessment to determine the appropriate fiscal support needed to maintain these programs and directs copies of the resolution to key education officials. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create immediate legal obligations but serves as a formal recommendation to the Department of Education.
This House Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to exclude the state from the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow families to use federal tax credits to fund scholarships for private school tuition and education services. The program, set to begin in 2027, is funded through private donations and federal tax incentives rather than state money, and it is available only to states that opt in. Currently, 23 states have chosen to participate, while Hawaii has not, meaning local families would miss out on additional funding opportunities for education choice options. The resolution highlights that Hawaii's current proficiency rates in reading and math are low, suggesting that participating could provide more financial resources to support students.
This bill declares that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to meet housing obligations, rather than expiring after a set period. It directly affects local county governments and developers who rely on these credits to fulfill affordable housing requirements under state law. The resolution clarifies that administrative agreements between counties and housing agencies should not impose expiration dates or other restrictions that are not authorized by existing statutes. By ensuring these credits maintain their full value and transferability, the bill aims to protect the financial incentives for developers and support the state's long-term housing goals.
This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The bill directs the department to partner with financial educators, credit counselors, and community organizations to provide pre-award education, post-award support, and culturally responsive materials. Additionally, the resolution asks the department to identify funding opportunities and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining program improvements, participant numbers, and measurable outcomes related to lease stability and homeownership readiness.
This Senate Resolution asks state agencies to use bi-level lighting systems in all new state buildings starting January 1, 2027. Bi-level lighting adjusts brightness based on motion detection to reduce energy waste from lights staying on at full intensity. The resolution directs copies to various state officials and agencies responsible for construction and facility management. This measure aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact through a specific building design requirement.
Makes the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program permanent, with modifications that include changing the method for computation of interest for purchasers of certain real property. Expands the use of proceeds in the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to include purchasing equity in for-sale housing development projects and interim primary or secondary financing. Exempts disbursements from the Affordable Homeownership Revolving Fund from appropriation and allotment requirements. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor to review no-bid contracts issued by state and county agencies during declared states of emergency between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025. The audit will examine how agencies justified these contracts, selected vendors, determined pricing, and maintained accountability for public funds during emergency periods. This review aims to identify inconsistencies in emergency procurement practices and provide recommendations for potential legal reforms. The Auditor must submit findings and suggestions to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii State Department of Education to fulfill its contractual obligations to doctoral-level educational psychology stipend recipients by establishing and funding appropriate Educational Psychologist positions. The bill asks the department to provide a detailed report on the number of program participants, existing positions, and how current job classifications align with the doctoral training and licensure requirements originally promised. It specifically seeks clarification on whether Mental Health Interventionist roles adequately reflect the specialized education and skills of these professionals, and requests a plan to expand positions statewide to meet both student mental health needs and workforce commitments. The resolution aims to ensure fiscal accountability and fairness to professionals who made multi-year service agreements based on specific job classifications and placement guarantees.
This bill urges Hawaii's county governments to eliminate real property taxes by conducting fiscal analyses and exploring alternative revenue sources to maintain essential services. It directly affects homeowners, renters, small businesses, and long-term residents by calling for a reduction in the financial burden caused by rising property valuations and high living costs. The resolution does not mandate tax elimination but encourages counties to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out these taxes while ensuring public safety, infrastructure, and community facilities remain adequately funded.
