Rep. Terez Amato

Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires a percentage of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 1928 would replace the current deposit system for beverage containers with a new program requiring beverage producers to fund recycling. This shifts the financial responsibility from consumers (who currently pay a deposit) to the companies making the drinks. Under the new system, a Producer Responsibility Organization would manage the recycling program instead of the existing state-run deposit program. The bill is currently under committee review and has not yet become law.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to regulate the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, face‑to‑face practice of psychology by psychologists across state boundaries in the performance of their psychological practice. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules to implement and administer the compact. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes that manufactured homes are a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots within the urban district. Limits the use of residential building design elements to deny or discourage otherwise code-compliant manufactured homes. Prohibits homeowners' associations and similar private governing bodies from enforcing covenants that actively or effectively prohibit otherwise lawful manufactured housing. Prohibits counties from requiring manufactured homes that comply with federal manufactured housing standards to also comply with the Hawaii State Building Code or a county building code. Specifies that a manufactured home is considered real property, requiring its transfer, conveyance, and mortgage to follow the same recording and enforcement requirements as other real property. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Requires the Department of Health to develop by 12/31/2026, standardized educational materials relating to lung cancer screening and language on lung cancer screening information to be included in signage and written notices to be used by retailers of tobacco products. Beginning 1/1/2027, requires retailers engaged in the retail sale of tobacco products to display signage on lung cancer screening at each point of sale and provide written notice on lung cancer screening to each buyer of a tobacco product.

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with other state and county agencies, to study options for and coordinate the development of a shared statewide housing and infrastructure data platform to inform agency decision-making and state housing and infrastructure investments. Includes the development of a model that assesses the fiscal impacts of development and regional infrastructure investments. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a framework for the creation of the Hawaii Violent Death Reporting System, to be federally funded, for the purposes of collecting information and data on violent deaths in the State. Appropriates funds.

Establishes a broad definition of "qualified health care provider" in numerous areas of existing law. Clarifies and standardizes references to specific health care providers. Updates outdated language to reflect correct terminology. Makes numerous clarifying and conforming amendments to support these changes, including but not limited to chapters related to health, education, insurance, professions and vocations, the pain patient's bill of rights, the Uniform Probate Code, minors, the Child Protective Act, and the Penal Code. Repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Beginning 8/1/2027, authorizes gaming on cruise ships while a cruise ship is traveling within any state waters or for specified times while docked at a state harbor. Imposes a twenty per cent wagering tax on the adjusted gross receipts derived from gaming on cruise ships. Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to report to the Legislature.

Requires operators of conversational artificial intelligence services in the State to issue certain disclosures to account holders and users. Requires operators to develop protocols to respond to prompts or content associated with, and prevent the production of, suicidal ideations in account holders and users. Establishes protections for minor account holders of conversational artificial intelligence services. Beginning 1/1/2027, requires operators to submit annual reports to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Allows the Department of the Attorney General to bring a civil action against operators who violate certain requirements and establishes statutory penalties. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)