Rep. Mahina Poepoe

Increases the monthly needs allowance from $50 to $75. Clarifies that the needs allowance is not intended to replace or affect funds received from the federal Supplemental Security Income program. Requires certain long-term care facility operators to pay for generic toiletries, linens, and meals and snacks. Clarifies the individuals who are eligible to receive the needs allowance. Requires the Department of Human Services to perform an annual review of the needs allowance and report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Establishes the Public Education Scholarship Program within the University of Hawaiʻi to provide students who are residents of the State with scholarships in return for a service commitment to teach in a public school classroom of the Department of Education or Hawaiʻi public charter school, under certain conditions. Appropriates funds.

Requires the Department of Human Resources Development to: (1) conduct a remote work study; (2) review any recent remote work studies done by the counties; (3) develop and administer a remote work program; and (4) submit the study to the Legislature prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.

Requires certain owners and occupants of properties located in hazardous fire areas to maintain effective firebreaks within thirty feet of the property and to practice other fire prevention activities. Establishes the Community Fuels Reduction Project to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the Community Fuels Reduction Project. Beginning with fiscal year 2025-2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish the Community Fuels Reduction Project as a separate line item within the Department's budget.

Amends the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to address carbon emissions. Incrementally increases the tax rate over time. Establishes a refundable tax credit to mitigate the effect of a carbon emissions tax on taxpayers. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct a market analysis study to identify the optimum mix of private sector, public sector, and philanthropic funding sources and mechanisms needed to support blue carbon ecosystem projects in the State and Pacific region. Makes an appropriation.

Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the basis to marriage shall not be denied or abridged on the basis of race or sex.

Requires the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority to allow any resident of a public housing project or state low-income housing project to keep 1 or more pet animals in the resident's unit, subject to applicable state laws, county ordinances, and any reasonable conditions. Provides that the Authority may charge a refundable deposit for each pet animal but shall not impose a monthly pet fee or pet rent. Allows the Authority to remove a vicious animal to protect persons or property.

Requires the Hawaiʻi emergency management agency to prepare and develop a plan to upgrade all-hazard warning sirens to be capable of transmitting voice instructions and directions and capable of voice activation.

Establishes ratemaking regulations for insurers who base their rates on a policyholder or applicant's wildfire risk.