Rep. Richard Onishi

Requires the department of human services to continue to lead a working group to address visitation and support needs of children and families of incarcerated individuals. Requires the judiciary to coordinate discussions with the department of human services and to work with the department of public safety, family reunification working group, and other entities serving children and families affected by parental incarceration to establish a pilot visitation and family resource center at Waiawa correctional facility. Requires the visitation and family resource center to be run by a non-profit. Requires working group to report to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2023. Appropriates funds.

Expands the definition of public works to include projects involving no government contracting agency, projects using land owned by or leased from the State or counties, projects granted waivers or exemptions from state or county fees, and projects exempt from any state or county taxes.

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to offer performance-based incentives in all of its professional services contracts.

Adds the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Transportation; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Director of Agriculture; and the Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as nonvoting ex officio members of the Hawaii Tourism Authority board of directors. Clarifies the authority and responsibility of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board of Directors. Renames the Tourism Marketing Plan to the Tourism Branding Plan. Requires any state or county agency to render services upon request of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Repeals the Hawaii Tourism Authority Advisory Board.

Establishes the public employees' compensation appeals board to hear appeals requesting the repricing of a class. Appropriates moneys.

Extends the Ohana Zones Pilot Program to 2026 to reduce homelessness by placing individuals into permanent housing, expanding housing, and preserving existing housing. Appropriates moneys.

Extends the renewal period from 2 years to 4 years for licensees who are 70 years of age or older but younger than 80 years of age. Requires applicants for a new license or for license renewal who are 70 years of age or older to present certification of physical and mental competence from a doctor upon application.

Establishes the hike safe card program and search and rescue special fund to be administered by the department of land and natural resources. Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search and rescue expenses for persons who require rescue after leaving a hiking trail to enter a prohibited area or hiking on a trail closed to the public and persons who acted recklessly. Exempts persons who possess a hike safe card from search and rescue cost reimbursement, unless a search and rescue response is required due to a reckless act or omission. Repeals on 6/30/2025.

Enhances farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rule, policies, and programs. Requires an annual report to the legislature.

Defines broadband equity. Clarifies the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office's duties to promote and support digital equity and broadband deployment.