Rep. Andrew Garrett

Establishes the Educator Student Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of qualified student loans for certain educators in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 2518 requires the University of Hawaii system to create a comprehensive master plan for its facilities and student housing, along with annual progress reports to the Hawaii Legislature. This bill directly affects the University of Hawaii system by mandating a coordinated strategy for campus infrastructure and housing development. Key provisions include developing the master plan within a specified timeframe and submitting detailed reports to lawmakers on implementation. The bill aims to provide structured oversight for long-term planning of university facilities and student housing needs.

Permits the Department of Education and charter schools to hire unlicensed individuals as teachers on an emergency basis for five, rather than three, years. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires and establishes benchmarks for each state executive agency to ensure that a certain percentage of lei purchased by that executive agency consists of lei made entirely of natural objects and plant materials grown, harvested, and assembled in the State. Establishes labeling requirements for lei and lei materials. Requires the disclosure of the geographic origin for the plant materials and natural objects that comprise a lei or lei materials. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Requires cardiovascular screening for students, including student athletes. Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to distribute educational and informational materials regarding sudden cardiac arrest. Requires the Department of Health to implement policies, programs, training, and continuing education that increase health care provider knowledge of cardiovascular screening guidelines.

Establishes and appropriates funds for an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center at the University of Hawaii, to be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, including the establishment of full-time positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Reestablishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund. Renames the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax, also known as the barrel tax, as the Environmental Response, Energy, Carbon Emissions, and Food Security Tax; gradually increases barrel tax rates; and allocates portions of barrel tax revenues to the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund, Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund, Airport Revenue Fund, and Boating Special Fund. Establishes a refundable Carbon Cashback Tax Credit and appropriates funds to the Department of Taxation to administer the tax credit. Establishes the Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund to be used in the administration of the barrel tax and Carbon Cashback Tax Credit and for public awareness of the Carbon Cashback Tax Credit. Requires the Department of Taxation to submit reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to evaluate intersections for the installation of leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements, as necessary, at state-owned or operated pedestrian signal heads. Requires the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the counties, to develop a program that allows pedestrians and community members to request the installation of accessible pedestrian signals at specific intersections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Establishes a statewide framework for the implementation of the federal Workforce Pell Grant Program to provide financial aid for certain short-term workforce education and training programs. Establishes a Workforce Pell Grant Program Approval Committee within the Workforce Development Council. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Increases the age of an individual who is required to wear a helmet for electric foot scooters and bicycles. Prohibits a person from operating any class of electric bicycle or electronic micro-mobility device unless that person wears a helmet. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)