Establishes a shopping carts task force, to be chaired by the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness, to develop a system of regulatory controls for shopping carts.
Establishes the Tour Guide Licensing Program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Requires tour guides to complete the Professional Standards Tour Certification program by the University of Hawaiʻi or another program approved by the Director.
Requires that any new contract entered into by the Office of Elections for equipment or services relating to preparing ballots or counting votes include the capability to randomize the names of candidates appearing on the ballot if technologically possible. Requires candidate names to be randomized on ballots to the greatest extent possible. Requires the Office of Elections to inform voters and candidates, by a method suited for the voting system, that the names of candidates may not be in alphabetical order.
Allows public employee organizations to negotiate retirement benefits.
Requires the Public Utilities Commission to convene workshops to aid electric utilities in the development and implementation of best practices regarding wildfires. Requires electric utilities to design and operate in compliance with a risk-based wildfire protection plan. Establishes a civil penalty for violations. Requires public utilities to report wildfires caused by or occurring in connection with their operations. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to investigate certain wildfires. Prohibits the reports as admissible evidence in any judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding.
Allows the Hawaiian Homes Commission to retain independent legal counsel. Authorizes the Hawaiian Homes Commission to use the services of the Attorney General as needed. Provides that funds owed to independent legal counsel shall be paid by the Hawaiian Homes Commission with general funds appropriated by the legislature. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025. Appropriates moneys.
Clarifies the definition and declaration of interests of beneficiaries of land trusts.
Authorizes the court to elevate the offense of criminal trespass in the first degree from a misdemeanor to a class C felony if the court deems the trespassing to be egregious or repeated.
Clarifies that a person who uses deadly force in self-defense does not have a duty to retreat if they are in their dwelling or on their property unless they are the initial aggressor. Repeals statutory language that permits a person to use deadly force at their place of work.
Establishes a compliance and enforcement program within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to investigate complaints, conduct investigations, and cooperate with enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with laws. Appropriates moneys. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.
