Rep. Sonny Ganaden

Requires all moped and motor scooter rental companies to ensure the rider wears a safety helmet supplied either by the rental company or by the renter prior to operating the moped or motor scooter. Exempts riders with a motorcycle license from this requirement. Prohibits the rental of any moped or motor scooter with aftermarket modifications. Amends the definition of motor scooter.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds, to be expended by the University of Hawaii, for a capital improvement project to remove the Hoku Kea telescope from the summit of Mauna Kea. Effective 1/1/2050. (HD1)

Legalizes the personal use, possession, and sale of marijuana in a specified quantity. Requires licensing to operate marijuana establishments. Subjects marijuana establishments to excise taxes and income taxes. Amends certain provisions of the criminal code relating to marijuana.

Establishes the position of the chief data officer within the office of enterprise technology services to assist the chief information officer in the oversight and management of the State's data portal and computer and data systems. Requires each executive department agency to make appropriate and existing electronic data sets available to the public. Appropriates funds for the establishment of a chief data officer position.

Reduces from 500 feet to 100 feet the buffer zones for commercial hemp production and processing. Authorizes hemp to be grown at a residential property under the control of a person licensed under federal law to produce hemp. Repeals authorization from the state department of agriculture as a prerequisite to transport hemp. Authorizes commercial hemp producers to sell whole, unprocessed hemp leaves to consumers, subject to certain requirements. Requires labels that disclose that leaves and hemp products were from hemp grown in the State. Replaces the referenced testing standard authority on labels for hemp products.

Legalizes, regulates, and taxes cannabis and manufactured cannabis products for responsible, adult use. Exempts sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products for medical use from the general excise tax. Clarifies that qualifying out-of-state patients have the same rights and privileges under the medical cannabis law. Allows qualifying out-of-state patients to cultivate medical cannabis.

Requires the department of taxation to share information with the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of enforcing the tip credit. Requires the department of taxation to provide an online tool or program to employers to determine compliance with the tip credit. Increases the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2024 and indexes future annual increases to the median wage for all occupations in the State. Beginning 01/01/2022, adjusts the tip credit to 50 cents for every dollar above a certain amount. Requires written notice to an affected tipped employee.

Requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to conduct a study on the state of broadband access in all public housing projects in the State. Requires the Public Housing Authority to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature prior to the convening of the regular session of 2022. Authorizes the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to request assistance from the Legislative Reference Bureau as may be necessary.

Establishes a class of artisan-scale composting operations exempt from department of health regulations to divert organic materials from Hawaii's landfills.

Requires persons applying for a commercial marine license to appear in person before DLNR. Prohibits DLNR from issuing or renewing a commercial marine license to an alien crew member who has not been granted permission to land temporarily by federal law. Requires a DLNR permit for black coral taken within the jurisdiction of the State for commercial purposes.