Proposes an amendment to article X, section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution to require that the statewide public school system be thorough and efficient.
Mandates courts to impose an enhanced sentence for theft and burglary offenses over a certain property value threshold. Increases penalties for habitual property crime perpetrators. Targets fencing operations and imposes enhanced sentencing to those who knowingly receive stolen property or resell such property.
Prohibits certain foreign parties or their agents, trustees, and fiduciaries from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.
Prohibits certain foreign parties from owning, purchasing, or acquiring an interest in agricultural lands. Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate claims that land is unlawfully owned by a prohibited foreign party. Requires the Attorney General to undertake enforcement activities. Appropriates moneys.
Amends the amount of total income tax credits available. Increases the annual per production and aggregate caps. Provides the State with alternative marketing opportunities in lieu of a shared-card, end-title screen credit.
Establishes the rare disease advisory council to increase awareness and effective medical intervention for rare diseases. Establishes the rare disease advisory council special fund. Requires DOH and DOE to incorporate the importance of annual physical examinations for children in programs and literature. Amends the insurance code to include coverage for individuals with velocardiofacial syndrome and other genetic disorders. Exempts from cost sharing. Appropriates funds.
Requires that student health and sexuality health education programs include discussion of fetal growth and development. Outlines specific content to be included.
Offers rights and protections to citizens who bring civil nuisance abatement suits related to illegal gambling. Imposes a mandatory fine of $5,0000 for violating nuisance abatement laws related to gambling offenses.
Maddy summaryHB 889 provides a refundable tax credit for Hawaii taxpayers who pay the transient accommodations tax, which applies to short-term rentals like hotels and vacation homes. The bill directly affects travelers and businesses that collect this tax by allowing taxpayers to receive a refund if the tax paid exceeds their liability. Key provisions include making the credit refundable (meaning taxpayers get cash back, not just a reduction in future tax) and applying it to the existing transient accommodations tax structure. This is a direct policy change to the tax system, not a procedural measure.
Establishes a three-year pilot program within the early learning system to administer a home-based early learning program. Serves three and four-year-old children. Provides individualized software instruction in reading, mathematics, and science. Appropriates funds.
