Creates a framework for the licensure of rural emergency hospitals at the state level by the Department of Health. Clarify Medicaid reimbursement policies for hospitals transitioning from a critical access hospital designation to a rural emergency hospital designation. (CD1)
Establishes the Performing Arts Grants Program and Performing Arts Grants Special Fund to support performing arts in the State. Clarifies the scope of the SFCA's responsibilities to include the coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. Amends the funding sources for the State Art Museum. Amends the amounts required to be transferred into, including an annual transfer amount and the allowable expenditures from, the Works of Art Special Fund. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Requires the Department of Health to hold a public hearing on the draft needs assessment and complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature by 12/31/2027. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Beginning 1/1/2026, increases the cigarette tax from 16 cents to 18 cents and amends the disposition of cigarette tax revenues by allocating the increase in the cigarette tax amount to the Hawaii Cancer Research Special Fund, with a portion to be used exclusively for debt service of capital expenditures and building maintenance. Effective 12/31/2025. (CD1)
Clarifies that Act 130, SLH 2024, which amended the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, takes effect on the earlier of the date of the Secretary of the Interior's notification letter that Act 130 does not require congressional approval, or on the date that the United States Congress approval becomes law. (SD1)
Maddy summaryHCR 146 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) for SNAP benefits. It would streamline SNAP enrollment for low-income seniors aged 60+ by waiving recertification interviews, extending benefit periods to 36 months, and simplifying application processes. Currently, Hawaii does not participate in ESAP, which directly affects over 130,000 SNAP recipients, primarily seniors with no earned income. The resolution asks the Department to seek federal approvals and adjust state rules to enable this program. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, aimed at reducing barriers to food assistance for vulnerable older adults.
Establishes the Mixed-Income Subaccount within the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to prioritize development of workforce rental and for-sale housing projects for qualified residents. Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to adopt administrative rules. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the establishment of full-time equivalent permanent Makai Watch Coordinator positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
