Rep. Nicole Lowen

Establishes the Hawaii cannabis regulatory authority, which shall have oversight over the personal use of cannabis. Legalizes and regulates the personal use of small amounts of cannabis. Regulates the cultivation and sale of small amounts of cannabis. Transfers certain regulatory powers regarding medical cannabis dispensaries to the Hawaii cannabis regulatory authority. Imposes taxes upon cannabis sales. Appropriates moneys.

Provides scholarships for the unmet needs of qualified students at any four-year University of Hawaii campus who meet certain eligibility criteria. Appropriates funds for the Hawaii promise program.

Reduces, then later exempts, the tax collected on the sale of groceries that are eligible under the supplemental nutrition assistance program or special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, regardless of the means of purchase and the program eligibility of the purchaser. Reduces, then later exempts, the tax collected for the sale of nonprescription drugs.

Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects in the seventh representative district.

Requires the DOE to develop and maintain a communication strategy and outreach plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness. Requires the DOE to provide updated information to parents and guardians about its communication strategy and outreach plan no later than thirty days after the beginning of each school year.

Increases the standard deduction amounts for taxpayers for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. Requires biannual increases to the standard deduction amounts to match any increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for Honolulu over the most recent two year period.

Requires the Clean Water Branch to perform water quality testing during brown water advisories as practicable and inform the public of health risks associated with water runoff during brown water advisories. Requires the Department of Health to consider environmental justice issues when making certain assessments and determinations. Appropriates funds for positions within the Department of Health.

Increases the minimum classroom instruction time for state certified or National Rifle Association certified firearm safety courses from four to fourteen hours. Requires firearm safety courses to include additional subject matter. Requires applicants for a license to carry a concealed firearm to pass a written test, participate in an in person interview, and provide information to demonstrate that the applicant is of good moral character and sufficient mental competence.

Gives authority to the Department of Agriculture to align state hemp production administrative rules with federal law, with regard to exemptions for fiber, fuel, and seed grain hemp crops.

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in the State of Hawaii, to begin with the 2024 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.