Rep. Nicole Lowen

Requires the University of Hawaii community colleges to establish energy systems and technology training courses for county employees responsible for permitting, inspecting, licensing, and approving construction projects that contain renewable energy systems and related technology. Requires the establishment of a committee of industry stakeholders to collaborate with the University of Hawaii community colleges in developing appropriate training courses. Requires the University of Hawaii community colleges to submit a report to the legislature detailing its progress prior to the convening of the regular session of 2019. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Amends the cesspool upgrade, conversion, or connection income tax credit by: (1) deleting the residential large capacity cesspool certification pilot program; and (2) expanding the definition of "qualified cesspool" to include cesspools that are certified for connection to an existing sewer system.

Appropriates funds for 1 advanced life support ambulance to be based in Makalei on the island of Hawaii and to be used from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and to include a vehicle, equipment, and personnel costs.

Makes an appropriation for the Alzheimer's disease and related dementia services coordinator position. (HB611 HD1)

Requires execution of an informed consent agreement between a patient and prescriber of opioids in circumstances that carry a high risk of dependency. Limits initial opioid prescription to a seven-day supply except for treatment of substance abuse or dependency, cancer, or palliative or hospice care. (HB667 HD1)

Improves access for firefighters to comprehensive medical coverage and service-connected disability retirement benefits upon diagnosis with or death from cancer that is presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Part I: Establishes a three-year Homeless Employment Pilot Program that provides homeless individuals with work opportunities and connects them with service providers. Requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the 2018 Regular Session on implementing the program. Appropriates funds to establish the pilot program. Part II: Requires the auditor to conduct a study to assess the impact of using medicaid funds to provide coverage for the treatment for homelessness. Requires the auditor to submit a report to the legislature. Makes an appropriation. Part III: Requires the department of human services, in collaboration with the department of health, to review the progress of the Hawaii pathways project pilot and continue to pursue efforts to utilize medicaid to provide supportive housing services for chronically homeless individuals. Provides considerations for the department in planning for the expansion of supportive housing services provided through medicaid managed care plans. Requires the department to report to the legislature. Makes an appropriation. Takes effect 7/1/2075. (SD1)

Appropriates funds to the department of health for the purchase of one twenty-four-hour, seven-days-a-week, ambulance unit for the county of Kauai and one twenty-four-hour, seven-days-a-week, ambulance unit for the county of Hawaii and operational costs for both units.

Authorizes health care providers under the state medicaid program to ask about supplemental nutrition assistance program (food stamp) participation on medicaid certification and re-certification forms.

Clarifies that treatment drugs such as suboxone may be used in the maintenance or detoxification of narcotic dependent persons.